Despite the global pandemic, there’s no reason why you can’t beat your personal best before the end of April. Luckily for you, we have created a guide to virtual 5Ks, including races that originated in Dayton and others, like the runDisney 5K, that are completed all around the world, virtually. And remember: If you decide to venture out of your house, be sure to maintain that six feet of social distance between yourself and other runners on your local trails.
>> Lace up your running shoes and join these virtual 5Ks and races
Credit: Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Credit: Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
🏡Support a local restaurant
Though all restaurants in the state of Ohio are not permitted to seat people in their dining rooms, many are still open and serving up delicious food via carryout, curbside and delivery service. Want to ensure that your favorite mom and pop restaurants are still thriving in this tough time? Support them. Most restaurants are offering contact-less delivery and carryout services, perhaps providing a bit of security to those who feel a bit timid about leaving their house.
>> Which Dayton-area restaurants are offering carryout, delivery and curbside service?
🏡Indulge in local wine during the daily "Wine with DeWine"
More than ever, a glass of wine provides the perfect sanctuary after a long day spent coaxing your cat off your keyboard. Luckily, your boozy night can also benefit local wineries. The following local wineries are offering carryout options: The Winery at Versailles (call ahead — 937-526-3232 — to have your favorite wine brought out to your car), Old Mason Winery (offering curbside service and delivery, call for details 937-698-1122), Caesar Creek Vineyards (head to their website for a full list of retailers who sell their wines), Olde Schoolhouse (offering carryout, shipping, and retail options — check their Facebook page for more information), Hanover Winery (send an email to info@hanoverwinery.com to place an order for pickup or pick up the wine at a local retailer, Brandeberry Winery (offering carryout and delivery, call 937-767-9103 to place an order) and Valley Vineyards (offering curbside and carryout pickup — call ahead 513-899-2485 or visit their website to place a takeout order).
Tender Mercy, originally opening a month ago as a cocktail bar and meeting place, is now selling wine and other supplies in its new Tender Mercy Mart.
You can even do a paint and sip class from home! Grab a DIY painting kit and a "to go" bottle of wine from Raise Your Brush, located at 169 N. Main St. in Centerville, which is offering "no contact" kits available for pick up daily between 2-4 p.m.
🏡Eat your way through some of Ohio's best buckeyes
Bored? Take a few moments to sink your teeth into a true Ohio delicacy — the buckeye. Indulge in a buckeye (or five) from Esther Price in Dayton (order online via their website).
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
🏡Kick back with some Dayton-made beer
If wine isn’t your thing, perhaps then a beer from one of the many local breweries will quench your thirst. The following breweries are still serving up delicious craft beer throughout the pandemic:
- Fifth Street Brewpub: Offering carryout. Check out their carryout menu (which also includes delicious cuisine), by visiting their website.
- Toxic Brew Company: Offering delivery, curbside pickup, and carryout. Call ahead at 937-985-3618. View the full menu of available beers on their Facebook page.
- Warped Wing Brewing Company: Offering curbside carryout and delivery via DoorDash. Place your order by visiting warpedwingdelivery.com.
- Dayton Beer Company: Offering carryout service, though the beers are also available in retailers across the Miami Valley. A full list of these retailers can be found by visiting their website.
- Lock 27: Offering carryout and delivery service for specific areas of Dayton. You can place an order online and pick up at their brick-and-mortar location. For a more comprehensive look at their delivery zones and hours, reference the brewery's Facebook page.
- Branch & Bone Artisan Ales: Offering contactless carryout. Place your order online and follow developments as they occur on the brewery's Facebook page.
>> Branch & Bone Artisan Ales makes list of ‘10 Best New Breweries in America’
- Star City Brewing Company: Carryout and delivery available. For more information about their delivery and carryout processes, pay a visit to their Facebook page.
🏡Listen to local music and support local artists at home
Having some extra downtown at home is a great chance to check out local original music. Musicians use a variety of local platforms to share their music, however Bandcamp has been particularly generous to musicians during the coronavirus shutdown. Some of our favorites to check out on Bandcamp include Amber Hargett, Subterranean, The Boxcar Suite, and The Nautical Theme, who just released a new album titled "Lows & Highs."
Dayton podcaster and promoter, Ian Baldwin, has also been keeping an on-going Spotify list called "Gems of Dayton," which highlights up-and-coming bands in the Miami Valley. It's a rockin' playlist for alternative, emo, indie, hard rock and metal fans.
