By Sandy Mitchell
Fun Things to Do in Akron Ohio
Akron, Ohio, historically a center of industry, has recently enjoyed a rebirth as a technology hub. The combination of traditional cultural institutions with new restaurants and attractions make this city of about 200,000, located about an hour's drive south of Cleveland, a fun and interesting place to visit.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion, was built in 1912 by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. The gracious estate and gardens are open to the public from April through December. Highlights include the gatehouse, where Alcoholics Anonymous was conceived, the indoor swimming pool and the wood-paneled library. The house is particularly lovely at Christmas when each room is decorated for the holidays.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
330 836-5533
Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo, located west of downtown Akron, houses more than 700 animals. The 50-acre park is especially noted for its snow leopards. Other highlights include the children's zoo, the endangered Humboldt penguins and the jaguar.
The Akron Zoological Park
500 Edgewood Ave.
Akron, OH 44307
330 375-2550
Akron Aeros
The Akron Aeros, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, play in downtown Akron at Canal Park. The 9097-seat park offers a fun and affordable alternate to big league baseball.
Akron Aeros Canal Park
300 South Main St
Akron, Ohio 44308
330 253-5151
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located just north of Akron, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park features hiking and biking trails, historic buildings and sites from the Connecticut Western Reserve and Ohio-Erie Canal days as well as a variety of free learning programs. Admission to the 33,000-acre park is free.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Canal Visitor Center
Canal Rd. at Hillside Rd.
Peninsula, OH 44264
216 524-1497
About the Author:
Sandy is a Northeast Ohio-based writer, blogger, and editor. Among other projects, she writes and edits the Cleveland pages for About.com. Before devoting herself full-time to writing, Sandy was a travel agent and cruise school instructor for 18 years. Sandy holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Photo Credits:
(courtesy of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens)
