2nd Street Market

WHAT: 2nd Street Market
WHERE: 600 E. Second St., Dayton
HOURS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
INFO: 937-228-2088 or metroparks.org

Five Rivers MetroParks' 2nd Street Market is undoubtedly one of Dayton's best kept secrets. It may be small, but it's mighty: it's home to over 40 vendors specializing in local produce, freshly prepared food and beverages and handcrafted merchandise.

Visitors can accomplish their weekly shopping, purchase homemade gifts or sit back and people watch. On Saturdays, local performers are on hand to entertain the crowds.

Walking through merchant row, you're sure to find unique gifts with over a dozen separate handcrafting vendors. If you're lucky, you may even see artisands demonstrating their special crafts. Fresh flowers are always available to freshen up your home.

After a day of shopping, sink your teeth into something sweet or savory. The market has a wide range of dishes specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, cabbage rolls, Latin American favorites, Thai, meat pies and desserts galore!

If you're a fan of urban repurposing, you'll be glad to know that the market is housed in the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad warehouse that was originally built in 1911. In 2001, the building was renovated with the help of PNC Bank. Today, the market is owned by Five Rivers MetroParks and is Dayton's seventh-busiest attraction, serving roughly 370,000 people per year.