Winter Fun Along the Riverway: 6 Experiences To Get You Into The Holiday Spirit This Season
Winter Fun Along the Riverway
6 Experiences To Get You Into The Holiday Spirit This Season
#1. Heated Patio Igloos
Austeria Wine Boutique is one of two establishments on the Riverway where you can enjoy drinks and small bites in a heated igloo. Cozy up with friends or that special someone for a unique dining experience.
The Foundry, a restaurant and bar on top of the AC Hotel Dayton, also offers this unique experience on its rooftop patio.
Reservations are required for both locations.
#2. Downtown Holiday Shopping & DORAs
Riverway communities dress their towns in dazzling light displays for the holidays, prepare special holiday events, and have DORAs – Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas* – where you can grab an alcoholic beverage and walk around, checking out local vendors and snapping cute holiday pictures with friends. This is a perfect casual weekend evening activity for couples, families, and friends.
Sidney, Piqua, Troy, Tipp City, Dayton, Miamisburg, and Hamilton all have DORAs in their historic downtowns!
* A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons ages 21 and older to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved, liquor-permitted establishment, then sip, stroll, shop and explore within the designated boundaries.
#3. Winter Hikes – A Frozen Charleston Falls
Don’t let cold temperatures keep you inside. Bundle up and get out there. The scenic views of the Riverway are beautiful in the winter.
One of the best winter hikes around is the short walk to view the Charleston Falls, which freezes in the winter for a gorgeous icy display.
Another highly recommended winter hike experience is at Shawnee Lookout – expansive breathtaking views of snow-topped hills can be seen from the height of the trail.
#4. Riverfront Ice Skating
Every year, Five Rivers MetroParks converts the pavilion at Riverscape MetroPark into a season-long outdoor skating rink. You will find themed events most weekends and even skating classes for children. When you are done, you can sip on some hot chocolate while walking along the river on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail.
#5. Holiday Light Drive-Thru Displays
Pyramid Hill Sculpture park (Hamilton), and Lost Creek Reserve (Troy) put on the region’s favorite holiday light displays every year.
#6. A Carillon Christmas
The 65-acre historical park campus is transformed into a winter wonderland every year, drawing thousands annually. The centerpiece of this holiday display, the Deeds Carillon, is a 151-foot-tall bell tower that is strung up with lights to look like a giant Christmas tree. This Southwest Ohio landmark is a sight to behold and the largest musical instrument in the state. Every day, the bells ring at 10am, 2pm, and 5pm.
Nearby is a trailhead and beautiful views of the river.