SPRING BREAKING IN AREA? COOL AIRBNB RENTALS, MUSEUMS AND MORE
Move over, Daytona Beach — the Dayton, Ohio region is here to be a spring break vacation spot. There may be no ocean to assist in the relaxation, but there are some fun options for new experiences and lively entertainment.
Airbnb rentals we found:
The River House
Location: Xenia
Number of Guests: Up to four Price: Starts at $229 per night This two-bed, one-bath cottage in Xenia is located right on the bank of the Little Miami River, giving guests direct access for fishing or other water activities. Guests also have access to hot tubs, grill, fire pit, tree swings and two bicycles. Inside the cottage there is a full kitchen, laundry area, sunroom and even a Pac-man arcade cabinet.
The Dayton Yurt
Location: 15 minutes outside of Dayton
Number of Guests: Up to eight Price: Starts at $45 per night The Dayton Yurt is a spot for those looking for a rustic lodging experience. While there is only one room with a fold-out bed, guests are allowed to roam as much of the property as they would like -besides the house- with treasures to find in the woods on-site. The property also has a trampoline, swings and plenty of space for tents or leisure. For those looking to explore the area, the Dayton Yurt has quick access to the downtown area as well as many fishing, kayaking and hiking spots. Keep in mind that there is no running water or electricity in this space, but there is a stove for warmth. MORE ONLINE
Find recommendations for spring break entertainment and staycationing in the Miami Valley. daytondailynews.com/ best-of-dayton
Nature Spa House
Location: New Richmond Number of Guests: Up to 10
Price: Starts at $726 per night
Marketed specifically with larger groups in mind, the Nature Spa House is on a 10-acre lot full of places to explore, including a large pond just outside the home. Inside there are four bedrooms of various sizes, with additional air mattresses provided. Other rooms include a library, a game room, a movie room, fitness center and indoor pool. Many rooms also include large windows for guests to see the nearby woods.
The Gem City Condo
Location: Dayton Number of guests: 5 people
Price: $216 per night
The Gem City Condo is nothing but chic. It boasts incredible wall decor, with something to look at with every head turn. It is a former office building converted into a five-bedroom Airbnb with a game room, smart TVs throughout and a theater room. Note: The owner states in the “about” section, this space is not for partying. But it looks great to stay in each night before you head out and do the fun stuff in Dayton. The home also has a 6-person poker table that features an Ohio State logo.
Parks and nature reserves
Hartman Rock Garden
Location: 1905 Russell Ave., Springfield
Hours: Daily from dawn until dusk
Price: Free
More info: hartmanrocks. org
The Hartman Rock Garden is a collection of sculptures based on various historic and cultural subjects, placed and decorated with a vast collection of flowers. Guests can experience the garden with self-guided tours.
The Grotto Gardens
Location: South Gettysburg Ave. and Tennessee avenues on the campus of the VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., Dayton
Hours: The park is open all day, every day
Price: Free
More info: americanveteransheritage.org
With history dating back to the 1860s, the Grotto Gardens is a piece of Ohio history that not many are aware of. Throughout the decades, this place was lost to time until 2012, where it was decided to fully renovate the gardens. Now, the Dayton VA Medical center campus has a garden filled with trees, flowers and more.
Local museums The Westcott House
Location: 1340 E. High St.,
Springfield
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 12:30-4:30 p.m. Closed Mondays
Price: Adult tickets are $20. Discounts are available
More info: westcotthouse. org
Considered a lost work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, due to significant alternation leaving it unrecognizable, this house was restored to its original glory in 2001. Now, this house serves as an architectural and design museum. A documentary is also available on site for visitors.
SunWatch Indian Village/ Archaeological Park
Location: 2301 W. River Road, Dayton
Hours: Weekends, 10 a.m.4 p.m.
Price: Adult tickets are $7. Discounts are available More info: boonshoft.org Originally named the “Incinerator Site,” this historic settlement was discovered in the 1960s and was opened to the public twenty years later in 1988. This excavation cite allows visitors to study a real native American settlement, alongside a modern-day reconstruction. Guest can also enjoy the interpretive center, which features many artifacts recovered directly from the site.
National AfroAmerican Museum and Cultural Center
Location: 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: Adult tickets are $6. Discounts are available More info: ohiohistory.org For the past 36 years, the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural center has taught visitors about
Afro-American culture and history. In fact, the website states that the museum is one of the largest collections of Afro-American materials. Art, history and the military are just a selection of subject covered at this museum.
Entertainment
We turned straight to the Dayton Daily News’ “Best of Dayton” guide to find the spots people recommend for entertainment and dining.
Best Bar: The Century Bar, 18 S. Jefferson St., Dayton
The place has its own merch. It has one of the largest offerings of whiskeys, with 850 available at its back bar. In 2022, The Century Bar in received a write up in the summer issue of Bourbon+, a quarterly magazine spotlighting stories of farmers, distillers, mixologists and bourbon industry enthusiasts.
Best Fine Dining: Pine Club, 1926 Brown St., Dayton
The Pine Club is historic to the community — its a steakhouse that has stayed in business since 1947. Regular patrons will tell new ones to take cash ... it doesn’t take credit cards as payment. “We cut, age, and meticulously prepare our steaks with an emphasis on unparalleled flavor and quality. Receiving national acclaim, we’re proud of our excellent food, exemplary staff, and timeless atmosphere,” boasts the restaurant on its website.