Dayton

Innovative is one word to describe this city, nestled in on the banks of the Great Miami River. In addition to Dayton's most famous sons, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the city has seen the invention of the electric cash register, sparkplug, transmission and self-starting car ignition. This pioneering spirit continues with Dayton's growing high-tech industry.

While the Wright Brothers may have made their first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC, they were born in Dayton and their influences can still be seen there today. One of the country's largest Air Force bases, Wright-Patterson, is located in Dayton. The United States Air Force Museum is the largest and oldest flight museum in the world. There are more than 300 aircraft and missiles on display at the museum including an Apollo space capsule and Russian jets. And best of all, admission is free.

Though flying is the city's claim to fame, Dayton offers its residents numerous artistic, sporting and recreational events. The Dayton Ballet is the second oldest ballet company in the country, performing five shows a year at the Victoria Theatre. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dayton Opera perform at Memorial Hall and Victoria Theatre. The Sunset Symphony Series is a summer favorite. Locals gather to hear the orchestra play at the Fraze Pavilion, enjoying the music as well as the weather.

And for the visually inclined, the Dayton Art Institute offers a fine display of permanent and traveling exhibits featuring some of the most influential artists in the world. The museum also holds a number of annual events including its famous Oktoberfest featuring the necessities of German culture - music, food and beer, in addition to its monthly jazz and dance parties. In the dog days of summer, Downtown Dayton Days lures people into the city to shop, eat and enjoy great music. Another not-to-miss event is the Dayton Cityfolk Festival and its three days of multicultural foods, dancing and music.