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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for December 2025

The Grinch Meal Now at McDonald’s

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Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch has successfully slipped into the Golden Arches and on Dec. 2, he’s unleashing The Grinch Meal. The meal, made in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and McDonald’s, will be available at participating restSprinkle the tangy, dill pickle seasoning into the McShaker bag and shake for a bold twist on our World Famous Fries® that will make your taste buds pucker with delight.aurants nationwide for a limited time, while supplies last. His diabolical culinary debut features Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries, arriving for the first time in the U.S.

Sprinkle the tangy, dill pickle seasoning into the McShaker bag and shake for a bold twist on our World Famous Fries® that will make your taste buds pucker with delight. Pair them with your choice of a Big Mac® or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets® and a medium drink for the ultimate treat for yourself during holiday fuss and muss.

The Grinch is also sneaking a piece of mischief into every meal: a pair of spirited socks, scribbled with messages from the Grinch himself to let everyone know exactly how he feels this holiday season. The socks come in four unhinged colors and can even be used as an impromptu stocking, just like Mt. Crumpit’s finest.

“THiS iS MY MEAL AND i DiDN’T PARTNER WiTH McDONALD’S OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF MY HEART,” said The Grinch in a handwritten note on crumpled paper from Mt. Crumpit. “i SAW AN OPPORTUNiTY TO BRiNG MiSCHiEF TO YOUR BELOVED “RESTAURANT” WiTH MY DELiCiOUS CHAOS FOR THE HOLiDAYS AND i TOOK iT. SO GO AHEAD, GRAB MY MEAL STARTING DEC. 2 – YOU’RE WELCOME FOR MAKiNG YOUR HOLiDAYS iNFiNiTELY MORE iNTERESTiNG.”

 

Swoon – Book Store & Wine Bar Coming to Oakwood

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Pop quiz question 1:

What is the best-selling book genre in the world?

Romance novels generate billions of dollars of revenue annually. The romance genre continues to grow in appeal as writers genre-blend, branching into mystery, history, and fantasy, combining emotional depth, relationships, and niche subject popularity—think of Diana J. Gabaldon’s book series, Outlander, which merged multiple genres, featuring elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure and science fiction/fantasy—which has sold over 50 million books. The Starz network adaptation of the Outlander generated over half a billion dollars in revenue, and the it helped drive the $4.4 billion acquisition of Starz by Lionsgate. Outlander continues to bring in monies through a licensing agreement with Netflix. And Outlander is only one example of how the romance is the genre of market dominance and high profitability.

Pop quiz question 2:

What genre has been met with “relentless hostility” for decades?

Despite its market profitability, romances still grapple with literary stigma, historically, repeatedly, dismissed as “trashy,” “formulaic,” and finally denigrated into “chic lit.” An internet search of romance genre reveals pages and pages of articles attacking and defending the genre. Recent critiques have pulled away from dismissing the genre as a whole and have focused on deconstructing themes within the genre, decrying “unhealthy preoccupations with coercive sex and dominance,” “lack of representative diversity,” “anti-feminist ideals,” and “unrealistic,” portrayals of men. But still the books sell.

Pop quiz question 3:

Which genre has the strongest relationship between author/reader?

Women write eighty three percent of romances. Nathanial Hawthorne may have reviled those “scribbling women,” but the publishing industry has come to rely on the relationships that develop between romance authors and readers to drive sales. Romance authors have a direct and interactive audience that consider themselves a community of readers. Over ninety percent of romance readers are women, and these readers fill social reading sited like Goodreads and StoryGraph, fiction apps like Dreame and Wattpad, and drive publisher specific site development like Harlequin online. 

Romance is a business, and the business of romance is good. 

If you knew the answer to these questions, then, like me, you are going to be excited by what comes next. 

