14 minute read
Points of Interest
#HEYAKRON #HEYSUMMIT
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
ARE WE NOT MUSIC LOVERS?
In the 1950s and 60s, Akron’s Howard Street was known as “Jazz Corridor.” The great musicians of the time would stop in Akron as they traveled from New York to Chicago. Howard Street had a black-owned hotel and clubs where Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and many others performed. A group of art students at Kent State University first came together as Devo in 1973. Their first album, Q. Are We Not Men? A. We Are Devo. was released in 1978, and they gained national attention with a Saturday Night Live appearance the same year. Chrissie Hynde graduated from Firestone High School and went on to study at Kent State as well. Hynde would form The Pretenders in 1978, and the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Akronites Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach formed The Black Keys in 2001. Their 2010 release, Brothers, with its popular single “Tighten Up,” won two Grammy Awards. Their following album, El Camino, netted three more Grammy Awards.
Akron Art Museum
1 S. High St., Akron 44308, 330.376.9185, akronartmuseum.org Contemporary paintings, sculptures and photographs since 1850 fill this imposing museum, itself a work of art in brick, steel and glass.
Akron Children’s Museum
216 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 330.396.6103, akronkids.org A gathering place for children and families, where play inspires exploration, discovery and problem solving with interactive exhibits, programs and special activities.
Akron Civic Theatre
182 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 330.253.2488, akroncivic.com The cultural landmark has a rich, spectacular history, providing Northeast Ohio with a venue for quality entertainment and live performances for more than 70 years.
Akron Fossils & Science Center
2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley 44321, 330.665.3466, akronfossils.com The center provides hands-on learning, a 2-acre outdoor park with live animals and a zip line, and a non-evolutionary-based Creation Education Museum.
Akron Police Museum
217 S. High St., Mezzanine Level, Akron 44308, 330.375.2181 Find photos, weapons and uniforms at this museum located within the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center. Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Appointments strongly suggested.
Akron Symphony Orchestra
92 N. Main St., Akron 44308, 330.535.8131, akronsymphony.org For more than 60 years, this professional symphony has performed classical music and other genres.
Akron Zoo
500 Edgewood Ave., Akron 44307, 330.375.2550, akronzoo.org More than 700 animals call this AZA and World Conservation Zoo accredited hilltop home.
Akron-Summit County Public Library
60 S. High St., Akron 44326, 330.643.9000, akronlibrary.org This resource for learning and leisure also provides information services, meeting spaces and programs for all ages.
ANTIC Theatre
1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330.971.5665, antictheatre.org The community theater creates and teaches youth and adults about theater and acting in all aspects of production.
ArtsNow
artsnow.org Use SummitLive365.com to plan your next arts-inspired experience in Greater Akron.
Ballet Theatre of Ohio
265 N. Main St., Ste. 13, Munroe Falls 44262, 330.688.6065, ballettheatreohio.org Since 1993, it has awed the community with its graceful renditions, from the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” to whimsical springtime performances.
Akron Civic Theatre
Bath and Hudson
bathtownship.org, explorehudson.com Make a day of it in Bath, home of Hale Farm & Village and four nature parks. Stop by Hudson’s First & Main district for shopping and dining.
Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum
2425 Myersville Rd., Akron 44312, 330.699.5086, nativityofthelord.net/cave Visit a replica of the cave where Jesus was born at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church.
Blossom Music Center
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330.920.8040, ticketmaster.com/venue/40964 Located inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the 5,700-seat pavilion and lawn welcome summer Cleveland Orchestra performances and a variety of Live Nation concerts.
BLU Jazz+
47 E. Market St., Akron 44308 330.252.1190, blujazzakron.com Enjoy live jazz in the heart of Akron at this intimate downtown club.
Curated Storefront
526 S. Main St. Ste. 503A, Akron 44311, 330.800.0342, curatedstorefront.org Curated Storefront brings compelling art to diverse audiences through a dynamic program of installations, events, and exhibits that activate underutilized buildings and spaces in Akron, and provides artists with opportunities to expand their practices.
Portage Lakes
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
526 S. Main St. Ste. 503A, Akron 44311, 330.800.0342, curatedstorefront.org Curated Storefront brings compelling art to diverse audiences through a dynamic program of installations, events, and exhibits that activate under utilized buildings and spaces in Akron, and provides artists with opportunities to expand their practices.
Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum
1775 Main St., Second Floor, Peninsula 44264, 330.657.2665, peninsulalibrary.org/museum.php Explore the featured items on display, from Major League Baseball player Scotty Ingerton and the Peninsula Gold Hunt of 1945 to the Flood of 1913.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Peninsula 44264, 800.468.4070, cvsr.com Travel through the center of the national park aboard one of the oldest and longest U.S. tourist railway excursions.
Dr. Bob’s Home
855 Ardmore Ave., Akron 44302, 330.864.1935, drbobshome.org Alcoholics Anonymous originated at the home of Dr. Bob Smith, who founded AA in the 1930s. Now, it welcomes visitors who can see exhibits dedicated to Dr. Bob’s life and studies.
EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall
198 Hill St., Akron 44325, 330.972.7570, uaevents.com This spectacular venue on The University of Akron campus plays host to lectures, performances and special events.
Perkins Stone Mansion
Emily Davis Gallery
The University of Akron – Folk Hall, 150 E. Exchange St., Akron 44325, 330.972.6030, uakron.edu/art/ galleries/edg The Myers School of Art’s galleries provide an environment of encouragement and inspiration for students, faculty and the community. See website for current exhibits.
Fannie May Chocolate Factory
5353 Lauby Rd., North Canton 44720, 330.966.5540, fanniemay.com/en-US/chocolate-tour Explore the factory from high above the production floor. Once your 45-minute guided tour ends, enter the retail store, with more than 500 varieties of gourmet chocolates and candies. Reservations required.
Funny Stop Comedy Club
1757 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330.923.4700, funnystop.com Listen to the outrageous stylings of the most provocative comedians touring America today.
Glendale Cemetery
150 Glendale Ave., Akron 44302, 330.253.2317, glendaleakron.com Founded in 1839 and listed on the National Register of Historic Landscapes, this park-like cemetery is the resting place of some of Akron’s most famous residents.
Akron Zoo
Just a kid from Akron.
Clark Gable stepped off a bus in Akron in 1919 and found work first at Firestone and later at Miller Rubber. It was also in Akron that he saw his first play and fell in love with theater. He landed a small role in a play during his one year in Akron.
Akron Symphony/ E.J. Thomas Hall
The Nightlight Cinema The Winery at Wolf Creek
Goodyear Theater & Goodyear Hall
1201 E. Market St., Akron 44305, 330.690.2307, goodyeartheater.com These concert venues, housed in the former Goodyear headquarters, are located in the growing and refreshingly modern East End, Akron’s premier redevelopment of the historic Goodyear Campus.
The Great Escape Room
323 S. Main St., Ste. 201, Akron 44308, 234.281.2877, thegreatescaperoom.com/ohio/akron You have 60 minutes to escape this Sherlockthemed adventure that combines treasure hunt and puzzle solving.
Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Peninsula 44264, 330.666.3711, 800.589.9703, halefarm.org Discover life as it was in the mid-1800s throughout this working village, including: blacksmithing, candle making, pottery and cooking. Popular annual events welcome guests year-round.
Heaven Bound Ascensions
234.208.5264, heavenboundballoonrides.com Soar the skies of Cleveland, Akron and Canton from the basket of a hot air balloon at dawn or dusk.
Hower House
60 Fir Hill, Akron 44325, 330.972.6909, howerhouse.org Completed in 1871, this Second Empire Italianate-style home was built by John Henry and Susan Youngker Hower.
Hudson Players
Barlow Community Center, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson 44236, 330.655.8522, hudsonplayers.com “Good Shows, Good Friends, Good Times!” is the motto of this award-winning theater company that’s entertained audiences since the 1920s.
The Illusion Factory
Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron 44308, 330.836.1353, theillusionfactory.org Come see Akron’s only professional touring company for children.
John Brown House
Summit County Historical Society, 550 Copley Rd., Akron 44320, 330.535.1120, summithistory.org Abolitionist John Brown, who would come to fame after the Harper’s Ferry raid, moved to this cottage across the street from Perkins Mansion in 1844.
John S. Knight Center
77 E. Mill St., Akron 44308, 330.374.8900, johnsknightcenter.org Akron’s convention center is a showcase for great events, featuring public and private meetings, expositions, conferences –and special events.