Musicians are certainly among the hardest hit by the shutdown. If there's a group you love, consider purchasing music or merch to help while they can't tour. It's an easy, socially distant way to support the very people who keep us entertained while quarantined. We'd also encourage you to support downtown Dayton's independent music venues, The Brightside and Yellow Cab Tavern, to ensure local musicians have a place to play in the future.
Nick Testa, a local musician and DJ had a novel idea to offer to DJ virtual happy hours or birthday parties. For an hour or two, and a fee, you can have a curated, live streaming dance party in your own living room! Email GiantPartyDJ@gmail.com to set it up.
>> This Huber Heights mom inspired Lizzo to give to health care workers all around the nation
🏡Enjoy a movie from the Neon at home
Though patrons are no longer allowed to sit and munch on popcorn in front of the big screen at the Neon in downtown Dayton, they can still do their part to support the indie theater from home. At least for the foreseeable future, patrons will be able to purchase films like 'Saint Frances' and 'Sorry We Missed You' from an online streaming platform accessible via their website, neonmovies.com.
>> You can enjoy a movie from The Neon at home
🏡Learn more about Dayton's aviation sites from your couch
Despite the fact that Dayton's aviation sites are closed to the public during the pandemic, there are still ways to learn more about Dayton's aviation history from your couch. For those who want to learn more about the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the base is still offering self-guided virtual tours of the entire museum, with icons appearing along the way for additional information supplied by videos, audio and links to online resources.
>> The Air Force Museum may be closed but you can take a virtual tour
If you're especially interested in more Dayton-centric aviation history, be sure to check out the informative videos available on Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park's website. These short videos are provided by the park's rangers, curators, and directors, and are meant to take you on a virtual tour of the museum.
🏡Eat the best pie in Ohio
Though the Partial to Pie bakery is a relatively new establishment in the Dayton area, it has already been named as the "Best Pie Shop in Ohio" by a USA Today poll. The bakery, founded by Marie Clark and her father, Mike Clark, of Kettering, has become famous for its pies, quiche and sweet treats. The bakery is currently offering carryout services on Thursday and Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. These hours are subject to change, so be sure to stay up-to-date on any new developments on the bakery's Facebook page.
🏡Tune in to Therapy Cafe's virtual dance parties
At least until the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end, Therapy Cafe is inviting you to live stream sessions from local DJs like DJ Edge and bust a move in the middle of your living room (or any other room in the house, for that matter). Tune into their Facebook page for regular streaming sessions.
🏡Keep up with your favorite animals and programs by tuning into Boonshoft Museum's 'Boonshoft at Home' video series
Looking for more fun, innovative ways to teach your children about science while stuck at home? Lucky for you, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery has created an entirely new virtual learning program, "Boonshoft at Home," a series of DIY science activities with accessible materials, step-by-step instructions and a basic scientific explanation appropriate for all ages. There is a morning program at 9 a.m., consisting of a science education lesson on a variety of topics in physics, chemistry and biology featuring the museum's Science Theater and Do Lab. There will also be an afternoon lesson at 2 p.m., which will provide a virtual museum experience highlighting different aspects of the museum, from collections to animal exhibits. Additionally, there will be frequent opportunities to 'chat with an expert.'
>> Boonshoft Museum is bringing science to kids stuck at home due to coronavirus
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
🏡Get carryout from a local food truck
At least for the foreseeable future, the incredibly popular series of Yellow Cab food truck rallies have become elaborate carryout operations. The first took place on March 20, and featured a number of local food trucks, like The Wicked Lobstah, Hunger Paynes and The Pizza Bandit.
The next Yellow Cab food truck rally, a brunch-specific carryout event, will be taking place on Sunday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The carryout event, taking place at the Yellow Cab Tavern, will feature the following food trucks:
- The Pizza Bandit
Call ahead ordering: (937) 476-1895
Online ordering: iamthepizzabandit.square.site/
- Billie Gold Bubble Tea
Call or text ahead: (937) 561-8886
- What The Taco
call ahead (937)580-5289
email ahead whatthetacotruck@gmail.com
- Chicky Chicky Waffle
Text-ahead ordering: 614-440-0228
online ordering: www.streetfoodfinder.com/ChickyChickyWaffle
- HaolePino Hawaiian-Filipino Island Cuisine
Call or text ahead: (808) 232-5830
- Maddie Dogs
Call ahead: 937-551-2253
Order Ahead Online: /ordergrub.app/maddiedogs
🏡Learn more about art with interactive assignments from the Dayton Art Institute
Every day of the week, the Dayton Art Institute, now closed to the public until the end of the pandemic, will be showcasing different pieces of art on their Facebook page. Though not all pieces of art are part of the Dayton Art Institute's series of collections, many Daytonians (especially art lovers) can find comfort in the daily virtual art offerings from the museum.
