Top Events in Dayton, Ohio – November 7–14, 2025

Gaming fans, tabletop enthusiasts, and families—get ready! AcadeCon, the region’s biggest tabletop and role-playing game convention, is back for its 13th year in downtown Dayton. Whether you’re into board games, RPGs, card games, or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone.

🧩 What to Expect

• A library of 600+ games to demo or play. 
• Scheduled live events and RPG sessions—classic and niche titles alike. 
• Special events including costume contests, karaoke, panels and workshops. 
• “Play to win” giveaways—demo games and enter drawings to win brand-new titles. 

📋 Event Details & Tickets

Hours: Friday & Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sunday from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 

Venue: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402. 

Badge pricing (recent listing): Full weekend badge ~ $50, single-day badges: Fri ~$20, Sat ~$25, Sun ~$15. 

🎲 Why Go?

This convention is a great way for newcomers and seasoned gamers alike to explore new titles, meet fellow enthusiasts, and experience the community vibe. Whether you’re hoping to roll dice in a dramatic RPG, spend the day at demo tables, or just browse the vendors, AcadeCon offers something unique in the Dayton weekend lineup.

🧭 Insider Tips for Attending

• Purchase your badge in advance to avoid lines and lock in better pricing.
• Arrive early on Saturday if you want first choice of gaming sessions—popular ones fill up fast.
• Bring a tote or backpack—vendors, freebies and game demos often add up.
• Check the schedule online and build a plan; there are multiple tracks, rooms and levels of gaming.
• Parking downtown can fill—consider parking garages near 4th & 5th and walk to the venue.

See you at the table—ready your dice, sharpen your strategy, and let’s game!

Just 30 minutes east of Dayton, John Bryan State Park is one of western Ohio’s most breathtaking landscapes. This 752-acre park features a limestone gorge carved by the Little Miami River, dramatic cliffs, and hiking trails that connect with Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. It’s a perfect weekend escape for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

🌟 Park Highlights

• Limestone Gorge: The Little Miami River cuts through layered rock, creating sheer cliffs and scenic overlooks.
• Hiking & Biking Trails: Over 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to rugged, with access to Clifton Gorge and Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
• Camping & Picnicking: Family-friendly campground with electric and primitive sites, plus picnic shelters and a disc-golf course.
• Rock Climbing & Rappelling: One of the few Ohio state parks that allow it – permit required – great for adventurous visitors.
• Little Miami River Access: A designated scenic river – fish, paddle, or relax by the water’s edge.

🚶 Top Things to Do

1. Explore the Gorge Trail: Descend to the river and follow the loop for sweeping views of cliffs and waterfalls.
2. Visit the Campground: Set up for the weekend – sites offer fire rings, restrooms, and trail access right from camp.
3. Bike the Little Miami Scenic Trail: Connects to nearby Yellow Springs and Spring Valley for longer adventures.
4. Take a Day Trip to Yellow Springs: After hiking, enjoy local shops, coffee, and art galleries just 2 miles away.

🧭 Visitor Tips

• Footwear: Trails can be rocky – wear sturdy shoes with grip.
• Season: Autumn foliage and spring wildflowers make this park stunning – bring a camera.
• Pets: Dogs welcome on leash; clean up after them.
• Camping Reservations: Book early during fall weekends; sites fill fast.
• Trail Safety: Stay on marked paths – the gorge edges can be slippery after rain.

Best season: October – for crisp weather and fiery fall color through the gorge and along the river.

Sweet-tart apple cider, seared pork, and buttery apples — it’s basically autumn on a plate. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple fall salad.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (1 1/4–1 1/2 lb total)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
• 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar!)
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1–2 Tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or local), cored & sliced
• Optional: 1 small onion or shallot, sliced

Instructions

1. Season the pork: Pat chops dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Sear: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate (they’ll finish in the sauce).
3. Sauté apples: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 Tbsp oil and the sliced apples (and onion if using). Cook 3–4 minutes until starting to soften and caramelize. Push to the side.
4. Make the glaze: Pour in the apple cider, Dijon, and brown sugar/maple. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Finish the chops: Return pork (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 4–6 minutes more, flipping once, until pork reaches 145°F.
6. Enrich: Turn off heat and stir in the butter to make the glaze glossy.
7. Serve: Plate pork chops with apples and spoon cider glaze over everything.

Note: Don’t confuse apple cider with apple cider vinegar — you want the sweet pressed cider.

Even as frost settles outside, your home can stay alive with color and freshness. Dayton’s shorter days and dry air can stress houseplants, but with a few simple adjustments, your favorite greens — from kitchen herbs to decorative foliage — can flourish all winter long.

🌞 1. Give Them All the Light You Can

• Move plants closer to bright, south- or west-facing windows, but keep leaves from touching cold glass.
• Rotate pots every week so growth stays even.
• Use inexpensive LED grow lights or daylight bulbs to supplement sunshine on shorter days.
• Wipe dust from leaves — clean leaves absorb more light.

💧 2. Water Less, But Watch Closely

• Overwatering is the #1 winter mistake — let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
• Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking roots.
• Drain saucers so roots don’t sit in water.
• Mist leaves lightly once or twice a week, or group plants together to increase humidity.

🪴 3. Keep Herbs Growing in the Kitchen

• Snip herbs regularly to encourage new growth — small, frequent harvests are best.
• Basil and parsley need the most light; mint, thyme, and oregano tolerate shade better.
• If leaves look pale or leggy, move pots to a brighter window or add a small clip-on light.
• Fertilize sparingly — once a month at half strength is plenty during winter.

🌬️ 4. Protect from Cold & Drafts

• Keep plants away from drafty windows, exterior doors, and heating vents.
• Use felt pads or trays to insulate pots from cold windowsills.
• Check that leaves aren’t pressed against frosty glass on very cold mornings.
• Move tropical plants (like orchids and ferns) into warmer rooms overnight when temps dip below freezing.

🧤 5. Routine Care & Refresh

• Prune yellowing leaves and dead stems — it keeps pests away and encourages new growth.
• Rinse pots occasionally to remove mineral buildup from tap water.
• Use decorative baskets or ceramic pots to add texture and color through the gray months.
• Keep an eye out for spider mites or gnats — a gentle soap spray usually clears them up.

A little attention goes a long way — with the right care, your plants will stay green and lively all winter, reminding you that spring isn’t far away.