"Adventure, Comfort & Things to Do Around Dayton"

Trivia Question❓

What was the name of Dayton’s former minor league hockey team that played in Hara Arena?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

February 20–26, 2026 • All times Eastern

Friday, February 20

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Micro Drone Races (Day 1) Racing / Family

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force • 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433

Watch pilots race micro drones through a fast indoor course in and around aircraft artifacts (including the C-124 and Twin Mustang), with a big-screen “drone-eye view.”

5:00–8:00 PM

Gold Cup Weekend: Gate Practice BMX

Dayton Indoor & Kettering BMX • 16 Edmund St, Dayton, OH 45404

Warm up for Gold Cup Weekend with evening gate practice. Registration is cash or card; concessions are cash/Venmo.

7:00–10:00 PM

The Adventure Summit Kickoff: Films, Music & Inspiration Film / Outdoors

Wright State University Student Union • 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435

Ticketed kickoff night featuring an adventure film, presenter Q&As, and live music—an energetic opener before Saturday’s full expo and sessions.

7:30 PM

Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty (Opening Night) Ballet

Schuster Center • 1 W Second St, Dayton, OH 45402

A lush, full-length classic ballet with recognizable music, dazzling dancing, and fairytale spectacle—great for date night or families who love live performance.

Saturday, February 21

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

A Community Conversation in Response to The Anxious Generation Community / Family

Epiphany Lutheran Church (Far Hills Campus Celebration Center) • 6430 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459

A free morning of learning and discussion for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members focused on youth mental health, practical solutions, and local resources.

Kids activities for grades 1–5 available with pre-registration by Feb 6.

9:00 AM (start) • 5-hour cutoff

ORRRC Frosty Trail Race Race / Outdoors

Caesar Creek State Park – Visitor Center • 3980 Clarksville Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068

Challenging winter trail run with singletrack, a creek crossing (expect wet shoes), and rolling terrain—plus homemade chili (including a vegetarian option) after the race.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

C2 Market at the Davis-Linden Building Market / Makers

Davis-Linden Building • 400 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45403

Explore this historic building while meeting tenants and browsing entrepreneurs—woodworkers, photographers, glass artists, and more.

Parking: 15 Davis Ave & 115 Davis Ave. Entry: Door 1 (Davis & Linden corner) or Door 4 (across from 115 Davis Ave).

12:00 PM & 2:00 PM (doors 30 min early)

“The Wild Robot” — Free Community Movie Family / Film

Springboro Performing Arts Center • 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro, OH 45066

Free screening with activities/drawings and concessions available. A heartwarming story about Roz, a robot shipwrecked on an island who bonds with local wildlife.

You confirmed the 2:00 PM showtime for Feb 21 (doors open at 1:30 PM).

12:00–2:30 PM (arrive/register 11:30–12:00)

Gold Cup Weekend: Josh Smith Clinic BMX Clinic

Dayton Indoor & Kettering BMX • 16 Edmund St, Dayton, OH 45404

Open to all ages and skill levels—learn fast lines and race strategy for the weekend in a focused skills clinic.

11:00 AM (doors) • Demos at 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM

Live Glassblowing Demos Art / Demo

Nyminal Glass • 1900 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45403

Shake off the winter blues with molten-glass magic—watch two live demos and see the studio process up close.

3:00–4:30 PM (Registration/Practice)

Gold Cup Weekend: Warnicke Double Points Race BMX Race

Dayton Indoor & Kettering BMX • 16 Edmund St, Dayton, OH 45404

Double points race action with class/cruiser, open, and balance bike categories—great spectator energy and serious speed.

All day (Saturday)

The Adventure Summit 2026 Expo / Talks

Wright State University Student Union • 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435

A packed day of outdoor inspiration with exhibitors, presenters, and breakout sessions—ideal for hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and anyone planning new adventures.

8:00–11:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade Live Music

The Brightside • 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

A live-band emo night playing the best of emo, pop-punk, and Warped Tour-era favorites—sing loud, dance hard, eyeliner optional.

Sunday, February 22

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Micro Drone Races (Final Day) Racing / Family

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force • 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433

Catch the final day of high-speed micro drone competition with great spectator views and a big-screen drone perspective as pilots thread tight gates around aircraft.

10:00 AM–12:00 PM (Registration/Practice)

Gold Cup Weekend: Qualifier Race (Registration/Practice) BMX

Dayton Indoor & Kettering BMX • 16 Edmund St, Dayton, OH 45404

Morning registration and practice for the Gold Cup Qualifier—watch riders prep, warm up, and dial in lines before racing.

1:00–5:00 PM

Buckeye Wedding Expo (Day 2) Expo

Dayton Arcade • 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Wedding resale finds, complimentary bites, rotating styled showcases in the Rotunda, local vendor galleries, and a runway fashion show—great for engaged couples building a vision.

Thursday, February 26

6:30 PM

Beer & Chocolate Pairing with David Nilsen Tasting

Full Circle Brewgarden • 324 Union Blvd., Englewood, OH 45322

Guided tasting of four rare bean-to-bar chocolate samples paired with four 5 oz pours of Full Circle beers, led by Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen.

