Explore Huffman Prairie Flying Field to learn about how Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted early experiments in flight in a quiet Ohio cow pasture before it became the military installation it is today. Tours launch from the Simms Station parking lot. It is advised to bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen and bug repellent. All routes are handicap accessible and restrooms are available on site. Enter Huffman Prairie at Gate 16A Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Active Living
Try Paddlesports For FREE 8/2/23
An overview to the boat will be given and then you will be out on the water trying paddling out for yourself! Depending on demand, you may have the opportunity to try different styles of boats. A great way to learn about the sport in a controlled environment. All equipment is provided.
This is a drop in program. Participants can arrive any time during the scheduled period, but it is recommended that you are there at least 30 minutes before program end time. Weather Dependent. Registrations are requested.
Full Moon New Ales & Spoken Brunners (Run/Hike)
Meet inside the brewery. Come out early to socialize with the Brunners and convince them to try hashing instead of their regular 5k route. We are also starting early to finish the hash before the brewery closes at 9 pm.
Cost: Free! Buy your own beer and pizza at the brewery. On trail beer/water stops provided by the hare.
Hare: Dah Gimp
Hash Trail: This is a fun run or hike where you will follow a trail of flour not knowing exactly where it will lead. Medium length just over 3 miles. One or more beer/water stops along the way!
Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
Head to RiverScape for Tai Chi and Qigong at the River. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle stretching.
You will then be guided through flowing movements mixed with short standing meditations. We will end with a slightly longer guided standing (or sitting) meditation. This should leave a few minutes to answer questions or discuss any insights.
Qigong doesn’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body).
Rent kayaks to explore the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.
Paddle under the fountains with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions all Summer Long at RiverScape MetroPark. Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Thursdays from 4-8pm, June-September. Launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail.
The cost to participate is $10 per person per hour. Kayak rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
Your Paddling Experience
Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddle under the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, which runs at the top of every hour.
Taiter’s Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instructions prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels.
All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. The life jacket will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment.
Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.
No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all visitors’ own risk. All visitors must sign a waiver to participate.
Age and Weight Requirements
Visitors must be at least 14 years old.
The maximum weight for participation is 325 pounds. All participants must wear a lifejacket, and the maximum chest size for proper fit is 52 inches.
Dragons 5K
Lace up your shoes for the annual Dragons 5K, presented by Orthopedic Associates, on Saturday, July 15! The race starts at 8 AM outside of Day Air Ballpark, in the heart of the Water Street District.
All participants will receive a Dragons swag bag including 5K shirt, medal, and Dragons tickets. Register early for BONUS tickets to a 2023 Dragons game
Major Taylor Cycling Club of Dayton Signature Bike Tour
In 2008, the Club sponsored the first “Signature Ride” to promote cycling and helping to promote non-profit organizations in the community. This project was historical; it represented the first ever event in which a predominantly black cycling club accomplished such an event.
There are routes of varying distances for this event to accommodate all levels of riders. The planned distances are 18, 40, 63, and 100 mile routes. In addition, there is a family ride of 10 miles on the bike trail. The event also includes refreshment stops, SAG support, and a post ride lunch for ALL!
Americana Festival 5k
Celebrate your 4th of July with this great race and tradition!
Race is hosted by the Centerville Noon Optimist Club with proceeds benefiting the City of Centerville.
High quality moisture-wicking shirt will be guaranteed to first 800 paid registrants.
$30 Registration Fee through June 15, then fee increases to $35. Online registration remains open right to the start of the race.
Click HERE to view the course map!
Run will begin and end at Centerville HS Stadium 500 E. Franklin Street, Centerville, Ohio.
AlphaTrips: CHICago is CHIC again!
It’s time to travel again….and even though I use AlphaTrips to highlight cities and towns close to our beloved Dayton, it’s time to TRAVEL beyond. 4 and a half hours from Dayton’s city center is one of America’s great big cities…CHICAGO! Flanked by the beauty of Lake Michigan, highlighted by the amazing skyscrapers, filled with world-class hotels and dotted with more parks than you can shake a stick at…Chicago is vibrant again. Gone are the annoying masks, plastic dividers, and spacing that kept us all at bay. Back is an oasis for shoppers, a playground for water lovers, and a fulfillment for music and art aficianados.