🏡Shop til you drop (online) to support local businesses
Small businesses give our community personality and provide jobs to our neighbors. To keep them afloat during this crisis, consider shopping online for gourmet foods, clothing and gift certificates. In the last couple weeks, the majority of bars, breweries, coffee shops, gift shops, music venues, restaurants and salons, are now selling some sort of merchandise or gift certificate online. Look up your favorite small business and see how you can support them!
🏡Indulge in locally-made doughnuts
Though Dayton-favorite Bill's Donuts is temporarily closed until the conclusion of the pandemic, many more Dayton doughnut institutions are still open for carryout and delivery. Take a tour of the best doughnuts that Dayton has to offer (from your couch, of course) by visiting these establishments:
-- American Classic Donuts, 4214 Linden Ave., Dayton: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (937) 252-5426.
-- Donut & More, 28 N. Wilkinson St., downtown Dayton: 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (937) 223-3698.
-- Donut Palace Huber Heights, 5115 Old Troy Pike: Open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (937) 802-7648.
-- Donut Palace Trotwood, 5264 Salem Ave. 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (937) 715-4576.
-- Duck Donuts, 1200 Brown St. #115, Dayton: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (937) 951-2618.
-- Dunkin’ shops. There are 10 stores in the Dayton-Springfield area: Kettering, Centerville, Sugarcreek Twp., Fairborn, Washington Twp., Springfield, Dayton, Beavercreek, Miamisburg and Riverside, and all are open daily, an employee of the Dunkin’ on Woodman Drive in Riverside said. Hours may vary.
-- Evans Bakery, 700 Troy St., Dayton: The walk-up operation is closed, but customers can pre-order and pre-pay for curbside pickup from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (937) 228-4151.
-- Tim Hortons: There are about a half-dozen Dayton-area Tim Hortons stores. Hours may vary; some shops are staying open until noon, one Tim Hortons employee said.
-- Ulbrich’s Hometown Bakery: There are multiple locations, many in the northern Miami Valley, and hours vary. An Englewood location (537 S. Main St., 937-832-0100) is open 6 a.m. to noon, employees said.
>> Which Dayton-area doughnut shops are still open?
🏡...And then burn off the donuts with a virtual workout
Hey, gym rats (or anyone else taking this opportunity to tone up), many local gyms, studios and trainers are now offering innovative ways for Daytonians to stay in shape at home. From yoga to dance and cycling, local gyms and studios like Day Yoga to Rinse Cycle are offering these classes. For a full list of virtual offerings, be sure to read our guide on virtual workouts, linked below.
>> Local gyms helping to keep Dayton fit from home
🏡Show off your Dayton Strong spirit with tees from local shops
TeamWork Ohio, a Troy-based screen printing company, is offering a cozy T-shirt to support local businesses in the Miami Valley. $10 of every $22 T-shirt goes straight to the business of your choice (from list of participating companies).
Heart Mercantile is also selling 'Dayton Strong' tees, with the proceeds from every sale benefiting the victims of the Oregon District mass shooting.
🏡Color Dr. Amy Acton during Wine with DeWine
If you're anything like me (or many of my co-workers, friends and family members), you sort of look forward to the daily press conferences, now dubbed "Wine with DeWine." And now, those who actively watch "Wine with Dewine" will have a colorful companion. Illustrator and Kettering resident Jason Goad has created the "Ya'll Need to Flatten The Curve" downloadable coloring page. The page, which features Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, can be downloaded here and is free to the masses who wish to colorfully celebrate Ohio's leaders in this pandemic.
>> You can color Dr. Amy Acton during Wine with DeWine, thanks to local artist
🏡Thank a health care worker
Whether or not you personally know a health care worker, in these trying times, it’s especially important that we communicate our appreciation to the people on the front lines of the pandemic. How can you do this? There are a few very simple ways to communicate your appreciation.
