For some people, relaxation means getting away from the crush of reality, even if it’s only for an hour or two. For others, it means hitting the gym, pampering yourself with good food or just trying something new.
Here are 10 suggestions ofquality “Me Time” activities in the area that are bound to lighten your spirit as the snowflakes fall.
1. The Ultimate Comfort Food
Sometimes it just takes a warm serving of macaroni and cheese to make you forget about the crummy weather. Try Crave’s Mac and Cheese with blackened chicken over smoked Gouda cheese and pasta with roasted garlic sauce.
Price: $16
Where: Crave, 57 E. Market St., Akron
2. Indulge in Something Warm
Take a moment to sit back and indulge in some hot chocolate at Sugar Luv Confections. This spot’s “Drinking Chocolate” is a mixture of warm melted chocolate, milk and cream, and it serves as a richer, darker version of the all-time favorite, hot cocoa.
Price: $2.75 per cup
Where: Sugar Luv Confections, 410 Chestnut Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls
3. Shake Your Stress Away
Dance your butt off at Akron’s Dance Dance Party Party for women on the first, third and fifth Fridays of every month and the second Sunday of every month. This event features a variety of music genres and no dance instructors. You can wear whatever you want, but just be ready to sweat! And the best part, there are only three rules: “No boys, no booze and no judgment.”
Price: $2 for cost of studio rental
Where: Martell School of Dance,788 W. Market St., Akron
4. Beat the Cold With Indoor Fitness
Schedule a yoga or Pilates class at The Natatorium, and be sure to bring a towel, mat and water to each class. Or, try Tai chi ch’uan, an ancient Chinese martial art, shown to reduce stress levels. The Nat offers a range of skill levels from beginner to advanced students.
Price: Ages 14 to 59 monthly fee: $45 for Cuyahoga Falls residents and $61 non-residents.
Ages 60+, monthly fee: $33 for Cuyahoga Falls residents and $45 non-residents
Where: The Natatorium,2345 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls
5. Buy Yourself a Present
Treat yourself this winter and cover up with a variety of hats, socks, scarves and ear warmers from Wolf Creek Alpacas. These accessories are hand-knitted and woven from the warm fiber of alpacas.
Price: $12 to $48
Where: Wolf Creek Alpacas, 3457 Stimson Road, Norton
6. A Walk Into Meditation
If you’re looking for something a bit more calming, take a scroll through the First Congregational Church of Akron’s Candlelight Labyrinth Walk and meditate as you peacefully glide your way through the divine maze.
Price: Small donation suggested
Where: First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St., Akron
7. Take a Break
Sit back, relax and leave the house cleaning to the professionals. Hire Akron Area Commercial Cleaning for a one-time “spring” cleaning or a scheduled cleaning. This business also offers laundry and pet care.
Price: Depends on the customized services you need
Where: Akron Area Commercial Cleaning, 1264 Copley Road, Akron
8. More than a Haircut
Getting pampered isn’t just for the ladies. Fellas deserve some “me time” too. When you visit Pilgrim Square Barber Shop, you can get a hot towel shave while relaxing and chatting with other patrons in the old-style barber shop ambience.
Price: $20
Where: Pilgrim Square Barber Shop, 2307 W. Market St., Akron
330-864-2758
9. Sip and Relax
Sample a wide variety of wine at The Winery at Wolf Creek. Take a stroll along acres of grapevines, or if it’s too cold, you can sit indoors and sip the winery’s selections (the bar also carries beer.) Order in food from a nearby restaurant and make a night of it.
Price: “Small tasting fee”
Where: The Winery at Wolf Creek,2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton
10. Start Training Now
Hit the gym and train your stress away in preparation for the fourth annual Black Squirrel 5K Race. Named after Kent’s unofficial mascot, the race will begin at 8 a.m. on Sat., April 12. Overall winners (male and female) will receive cash prizes.
Price: $30 per person
Where: Kent State’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, Kent
330-672-4732
