First dates

DAYTON — The first date is one of the most crucial points for beginning any relationship. It can be a deal maker and deal breaker. No place is either right or wrong — it just depends on your tastes, and those of your date. Here are a few locations that are sure to get the relationship off to a good start.

The Wine Gallery

• Location: 5 W. Monument Ave., downtown Dayton
• More info: (937) 224-WINE (9463), www.thewinegalleryandcafe.com
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday
• Specials: Lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; $2 wine and beer list; 25 percent off appetizers Tuesday and Thursday; evening wine tasting Wednesday; mid-afternoon wine tasting Saturday
• Vibe: Located in the heart of downtown Dayton, The Wine Gallery is a unique place to go for good wine, food and conversation.

The Dublin Pub

• Location: 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton
• More info: (937) 224-PUBB (7822), www.dubpub.com
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday
• Specials: Cigar Lovers Night occurs the second Tuesday of every month, and every other month there is a spirit or whiskey tasting.
• Vibe: With live music most Fridays and many other events during the week, The Dublin Pub is an entertaining place with a welcoming feel that keeps things excited especially during a first date, when you may not know what to talk about.

Young's Dairy

• Location: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
• More info: (937) 325-0629, www.youngsdairy.com
• Hours: Times vary during each season.
• Vibe: With the Dairy Store and Young's Farmstead Cheese Market, The Golden Jersey Inn, Udders and Putters and the Animal Petting Zoo, Young's Jersey Dairy is a sure bet for having a good time, especially during warm months. While probably best for a day date, Young's offers many things to do all day long. Just make sure you go with someone who you want to spend the whole day with. Don't forget to take a bite out of that famous homemade ice cream.

Cox Arboretum

• Location: 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton
• More info: (937) 434-9005, www.metroparks.org
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. April through October, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. November through March, closed Christmas and New Year's Day
• Vibe: Nature and flowers always offer up a romantic setting for a first date. Get some fresh air, relax and retreat from the rest of the world. Cox Arboretum offers a great place to walk and talk, even in the cold months of winter. The Zorniger Education Center offers many gardening programs, and there are often special shows at the arboretum including an annual orchid show. If the relationship is a success, you can even get married there!

The Greene Town Center

• Location: 51 Plum St., Beavercreek
• More info: Guest services, (937) 490-4990
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
• Vibe: With a city-like atmosphere, the Greene is a great place to go when you don't know exactly what you want to do. It has many entertainment, shopping and restaurant options. Not hungry? Grab a cup of coffee at Caribou Coffee, a beer at The Pub or a glass of wine at The Wine Loft. The summer is a good time to relax in the center courtyard and watch the fountains or enjoy the occasional live music.

The Oregon District

• Location: Fifth Street, downtown Dayton
• Hours: Vary per business
• Vibe: The Oregon District offers a handful of local, authentic businesses that can only be found in Dayton. The options of shopping, bars, cafes, art and restaurants are sure to mix things up and keep the night interesting. The locations range from upbeat dancing atmospheres to authentic international cuisine and local band hangouts and everything in between. The Oregon District has a great scenery of old houses, so be sure to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy a taste of old Dayton.

Wiley's Comedy Niteclub

• Location: 101 Pine St., Dayton
• Contact: (937) 224-JOKE, www.wileyscomedyclub.com
• Vibe: What better way to bond with someone new than over a few laughs. Wiley's will break the ice without you actually having to do the work. To satisfy more than comedic relief, Wiley's has a food and drink menu.

Stars Lounge at The Crowne Plaza Hotel

• Location: 33 E. Fifth St., Dayton
• Contact: (937) 224-0800
• Vibe: Take in the view of Dayton from above. The Stars Lounge offers live entertainment, a loungy, laid-back feel and a panoramic view of the city that is breathtaking at night.

The village of Yellow Springs

• Location: Downtown Yellow Springs, along Xenia Avenue
• Contact: (937) 767-2686, http://www.yellowspringsohio.org
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Vibe: Voted Ohio Magazine's best hometown for 2010, Yellow Springs has a lot to offer whether it is dining, hiking, shopping or just relaxing. Check out The Winds restaurant or Peach's Grill while you're there.

- Compiled by Lauren Beach