In college? Here are 20 things you must do in Dayton this semester

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Welcome to your new home away from home, college students!

Whether you’re part of the incoming freshman class this year or you’re an upperclassman, there are plenty of things to do in Dayton that we bet you haven’t yet experienced.

>> 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.

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>>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.

The Pine Club offers a wide variety of steaks.

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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.

Mendelson’s Liquidation Outlet in downtown Dayton has expanded its already enormous array of products to offer a selection of non-perishable groceries, beauty products, and electronics, and is currently holding a blowout sale with products from clothing to restaurant wares to chemistry kits for less than $2. Photo by: Vivienne Machi

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>>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.

Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs offers more than 50 varieties of creamy ice cream goodness. Heaven! (Contributed photo)

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>> 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.

David Harris of Trotwood took this photo on June 15 at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in Dayton.

Credit: HANDOUT

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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.

The highest point in Dayton is at Lookout Point in Woodland Cemetery.

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While you're there, visit the graves of the Wright BrothersPaul 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.)

An assortment of Elsa’s legendary “Bad Juan” margaritas. File photo by TY GREENLEES/STAFF

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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.

Tanya Brock, Brewmaster, Carillon Brewing Company in1850's era costume during brewery operations. The opening of the $3.5 million Carillon Brewery represents Dayton's strong history of brewing, and is a working brewhouse that produces a variety of ales as well as serving other brands of craft beer. It is the only one of its' kind in the country. A dozen new craft breweries of varying sizes and concepts have opened their doors in the greater Dayton area where none existed just three years ago. JIM WITMER/STAFF

Credit: JIM WITMER

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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.

Archive photo of Bill Thomas, director of food and beverage at the Crowne Plaza hotel and Kris Davis, director of sales talk in the renovated Crowne Plaza rooftop restaurant and lounge. (Staff photo by Lisa Powell)

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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.

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>>2nd Street Market is a Dayton gem

12. Impress your family with your aviation and military knowledge at the United States Air Force Museum.

Aug. 9, 1945 is the 70th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Six days later, the Japanese surrendered.The plane that dropped the bomb, the B-29 Bockscar is at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Joe Sweeney, the son of the B-29 pilot Charles Sweeney, was at the museum Friday for media interviews and to give a talk in the auditorium. JIM WITMER/STAFF

Credit: Jim Witmer

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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.

With more than 340 miles of connected bike trails, the Dayton area is a haven for cyclists. CONTRIBUTED

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>> 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.

You know spring has arrived when Dragons baseball begins. Heater and Gem and the rest of the Dragons will play at home Sunday through Friday. (Source: Contributed)

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>> 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.

Motel Beds rocked the house at Blind Bob's during the Dayton Music Fest in Dayton, Ohio.

Credit: Brian Glass/Concert-Captures.Com

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Credit: Brian Glass/Concert-Captures.Com

Pay one $5 cover at either Blind Bob's BarTumbleweed 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.

Smokin BBQ pulled pork bacon cheeseburger via Facebook

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>> GUIDE: The best barbeque in Dayton 

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