Welcome to Akron!

First visit to the Akron area? You are in for a treat! Akron has amazing shopping opportunities ranging from a 500+ artisan gallery (Don Drumm Studio and Gallery), the largest natural food store in Ohio (Mustard Seed Market and Cafe), to the specialty food shops of West Point Market.

The following information is courtesy the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Places to Shop

• Aurora Farms Premium Outlets -- A visit to Aurora Farms Premium Outlets is always an exciting adventure. Stroll through this charming outdoor village setting and save 25% - 65% every day. Featuring an impressive collection of 70 designer and name brand outlet stores including Adidas, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Lenox, Liz Claiborne, Mikasa, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlets, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and more! Visit our website for a complete list of stores, events and sale information. For more information visit: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/aurora
• Chapel Hill Mall -- Anchor stores include JCPenney, The Gap, Aeropostale, Spencer Gifts, Victoria's Secret and Kaufmann's. For more information visit: http://www.chapelhillmall.com
• Don Drumm Studios & Gallery -- This exceptional two-building gallery complex features works by more than 500 professional artisans including Don Drumm's architectural sculptures and cast aluminum crafts and Lisa Drumm's whimsical soft sculptures and colorful "Knotty Family" dolls. To arrange a group tour, please call gallery manager in advance. No charge. Free parking. For more information visit: http://www.dondrummstudios.com
• Donzell's Flower & Garden Center -- Garden Center in the spring, summer and fall. Changes into a Christmas store the first weekend of November, with themed trees and animated displays.
• Mustard Seed Market & Cafe -- Ohio's largest natural food store. Browse our aisles of organic produce, hand crafted breads, extensive deli, supplement section complete with herb and homeopathic remedies and cruelty free body care products, and our gourmet foods and wines. Dine in our full service cafe and enjoy wholesome, fresh food. For more information visit: http://www.mustardseedmarket.com
• Plaza at Chapel Hill -- 45 great stores, restaurants and an eight-screen theater are all conveniently located at The Plaza at Chapel Hill. From tools to fashions to toys, stores such as Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, Kids "R" Us, Marc's, Marshalls, OfficeMax, TJ Maxx and Toys "R" Us offer a variety of items at affordable prices.
• Quaker Square Complex -- This renovated site of the original Quaker Oats Factory is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It offers great restaurants, a Pie Factory with coffee shop and unique specialty shops. Purchase freshly bakes pies, oatmeal cookies, kitchen gadgets, specialty toys, gift baskets, and artwork featuring Thomas Kinkade, a wide variety of unusual hot sauces and more. Connected with the Crowne Plaza Quaker Square, the Trackside Grille features authentic railroad memorabilia as well as dining area inside original Broadway Limited railroad cars.
  • General Store Annex -- Features homemade fudge and many unique gifts.
  • Christmas Store -- Is open year-round with a wide variety of Christms decorations.
  • The News Stand -- See us for comics, magazines, maps, books, calendars, post cards, sundries and souvenirs. (Special orders welcome.)
  • Country Store -- Has many gifts that are perfect for the home.
• Rolling Acres Mall -- Anchor stores include Sears, Kaufmann's, JCPenney Outlet, Dillards Clearance Center and Target, and other fine service and retail stores. For more information visit: http://www.rollingacresmall.com
• Summit Mall -- A large variety of stores including Kaufmann's, Dillard's, The Disney Store, Eddie Bauer, Gymboree, Zany Brainy and more. For more information visit: http://www.shopsimon.com
• West Point Market -- Specialty: 12 stores within a store, including 25,000 square feet of specialty foods: Belgian chocolates, prime meats, imported foods, homemade breads, premium wines and a deli/cafe. For more information visit: http://www.westpointmarket.com

Entertainment, Museums, Etc.

• Akron Police Museum -- Housed at the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, the Akron Police Museum features historical photos, uniforms and weapons. Other items on display include the keys to the original 1890 jail and a 1965 Harley Davidson police motorcycle. For more information visit http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/police06.html
• Akron Zoological Park -- The Akron Zoological Park houses more than 400 animals from around the world, plus lions,tigers,and bears in the Tiger Valley area. Exhibits include the Bald Eagle Exhibit; Otter Exhibit; the Asian Trail, with red pandas, white-nape cranes and barking deer; and the new Penguin Point Exhibit. Other popular attractions include a walk-through aviary and Lemur Island. Location: 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, Ohio 44307, 330.375.2550. For more information visit: http://www.akronzoo.org Open November - April: 11 - 4 p.m. daily. Admission fee.
• American Marble & Toy Museum -- The site of Akron.s newest park, Lock 3 Live!, was once the home of The American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company from 1891 to 1904. America.s largest 19th-century toy manufacturer, the company made ceramic and glass marbles, lil. brown jugs, miniature shoes, boots, cats, dogs, Santa Clauses, flower pots and penny banks. Therefore, it.s a fitting site for The American Marble & Toy Museum to be located in the orginal O'Neil's complex. Open Saturdays during Homegrown Staurdys, and by appointment. For more information visit: http://www.akronmarbles.com
• Cascade Locks Park Association -- Spanning Locks 10-16 of the Ohio & Erie Canal, this historic area is a must-see for trail users and history buffs alike. Here you can find evidence of much of Akron's canal and early industrial history, all within a short walk from downtown! For more information visit: http://www.cuyahogavalley.com
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad -- Slip back in time on board the vintage railroad coaches that run through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Choose from a variety of destinations, including the historic Village of Peninsula, Hale Farm & Village and Quaker Square. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad also offers nature excursions guided by a park ranger. Most trains board from Independence, Ohio. Admission. Free parking. Handicap-accessible. For more information visit: http://www.cvsr.com
• E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall -- The University of Akron's E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is one of Akron's cultural meccas with world-class entertainers, ballet, Broadway musicals, comedies and various special events and lectures. 2004 events include favorites Fosse and The Full Monty. Special performances will also include: The Mikado, George Winston, Linda Eder and Chip Davis/Mannheim Steamroller. For a complete schedule visit the web site. The hall is handicap-accessible. For more information visit: http://www.ejthomashall.com
• F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm -- F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is a 104-acre special-use area within Sand Run Metro Park that has been set aside for the study and enjoyment of nature. The Nature Realm was named in honor of Frank A. Seiberling, who owned this property from 1920 until 1948. The land was purchased by Metro Parks in 1964 and the Nature Realm opened in 1966. The Nature Realm includes the 9,400-square-foot Visitors Center, an underground building with exhibits and displays; a 16-acre arboretum with more than 300 species of shrubs and trees; a rock and herb garden; the Kremer Display Garden, which features easy-care and low-maintenance perennials; observation decks, three ponds, hiking trails, and a tall grass prairie. Dogs are not permitted at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. For more information visit: http://www.summitmetroparks.org/parks/nature_realm.shtml
• Goodyear World of Rubber Museum -- A trip to Akron the "Rubber Capital of the World," wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Goodyear World of Rubber museum. Learn how Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process, as well as how rubber is made today. Exhibits include Charles Goodyear's personal mementos, a moon tire and Indianapolis 500 race cars. For more information visit: http://www.goodyear.com
• Harry London Candies, Inc. -- Chocolate lovers should not miss this heavenly landmark. Since 1922, Harry London Candies has made some of the finest chocolate in the world. And at the new factory, the sultans of sweetness are honored in the Chocolate Hall of Fame. Store hours: Mon-Sat, 9a.m - 6p.m.; Factory tour hours: Mon-Fri, 9a.m. - 3p.m. NOTE: Reservations Required by calling 330.494.0833. For more information visit: http;//www.londoncandies.com
• Hower House -- Akron industrialist John Henry Hower built this 28-room home in 1871. His legacy lived on, as the Hower family continued to inhabit the Second Empire Italianate-style mansion for 102 years. Rooms were originally heated by wood and coal; the eight fireplaces and six chimneys remain today. Unique octagonal rooms include black walnut woodwork, oak parquet floors and original family furnishings and heirlooms. On their way out, visitors can buy a mementos from the Cellar Door Store gift shop. The Hower House is easy to spot; just look for the soaring tower and French exterior of this home at the edge of the University of Akron campus. Admission. Free parking. For more information visit: http://www.uakron.edu/howerhse
