Destination Guide

Nature Lovers

When you commune with nature, your daily stresses and strains will quickly fade. Explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio’s only national park and among the Top 10 Most Visited in the U.S.), featuring more than 33,000 acres to hike, bike, ski, sled and simply unwind. Metro Parks Serving Summit County offer 9,000 additional acres with 13 parks, 6 conservation areas and more than 120 miles of trails and 16 miles of the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail. Iconic attractions, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and Hale Farm & Village extol their surroundings, offering manicured gardens and open vistas. The Akron Zoo also offers a glimpse into the habitats of creatures large and small.

Foodies

Whether you enjoy the art of cooking or prefer to savor a delicious dish prepared just for you, Summit County has a menu sure to please. Find the freshest ingredients at the West Point Market or Mustard Seed Market & Café to make your favorite recipes exceptional. Want to avoid the kitchen? Enjoy nostalgic car-side service at Swenson’s Drive-In, or watch Akron-Canton Airport departures and arrivals at the runway-adjacent 356th Fighter Group Restaurant. Hundreds of eateries, diners, restaurants and grilles are located in every corner of Summit County, so pack a big appetite. Did we mention Harry London Chocolate Factory?

Art Enthusiasts

Visual, musical and theatrical—Greater Akron is the stage for sensational cultural pursuits. The expanded Akron Art Museum houses an eclectic modern collection. One block away, Summit Artspace is home to more than 40 arts organizations and features gallery space, studios and classrooms. Stunning spaces—Akron Civic Theatre, EJ Thomas Hall, Greystone Hall, Blossom Music Center and Lock 3/Lock 4—provide year-round access to performances large and small. Greater Akron boasts seven community theaters with inspiring and entertaining seasons. The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra makes Blossom Music Center its summer home, while the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical Association, Summit Choral Society and Ballet Theatre of Ohio dazzle audiences during every season.

Sports Fans

From novices to pros, from armchair quarterbacks to conditioned athletes, Greater Akron is the place for sports. Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks at Canal Park, catch The University of Akron Zips’ sports teams and take in the Akron Racers at Firestone Stadium. Roller Derby also takes Akron by storm with the Rubber City Roller Girls and NEO Roller Derby. If you have a need for speed, Barberton Speedway has the cars, while Northfield Park has the horses. Show your own speed during the Akron Marathon. Marvel at the world’s best golfers at the Bridgestone Invitational or gravity-defying races at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Championships. Two more suggestions: indoor rock climb at Kendall Cliffs and slice through the powder at Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort.