DAYTON, KY

Incorporated in 1867, the charming, historic neighborhood of Dayton, Kentucky is nestled just south of the Ohio River. Accounts are divided on how the city of just under 6,000 came to have the same name as its Ohio counterpart, but one thing is certain: Dayton, Kentucky is a singular place. Traverse the two-mile town and you’ll see for yourself.

Start your trek through historic Dayton with a stop at Roebling Books & Coffee. This absolutely charming coffee shop opened earlier this year and is a Northern Kentucky staple, joining two other locations in the region, including the flagship Covington store and the Newport store. This Roebling location is housed in a gorgeous building that dates back to 1890 and was a grocery store in another life. It’s not hard to imagine this past iteration, especially considering the big picture windows in the front of the store that overlook its small umbrella-d patio area, which were probably perfect for peering through to admire produce.

The menu at Roebling has something for everyone, including bites from Lil’s Kitchen, a sequel to the former iteration of Lil’s Bagels that operated close by to the Covington Roebling. You can select from any of the choice specialty drinks – like the Newsprint or the Turmeric Gold Latte – or stick with the classics, but whatever you choose, you should take a few minutes to explore the store before continuing on your Dayton journey.

The book selection is unique and eclectic, with a wide array of genres represented. Scope out classics like the Anne of Green Gables series in the front room, or check out the collection of previously loved children’s books in the back room. The decor is charming with decorative light fixtures and a lovely old fireplace. The wood floors and array of ephemera are almost as interesting as the books. Step outside and you’ll find The Lodge, located directly across the street from Roebling. The Lodge is a multipurpose recording studio and studio rental located in an old Masonic Lodge that has hosted nationally acclaimed artists like Jack White and Walk the Moon. Interestingly enough for a two-mile town, Dayton is home to Sofaburn, another recording studio.

Once you’ve managed to tear yourself away from the bookstore, you can continue taking in a multitude of beautiful vintage sights with a stroll down 6th Avenue, the main drag of Dayton. The houses are gorgeous turn-of-the-century constructions, with welcoming facades and lots of interesting architectural features and landscaping. Everyone on 6th Street seems to get that they’re on display and they make their city proud.

Now, on your trek, you might notice several garbage cans with decorative covers that say Dayton was established in 1849. If you drop into the Tharp Dayton Heritage Museum on 6th, you can get the full scoop on the history of the city – which was formerly two separate cities, one of which was established in 1849. You can also learn more about the history of this picturesque river town in general.

There’s no shortage of retail and restaurant storefronts to round out your Dayton visit. Swing into Los Potros, Restaurante Domingo or Taqueria Nogal for a very filling Mexican meal, or stop by Galactic Fried Chicken for chicken that is, yes, you guessed it, out of this world. Dayton Vintage store is overflowing with antiques stuffing the front windows – snag one of the multitudes of lamps in there, they look very cool! You could pop by Tuba Baking Co. on a weekend and enjoy some authentic German cuisine – the rest of the week they’re a busy wholesale bakery – or a delicious German beer. AA Wok has tasty Chinese food on the menu, Unataza Cafe is another neighborhood coffee shop to choose from, and you can have a cold one at Flynn’s Rose Room. Grab a gift at Blue Ridge or Barb’s Cozy Cottage, a permanent souvenir from Pretty in Ink or Body of Art, or pamper yourself at one of several salon and self-care options in the neighborhood, including Glow Salon, The Salon Shop & Brow Bar, Salon Bardo, Tullekit Hair and Makeup Supply, and Dr. Barbara Cook’s Chiropractic. If you’re looking to spruce up your home, check out Ketcham Flooring and Cherrycreek Cabinet Design.

Before you say your goodbyes to Dayton altogether, make sure you snap a picture in front of the gorgeous, bold Dayton mural on the side of the Body of Art storefront, created by artist collective OSRS (Often Seen, Rarely Spoken.) It features a ship’s wheel in a nod to the city’s riverboat heritage and lots of blue for the river itself. It’s a very cool feature that really marks the revitalization of the downtown Dayton area.

Packed with history and lots of unique storefronts with distinct ties to the region, there’s no mistaking Dayton, Kentucky for anywhere else.

IN 2023, THESE  BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE COMING TO THE FOREFRONT