Dayton

With Columbus to the east and Cincinnati to the south, you’d think Ohio's fourth largest city wouldn’t shine so brightly. But “Gem City” has a luster all its own. Travelling through the area? A night out in this town is worth the stop. The friendly and good-looking guys who call this city home know how to party.

Getting here

Dayton International Airport is about 12 miles from downtown. Taxis are the best way to get downtown.

Getting around

Many people choose to see the city by car, as traffic is less of a hassle that in most cities. However, Dayton has a good network of buses and streetcars that make navigating downtown a breeze. See RTA for details.

Neighborhoods

Downtown. The city’s compact gay district is located downtown where North Jefferson intersects 2nd and 3rd streets. It’s just a few blocks from the Miami River.

Resources and Media

The Dayton Gay Center has programs to enhance the lives of sexual minorities in Dayton and the Miami Valley. Along with the Miami Valley Pride Partnership they have recently presented their 25th Anniversary Pride, with annual May-June festivities. The GayDayton website has area GLBT listings, and the Dayton City Paper is a gay-friendly alternative weekly.

Bars & Clubs

Aquarius (135 E Second St), gay nightclub, good ages/races mix, karaoke, live music, open stage amateur drag contests, Saturday Latin Nights, Wednesday Boys' Night go-go boys.

Masque (34 N Jefferson) young, 18-plus enthusiastic crowd comes from all over, talent and drag performances, two dance floors, variety of House, R&B, pop, and retro mixes, good sound system. Sexy male dancers on stage and under the showers, drag shows, comedians, circuit DJs.

MJ's Cafe (119 E Third St), drag entertainment Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday Family Dinner and karaoke, "Pretty Boy Reviews" Tuesday variety and open auditions.

The Stage Door (44 N Jefferson St), neighborhood bar, open seven days a week, gay mix of all kinds, mostly guys, drag shows, special parties.

Shopping

The Second Street Market (600 E 2nd St) is an open stall market located east of the downtown core. Located in an old wearhouse building it offer great locally grown produce, local products and some great antiques.

The Greene, the outdoor shopping mall in Beavercreek, has somethign for everyone. Chain stores as well as upscale shops, sidwalk cafes's, Art gallery's, and movies. There's even a comedy club.

Q Gift Shop closed their Main Street store in January 2011. You can still buy from them online.