Dayton, Ohio (and nearby) — Events by Date

The Dayton Home Show is happening *this weekend* at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and it’s the perfect chance to get ideas, meet local professionals, and plan your next home project — whether you’re thinking about a kitchen update, new deck, roofing, landscaping, or remodeling. Admission and parking are free, so it’s a great outing for homeowners and anyone looking for inspiration. 

📍 Event Details

• Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton, OH
• When: January 10,11,17 & 18 — Saturday 10am–4pm & Sunday Noon–4pm
• Cost: Free admission & free parking

At the show, you’ll find a wide range of local craftsmen, builders, designers, and home improvement experts ready to share advice and show you products and services for every room of your home — from bathrooms and kitchens to outdoor living spaces.  

🛠 What to Expect

• Meet local professionals in remodeling, roofing, landscaping, and more
• Find ideas for spring projects early — decks, sun rooms, kitchen updates
• Compare products side by side and get expert guidance
• Connect with vendors who can help with everything from design to installation

Whether you’re planning a big remodel or just looking for creative ideas for updates around the house, this weekend’s Home Show is a free, local, and practical place to start.  

If you want an easy outdoor outing that still feels special, head to Deeds Point MetroPark this weekend. Sitting along the Great Miami River at the edge of downtown, this park is famous for its panoramic skyline views, open green space, and a relaxing riverfront vibe — even in colder months.

🌟 Why It’s Great Right Now

• Perfect for winter: short, easy walks that don’t require a long hike or muddy trails.
• Best views in town: the downtown Dayton skyline + river reflections make it a photo favorite.
• Close to everything: pair it with coffee, brunch, or a quick downtown stop afterward.
• Family & pet friendly: wide open space and paved paths make it easy for all ages.

📍 What to Do at Deeds Point

• Take the skyline stroll: walk the riverfront paths and enjoy the view of downtown.
• Visit the Wright Brothers statue: a classic Dayton landmark and great photo stop.
• Bring a warm drink: this is a perfect “hot coffee + fresh air” kind of park.
• Sunset watch: late afternoon light on the skyline can be stunning.

🧭 Tips for Visiting

• Wear layers — the riverfront can feel windier than surrounding areas.
• Weekends are friendly and lively; weekday mornings are quieter.
• Bring a camera — it’s one of Dayton’s easiest places to get a great photo.
• If sidewalks are icy, stick to the main paved routes and take it slow.

Deeds Point is a great reminder that you don’t need a long drive or long hike to get fresh air — just a short walk with one of the best views in Dayton.

When the temperature drops, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings. This slow cooker version is simple to prepare, fills the house with comforting aromas, and delivers old-fashioned flavor with very little effort.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Add chicken, broth, soup, vegetables, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the slow cooker.
4. Add biscuit pieces, stir gently, and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
5. Stir once before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Cozy, filling, and easy — this is winter comfort food done right.

By January, most homes have been running hard for weeks. Heat is on, windows stay closed, and small issues can quietly turn into expensive problems. A quick mid-winter checkup can save money — and stress — down the road.

🧯 1. Check Carbon Monoxide Detector Expiration Dates

Many CO detectors expire after 5–7 years, even if they still beep. Flip them over and check the date — winter is peak season for CO issues.

🚿 2. Look Under Sinks for Silent Leaks

Cold weather causes pipes to contract. Run water for a minute and check under sinks and basements for slow drips or damp spots you might otherwise miss.

🧼 3. Clean Dryer Vents — Not Just the Lint Trap

Winter laundry piles up fast. If clothes take longer to dry, lint may be building up in the vent hose — a hidden fire risk many people overlook.

🚪 4. Adjust Door Hardware

Temperature swings cause doors to shift slightly. Tighten loose handles, check deadbolts, and realign doors that stick or let cold air in.

📦 5. Re-Think Storage Areas

Garages and basements get colder in winter. Make sure paints, liquids, and electronics aren’t stored where freezing temps could damage them.

A little attention now keeps winter from turning into repair season later.