Every year, thousands of people find themselves sentenced to a term in Akron, Oh. I offer my condolences, and a bit of hope. While Akron doesn’t have spectacular scenery, exotic culture, exciting nightlife or even ‘funny accents’, it isn’t totally devoid of entertainment or interesting places. In any season, there are things to do. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite places to visit in and around Akron. If you want to do them all, you might need to sign on for an extension of your visit.
1. Inventure Place: Spend a day at the Inventors’ Hall of Fame. It’s great for kids or adults with a kid’s curiosity. Their hands-on exhibits include displays on fiber optics, magnetics, microsopics, and animation. Phone: 330-849-6929 Location: Downtown Akron. Open year round. Tickets are $8.75.
2. Stan Hywet: The former home of Goodyear’s founder, F.A. Seiberling was completed in 1915. Now you can step inside and learn what luxury was like 100 years ago. What would Bill Gates or Howard Branson’s homes be like if it was 1920? Stan Hywet. My favorite parts are the bowling alley and the house-wide vacuum system. Really interesting, fun tour for adults. They also have spectacular gardens and occasional special events. Phone: 888-836-5533 Location: Akron. Open from spring-fall. Tours from $12.
3. Akron Art Museum: They’ll have the finishing touches wrapped up in summer 07. The wonderful little art museum is a hop, skip, and a jump from the library and Inventure place and hosts many fantastic exhibitions. It usually takes me 2-3 hours to tour the exhibits, but I’m not a connoisseur. Phone: 330-376-9186. Location: downtown. Open year round from July 2007. Admission is free.
4. Harry London Chocolate Factory: In 1922, Harry London left his factory job to make chocolate in the European tradition. Save your ticket, it’s worth $2 at the store. Phone: 800-321-0444. Location: North Canton, 20 minutes South of Akron. Open year round. Reservations required. Adult tour tickets are $3.
5. West Point Market: If you’ve been searching for a hard to find ingredient or imported food product, you’ll probably find it here. Founded in 1936 when three Akron men purchased a regular grocery, West Point Market evolved into specialists in all things spectacular. Their cheese shop houses over 300 different cheeses. Phone: 800-838-2156 Location: Akron. Open year round.
6. Akron Zoo: Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! This small but well designed zoo is an excellent day’s outing. The zoo is located on 50 acres and holds 700 animals. A visit will normally take 3-5 hours. Stop at the West Point Market and bring a picnic to eat in one of their many outdoor picnic areas. Phone: 330-375-2550. Location: Akron. Open year round except major holidays. Admission is $0-$8, depending on age and season. Parking is $1.50.
7. Aeros Games: Canal park is a beautiful little ballpark designed by the same people who did Jacob’s Field. No matter where your seat is, you can see what’s happening. Its easy to get to, and more importantly, easy to get away from. Even if you don’t love baseball, you’ll have a great time. Phone: 800-97-AEROS. Location: Canal Park, Downtown. Tickets from $7-$10.
8. Skiing Brandywine/Boston Mills: Have a free day or night? If you’re in Akron in the winter, why not spend some time on the slopes? Phone: 800-875-4241. Location: Peninsula, 20 minutes from Akron. Lift tickets from $23-$39, Ski package rentals from $26.
9. Main Library: Akron’s very modern public library is enormous and centrally located. A reading enthusiast could spend his entire visit to Akron browsing the collection. In fact, the massive magazine selection would take at least a week. Phone: 330-643-9030. Location: Downtown Admission is free.
10. Kent State’s Museum of Decorative Arts: A unique museum of textile and fashion’s history unexpectedly located in NE Ohio. Even if you’re not interested in the latest trends, the massive historical collection of textiles and costumes from around the world is interesting. Phone: 330-672-3450. Location: Kent, about 20 minutes from Akron. Open year round Weds-Sun, except major holidays. Admission is $5.
