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Top 10 Things to Do in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio, is a mid-sized city with plenty to offer residents and visitors alike! From a thriving culinary scene with an assortment of unique restaurants to exciting cultural events, there’s plenty to enjoy around downtown Akron! As locals, we love to help others find things to love about our City of Invention!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN AKRON, OHIO
Few things bring as many locals together as the Akron RubberDucks! As the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, the RubberDucks have some incredible talent on display in any given year. This beloved local minor league team competes downtown at 717 Credit Union Park, formerly known as Canal Park.
The stadium has space for more than 7,600 spectators, and it has plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you satiated during even the longest game. In addition to the traditional hot dogs available at The Dog Pound, there is also craft beer, ice cream, and unique foods at the six concession stands, such as Not Your Routine Poutine at Tater’s Stand, where the fries come smothered in gravy, cheese curds, green onion, pulled pork, and bacon bits. Catching a RubberDucks game is a great way to make memories!
Have you always wanted to explore rock climbing, but you worry about equipment or getting tangled in the ropes? Rock Mill Climbing is the answer to those concerns that freeze people out of trying this exciting sport. They have a bouldering-only climbing gym.
In other words, you rely on your brain and body to move through climbing routes that change every week without relying on ropes or needing a partner to test your skills. Do you want to chill out instead of going full tilt? Rock Mill Climbing also has yoga classes, as well as a traditional fitness center. There’s even a coffee bar on site with everything from espresso and sweet treats to craft beer on tap!
3. LOCK 3 PARK
Nestled downtown next to the Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 3 is the local destination for concerts and community events! Enjoy concerts on the weekends under the summer and early fall skies. You can attend festivals, special seasonal events, and even the annual 4th of July fireworks show at Lock 3.
There are often small, even free events here, such as yoga classes hosted by local nonprofits and Dogtoberfest, the annual celebration of local canine companions. In the winter, Lock 3 turns into a winter wonderland, complete with two outdoor ice skating rinks (with a college student discount!) and even ice bumper cars. Add a bahn mi and coffee joint, and Lock 3 is the place to be!
Located about a 30-minute drive from The Depot, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area! Almost 2.9 million people visit the park each year, and it’s easy to see why! With more than 33,000 acres of forest, teeming with local wildlife and beautiful foliage, waterfalls, and a scenic railroad, Cuyahoga Valley National Park could easily command a hefty entrance fee.
Thankfully, entry into the park is free (and so is parking). Wander on forest paths, hike to the glorious Brandywine Falls, and cross the historic reconstruction of the Everett Covered Bridge. When you need a break from city life, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the place to be!
While The Depot does have an in-house game room and an arcade for you to showcase your skills, sometimes you may want to play a game in a fresh setting. Thankfully, we’re only three miles from Green Dragon Inn, which is the tabletop gaming destination in Akron!
This medieval-themed bar and café offers a family-friendly space to sip, grab a small bite, and play one of numerous exciting board games with old or new friends. They have more than 750 games on site, and they do allow you to reserve a private room in advance for special events! With everything from 1-player games to games that work for groups of 8 or more, Green Dragon Inn is a great place to let your competitive streak loose!
5 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AKRON, OH
Akron has many incredible restaurants, from the most popular and successful chains to many locally-owned eateries. No matter what you're craving, there's a restaurant near The Depot serving up what you want! The short list below contains some of our favorites!
EDDIE'S FAMOUS CHEESESTEAKS & GRILLE
With a brick-and-mortar location downtown and a food truck, Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks & Grille is one of the most popular eateries in the area. They make their sandwiches to order and serve them with freshly-cut fries. You can’t go wrong with The Original, which features chopped sirloin, caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, mozzarella, and provolone cheese on an Amorosa roll. You can also pick your own toppings and have them custom-make a cheesesteak for you! Be sure to spring for the large steak-cut fries, which they serve with house-made ketchup or three-pepper house dip. There are also other sandwiches, pitas, and even sausages to round out the menu.
TOTALLY BAKED PIZZA
Who doesn’t love the combination of quality pizza and puns? Totally Baked Pizza has been so successful in downtown Akron that they’ve expanded to a location in Cuyahoga Falls. They serve garlic knots that will have you craving a return trip. Their pizzas feature names inspired by pop culture, such as the Cheech, or cheese pizza, and the Chong, which is covered in salty pepperoni. Our top recommendation is the Mike Tyson, which has gorgonzola cream, short rib, pork belly, green onions, and Cajun seasoning. You won’t regret a trip to Totally Baked Pizza!
DIAMOND DELI
If you want the best lunch sandwich (or freshest soup) you’ve had in a while, stop by Diamond Deli! They have a near-perfect rating on multiple platforms for a reason! They serve New York-style sandwiches piled high with freshly-sliced meats and other toppings. They have a half-dozen corned beef and pastrami options, and you can’t go wrong with any of them! Even their turkey Reuben gets rave reviews. They also have plenty of massive sandwiches with clever names related to their regulars, like the Charlie Hustle. It’s overflowing with brisket, roast beef, Colby cheese, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing. They also serve subs, wraps, salads, and even chili made fresh daily!
THE LAMPOST IN ELLET
Located less than 10 minutes from The Depot in normal traffic, The Lampost in Ellet is the local go-to after a late-night study session or a night out with friends. This 24-hour diner serves the comfort foods you’d expect from an eatery open all night, including breakfast any time of day. From chopped and country-fried steak options to smothered biscuit platters covered in cheese and sausage gravy, you’ll find plenty of classic American dishes on the menu here! You have multiple options for burgers, salads, and traditional fried appetizers. They have daily specials, including soups and sandwiches. They will also make you a hand-dipped milkshake if you want something sweet!
SHOWCASE MEATS
Whether you want a quick sandwich for lunch or freshly fried chicken, Showcase Meats has what you’re craving! In addition to the well-stocked butcher counter, there’s a hot deli with savory options just waiting for you. People love their fried chicken, which they have prepared via pressure cooking since 1971. Other menu highlights include their pizzas and chicken wings, as well as their jojos (seasoned potato wedges) and hot rice (which isn’t just a cup of white rice). Be sure to grab some of their sweet treats from the bakery as well. You also shouldn’t ignore their competitive weekly specials, which offer unique discounts on weekdays and make their locally-beloved dishes even more affordable.