7:00 PM

Revolutionary War Clothing History Talk History / Talk

Miamisburg Historical Society • 35 S Fifth St, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Learn what soldiers and civilians wore during the Revolutionary era, with time for Q&A. You’ll also get details on upcoming hands-on sewing workshops and reenactment opportunities.

Featured Event

🏕️ Adventure Summit at Wright State University

Outdoor expo, presentations, competitions, and more — free and open to all

This weekend, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited to the **Adventure Summit**, the region’s premier outdoor adventure expo hosted at **Wright State University**. The event brings together expert speakers, hands-on demonstrations, fitness challenges, and outdoor vendors for a day full of inspiration and activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, aspiring climber, or just love exploring nature, there’s something here for everyone.

📍 Event Details

What: The Adventure Summit outdoor adventure expo
Where: Wright State University Student Union, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free (Expo open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)

🎒 What You Can Do

The Adventure Summit combines multiple outdoor interests into one big day of activity and learning. Highlights include:

Outdoor expo booths with gear, travel, and recreation vendors
Inspirational presentations from adventurers and endurance athletes
Hands-on experiences and demonstrations focused on outdoor skills
Fitness challenges like indoor bouldering competitions and an indoor triathlon
Opportunities to connect with clubs, guides, and local outdoor groups

It’s a great chance to learn, be inspired, meet people who love the outdoors, and see new ways to get active outside.

🎟️ Extras & Special Activities

New this year, the expo includes additional challenges, fitness classes, and presentations from outdoor adventurers with experiences ranging from long-distance bicycle journeys to polar explorations, designed to spark ideas for your next outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re an avid adventurer or just curious about exploring more of the outdoors, the Adventure Summit at Wright State is a can’t-miss event this weekend.

This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men

Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community!

The Renaissance Men

813-500-9788

Featured Park

Hiking Taylorsville MetroPark Orange Loop Trail | Dayton Ohio Five Rivers MetroParks | Day Hiking

🌊 Featured Park: Taylorsville MetroPark

Wide river views, peaceful trails, and winter-friendly walking paths

If you’re looking for open skies and peaceful river views this weekend, Taylorsville MetroPark is a fantastic pick. Located along the Great Miami River just north of Dayton, this park offers paved trails, wildlife sightings, and plenty of space to stretch your legs — even in the colder months.

🥾 Trails & Scenery

Taylorsville features multi-use paved trails that connect to the larger Great Miami Riverway system, making it ideal for walking, biking, and easy winter strolls. The open landscape means you’ll enjoy expansive river views and quiet surroundings.

🦌 Wildlife & Nature

Because of its river access and wetlands, this park is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for herons, deer, and other river-dwelling animals.

📍 Park Details

Location: Vandalia area along the Great Miami River
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset
Cost: Free admission
Best For: Walking, biking, wildlife viewing, peaceful winter outings

Pro Tip: Dress in layers and bring gloves — the open river areas can feel colder due to wind.

If you’re craving fresh air without a strenuous hike, Taylorsville MetroPark offers a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors this week.

Recipe of the Week

🍯 Recipe of the Week: Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes

This honey garlic chicken is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is a delicious balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fresh garlic — and it pairs beautifully with rice or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds

Instructions

Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Add garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes to coat.

Serve With: Steamed rice, roasted broccoli, green beans, or mashed potatoes.

Make It a Meal Prep: Slice leftovers and use in wraps or salads the next day.

Quick, comforting, and packed with flavor — this honey garlic chicken is a weeknight winner.

Home Tips

🏠 Home Tips of the Week: Late Winter Home Check

Smart things to inspect before spring arrives

We’re not quite to spring yet, but late winter is the perfect time to check a few key areas around your home. A little preventative attention now can save you money — and headaches — later.

❄️ 1. Check for Ice & Water Damage

Look around ceilings and exterior walls for water stains. If we’ve had snow followed by thawing, minor roof issues can show up now.

🌬️ 2. Inspect Door & Window Seals

Feel for drafts around doors and windows. Replace worn weather stripping to keep heating bills down through the last cold stretch.

🔥 3. Replace Furnace Filter

After running heat for months, your furnace filter likely needs replacing. A clean filter improves efficiency and indoor air quality.

💧 4. Check Sump Pump (If You Have One)

Spring rain will be here soon. Test your sump pump now to make sure it’s working before heavy storms arrive.

🌿 5. Start Planning Spring Cleanup

Take inventory of yard tools, order mulch early, and schedule any landscaping or maintenance before companies get booked up.

Bonus Tip: Open windows for 10–15 minutes on milder days to refresh indoor air after a long winter.

A few small checks now can help your home transition smoothly from winter into spring.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Dayton Gems were a minor league hockey team founded in 1964 that played most of their games at the historic Hara Arena, winning multiple championships in the International Hockey League and building a loyal fan base before folding in 1980 — leaving behind a proud chapter in Dayton sports history.