"Don’t Miss This Hidden Spot Near Dayton 👀”

Trivia Question❓

What historic Dayton site features a recreated 17th-century Native American village based on archaeological discoveries?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton, Ohio Events

March 27 – April 3, 2026

Friday, March 27, 2026

12 - 7PM

Spring Bazaar with Friends of SICSA

SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, 8172 Washington Church Rd, Dayton • Price not specified

Annual spring bazaar featuring pet toys, beds, blankets, baked goods, homemade dog biscuits, gardening items, gifts, and collectibles, with proceeds supporting SICSA’s animals.

7 P.M

Amélie the Musical

Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair Community College, 401 W 4th St, Dayton • $15–$20

A charming and whimsical musical based on the film Amélie, celebrating kindness, imagination, and the beauty of life’s small pleasures in Paris.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Gem City Egg Hunt

Triangle Park, Dayton • Free

A family-friendly morning with thousands of eggs, age-specific hunting zones, prizes, and community resource tables. The main hunt begins promptly at 11:00 AM.

10:30 AM

Family

Northridge Community Egg Hunt

Practice Field next to Northridge High School Stadium, Dayton • Free

Community egg hunt for children from birth through 6th grade, with a separate area for ages 4 and under, prize tickets, and visits from the Easter Bunny and Bruno.

1:00 PM

The Great Flood Tour

RiverScape MetroPark Pavilion, Downtown Dayton • Free

A walking tour marking the anniversary of the 1913 flood, exploring downtown sites and architecture affected by the disaster, ending with an interior visit to the Miami Conservancy District building.

1:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Family / Live Show

Bill Blagg: Family Magic

Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton • Ticketed

Interactive family magic show with comedy, audience participation, and large-scale illusions. Free preshow activities are offered one hour before the performance.

7:00 PM

Amélie the Musical

Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair Community College, 401 W 4th St, Dayton • $15–$20

A whimsical local theater production set in Paris, based on the beloved film and centered on kindness, curiosity, and small human connections.

Sunday, March 29, 2026

2:00 PM

Family / Sensory Inclusive

Bill Blagg: Family Magic

Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton • Ticketed

Sensory-inclusive performance with reduced loud or jarring sounds, no flashing or strobe effects, modified house lighting, and a judgment-free environment for all patrons.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Annunciation Exhibits

Roesch Library, University of Dayton • Price not specified

Two Marian Library exhibits explore visual depictions and symbolism of the Annunciation through contemporary sacred art and interpretive gallery displays.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Community / Career

Career Fair Carnival

Building 8 Gym, 444 W 3rd St, Dayton • Free

Carnival-style games, free food, and career prep activities designed to help students and community members practice networking and prepare for Sinclair’s annual career fair.

Friday, April 3, 2026

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

First Friday at the Arcade

Dayton Arcade, Downtown Dayton • Free entry; pay as you go for food and shopping

Explore the historic concourse, shop Arcade tenants and popup vendors, enjoy acoustic music, and build your own Friday night around local food, art, and small businesses.

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

First Friday Art Hop

Front Street, 1001 E 2nd St, Dayton • Free

Monthly art hop across Dayton’s largest hub of studios, galleries, shops, and boutiques, with live music, food, family-friendly energy, and pet-friendly access.

Featured Event

🎭 Broadway Hit “Suffs” Comes to the Schuster Center

A powerful and inspiring musical about the fight for women’s right to vote

Broadway comes to downtown Dayton as the acclaimed musical Suffs takes the stage at the Schuster Center from March 31 through April 5, 2026. This Tony Award®-winning production brings to life the passionate and determined women who fought for the right to vote in the early 20th century.

✨ About the Show

Created by Shaina Taub, Suffs tells the story of the American women’s suffrage movement, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges faced by the activists who helped shape history. The musical blends humor, emotion, and powerful storytelling to bring these trailblazers to life in a way that feels both entertaining and deeply meaningful.

Described as “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining,” the show explores a pivotal moment in history while reminding audiences that the fight for equality continues today.