“The trick is to take what the media says with a grain of salt.” Says Mischa K, a local food vendor and lifelong dweller. “We are facing what all big cities are facing. This need to make everyone feel that Netflix is better than the Lincoln Park Zoo. I mean, come on!” Mischa is not alone. While visiting the Windy City, I chatted it up with others…sentiments the same! “Magnificent Mile has seen some closures, but all-in-all, the street is packed with visitors, and you can’t find a restaurant with availability.” Says Fred H. “I dunno, I keep hearing the same stories about Miami, NYC and LA….so we are in good company.” laughs Dan D. “You adjust. You find a way to make the new way of doing things a better way of doing things. We are still Midwest…people are still as friendly as it gets here!”
For me and the gang I traveled with, we found a ton to do! Plopping ourselves at the Viceroy on State Street…we were near the beating heart of the town. A short walk to Michigan Ave. and you could feel it…life is BACK! On the streets families with popcorn, lovers holding hands and obnoxious drivers laying on their horns in hopes they get much needed attention! Shopping felt good…no clicking Amazon for a new shirt, but rather, trying it on…and having the clerk find a better size…HEAVEN! (By the way, Ralph Lauren’s POLO on Michigan is a must now….WOW…packed and pretty!!) Starbucks three level signature store is bit much, but its worth a drop in. To be real, I was more interested in finding the old hotels with those dimly lit bars, and amazing Old-Fashioneds…and they didn’t disappoint! (Champagne stops are a good idea as well.) 
The Aquarium, the zoo, the beach, the pier…all in full-swing and ready to take on your family with new sites to see as well. And, honestly, is there any city near us with a more diverse collection of architecture!! STUNNING STUFF! One place I always enjoy is Andersonville. Filled with shops from the sublime to the silly, the area boasts a lot of great variety. Take a minute to grab a drink at Lady Gregory’s, Farragut’s or Hopleaf Brewery! Feeling adventurous? Sneak into Simon’s (Oldie but goodie)!
Dining is also back in Chicago. We ate dinner at Somerset, a patio restaurant, with great people-watching in the Gold Coast. After dinner, take the elevator to the 18th floor to Devereaux…this pool-side party place is inviting and sophisticated. Of course, I could list dozens of places to find food, and everyone would have an opinion how right or wrong I was…with that, I will say, there is something for everyone in Chi-Town! (We loved grabbing a coffee at Whispers and sitting in the triangular garden among the college kids and locals.)
It’s time peeps! Grab your pet (they were everywhere)…pack your car (or just buy everything there)…and put on your walking shoes (we averaged 15,000 steps a day)….and head NorthWest(ish) to one of America’s Best….the city of BIG SHOULDERS….CHICAGO!
Huffman Prairie Walking Tours
Explore Huffman Prairie Flying Field to learn about how Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted early experiments in flight in a quiet Ohio cow pasture before it became the military installation it is today. Tours launch from the Simms Station parking lot. It is advised to bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen and bug repellent. All routes are handicap accessible and restrooms are available on site. Enter Huffman Prairie at Gate 16A Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Fitness Under the Wings: Free Yoga
Back by popular demand: FREE Yoga classes with Fitness Under the Wings!
Class dates are: June 26, July 31, Aug. 28. All classes are from 4 – 5 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd building.
Space is limited, and advanced registration is requested to secure your spot. Click HERE for more information and to register. Walk-in yogis will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Free exercise mat for the first 5 participants each week.
4 Paws for Ability 5K
The 5K and mile walk will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio on Saturday, June 24, 2023. After the race, check out the crafters and vendors at Zinnia Days in the Expo Center, and then come tour the 4 Paws campus; just a five-minute drive away!
This is a dog-friendly event; dogs must be fully vaccinated, on a leash, and be able to behave well around other dogs.
This year’s course will start inside the fairgrounds and use the paved, shaded, Creekside Trail across the road.
4 Paws for Ability trains and places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. The cost to train and place a service dog is $40,000 to $60,000. Fundraisers such as the 4 Paws 5K help us raise money to continue our mission!
5k Run For Beer
The Ohio Brewery Running Series™ is hosting a a fun run course and great, local beer at Loose Ends Brewing on June 17th, 2023.
The fun run starts from the taproom at 11am. They’ve mapped out a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at Loose Ends and weaves throughout Centerville. Run, walk, jog – whatever goes! All ages, all levels are welcome.
