Holiday Inn – Dayton, OH

Depart Southgate as the crisp December air sets the perfect tone to travel to Dayton, Ohio. Our first stop will be a charming one – the Amber Rose, a century-old establishment promising a lunch of European cuisine. The building itself, with its rich history and rustic charm, invites us in with the aroma of hearty dishes. Relish every bite, savoring the flavors that seem to transport us to a different era. With satisfied appetites, we will continue our journey to a mystery destination. The clue is tantalizing – a place with food, drink, and festive decorations. Then our curiosity will be piqued as we arrive at Carillon Park, adorned in all its seasonal glory. This won’t just be a park; it will be a journey through time, celebrating the unique people, places, and events that have shaped Dayton and the world. Carillon Park is a treasure trove of exhibits, each one more fascinating than the last. Marvel at the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, an engineering feat that speaks to the pioneering spirit of the Wright brothers. The impressive collection of NCR cash registers and the Carousel of Dayton Innovation will showcase the city’s rich heritage of creativity and invention. The new Gem City Letterpress exhibit will be a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Amidst the exhibits, the park will be alive with holiday cheer. Ride the carousel, amid laughter mingling with the festive tunes. Watch a delightful puppet show, warm your hands by the chestnuts roasting over an open fire, and admire a stunning gingerbread collection that captures the magic of the season. As the day turns to evening, settle in to the cozy Drury Inn Hotel. Here, enjoy the Kickback snacks – a delightful spread of food and beverages that will provide the perfect end to our busy day. For those with energy to spare, a special treat will be in store: a ride to see the holiday lights. (L, Heavy Appetizers)

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Our destination will be the LaComedia Dinner Theatre, renowned as the nation’s oldest and biggest dinner theatre. Lunch will be a feast, a culinary delight that will set the stage for the main event – the show “Holiday Inn.” Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut… but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Based on the classic film, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including “Blue Skies,” “Heat Wave,” “White Christmas,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and many more! Before departing, take time to browse the gift shop. As we make our way home, hearts full and spirits high, reflect on the experiences we have shared. Dayton offered us more than just a getaway; it gave us a celebration of history, innovation, and holiday cheer. (B,L)