📅 Event Details

Where: Schuster Center, downtown Dayton
When: March 31 – April 5, 2026
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (with intermission)
Ages: Recommended for ages 10+

🎟️ Make It a Full Experience

Arrive early and enjoy downtown Dayton before the show — many nearby restaurants and bars offer great options for dinner or drinks. You can also attend special pre-show experiences like “Background on Broadway”, where you’ll learn more about the story and production before curtain time.

Local Tip: Parking is available at the Arts Garage near the Schuster Center — arriving early makes for a smoother night out.

Whether you’re a Broadway fan or just looking for a meaningful night out, Suffs is a must-see performance that combines history, music, and powerful storytelling.

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

Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve in Springfield, Ohio.

Featured Outdoor Spot

🌄 Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve

If you’re looking for something a little more wild and off the beaten path, Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve delivers one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the region.

Located northeast of Dayton near West Liberty, this preserve is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, rugged terrain, and beautiful natural scenery. It feels very different from a typical local park and gives visitors a more adventurous outdoor escape.

🌿 What Makes It Different?

Unlike many area parks, Mad River Gorge has a more rugged and natural feel. It’s especially known for:

• Scenic limestone cliffs and rock formations
• Quiet trails with a peaceful, hidden-gem atmosphere
• One of Ohio’s best-known climbing destinations
• A landscape that feels more adventurous than the average park walk

🥾 What To Expect

This isn’t your typical paved walking path. Some trails can be uneven and moderately challenging, so it’s a better fit for hikers, explorers, and anyone wanting a more active outing. If you enjoyed Indian Mound Reserve, this feels like the next step up in terms of terrain and adventure.

📸 Perfect For

• Nature photography
• Weekend mini-adventures
• Exploring somewhere new outside the usual MetroPark routine
• A more memorable hike with dramatic scenery

⚠️ Know Before You Go

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes
• Stay on marked trails to help protect the preserve
• Some areas are designated for climbers
• Plan ahead, since facilities may be limited

💡 Pro Tip

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for better lighting, fewer people, and an even more peaceful experience.

Why it’s worth a visit: Mad River Gorge isn’t just another park stop — it’s an outdoor experience. If you’re ready to swap smooth paths for something a little more rugged and memorable, this is a great pick for your next Dayton-area adventure.

Recipe of the Week

🍝 Creamy Spinach & Garlic Pasta (One-Pan)

This easy one-pan pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with spinach, it’s a quick meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: grilled chicken or mushrooms

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm and top with extra parmesan if desired.

💡 Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in about 20 minutes
• One-pan = easy cleanup
• Comfort food with a fresh twist
• Easy to customize with protein or veggies

Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to turn this into a hearty, restaurant-style meal without much extra effort.

Home Tips

🏡 5 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

As the seasons change, your home deserves a fresh start too. These quick and simple updates can make your space feel brighter, cleaner, and more energized—without a full deep clean.

🧹 1. Declutter One Room at a Time

Start small by focusing on one room or even one drawer. Removing unused items instantly makes your space feel lighter and more organized.

🪟 2. Let the Light In

Clean your windows and open the blinds. Natural light can completely change the feel of your home and boost your mood.

🌿 3. Add a Touch of Green

Bring in a few houseplants or fresh flowers. Even a small plant can make a space feel more alive and welcoming.

🛋️ 4. Swap Out Heavy Fabrics

Replace thick blankets and dark pillows with lighter fabrics and brighter colors to give your home a seasonal refresh.

🧼 5. Refresh High-Touch Areas

Wipe down surfaces like light switches, door handles, and countertops. These quick cleans make a big difference in how fresh your home feels.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle one area at a time. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish without feeling overwhelmed.

Reader tip: A reader recommended not cleaning up yards until the nighttime temps are consistently above 50°F for at least 7 or more days. There are still insects and wildlife (butterflies, fireflies, frogs, snakes, etc.) still sleeping and to move all of the leaves, limbs, etc., would disrupt or even kill them.

Thank you Linda for the tip!

A few simple steps now can set your yard up for a beautiful and productive spring.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park is a reconstructed Native American settlement based on a real archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Fort Ancient people who lived in the Dayton area over 800 years ago.