Laser Quest Akron
80 Brookmont Rd., Akron 44333, 330.666.6966, laserquest.com This fun-for-everyone venue is perfect for birthday parties or corporate events. Group reservations required.
Lock 3 Park & Lock 4
200 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 330.375.2877, lock3live.com Two unique entertainment venues celebrate the city’s old canalway with staged entertainment, festivals and special events.
Locked in at the Lakes
463 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron 44319, 330.400.2600, lockedinohio.com Groups of two to eight have one hour to escape these puzzling rooms.
Lockheed Martin Airdock
1210 Massillon Rd., Akron 44306, 330.796.1244, lockheedmartin.com Goodyear built the Airdock in 1929 as a facility to manufacture its airships. At 1,175 feet long, 325 feet wide and 211 feet high, it’s one of the largest buildings in the world without interior supports. Drive-by photos only.
Magical Theatre Co.
565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton 44203, 330.848.3708, magicaltheatre.org Housed in the 1919-built Park Theater, the Magical Theatre Co. is the only professional resident and touring theater for young audiences and families in Northeast Ohio and provides cultural and educational experiences.
MAPS Air Museum
2260 International Pkwy., North Canton 44720, 330.896.6332, mapsairmuseum.org Bombers, fighter jets, historical aircrafts and more are on display at this interactive museum hangar.
MGM Northfield Park
10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield 44067, 330.908.7625, mgmnorthfieldpark.com Best-in-class gaming, as well as a variety of musical and comedy venues. Enjoy dining and entertainment at TAP Sports Bar, The Buffet, The Roasted Bean and Center Bar & Lounge.
Michael Anthony’s Winery
5515 Broadview Rd., Richfield 44286 440.552.2815, michaelanthonysbakery.com A cafe-style winery for a casual experience where the focus is on good food, good wines and good company.
Mustill Store and Cascade Locks Park Association
Cascade Locks Park, 248 Ferndale St., Akron 44304, 330.374.5625, cascadelocks.org The Mustill Store, circa 1850, is open to the public on weekends April through October. Cascade Locks Park Association protects this vital piece of history.
Music from the Western Reserve
21 Aurora St., Hudson 44236, 330.840.8429, mftwr.org Downtown Hudson’s Christ Church Episcopal is the setting for performances by Northeast Ohio’s finest musicians.
National Museum of Psychology
Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, The University of Akron, 73 S. College St., Akron 44325, 330.972.7285, uakron.edu/chp. Delve into the past, present and future of psychology and related human sciences, including the Archives of the History of American Psychology and the Institute for Human Science & Culture.
100 YEARS OF CELEBRATING ART & PEOPLE
WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY 11 am – 5 pm THURSDAY 11 am – 8 pm SECOND FRIDAYS 11 am – 8 pm ONE SOUTH HIGH AKRON, OH 44308 330.376.9186 akronartmuseum.org
Nauti Vine Winery
3950 S. Main St., Akron 44319 330.644.5444, nautivine.com Enjoy a variety of vintage wines on the shores of the Portage Lakes.
The Nightlight Cinema
30 N. High St., Akron 44308, 330.252.5782, nightlightcinema.com Akron’s first movie house for independent art and offbeat and foreign films. Local fare and libations complement the experience.
None Too Fragile Theatre at the Coach House
732 W. Exchange St., Akron 44302, 330.962.5547, nonetoofragile.com/akron Akron’s home for professional, offBroadway style black box theatre has a new location at the former Coach House Theatre.
Northside Marketplace/ District & High Street Area
downtownakron.com, northsidemarketplace.com These areas are the center of commerce and culture, history meets art, music meets fashion and food meets soul.
Oakwood Chapel
2420 Oakwood Dr., Cuyahoga Falls 44221 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the chapel welcomes visitors for a variety of entertainment and social gatherings.
Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Sixth Floor, Akron 44308, Tickets: 888.718.4253, General: 330.374.7574, ohioshakespearefestival.com The professional theater company is dedicated to articulating the inherently theatrical components of Shakespeare and his fellow playwrights throughout the ages.
Pan African Center for Community Studies
The Buckingham Building, 220 Wolf Ledges Pkwy., Akron 44325, 330.972.7030, uakron.edu Get an in-depth look at the African-American community’s history and impact on Akron through art and historical exhibits, as well as a Black History lecture series. Free.
Just a kid from Akron.
Rita Dove, a Buchtel High School graduate, won a Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1987. Then in 1992, she was named the United States Poet Laureate — an office she held from 1993–1995.
NEW NONSTOPS, LOWER FARES.
The Peanut Shoppe
203 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 330.376.7020, akronpeanuts.com The 1930s-established store sells a wide selection of healthy snacks, chocolate, candies, fresh peanut butter and sugar-free treats.
Peninsula Art Academy
1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula 44264, 330.657.2248, peninsulaartacademy.publishpath.com The gallery, studios and exhibit hall offer something for every art enthusiast.
Perkins Stone Mansion
The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, 550 Copley Rd., Akron 44320, 330.535.1120, summithistory.org Built in 1837, the former home of Colonel Simon Perkins Jr. is one of the finest and most treasured examples of Greek Revival architecture in the U.S.
Porthouse Theatre
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 44242, 330.672.3884, kent.edu/porthouse This professional outdoor theater, located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, features shows presented in a covered 500-seat theater. Preshow picnics are encouraged.
Visit Donovan and his friends today! Visit Donovan and his friends today!
CHILDREN'S CHOIR PROGRAM METROPOLITAN CHORUS AKRON CITY GOSPEL SINGERS SING WITH ME DRUMSING SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
330 .434 .SING (7464 )
MAPS Air Museum
AKRON’S
HOTTEST
DESTINATION
HOT GLASS STUDIO AND GALLERY WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Quirk Cultural Center
1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330.971.8425, cityofcf.com/play/quirk The 200-seat Newell Theatre entertains residents and visitors with an array of programming for all ages.
Rubber City Theatre
The University of Akron, 234.252.0272, rubbercitytheatre.com Together, our family of wildly talented artists and storytellers create innovated, intimate productions that open the eyes and hearts of our audiences in an intentionally accessible, inclusive and safe space.
Sarah’s Vineyard
1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330.929.8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com Located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the original pre-Civil War farmhouse has been transformed into a popular local winery and art gallery.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303, 330.836.5533, stanhywet.org The original estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling, the 65room Tudor Revival manor house and grounds is the nation’s sixth largest private home open to the public. Open April–December.
Stow Symphony Orchestra
Performances at Stow High School Auditorium, 3227 Graham Rd., Stow 44224, 330.678.0029, stoworchestra.org The SSO exists to give orchestral musicians the opportunity to perform classical and contemporary classical repertoire in a professional atmosphere.
Summit Artspace
140 E. Market St., Akron 44308, 330.376.8480, summitartspace.org Featuring more than 30 exhibits each year, this multi-level building is a canvas for art and a stage for performances.
Summit Choral Society
50 S. Main St., Ste. LL 130, Akron 44308, 330.434.7464, summitchoralsociety.org Summit Choral Society’s mission is to produce and present quality performances of distinguished choral music for the enjoyment and education of our singers, patrons and the Greater Akron community.
Summit County Fairgrounds
229 E. Howe Rd., Tallmadge 44278, 330.633.6200, summitfair.com A year-round agricultural and special event venue, the grounds’ signature event is its annual fair each July.
Just a hero from Akron.
In 1978, NASA selected Firestone High School graduate Judith Resnik as an astronaut candidate in, and she flew her first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984. Sadly, we lost Resnik on the ill-fated flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.
550 Copley Rd., Akron 44320, 330.535.1120, summithistory.org Founded in 1924, the Society manages the Perkins Stone Mansion, John Brown House and the Old Stone School.
Tuesday Musical Association
1041 W. Market St.,Akron 44313, 330.761.3460, tuesdaymusical.org. World-class musicians grace the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall stage each season.
Weathervane Playhouse
1301 Weathervane Ln., Akron 44313, 330.836.2626, weathervaneplayhouse.com This community playhouse has welcomed audiences to its passionate performances for more than 70 years.
The Western Reserve Playhouse
3326 Everett Rd., Bath 44286, 330.620.7314, westernreserveplayhouse.org Experience dramas, comedies and thought-provoking performances held in an 1886 barn, an intimate setting with 100 seats.
The Winery at Wolf Creek
2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton 44203, 330.666.9285, wineryatwolfcreek.com This family-owned winery offers wine tastings, cooking classes, tours and other events.
Explore Stan Hywet
Experience Learn Play
Tickets at
stanhywet.org
714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 330.836.5533
