8 ways to eat, drink and adventure on the riverway this year

This list will get you to areas where you may discover new dining destinations that you may not have found otherwise. I can personally attest that her No. 1 recommendation is worth planning a visit to sometime this spring. It’s a delicious and fun throwback that will put a smile on your face.

Alternatively, this list offers you destinations with terrific picnic packing opportunities to enjoy some al fresco dining.

>> 7 sights built along the beautiful Great Miami River

Here’s Connor’s list of eight things to do in 2018 in her words for Riverway activities to consider adding to your calendar as the weather warms:

1. Eat at The Spot.

This Sidney landmark, in operation since 1907, has arguably the best pie in southwest Ohio. Don’t agree? We dare you to say that to a Sidney local. While their 1920s special of “28 burgers for $1.00” no longer exists, their famous burgers still make mouths water. Located next to a National Landmark building (designed by Louis Sullivan in 1917), you can’t miss the mid-century modern neon sign that still hangs over their front door at 201 South Ohio Street, Sidney.

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2. Ride in a WACO. Dayton's aviation history isn't only about the Wright brothers, although it obviously wouldn't have been possible without them. The WACO Air Museum in Troy is a great place to learn about the origins of this famous airplane, and to sign up for your own ride in the open air cockpit. Between 1920 and 1947, the Waco Aircraft Company in Troy produced a large number of civilian biplanes. The planes were marketed to traveling businessmen, explorers, and postal services. Additionally, the company produced military gliders that were used during the Normandy Invasion and other large operations in WWII. www.wacoairmuseum.org/biplane-rides.html

>> 5 badass planes at the Air Force Museum

3. Grab a beer at a bike shop. It's not often that you can grab a beer while waiting on a tune-up for your bike. In Downtown Middletown at Spoken Bicycles, however, you can do just that. Located just a short ride off the Great Miami River Recreational Trail, it's a great destination to hang out with fellow cyclists, catch up on ride tips, get some bike maintenance, or meet up with friends. www.spokenbicycles.com

>> This business promises bikes, gears AND craft beer

4. Find a mural and take a selfie. It's 2018 and yes, we're still doing selfies. Downtown Dayton has some great options, as do Franklin, Middletown, and Hamilton. Did you know that Alton Brown (Food Network) took a picture at the Dayton Inspires mural in the Oregon District? ⬆️

Don't forget to use the tag #GreatMiamiRiverway. www.gettothebc.com/blog/post/mural-mural-wall

>> Some of the most beautifal murals in the region

5. Learn to kayak and run a rapid. The Great Miami River offers play areas right in downtown Dayton for experienced whitewater kayakers. Not feeling totally confident yet? There are numerous classes through park districts and outfitters to make sure you are prepared. We recommend having a local guide take you on your first few journeys. You can leave from Troy, West Carrollton or Middletown. Visit www.facebook.com/Jimcoproductions or https://greatmiami.net/river-trips-12 to get some ideas.

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6. Visit a covered bridge. Eldean Bridge in Miami County was built in 1860 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The William Ross Covered Bridge in Sidney is located in Tawawa Park — not too far from "Big Rock," a glacial rock left from the Ice Age. Visiting a covered bridge sounded like a better header than visiting a rock, but we'll let you decide.

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7. Sample like a judge. Do you have what it takes to judge the best cupcake? Amy Cakes in Miamisburg made national news as a contestant on Food Network's Cupcake Wars. Sample a few yourself and give them a rating. We're pretty positive it will be five stars. www.loveamycakes.com

8. Float on a canal boat. The only remaining canal boat on the Miami Erie Canal is located at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency in Piqua. This Ohio History site will have you exploring 2,000 years of history from American Indian mounds to mid-19th century. Tour the restored Johnston home and try not to act too surprised when you see just how small the dresses are. www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/johnston-farm-and-indian-agency