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Photo by Shane Wynn
Guests dining in the afternoon at Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant.
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Sea otter sculptures at the Akron Zoo.
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Exterior view of the Akron Art Museum.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Webster, mascot for the Akron RubberDucks, entertaining at the Kids Fun Run.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Grizzly Ridge at the Akron Zoo.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Children along the path of the Kids Fun Run.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Front windows at Luigi's Restaurant.
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Shane Wynn
Downtown Akron Skyline
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Overhead view of downtown Akron.
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Akron Marathon sculpture next to Canal Park.
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Flowers outside of of Lock 3 Park with the Civic Theatre in the background.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Guests enjoying wine at Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Guests relaxing on the outdoor patio at Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Guests dining at the bar at Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Exterior of the lit sign for the Nightlight Cinema in the evening.
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Glass works demonstration
A glass making demonstration at the studio of Akron Glass Works.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
Displays of items for sale at Akron Glass Works.
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Owner of Dante Boccuzzi Akron.
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Restaurant menu printed on album covers at Dante Boccuzzi Akron.
Through exploration we are constantly discovering new things. However you don’t need to dive to the depths of the ocean or scale the tallest peak to find something new. Instead, explore Downtown Akron.
Downtowns were once the source of bustling activity. Citizens flocked to Main Streets all over the nation, shopping, dining and socializing. Decades passed by and the downtowns that were once the hub of activity slowly ebbed. However there has been a resurgence of interest in being downtown in recent years.
Families catch a game at Canal Park. Couples stroll along the streets, stopping at Lock 3 for an outdoor concert. Professionals abandon their suburban homes for a trendy living experience downtown, where lively entertainment is only a few footsteps from their front door. Friends participate in art classes, listen to live jazz or shop the afternoon away.
Whether you are with the family, your sweetheart or out to just have a budget-busting good time, downtown has a lot to offer.
Please keep in mind that though many of the destinations we list downtown are walkable, parking is also available at most locations.
With the little ones:
Bring your children with you to Downtown Akron and enjoy a day strolling the streets in the bright sunshine – at least for the months where the sun makes an appearance.
Start out your day with a little history. Take a walk through Lock 3 Park and make sure to stop and look around. This green space in the middle of downtown can be a tranquil place to just relax. At least for parents. Younger park patrons are more than welcome to burn off a little energy by running up and down the green sloping hill at top speed.
The Akron History Exhibit at Lock 3 highlights the history of this industrial city through displays about the manufacturing of canal boats, cereal, agricultural equipment and the tire industry. Worried that your children will get bored looking at displays? Direct them to the American Toy Marble Museum. This interactive section of the museum features marbles and toys that were found on the site itself. The site that Lock 3 currently rests on was once The American Marble & Toy Manufacturing Company.
The museum is open November to December, Friday and Saturday 12 – 8:30 p.m., Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.; June to September, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. It is also open during the many special events held at Lock 3, including concerts, festivals and the farmers’ market. Learn more at www.lock3live.com
After your fun jaunt through local history, take the family to the ballpark. This American past-time comes to life at Canal Park, where the RubberDucks put their hearts into each game. Game times vary throughout the spring, summer and fall, so make sure you check the schedule before leaving home. While there, grab a hot dog and something cold to sip on, then cheer for our home team. Visit www.akronrubberducks.com for more information.
Once the game is over, it is time to settle grumbling stomachs with a stop at an Akron staple. Luigi’s has been a crowd-pleasing tradition in Akron since 1949. Though a bit of a hike from Canal Park, this Northside pizza place is worth the walk. The menu features not only pizza, but a variety of Italian food. It is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday 11 – 2 a.m., Friday 11 – 4 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. – 4 a.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Check out the menu at
With your sweetheart:
Take date night downtown for an evening full of adventure and variety. Grab a bite to eat at The Lockview. If you are a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches, this is the place for you. With a casual, intimate environment, The Lockview will intrigue your taste buds through the inventive menu. You can’t go wrong with The Number One, a classic grilled cheese with American cheese on Texas Toast. Feeling brave? Take a chance and try one of their unique creations that stretch the limits of what a grilled cheese is. The Number Six features grilled apples and applewood smoked bacon on country buttertop bread. The Number Twelve is also an adventurous choice, with a layer of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, topped with American cheese, served on Texas Toast with a side of bourbon gravy. Learn more at www.thelockview.com.
After your taste bud adventure, walk over to the Nightlight for a movie. Featuring a variety of independent films, this downtown movie theatre gives you the film festival feel all year long. Public showings of movies run Tuesday through Sundays, with two showings in the early evening and midnight films on Thursday through Saturday. The box office and café open 30 minutes before the first show of the day and close at the conclusion of the final show. Ticket prices are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for Senior Citizens, $7.50 for children 12 and under and $6.50 for members. Visit www.nightlightcinema.com for more information about their featured films and showtimes.
Once the curtain has closed on your film, don’t rush out of downtown! Walk over to Nuevo and grab a drink. Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequlia Bar offers a vast array of artisan tequilas with a range of prices. Take a sip of something you haven’t had before and argue over the best part of the film you just saw. Careful though, you don’t want to overindulge and not remember your awesome date night in downtown. Nuevo is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Saturday, 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Learn more by visiting www.nuevomodmex.com
With your fellow big spender:
Are you an art lover? If your answer is yes, then head over to Akron Glass Works for a glassblowing workshop. During these workshops, participants can create something beautiful for their home while having a blast learning something new. No experience is necessary to sign up for a workshop, though you do need to register in advance. The workshops are one 2-hour session and start at $55 per person. Visit www.akronglassworks.com for more information about specific projects and workshop dates.
After your glassblowing adventure, head over to Northside for an elegant dinner at Dante Boccuzzi Akron (DBA). This modern restaurant provides more than a meal, it’s a dining experience. While there, enjoy Coriander Rubbed Duck Breast, a 12 once Veal Chop, or ask your server about the 5 Course Chef Tasting Menu, with 7, 14 and 21 course tasting options available to patrons. Advance reservations are required for the tasting menu. DBA is open Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Learn more about DBA by visiting dba.danteboccuzzi.com.
Continue your elegant evening out with a visit to Zeber-Martell Clay Studio and Gallery. Just across the parking lot from DBA, this art gallery features many one-of-a-kind ceramic art pieces, unique vases, wall tiles and jewelry. Walk through the gallery and discover beautiful works of art that you can take with you to decorate your home. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., this is a great way to end a night out on the town. Learn more about the Zeber-Martell Clay Studio and Gallery by visiting www.zebermartell.com.
