Ohio is the birthplace of many American pioneers, including The Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and John Glenn. Ohio is home to a disproportionate number of patents and inventions, thanks to prolific inventors such as Charles Kettering. In addition, Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Lexis Nexis continue to attract top talent to the Dayton area, to ensure Ohio’s legacy for invention and innovation continues.
>> Related: Memorial planned for astronaut, U.S. Sen. John Glenn
2. Hotbed for creativity
Every locale has gift shops of products local and unique to the area, as well as other attractions. In Dayton, Nucleus Co-Share and Proto Build Bar foster creativity in Daytonians. Proto encourages patrons to build models or other projects from kits and in-house 3D printers while enjoying a drink. The creative mindset is part of the city's mindset. You can buy t-shirts which read “Dayton Patented. Originals wanted.” As artists and designers continue to flock to the area, the trend is only likely to continue.
>>Related: 8 great gifts from Dayton boutiques (that you’ll want to keep yourself)
3. Holiday light displays
Credit: STAFF PHOTO
Credit: STAFF PHOTO
Ohioans embrace the saying of “go big or go home” during the holidays. Locally, you can find dazzling light displays at Clifton Mill, Woodland Lights, and Light Up Middletown. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights in Columbus and the PNC Festival of Light in Cincinnati are breathtaking as well.
>>Related: 10 must-see holiday light displays close to home
4. Craft beer selection
Credit: Jim Witmer
Credit: Jim Witmer
According to the Brewers Association, as of 2015, Ohio is home to 143 craft breweries, which is 12th in the nation. Arcade bars and other themed bars are cropping up all over the state. Dayton’s own Crafted and Cured, Carillon Brewery, and soon to open D20 are just some of the latest.
>>Related: Wandering Griffin brewpub now open
5. Ease of travel
Credit: Michael D. Pitman
Credit: Michael D. Pitman
A Columbus-based research firm determined four Ohio cities are among the top five cities in the nation to locate a business due to their ease of access to the majority of the U.S. population. The survey concluded that Columbus is within 500 miles of 48 percent of the U.S. population. Dayton and Cleveland are tied with 46 percent, and Cincinnati is 500 miles within 44 percent of the U.S. population. Even though a recent study listed Ohio drivers as the nation’s 17th worst, that means there are still 16 states with even worse drivers.
>>Related: Study: Ohio among worst drivers. No joke!
About the Author