Downtown Dayton Shopping Tour – Oregon District

On May 11, 2024, I took a group of shoppers around Downtown Dayton’s Oregon District. This free walking tour was set up and planned by the Downtown Dayton Partnership as a part of their annual Housing Tour. Here are my notes on the tour in case you’d like to follow in our footsteps.

Tour Stops

Omega Music
318 E Fifth St

This independent record store has had a long history in the Dayton region since 1983. Omega offers used vinyl as well as brand new releases.

• Originally located on North Main Street and moved to this location, the former Gem City Records, in 2010
• They buy vinyl as well, so if you’re downsizing your collection, bring it in
• Omega sells equipment as well like turntables, speakers, etc.

Feathers Vintage Clothing
440 E Fifth St

As a true anchor of the Oregon District, Feathers has been selling unique vintage items since 1978. Shop for used records, vintage clothing, and odds and ends you can’t find anywhere else.

• Not everyone thinks of Feathers right away for music so it’s a great place for collectors to find records
• I’ve been shopping here since high school and always find the best things – my favorite is a vintage Monkees pin!

Iron Dog Salvage & Antiques / Never Trend
504 E Fifth St

Iron Dog creates custom urban industrial furniture, sells architectural salvage items, and stocks other unique finds. They share their storefront with Never Trend, which is owned by a welder fabricator who creates modern industrial furniture.

• Iron Dog created the counters in ReU Juicery in Troy and will have pieces at the new Silos
• Previously located in Tipp City, they moved to this space in the OD in 2019

Mike’s Vintage Toys
508 E Fifth St

Mike’s buys/sells/trades vintage and modern action figures and sells all kinds of fun pop culture items, toys, shirts, and more.

• Mike got his start selling toys in 2013, sourcing from flea markets and antique malls as a hobby
• He opened a brick and mortar shop in Springboro but quickly outgrew that space
• In 2019, he opened his shop here in the OD and the rest is history!
• You might find Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DC and Marvel, Pokemon, Barbie, and so much more here.

Luna Gifts & Botanicals
261 Wayne Ave

If you have a green thumb (or want to try!) visit Luna and pick up some beautiful plants with all the supplies and expertise you need. They also offer local items, great gifts, and more.

• Sister store to Heart Mercantile but a different vibe – more earthy
• Sell jewelry, books, mugs, stickers, and SO MANY PLANTS
• I always find just as many gifts for me as I find for my friends here – one for you, one for me!

Heart Mercantile
601 E Fifth St

If you ever want to visit the heart of the community, this is it. Heart Mercantile is more than the most Dayton gift shop ever, it’s also where people can drop off donations to various organizations.

• Got started in 2015, selling Dayton apparel, drinkware, and so much more
• Follow them on social media for all the best memes and to tap into the community
• Their website offers even more goodies than what they have in store
• Current donations being accepted: menstrual hygiene products, gently used bras, cat and dog food, baby formula/diapers/etc., non-perishable goods/household cleaning products.

Clash Gallery & Boutique
521 E Fifth St

Clash is the place to find local art, fun vintage clothing, and handmade items. They host fashion shows and other events so keep an eye on their social media for the latest.

• Got started in 2011
• Has a second location at Front Street for just dresses and gowns called Iris and Nye
• Upcoming events: Brains Zombie Prom at Oregon Express to benefit National Brain Tumor Society, tickets are $10 presale at Clash!
  • Also Sanctuary Dark Alt Dance at NextDoor bar June 21, July 19, and August 16 this summer

Golden Hour Piercing Studio
411 E Fifth St

With a mission to provide safe and ethical piercings, Golden Hour got its start in 2022 as Dayton’s only piercing-exclusive studio.

• In addition to piercings, they sell fine jewelry
• They are part of APP – Association of Professional Piercers
• Appointments are encouraged
• Expanded in January 2024!

More Must-Visit Shops

We aren’t stopping at these great shops this time, but they should definitely be on your list for future visits.

Brim
464 E Fifth St

Brim is the destination hat shop for much of Ohio and it’s easy to see why. This bright building sells hats and other great giftable items.

Bonnett’s Book Store
502 E Fifth St

Readers love walking the aisles of this used bookstore bursting at the seams with great finds.

Deaf Monty’s Wine
22 Brown St

This bed and breakfast features the perfect little wine bar and store to sip and shop to your heart’s desire.

Why is it called the Oregon District?

There’s some debate on that, actually. No matter what the reason, it does appear that the area was called Oregon for a really long time – since before 1845. Learn more at oregeondistrict.org/history.

More Dayton Retail

Check out Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Shopping page.

Thanks so much to this great group for shopping with me! (Minus one)