These are the five easy ways to say thanks:
1. Thank them and listen to them vent about their recent hardships.
2. Buy them coffee through the “Pay it Forward: Joe to Go Purchase,” organized by Dayton Real Estate Crush that delivers it to nurses, doctors, emergency workers, and others on the front lines.
>> Pay it forward: Order 'Joe to Go' for our front-line workers
3. Offer to pick up and drop off essential items for them.
4. Donate blood at the Community Blood Center in Dayton by making an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or by calling 937-461-3220.
5. Donate personal protective equipment to Mask Match, a peer-to-peer platform helping people with spare N95 and surgical masks send them directly to health care workers on the front lines who need them — without leaving their house. Visit www.mask-match.com if you are willing to donate or if you are a health care worker in need of masks.
>> 5 ways you can thank our health care workers right now
Credit: Erin Pence
Credit: Erin Pence
🏡Keep a coronavirus diary to help Wright State's archives document the pandemic
Have you found any downtime to journal your feelings and thoughts about the pandemic over the last few weeks? If you haven’t, you ought to start now — at least for the sake of Dayton’s history books.
Archives across the country, including Wright State University Librarys’ Special Collections and Archives, have put out a call for volunteers to document the pandemic. Currently, the archive is collecting diaries, videos, electronic word files and photographs that tell the story of the Miami Valley.
More information can be found on the archive's blog, Out of the Box. For questions about the project or to submit a diary, email the Special Collections & Archive staff at library-archives@wright.edu.
>> Keep a coronavirus diary to help Wright State’s archives document the pandemic
🏡Help feed the hungry
If you are still financially stable during this pandemic but may want to help others in a less solid predicament, there are numerous organizations providing meals to the hungry in this trying time. Organizations like Chefs Feed Dayton, House of Bread, No Child Hungry and many others are taking monetary donations. If you’d rather help on the front lines, there are also organizations seeking volunteers. For a full list of these organizations, we have come up with a comprehensive guide, linked below.
>> Want help? Need help? Where to find and give help related to the coronavirus
🏡Have a Dayton-made movie marathon
Have you nearly run out of movies and television shows to stream on Netflix and other platforms? Well, just in time to save your next movie night (or nights, really), we've come up with a list of movies made in Dayton for you to showcase during your next film binge.
These are the Dayton-made movies to binge during your next movie night:
- American Factory (2019) - OSCAR WINNER!
- The Old Man & the Gun (2018) PG-13
- Carol (2015)
- Miles Ahead (2015)
- Tiger (2015)
- Marauders (2015)
- Goat (2015)
- Calamity Jane’s Revenge (2015)
- We’re Doing Fine (2015)
- Alone in the Ghost House (2015)
- The Avengers (2012) – Portions of this picture filmed in Wilmington, Ohio with many local crew.
- The Ides of March (2011)– Portions of this picture were filmed in Oxford Ohio and many Miami Valley based crew worked on this film.
- Dave Chapelle’s Block Party (2005) R
For more Dayton-made film ideas, pay a visit to filmdayton.com.
🏡Listen to a Dayton podcast
The best companion to your evening walks? A heartfelt and compelling collection of local podcasts produced by local talent. Our personal favorites include
'What Had Happened Was...,' a podcast that shares the best tales from the Gem City (and produced by our own, Amelia Robinson), the Gem City Podcast, a podcast about all things Dayton, featuring interviews with local notables (also co-produced by one of our own, Libby Ballengee), Murder and Such, a podcast, about, well, murder and true crime and Brohio, a podcast that hopes to provide a bit of insight into every mystery contained in the universe.
🏡Read a book by a Dayton author
Dayton is home to many revered writers, including Paul Laurence Dunbar, Natalie Clifford Barney, and Erma Bombeck, among others. If you need some levity, we recommend revisiting Bombeck's humorous titles. What a hoot! We're also enjoying "The Abundant Bohemian" by Joseph Downing, "The Blessing of the Animals" by Katrina Kittle, and "Particular Scandals" by Julie Moore.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
🏡Explore Five Rivers MetroParks
Nature is still open! That's right — those who want to spend a few precious moments outside of their home can still do so at the Five Rivers MetroParks. With multiple MetroParks spread out over the Dayton area, there are many ways to take advantage of the appearance of spring. However, while at the MetroParks, it's still imperative that you maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others enjoying the trails. For a more in-depth guide on navigating the parks amid the coronavirus pandemic, pay a visit to metroparks.org.