If you are visiting Dayton for the first time or the 100th, there are several historic places you won’t want to miss.
See the Map for website links and directions: https://maphub.net/VickiGerstner/historic-dayton
- Gerstner & Sons
A testament that Dayton History is still alive can be found at 20 Gerstner Way. Not only has the company been running continuously since 1906, but it is still owned and managed by Harry Gerstner descendants.
The beautifully restored showroom was once part of Harry Gerstner’s office and features a stamped ceiling, beautiful molding and large windows. Come learn a little history about the company, its location, connection to the Dayton Flood, and relationship to other iconic companies from the early years.
Showroom hours are 8-12, 1:30-5 pm M-F. Contact Us – H. Gerstner & Sons if you have any questions.
- America’s Packard Museum
Housed in an old Packard Dealership and service shop, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. They even have a car you can sit in and take pictures. They have done a wonderful job restoring and preserving these historic cars and telling each of their stories.
Wednesday – Sunday 12-5pm, $10 – $15 admission (students with id $2).
- Carillon Park
We always recommend a visit to the open air museum that is just a mile down the road and features Orville Wright’s Gerstner Chest. One of the train cars also has a Gerstner tie-in with the fine wood craftsmanship before Gerstner & Sons was born.
The homes of Dayton notables, the Wright Brothers and John Patterson, Hawthorn Hill and Patterson Homestead are a short drive from the park. Hawthorne Hill is located in the beautiful community of Oakwood and Patterson Homestead is next to the University of Datyon. Purchase tickets to tour these sites on the Dayton History website, but it is free to drive by and take exterior photos.
Visit Mon – Sat 9:30am-5pm; sun 12 noon – 5pm
$12-$14+
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
This museum is a beautiful addition to the Dayton area and features history on the Wright Brothers, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and also the history of the parachute.
- US Air Force Museum
Although this museum was renamed awhile ago, the locals still call it the AF Museum. This museum can take 2+ days to visit and the cost of admission (Free) makes it a steal!
Free to Visit
Places to Eat
When asked for recommendations, we turned to our community for suggestions.
- W. Social Tap & Table is in the historic Wright & Dunbar District. It is a food hall made up of a six-restaurant collective as well as a bar. Each of our restaurants are local small businesses that serve diverse, flavorful, and authentic cuisines.
- Old Scratch Pizza is close to downtown Dayton and has a comfortable atmosphere with wonderful pizza and local beer. Our staff loves The Angry Beekeeper pizza.
- Dewey’s Pizza has a more upscale atmosphere and also wonderfully original pizza options to chose from. It is close to the University of Dayton, which is also fun to walk around.
- The Pine Club has a long history in Dayton and even made a president wait his turn for a seat. They have received national recognition for their dry-aged steaks and their burgers are also excellent.
- If you are near the AF Museum, we recommend Tik’s Thai Express for a quick lunch option. I’ve never had anything but good food and service.
