Dayton's Got It Going On

Dayton, OH - Selected as a 'Best Town' in Outside Magazine

If you didn't see the recent July 2017 release of Outside Magazine, it has named the Best Towns to live in now. Guess who made the list....Dayton! That's right, Dayton took the title for "Best Rebirth of the American Dream". The write-up was flattering but short in detail. So I'd like to take a moment to expand on this coveted magazine award by highlighting important details overlooked in the Outside publication.

1. Dayton, OH is home to the nation's largest paved trail network. That's right, over 340 miles of paved multi-use trails can be used for human-powered activities: biking, jogging, running, walking, etc. You can travel from Dayton all the way to Cincinnati on the paved trails! This gem of an outdoor amenity is coordinated by over 13 different agencies, park districts, and local governments. You can pick up a map, or hit up the website to find a trail close to you.

2. There is a network of rivers nationally designated: The Little Miami National Scenic River, and the Great Miami River National Water Trail, as well as state designated water trails to enjoy miles of paddling. But if you're really up for a challenge, try a paddle-pedal since these rivers coincide next to the bike trail network. Now there are two white water play features in the Great Miami River at RiverScape MetroPark and on the Mad River at Eastwood MetroPark.

3. If you enjoy hiking, you're in luck. Dayton has an overwhelming amount of natural surface hiking trails with two noteworthy trails coming through town: The North Country National Scenic Trail & The Buckeye Trail. This makes Dayton a designated 'Trail Town' and supports backpackers and thru-hikers.

4. A Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community - awarded by the League of American Bicyclists. Dayton has improved its friendliness toward cyclists over several years with bike lanes, bike racks, repair stations, several Bicycle Friendly Businesses/workplaces, and a fun Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast on National Bike to Work Day.

5. Beer! Yes, every town has great beer and local breweries, but not like Dayton. There was an explosion of new breweries from 0-17 since 2013 and more pop up each time I turn around. The beer made in Dayton has some of the best water in its recipes. The beer tastes great because of our underground aquifer, so we don't get our drinking water from the river (contrary to assumptions).

If none of these things impress you, this just might. Dayton is home to some of the most genuine, honest, and humble people in the Midwest. Sure we have all of these awesome opportunities right out our doorstep, but we're so gosh darn modest about it, nobody knows! So do me a favor and read the Outside Magazine article, but then look at the items I've mentioned on this list and go tell your friends, family, and coworkers. They will say, "Dayton, Ohio has all of this? No kidding!" And that's why it's dubbed the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest.

- Happy riding