Dayton is about to have a bookstore and wine bar dedicated solely to romance. When I heard that, I thought “what a good idea.” When I talked with Lauren Gay and Lindsay Woodruff about the plans for Swoon Books & Wine, I practically swooned myself with excitement. Swoon Books and Wine, coming to 2504 Far Hills Avenue, will be romance made manifest. The space will have a rococo interior, wine, full bar, and treats–both savory and sweet–from local food partners. All the books will be romances. 

“We’re creating a space where a community of readers can immerse themselves in a genre they love,” Woodruff says. “It’s all about the ambience,” Gay says, “we are creating a place that will reflect the romantic experience and capture that happy ending feeling.” 

Curating a space to embody a feeling is not new to Woodruff and Gay. Woodruff started Maraluna, an artisan home goods store that ensures all products are ethically produced, in Troy almost a decade ago. Since then, she has relocated it to Oakwood, and again to a larger space at 2316 Far Hills Ave. Despite the moves, Maraluna thrives, because Woodruff creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in every location. Lauren Gay also is passionate about curating her spaces to create the right vibes. A CMS certified sommelier and the owner of Joui Wine, at 117 E. Third St. in the Fire Blocks district, Gay’s passion for curating is evident. At Joui, the focus is not only on selecting just the right wine for her guests, but also about crafting the wine experience. 

With this track record of success and their shared love of reading, Swoon Books and Wine promises to be a beloved spot to hang out and read. But what I loved about interviewing them is that these women are not only romance readers, but they are also like the women in the books they love: smart, talented, creators of their own destiny. And lucky for Dayton, they are also experienced entrepreneurs, creating the community they want to live in, one storefront at a time. 

 

If you can’t wait to Swoon, you will be excited to hear they now have TWO ways you can join the fun now — eGift Cards, and the brand new Swoon Book Club!

The Swoon Book Club is launching now with three tiered offerings; each tier features a curated monthly book selection plus varying levels of in store credits, vouchers, and exclusive discounts. Swoon will also offer a limited time discounted three month subscription bundle, ideal for holiday gifting. The Swoon Book Club and eGift Cards are both available now on our website — click the links in the comments below!

Swoon Books & Wine
2504 Far Hills Avenue
Oakwood, Ohio 45419

COMING SOON!

Dart’N Somewhere Bar & Grill Now Open

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Quietly opening on November 21st, Dart’N Somewhere Bar & Grill has changed the former Mammacita’s Cantina in Kettering into the ultimate sports bar. Featuring 12 BullShooter dart boards, they  offers “Luck of the Draw” tournaments, leagues, and casual play. In addition to darts, the bar provides other entertainment options, including a blue Diamond pool table and a SilverStrike Bowling machine. All of their games are now available to sign up for winter leagues through NexGen with Dart’N Somewhere as your home bar.
Manager Jessica, who moved here from Kansas City  explains , “it’s been great to bring the vision for a dart and game space, paired with a sports bar with really good food. The feedback we’ve received from new visitors and the regulars from when this space was Cold Beer and Cheeseburger only strengthens our belief that this space is what it should be. People are excited for a new neighborhood place to stop in, have a bite and a beer.”
They describe their food as “upscale bar food.” All of the food is made in house including theirr batter, sauces and dressings. All of our food is cooked to order, and it shows. They  will continue to build onto the menu and will start running featured items soon.

 

Weekly specials include:

– Bullseye Burger Monday with $2.00 of our signature burger
– Nacho-average Tuesday with Nachos $1.50 off and $0.50 off any tequila port
– Wingin’ it Wednesday with 6 wings for $7 or 12 for $13 and $0.50 off of draft pints
– Tasty Thursday with the chicken sandwich and wraps $1.50 off

 

 

 

 

Dart’N Somewhere promotes itself as a great place for “game day” and watching sports. For those wanting to watch games, they have 10 televisions in the sports bar area with upgrades coming soon along the booth walls.

