Retirement in Dayton: A Look at What’s Going on!

Dayton is a wonderful place to retire because there is so much to do and see, no matter the season. Unique destinations, amazing fine arts options, fun festivals and opportunities to learn and grow are all close by.

Destination: history!

The Dayton/Kettering area is nothing if not historic and boasts several destinations listed on the National Register of Historic Places including:

Beautiful St. Anne’s Hill Historic District harkens back to the mid-nineteenth century and features over fourteen blocks of architecturally significant buildings still in use today. Showcasing a variety of architectural styles from the Second Empire, Romanesque and Queen Anne eras.  The district offers walking tours, as well as a biennial Garden Tour spanning both private and public gardens.

Step even further back in time at the Sunwatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park where archeologists have excavated 13^th-century artifacts from an ancient Native American settlement. The site has been reconstructed with lath and daub structures and includes parts of a stockade, a native garden and museum.

For a breathtaking view of local history, the Miamisburg Mound Park is the site of one of the two largest conical mounds in the eastern U.S. Dated to approximately 800 B.C., the huge mound is thought to have been built by people of the ancient Adena culture (which predated the Hopewell culture) as a cemetery and can be seen for miles due to its location on a ridge above the Great Miami River.

Enjoy the festivities

The end of winter signals the beginning of festival season and one of the first is Spring Fest in the Burg in May. Held close by in Miamisburg, this three-day event offers something for everyone including a float-filled parade, diverse stage performances, local artists’ wares, carnival rides and games, and a variety of food and beverage vendors.

In June don’t miss the Ohio Indigenous Music Festival showcasing the talents and traditions of top Native American musicians and crafters. Enjoy live music performances, take in an educational workshop or presentation, and gather round for the community drum circle where everyone is welcome.

September is time for Alter Fest at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering. Truly a family event, Alter Fest offers three days of rides and games, kid’s fun like face painting, band concerts, Irish dance performers, and of course great food and beverages.

Artistic endeavors

The arts are alive and thriving throughout Dayton and a top venue is the Dayton Art Institute featuring world-class art from the past and the present in exhibitions and the Institute’s permanent collection of more than more than 27,000 objects. Visitors can enjoy tours, as well as special events, youth, family and adult programs, concerts, and talks designed to entertain as well as educate.

Since 1945, theater lovers have flocked to plays by the acclaimed Dayton Theatre Guild. Specializing in lesser-known plays, the guests can also see classics performed by an all-volunteer cast in the unique 88-seat theater. Another entertainment option is the massively beautiful Victoria Theatre. Dating to 1866 the theater has always been home to local entertainment and is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States. Modern theater goers of all ages enjoy plays, music, comedy, and dance performances as well as the grandeur of the theatre itself.

The magic of museums

Also a must-see is the Wright Brothers National Museum, home to the first practical “flying machine” and other intriguing artifacts from the lives of the famous brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright. For a close look at modern aviation don’t miss the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world’s largest military aviation museum featuring year-round access to amazing exhibits, hundreds of aerospace vehicles and artifacts, and diverse special programs to teach and enlighten aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

The past comes alive at the historic Walton House Museum in Centerville. The Walton House was built by Benjamin Robins, one of the founders of Centerville, in 1838, and almost a century later, was purchased by William and Miriam Walton in 1927. Donated to the Historical Society after the death of Miriam in the 1970s, the museum immerses visitors in local history and what home life looked and felt like almost 200 hundred years ago. Among the many features are authentic period furniture, vintage wallpaper, and architectural touches throughout.

Life-long learning is alive and well

One bucket list item many retirees share is the desire to expand their knowledge. At the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Dayton members can take classes, create their own college-level programs, attend lectures and seminars, and enjoy the camaraderie of peers at events and trips to places far and wide.

Don’t miss out on an active and independent retirement in the Dayton/Kettering area! Contact us to learn more about One Lincoln Park and schedule a tour. Find out more about why we think Dayton is such a great place to call your home in retirement – check out our Guide to Living Well During Retirement in Dayton and Kettering, Ohio.