Cross the finish line and celebrate! All participants receive:
-A FREE craft brew from Loose Ends Brewing
-Choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series
-A chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or beer to take home
-Access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways
-Choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series
-A chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or beer to take home
-Access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways
The mission of The Ohio Brewery Running Series™ is to be active, have fun and give back to our local community. A portion of all proceeds from our events support local nonprofits – over $350k raised to date! This event will add to that tally. 10% of registration goes directly to local organizations like Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and more. So not only do you get to enjoy some healthy activity and great, local beer – you are helping us support local organizations that do important work in our community.
Registration is limited to the size of the taproom and many of their events sell out. Sign up today!
Important details:
Important details:
-This is an untimed, fun-run. All levels of walkers, runners and joggers are welcome.
-This is an open course, meaning roads will NOT be closed. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
– Each route is created to start and end at the brewery and to show off the surrounding neighborhood. The course will be marked with arrows to help you know where to go.
-You must bring a valid ID or driver’s license. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy the event, but you must be 21 to enjoy the beer. Please drink responsibly. Registered, underage participants will receive a token for a FREE non-alcoholic beverage.
-Event is rain or shine! If conditions become unsafe to run, we will still hang out and drink beer.
-There will not be a bag check; please plan accordingly and dress appropriately for the weather.
-Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course, with care and caution. Please remember – you are running at your own risk on city sidewalks / streets / trails, which might not be suitable for your 4-legged and /or pint size running buddies.
– Please drink responsibly. Carpooling and safe, designated drivers are encouraged.Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Loose Ends Brewing!
-This is an open course, meaning roads will NOT be closed. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
– Each route is created to start and end at the brewery and to show off the surrounding neighborhood. The course will be marked with arrows to help you know where to go.
-You must bring a valid ID or driver’s license. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy the event, but you must be 21 to enjoy the beer. Please drink responsibly. Registered, underage participants will receive a token for a FREE non-alcoholic beverage.
-Event is rain or shine! If conditions become unsafe to run, we will still hang out and drink beer.
-There will not be a bag check; please plan accordingly and dress appropriately for the weather.
-Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course, with care and caution. Please remember – you are running at your own risk on city sidewalks / streets / trails, which might not be suitable for your 4-legged and /or pint size running buddies.
– Please drink responsibly. Carpooling and safe, designated drivers are encouraged.Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Loose Ends Brewing!
T
Ohioans Can Fish Without A License This Weekend
On June 17-18, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is hosting its annual free fishing days. It’s the only weekend of the year on which residents 16 and older can fish without a license. Anglers under 16 can fish for free year-round. During this weekend, Ohio residents can fish for free in any of Ohio’s public waters, including those of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. All other fishing regulations, size limits, and bag limits apply.
Before and after the weekend, residents age 16 and older who want to fish are required to purchase a license and be prepared to show it when requested. Remember to check the 2022-2023 Fishing Regulations before you go.
Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
Head to RiverScape for Tai Chi and Qigong at the River. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle stretching.
You will then be guided through flowing movements mixed with short standing meditations. We will end with a slightly longer guided standing (or sitting) meditation. This should leave a few minutes to answer questions or discuss any insights.
Qigong doesn’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body).
Sign up for the GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge
Registration is now open for the 2023 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 17 to August 13. This family-friendly event is a catch-and-release, virtual fishing tournament, where anglers use the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches. Prizes include cash, gear, and more!
The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy-sized fish registered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) Fish Ohio program.
“The largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River in the last five years measured out at 24.3 inches,” said Donnie Knight, Troy resident and biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Great Miami River from March through October, so it’s a great time to encourage anglers to get out on the water.”
“Last year, we had quite a few smallmouth bass caught that were 18” or greater,” said Barry Puskas, Chief of Engineering and Technical Services for the Miami Conservancy District, and an avid angler. “there’s plenty of healthy smallmouth bass out there for anglers.”
This year’s sponsors include the Molson Coors Beverage company, located in Trenton along the Great Miami River. Additional sponsors include the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), ReelFlyRod of Bellbrook, Fisherman’s Headquarters, Hamilton Bait and Tackle, and Mad River Outfitters.
For complete rules and to register for the tournament, visit https://tinyurl.com/2022fishingchallenge
The Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river. This regional destination in southwest Ohio includes more than 99 miles of paved trails and connected communities where you can surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns.