• John Brown's Home -- The fight to free slaves ruled abolitionist John Brown’s life. Trace the famous Akron resident from his hometown days in this 1830s home to the 1859 raid on Harper’s Ferry. The home features photographs from the late antebellum period, a reconstruction of a canal boat captain’s quarters and a changing temporary exhibit. For more information visit: http://www.summithistory.org
• John S. Knight Center -- The John S. Knight Center is a state-of-the-art exhibition and convention center and banquet hall, located in the heart of a vibrant downtown. The flexible-space Center plays host to large meetings and trade shows held by national, regional and state organizations and trade associations, as well as smaller, more intimate business gatherings. Located on Mill Street between Broadway and High streets, the John S. Knight Center is surrounded by landmarks and attractions, all within easy walking distance. For event calendar visit: http://www.johnsknightcenter.org/acasp/acpageL1New.asp?PageId=8
• Kendall Cliffs -- Kendall Cliffs is the only professionally-designed and built rock gym in Ohio. Our Nicros designed gym has a combination of textured plywood and "natural" rock surfaces. We have 7,000 square feet of climbing surface with a peak height of 35 feet. Day rates and equipment rental avalaible. For more information visit: http://www.kendallcliffs.com/kc/index.asp
• MAPS Air Museum -- The Military Aviation Preservation Society Museum, located at the Akron/Canton Regional Airport, features both vintage military and civilian aircraft. The facility includes the exhibition area, museum store and the Louise Timken Aviation Research Library. For more information visit: http;//www.mapsairmuseum.org
• Mustill Store and House -- Located in their original site at Lock 15 at the Cascade Locks Park, these canal-era buildings are believed to have been built in the 1850s. The Mustill Complex contains many fascinating exhibits on the begining, heyday and demise of the canal as well as the story of Akron's beginnings. For more information visit: http:;www.cuyahogavalley.com
• National Inventors Hall of Fame -- The National Inventors Hall of Fame features hands-on interactive exhibits and displays, each encouraging visitors to explore the ideas of discovery, creativity and invention. Also featured is the Hall of Fame, which showcases hundreds of inventors who have significantly changed our lives for the better, Other national programs include the Collegiate Inventors Competition, an awards program for undergraduate and graduate students; Camp Invention, a summer day camp found in locations throughout the country; and Club Invention, an after-school program. Call for current admission rates for families, adults, students, children and seniors. Validated parking at selected parking facilities. Details available by phone (1.800.968.4332). Additional facilities include the museum store (no admission fee necessary) and accommodations for school visits. For more information visit: http://www.invent.org
• Pan African Culture and Research Center -- Located in the Buckingham Building, the University of Akron Black Cultural Center has a gallery that features rotating exhibits that change every year. The gallery is named for Dr. Shirley R. McClain and houses an exhibit highlighting the history and contributions of African-American women in Akron. For more information visit: http://www.uakron.edu/panafrican
• Perkins Stone Mansion -- Built in the 1830s by Col. Simon Perkin's Jr., son of Akron's founder Gen. Simon Perkins, this mansion is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival-style architecture in Ohio. The Perkins family lived for more than 100 years in this mansion, which is just across the street from the John Brown Home. The mansion's decor illustrates Akron and Summit County's rich history. For more information visit: http://www.summithistory.org
• Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens -- Frank A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, once called this 65-room country estate home. French and Italian reproduction furniture, eighteenth-century British portraits and priceless antique heirlooms make up the home's original furnishings. Everyday items like telephones, radiators and closets are hidden behind carved wooden panels and decorative grillwork. Lagoons, formal gardens, a greenhouse and stunning rows of silver birch trees make the outside just as inviting as the inside of this home, one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in the United States. Take time to visit the Carriage House Store & Cafe. Please allow two hours to tour the estate. The hall is open year-round Admission. Free parking. Handicap-accessible - first floor. For more information visit: http://www.stanhywet.org

Travel and Planning Information

• Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau -- Phone: 1.800.245.4254; Web: http://www.visitakron-summit.org/2003/
• Expedia Travel -- http://www.expedia.com/
• Google Local/Maps -- http://maps.google.com/
• Mapquest -- http://www.mapquest.com
• MSN Maps and Directions -- http://www.mapblast.com
• Ohio Road Construction Updates -- http://www.dot.state.oh.us/
• Rand McNally Maps and Travel Directions -- http://www.randmcnally.com/
• Yahoo Travel -- http://travel.yahoo.com/