 

Dart’N Somewhere Bar & Grill

1060 Patterson RoadDayton, OH 45420
(937) 716-1684

Open 7 days a week
11am -2:30 7 days a week

Food til 11pm

Breakfast with The Grinch

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Price includes breakfast buffet, visit with the Grinch, and other fun surprises! All proceeds benefit the Kettering Backpack. Event will be held in the Breezeway that is located between Petco and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Price includes breakfast buffet, visit with the Grinch, and other fun surprises! All proceeds benefit the Kettering Backpack.

The Kettering Backpack Program, founded in 2006, is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization with one goal: to fight childhood hunger in 16 elementary/middle schools in Kettering each week. The Kettering Backpack Program discreetly provides at-risk students with a bag of food each Friday throughout the school year. This food helps sustain the students’ nutritional needs over the weekends when school breakfasts and lunches are not available.

Initially serving only 15 students, the program has grown to feed nearly 600 students each week. Helping our children become successful students and future leaders can be accomplished only with the help of our volunteers and community partners.

New President & CEO Selection For Destination Dayton®

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“It is with great excitement that the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of John Oney as our new President & CEO of Destination Dayton®, effective December 15,” states Board Chair Scott DeBolt. “The board is thrilled to welcome John and confident in his leadership as we move into an exciting new chapter for our organization.”

Oney will succeed outgoing President & CEO Jacquelyn Powell who will retire after over 30 years with the organization. Oney has worked in the hospitality industry for more than three decades, and currently serves as the Vice President, Sports & Meetings for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge where he has been responsible for developing group sales strategies that create economic impact in the form of sporting events, meetings, and conventions. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the region’s official destination marketing organization promoting the counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, as well as the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

The new President & CEO was selected by a special Destination Dayton Board of Directors selection committee led by Board Chair Scott DeBolt. The efforts included a national search with recognized hospitality industry executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global.

“We look forward to partnering with John and the entire team as we continue advancing our mission,” DeBolt said. “Dayton is a premier tourism destination—rooted in a rich history of innovation, shaped by a culturally vibrant quality of life, and poised for an exciting and promising future.”

According to Oney, “Dayton, Ohio is renowned for being the Birthplace of Aviation, but it’s also recognized for welcoming communities, innovative partnerships, and a genuine spirit of hospitality. I’m thrilled and honored to join the exceptional team at Destination Dayton as the next President & CEO. I am excited to begin working with the board, partners, and the team to inspire tourism in all its forms. Together, we will continue to elevate our brand and visitor economy that support our communities in so many beneficial ways.”

Prior to relocating to Roanoke, John served as the Director of Sales at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida, National Golf Sales Manager for Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, Florida, and Sales & Event Representative for Visit Central Florida/Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing.

He is active in the tourism industry and previously served as Board President for Convention Sales Professional International (CSPI) and was honored with the Shawn Corwin Myland-Award (2021). He is a certified Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) through Sports ETA and currently working through his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation. He’s a proud graduate of Leadership Roanoke Valley (LRV) Class of 2023.

John graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreation Park Management with a focus in Professional Golf Management.

As Dayton and Montgomery County’s destination marketing organization, Destination Dayton® collaboratively leads and advocates for the development of the region’s visitor economy, which contributes to a thriving community, a diverse tax base and lifestyle amenities for everyone to enjoy. For more information about Destination Dayton® and its services, visit www.destinationdayton.org or call 800-221-8235.

The Holly Jolly Variety Hour is coming to town!

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The Holly Jolly Variety Show returns! The Dayton Playhouse is bringing back its holiday-themed fundraiser on Saturday, December 13th. Hosted by Brandon Shockney, the evening showcases an exciting mix of local performers and includes special presentations from Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus group NOTEWORTHY, Funk Lab Dayton, Dayton Poetry Slam, and much more! Come ring in the holidays with a night of song, dance, comedy and seasonal cheer!
Tickets are available now for the 8 pm show, which also includes a 7 pm social hour with drinks and treats!