What makes Enon Sights so special is the unique mix of historical simplicity and an almost sublime modernity that you can hardly expect when you travel along the dusty land roads of Mad River Township. I remember the first time in the 1830s when the first settlers here founded a small village around the old waterworks, drove over the gentle hills and heard the quiet strollers of the Mad River – a sound that still echoes between the fields and the few houses today. Since then, the place has hardly changed, apart from a few new residential settlements that easily loosen the image without suffocating the charm.
If you arrive by car, the route is recommended via the I‐70, then a short trip to the State Route 315 – this is the fastest way to reach the heart of Enon without sacrificing in endless traffic jams. I usually take the small train station in Springfield because the train is almost always on time and you can still enjoy the rural idyll.
A walk through the main road leaves you to smell history: old wooden houses, a restored post office and the silent monument, which reminds of the early pioneers. And yes, I don’t always understand the hype about the “Enon sights”, but the honest, almost rustic hospitality here is really great and makes every short stop a small adventure.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Enon, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that National Museum of the United States Air Force on the edge of Wright-Patterson. I spent more hours there than I want to admit, because the huge aircraft halls are almost like an amusement park for tech freaks – and that without entry. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes a small battlefield from vans and tourist buses. I remember standing next to an old B‐52 engine and thinking that this is the true heart of aviation, not the shiny Dayton skyline that you always see in guides.
A short trip after Carillon Historical Park then supplies the counterpart: history for touching, from old carriages to the giant bell tower, which watches over the valley. I made a picnic there on the meadow, while an older gentleman told me that the original railway bridge from the 19th century. Century is still used – a detail that is rarely found in the usual brochures. Parking is free, but the number of visitors increases in autumn when the leaves dive into a colourful game of colours.
If you have enough of dusty relics, the path continues to Huffman Prairie Flying Field, the birthplace of modern flying. I stood there in dawn when a light fog crawled over the field, and heard the distant dawn of a Cessna trainer – a sound that almost seems meditative. Access is free, but the small visitor center closes early, so better to get a coffee in the nearby town of Springfield.
A short jump over city boundaries brings you to Dayton RiverWalk. Here the Great Miami River flows leisurely past, lined with art installations and cafes that have more charm than some downtown hotels. I once discovered a local jazz musician playing in the middle of the bridge – a real secret tip I recommend to anyone seeking a bit of culture with a pinch of inconsistency. Parking is limited at the Riverside Park, but a few blocks further there are still free places.
For nature lovers Mad River State Park a must, even though it's a bit further. I spent a weekend fishing and exploring the trails; the trails are well marked, but in autumn it can become slippery, so pack solid footwear. The lake is ideal for a refreshing bath, and the visitor centre offers occasional guided tours – a nice extra that not everyone knows.
Those who want to experience the shopping heart of the region should Dayton Mall visit. I spent more time testing the food-court cuisine there than actually shopping – a phenomenon that I put to every visitor's heart because the selection of regional snacks is surprisingly good. Parking is huge, but on holidays it can become a small mess, so it's better to be there early.
A detour into Oregon District of Dayton then delivers the nightly flair: cobblestones, bars that have more history than the city museum, and a few pubs that offer live music. I once discovered an old vinyl store where the owner told me a story about the 1970s rock scene – a conversation that is not found in every guide. The roads are well illuminated, and parking is usually free after 20 o'clock in the surrounding garages.
The Clark County Fairgrounds, which organize all year round events from cattle shows to rock concerts. I was there in the summer at a local food festival and ate the best corn flasks of my life – a bit cheesy, but honestly a highlight. The approach is straightforward, and parking is generous, as long as you don't come to the main event, then the terrain is quickly full.
All these places show that Enon's environment has more to offer than the tranquil town itself. If you are looking for authentic experiences, you will find a colourful mix of history, nature, culture and a bit of everyday life – just what I am looking at Enon Sights Love.
At first glance at the small, inconspicuous sign on the edge of Main Street in Enon it becomes clear why I am a bit more proud to live here every time – the Enon River Trail is practically behind the corner and is my personal favorite place to escape everyday life without packing a suitcase.
The trail stretches along the Mad River, and I've been watching some sunrise over the water while I tried not to stumble over the occasionally slippery stones. Easy parking there are at the small car park next to the Trailhead; that is usually not a problem except for the hot summer days when the whole city suddenly decided to go jogging. The path is well marked, but the signs could be a bit more friendly – a “welcome in paradise, please don’t forget to dispose of the garbage” would be nice.
A few meters further, where the trail crosses the road, is the old railway bridge known today as Enon Bridge. I don't understand the hype about historical bridges, but here the rusty metal has something romantic that reminds me of old Western films every time the hero rides over a rocky bridge. A short detour from the trail route leads you directly, and parking is practically at the edge of the field where you can park your car between a few tractors and a forgotten tractor trailer.
If you're looking for a place to rest, the Enon Community Park is just right. I have already organized countless picnics there, and the playground stand is so old that it is almost a historical monument – at least this is my excuse if I can leave my children there. The park has a small amphitheater that is used for local bands in summer; that's a real secret tip because most visitors don't notice it as long as they don't accidentally look past a Friday night. Parking there is in abundance, but be warned: at weekends it can be full because the whole neighborhood flows here.
Another jewel I always like to mention is the Enon Methodist Church. The Gothic building with its pointed windows and the cracking wooden door has something that reminds me of my childhood every time – the feeling that something bigger happens here than the daily one. I took part in a choir sample there and had to find out that the acoustics is really impressive, although the singers were a bit sloping. If you are Enon Sights interesting, this is a must because it is not only a place to pray, but also a piece of local history that should not be overlooked.
For those who prefer to travel with a golf club than with hiking shoes, there is the Enon Golf Club. I played a few rounds there, and although the green isn't exactly the most famous in Ohio, it has a charm you can only find in small communities – the bunkers are sometimes more sandboxes for children than real obstacles. The clubhouse has a small commission shop where you get a cool beer, and parking is right in front of the clubhouse, which is convenient if you want to enjoy a drink after a long day in the green.
Finally, there is a hint for the gourmets: The weekly Enon Farmers Market is a small but fine event that takes place every Saturday morning on the village square. I've tried the best homemade applesauce I've ever eaten there, and the sellers are so friendly that they almost give you the feeling you're part of the family. Right next to the market there is the annual pancake breakfast of the local fire brigade – an event I visit every year because the pancakes are really not a joke, and because you have the opportunity to meet a few local heroes personally. Parking is a children's game here: an empty field trail behind the market offers enough space for a few cars as long as you are not lucky to be there the same day as the big village festival.
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