Akron, Ohio, has something for everyone who chooses to visit this bustling Midwest City. Home to the Soap Box Derby, Stan Hywet, and the John Brown home, Akron welcomes guests for business and pleasure to sample a variety of accommodations, events, and attractions. With reasonably comfortable temperatures year-round coupled with seasonal diversity, you can experience the natural beauty of the local park systems, take a blimp ride, enjoy an international touring company at E.J. Thomas Hall, or bicycle along the former Erie Canal’s Towpath Trail. Whatever your age, occupation, or interests, you are sure to find lots to do in Akron, Ohio.
Visit an assortment of rides, attractions, and activities at this fun theme park just minutes from Akron. Splash in Tidal Wave Bay in the Wildwater Kingdom. Thrill to the Flying Roller Coaster, the Big Dipper, and X-Flight, with age-appropriate rides for the entire family. Visit a live show or cool your feet at Turtle Beach. There are shows and booth attractions and games, too.
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This Tudor revival 65-room mansion was formerly inhabited by the Frank A. Seiberling family. Mr. Seiberling was the co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Here you will find 18th century British portraits and priceless heirlooms indoors with period furnishings and family memorabilia. Outside, you can stroll the grounds and view lovely lagoons, a greenhouse, and beautiful silver birch trees. The new Corbin Conservatory presents modern exhibits like “Butterflies in Flight,” with unconfined exotic butterflies in flight, and “Trains Across the Valley.” Visit the Carriage House store and café for added delights. Outdoor Shakespeare drama offered during the summer months.
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Enjoy the best of the regional Cuyahoga River when you stroll the boardwalk, take a boat ride, enjoy a magnificent view of the falls, shop the antique mall, visit an international restaurant, and participate in special events like Rockin’ on the River every Wednesday. In summer, take advantage of the interactive fountain, and in winter, do some skating on the ice rink. Everyone in the family can have fun at the coffee shops, evening programs, and river watching, along with nearby family eateries or upscale dining.
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The Inventors Hall of Fame displays hundreds of exhibits that commemorate renowned inventors whose work has changed our lives significantly. Many displays are hands-on and interactive to encourage discovery and creativity in guests of all ages. The Center hosts numerous programs to foster exploration and creative thinking. There is a Collegiate Inventors Competition for college students; Camp Invention for kids at various national locations; and an after school program called Club Inventio
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John Brown was the nineteenth century abolitionist who worked to free slaves and participated in the famous raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859, where he was captured and later executed for treason. The home is decorated in the 1840’s style that Brown knew while living in two rooms there and tending sheep for Simon Perkins, son of Akron’s founder. Tourists can see late antebellum photos and a reconstructed canal boat captain’s quarters, along with a changing temporary display today.
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Built in 1871 by industrialist John Henry Hower, the Second Empire Italianate 28-room mansion attracts visitors from around the world. Currently owned by The University of Akron, Hower House is open eleven months a year with free parking. Guests can view the eight fireplaces and six chimneys, along with unique octagonal rooms and oak parquet floors. You may even spot the ghost of an early Hower ancestor that is rumored to wander the upstairs floors! Visit the Cellar Door Gift Shop for music, jewelry, ornaments, gift-wrap, and other novelties; free cookies and coffee provided; wassail in December.
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Operating since 1922, the Harry London factory makes more than 500 types of candy that are available in the onsite store. London’s is especially known for its delectable chocolate in a variety of flavors and designs, especially around the holidays; free samples. Visit the Chocolate Hall of Fame for special displays of the best-loved treats.
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Hyde Park Grille, Akron, offers a rich dining experience in an elegant setting that will help you escape stress and strain to enjoy a relaxing, tasteful meal. Alcoholic beverages served. Receiving Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, the eatery has been voted the best steakhouse since 1988, famous for steaks, chops, and fresh seafood.
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Diamond Grille, Akron, offers the best steaks in town, according to some in the know. The Grille has been known to serve nationally recognized celebrities in town for performances at Blossom Music Center and E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Private parties welcome. Simple and unassuming, the menu is basic, but the taste cannot be duplicated.
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Ken Stewart’s Grill, Akron, enjoys a popular reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Akron. A lovely décor and creative cuisine prepared by knowledgeable chefs introduce guests to a memorable lunch or dinner experience from an eclectic menu.
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Bricco, Akron, specializes in Italian cuisine with a taste of California. Alcohol served. Prices range from $10 to $30 per person. Its eclectic clientele includes college students and business people. Located close to Lock 3, Canal Place, the Civic Theater, and The University of Akron, so you can stop in for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Great for relaxing with friends after an Aeros’ game.
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Tangier Restaurant and Cabaret, Akron, is one of Akron’s best-known dining and entertainment establishments, open for fifty years. Serving Mediterranean and American cuisine, the Restaurant excels in service and good taste. Cabaret performers include nationally known singers and comedians like Spyro Gyra and 1964 The Tribute. Georgie’s Happy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday boasts free appetizers.
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Enjoy comedians from television shows that include the Tonight Show, David Letterman’s The Late Show, and Showtime. Groups welcome; come for open mic on Monday nights.
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Cathedral Buffet, Akron, serves a home-style buffet meal that will make you feel right at home. You can select from numerous side dishes, entrees, desserts, and beverages. Free parking. The restaurant is located in a popular area of shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
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Brubaker’s Pub, Akron, is inviting to Aeros fans and other sports enthusiasts, along with after-business socials and college student revels. Located near downtown, the pub’s large windows facing out on the sidewalk give it an open, spacious feel that lets patrons connect to the nightlife outside. Casual dress suggested; food available if you get hungry.
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Gus’ Chalet, Akron, is known for delicious steaks, chops, and seafood. Alcoholic beverages and private seating are available. Major credit cards accepted. Reservations required. The price range averages between $10 and $25 per person.
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Northside, Akron, features live entertainment, especially acoustic, blues, and funk music performed on a raised patio platform along with good food that includes Island shark bites and Parmesan wraps. Guests are greeted with a welcoming ambiance that invites you to set aside cares and enjoy a good time. Casual atmosphere is accented by wall art that sometimes highlights local artists.
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If you are visiting Goodyear Headquarters or one of the eastside neighborhoods, know where you are going or get a map if you don’t. Rush hour traffic can be a headache on E. Market Street and Britain Road, so try to get through these areas at other times. Urban renovation is scheduled for some streets in the area, which can cause congested traffic patterns and unexpected detours. Some east Akron neighborhoods may be less safe after dark; fortunately, churches and social service agencies to help people living in those areas are reclaiming these areas. If you are unsure of the safety of your neighborhood, stick to the main streets when possible.
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The downtown central interchange begins to clog around 3:30 p.m., possibly from the staff leaving day shift at several nearby hospitals. As midday classes let out at three and four p.m., University of Akron students feed into the traffic streams that slow travel considerably between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Though nothing like the multi-lane traffic jams you will find in larger cities, you will still want to plan your schedule to accommodate or avoid these patterns, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city and planning a downtown or suburban meeting or appointment at this time. Keep in mind that several downtown streets are one-way, which can add extra confusion to the rush hour mishmash. Expect interstate back-ups that can slow your progress to a crawl.
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