>> Where to eat near the University of Dayton
Once you’re done finalizing your classes and making sure you have the right books, it’s time to hit the town for some exploration and most importantly: some fun!
>> PHOTOS: UD signs welcome students during move-in
1. Hit up Dayton's walking beer trail and try some of Dayton's finest brews (if you are 21 and up, of course).
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
>> DIRECTIONS:Take a walk along Dayton's walking beer trail
2. Soak up the beer with a killer dog from Zombie Dogz, our favorite food truck turned storefront.
>>Try 3 different kinds of 'dogz' with their new coney flight
3. Splurge on a steak of historic proportions at the Pine Club (some argue its the best in Dayton!). And while you're there, actually try a stewed tomato. Bring cash.
4. Find a random, possibly unnecessary, very likely bizarre souvenir at Mendelsons Liquidation Outlet. Plan to spend at least an hour wandering the building; you never know what sort of treasure you'll find.
>>Get your everyday items ridiculously cheap at Mendelson’s
5. Take the whole family to try Young's Jersey Dairy's ice cream in Yellow Springs for the best ice cream around, then work it off playing 18 holes at Udders and Putters next door.
>> 5 ice creams to try this summer from Young's Jersey Dairy
6. Take a selfie at the #DaytonInspires selfie wall on the side of Brim on Jackson Street in the Oregon District.
>> 10 reasons we love the Fifth Street and the Oregon District, and why you should, too
7. Get out to the MetroParks.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Be a kid again and venture to the Children's Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens, or take a walk and snap some beautiful pics with your best friends at Cox Arboretum.
Stare pensively out at the Great Miami River while rocking back and forth on the bench swings at Riverscape or, if you're feeling adventerous, take a ride down River Run.
>>12 top hiking trails in Dayton and nearby
8. Survey the city from above at Woodland Cemetery.
While you're there, visit the graves of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Erma Bombeck.
>>RELATED: 17 things to see at Woodland Cemetery
9. Eat a burger at Voltzy's Rootbeer Stand in Moraine.
It’s cheap and oh so delicious. If you’re lucky, the owner will involve you in “the show.”
>> GUIDE: Your ultimate guide to the best burgers in Dayton
>> Can you eat your way through Dayton’s ‘Burger Bermuda Triangle’?
8. Sip on an Elsa's Bad Juan Margarita. (If you're 21 and up, that is.)
Get it on the rocks. Savor it.
>> RELATED: 5 places to find great margaritas in the Dayton area
9. Step back in time and enjoy a beer at the Carillon Brewing Company.
Credit: JIM WITMER
Credit: JIM WITMER
While you’re at Carillon Historical Park, go see the the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and celebrate Dayton innovation.
>>PHOTOS: Dayton's must-try craft beers
10. Drop by View 162, the penthouse bar and restaurant of the Crowne Plaza downtown.
We recommend going there for an after-dark drink and enjoy the city’s lights spreading out in every direction before you.
11. Brunch it up with crepes, arepas, gyros and more at the 2nd Street Market.
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
>>2nd Street Market is a Dayton gem
12. Impress your family with your aviation and military knowledge at the United States Air Force Museum.
Credit: Jim Witmer
Credit: Jim Witmer
Note the B-29 “Bockscar,” which is credited with ending World War II by dropping the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
>> RELATED: 5 badass planes at the Air Force Museum
13. Take a long bike ride on the Dayton region's amazing interconnected bikeways and trails.
>> The 5 best Miami Valley bike trails (and how to make the most of them)
14. Get a Gem City-themed tattoo.
15. Get your picture taken with Heater and Gem at a Dayton Dragons game.
>> Daytonian of the Week: Heater
16. Stop by and visit a great exhibit or permanent collection at the Dayton Art Institute.
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
>> Your guide to art galleries in Dayton
17. Create a lasting 3-D souvenir at Proto BuildBar, the world's first buildbar.
18. Go to the drive-in with your college sweetheart.
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
>>Your guide to drive-in movie theaters in the Dayton area
19. Check out a local band you've never heard of, at a bar you've never been to.
Credit: Brian Glass/Concert-Captures.Com
Credit: Brian Glass/Concert-Captures.Com
Pay one $5 cover at either Blind Bob's Bar, Tumbleweed Connection, or the Trolley Stop on a weekend and gain access to all three of their shows that night.
>> Where to watch live music in Dayton
20. Regain your strength after a night out in the Oregon District with pulled pork and mac n' cheese at 3 a.m. at Smokin' Bar-B-Que.
>> GUIDE: The best barbeque in Dayton
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