Things to do when charging your electric vehicle
Thank you, environmentally-conscience driver! Your electric vehicle is helping to keep Ohio’s only National Water Trail and our national paved trail network healthy and vibrant. While you are charging your vehicle for the next part of your adventure, here are some great ways to spend time away from the ‘pump’.
Featured cities: Tipp City (close to I-75), Dayton (close to I-75 and I-70), Hamilton (close to I-75)
Tipp City
30 minutes: You have just enough time for a delicious cup of coffee. Grounds For Pleasure provides a great atmosphere in a cozy downtown coffee shop/cafe. Old Tippecanoe Coffee House offers european-style cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, & fresh sandwiches/soups.
2 hours: Let’s go shopping! On Main Street, visit Iron Dog Salvage and Antiques’ industrial showroom, peruse in Browse Awhile Books at one of Tipp City’s most haunted buildings, play in the region’s only specialty toy store - Topsy Turvy Toys, shop Merchant31’s latest fashion, and be inspired at Studio 14 Gallery’s fine art exhibits.
4 hours: In addition to shopping, it’s time for a great meal. Coldwater Café is a premiere, world-class dining experience in a converted bank building. Or, stop by for a drink at Tony’s Bada Bing – a popular neighborhood bar.
8 hours: We’re so excited you’re spending the day with us! In addition to shopping and dining, you have the opportunity to explore the nation’s largest paved trail network. Whether you do that by bike, skate, or your own two feet is up to you. It’s a seven minute walk to Canal Lock Park where you will connect with the Great Miami River Recreational Trail. From there, head north to Treasure Island Park in Troy. It’s about a 40 minute bike ride, covering just over 8 miles through wooded paths along the Great Miami River. Once you’re in Troy, spend a few hours exploring their historic downtown, grab a cookie at Bakehouse Breads, and don’t forget to check out the historic architecture in their square. Or, you can head south from Canal Lock Park to Taylorsville MetroPark. The ride will take just over 30 minutes, covering a distance of 6.4 miles. The area that is now Taylorsville MetroPark was once one of the busiest crossroads in the country, the meeting place of major transportation arteries — the Old National Road, Great Miami River, the Miami-Erie Canal and railroads. Today, the area serves as the crossroads of bike trails, hiking trails and river recreation.
Dayton
30 minutes: You may not make it to level 134, but playing Ms. Pac-Man is still a great way to kill some time. Find that classic arcade game plus many others at Canal Street Arcade and Deli. The games are free (except pinball) and the food is exceptional.
2 hours: Enjoy a performance at The Loft Theatre, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, or Schuster Center in Dayton’s performing arts district. From Broadway musicals to the Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, and The Human Race Theatre Company, performances are never hard to find.
4 hours: In the summer, we have our favorite pastime. The Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Field! They are one of the longest sold-out minor league baseball teams, but the fun doesn’t contain itself to the stadium. Have a drink or grab dinner at Lock 27 or go across the street to RiverScape MetroPark and rent a Link bike. Stations are located throughout the city at places like Second Street Market, the Oregon District, and Dayton Art Institute.
8 hours: Your Link bike will take you far, but if you’re still looking for adventure call Whitewater Warehouse. They will take you down Ohio’s only National Water Trail, ending at the whitewater feature in downtown Dayton at RiverScape MetroPark. Afterwards, you can impress your friends by saying, “I SURFED IN DAYTON, OH!”
Hamilton
30 minutes: A stroll along the Great Miami River Recreational Trail north will take you from Marcum Park to the ‘small hydro.’ Henry Ford’s small hydroelectric plant is over 100 years old and was built in the Great Miami canal system.
2 hours: No matter what time of day, High Street in Hamilton has your meal plans covered. Start your morning with High Street Café, grab brunch or lunch at True West Coffee or Alexander’s Market and Deli, and don’t forget to end your day with Municipal Brew Works.
4 hours: In between eating, may we recommend some retail therapy? Located across the street from the historic courthouse, pick up some art supplies at Renaissance Fine Art and become inspired by the Alexander Hamilton sculpture or murals throughout downtown. To enjoy other artists’ work, visit Inside Out Studio and Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
8 hours: Now it gets really fun. Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then sign up for a class at Fitton Center for Creative Arts. You’ll spend a morning or afternoon learning a new skill and will have just enough time to take in the downtown shopping – on High or Main Street (across the river) – before going to RiversEdge Amphitheater. Food trucks and concerts happen in the summer. Check out the concert line up before you go.