Dayton neighborhood sees 1 million visitors.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Artsy Oregon District lures tourists downtown

Dayton residents have a big appetite for the unique and authentic.

Downtown Dayton advocates for years have pointed to the Oregon District as an urban success story. Now, they have hard numbers to back up their enthusiasm.

A study conducted by the city of Dayton's planning department shows the historic, artsy neighborhood attracted more than 1.3 million paying customers last year to its restaurant row on Fifth Street. That's more than double the number of people who came to downtown venues such as the Dayton Montgomery County Convention Center or Victoria Theatre.

The number excites Oregon …