Bridge Park is Dublin’s newest development that combines upscale residential living with unique dining, shopping and attractions in Downtown Dublin. Now, before you poo-poo the whole, ‘here we go again, a manmade neighborhood…’ give it a once over. Unlike its unrelated cousins (the Greene and Easton), Bridge Park has found a way to bring the new into the old. Utilizing an actual Bridge, the entertainment district seamlessly blends into the historic side of the city. (Wouldn’t that have been novel in Dayton!!) The expansive district, designed by Crawford-Hoying, cost over $20,000,000 and is literally chock full of favorites and upstarts alike.
Among the places to visit for food in Bridge Park are Columbus’s beloved ‘North Market-Dublin,’Frank and Carl’s’ and ‘Weenie Wonder.’ There is a little bit of something for everyone, although shopping is not the forte here as it is in many ‘manmade’ neighborhoods. Kids and grown-ups alike will love ‘PINS Mechanical‘, for bowling, games and food, too! There is a ‘16-Bit’ video lounge on-site, and while the kids are playing, moms can go enjoy various spas in the area. 
One of the best surprises came from AC Marriott, yes the same designers who are bringing ‘The Foundry‘ rooftop to Dayton. In the Dublin hotel, VASO, a rooftop experience awaits, the view is stunning and the bar is large and forever full! Parking at Bridge Park is ample, which again, makes for a more stress-less experience. Dinner was ‘Kitchen Social’ for our little group…and it was top-notch! (Heads-Up…it’s loud for those who think about such things.)
There are a plethora of events in the area throughout the year. Dublin’s Irish Festival is massive and well-known!! You can get all of that information by going to their website at visitdublinohio.com
Aside from the brick and mortar, you can walk along the river and enjoy the views from both sides…watching bikers in the historic area, seeing families hand-in-hand along the walkway and the sunset (at least when we were there) can be idyllic from the roof. No doubt, Dayton has its advantages….most importantly, we don’t have to endure the tax base that Dublin does….but as long as they are paying, go and enjoy this upscale, inviting haven!
Bridge Park is located at 6634 Riverside Dr. Dublin, OH 43017.
For specific information to the development, click here: https://www.bridgepark.com
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.
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.) 
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.)
Head over for the history, and there is plenty of it. Check out the Greene County Historical Society, which is basically comprised of three buildings.You will find an old cabin there, the Galloway, which was relocated to the city itself and answers many of the questions about the great chief Tecumseh and his friendship with the family.I have long been obsessed with Tecumseh and his desire to save his Native Families in the area. The guides in the cabin have a multitude of answers to your questions. Many artifacts and historical items await you at the Galloway.
After getting your lesson, grab a bike, as Xenia’s bikeways (Greene Way Bike Trails)are considered by many the ‘best in Ohio.’ You can ride this mostly flat, gorgeous stretch for miles. Recommended is the trip from Spring Valley to Yellow Springs. Xenia’s stretch, is NOT to be missed as the trail follows tree covered spaces and a soft rolling stream (the Little Miami) that eventually forms Clifton Gorge and John Bryan.
They do lunch and dinner well too!
A little more food or beer maybe? Ok….
