Akron Ohio, about an hour's drive south of Cleveland, is rich in industrial, artistic, and technological history. The area offers historic homes, expansive green spaces, and fascinating museums. Learn more about what the "Rubber City" has to offer.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
(courtesy of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens)
Stan Hywet Hall is a National Historic Landmark. The 65-room Tudor-style mansion was built in 1912 by Goodyear Rubber Company founder, F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude. Today, the gracious mansion and elaborate gardens are open to the public from May through December. The site also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.
The Akron Zoo
(Courtesy of the Akron CVB)
The Akron Zoo, begun in 1953 as the Akron Children's Zoo, is a small, family-friendly park, located just west of downtown. The 50-acre zoo is home to over 700 animals, including the endangered Humboldt penguins, jaguar, and the elusive snow leopard. The zoo is committed to education and conservation and is one of just 211 worldwide zoos, designated as a world conservation zoo.
The West Point Market
(courtesy of West Point Market)
The West Point Market, located on Market St., is more than a grocer, it's an upscale shopping experience offering only the best of gourmet foods. There are more than a dozen departments, two of which were rated “Best in Akron” by the Akron Life & Leisure Magazine for 2006.
Hale Farm and Village
(Courtesy of the Ohio Dept. of Travel and Tourism)
Hale Farm and Village, a part of the Western Reserve Historical Society, is a working museum, adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Once the home of early Western Reserve settler, Jonathan Hale, the museum, located in Bath Ohio, features livestock, 19th century working artisans, and the original red brick farmhouse.
Harry London Chocolates
(courtesy of Harry London Chocolates)
The Harry London Chocolate Factory has been creating the finest of candies and chocolates in Akron for the past 84 years. Visitors can tour the factory, savor freshly-made chocolates, and shop for samples to take home from among the over 500 candies and chocolates made onsite.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
(courtesy of the National Inventors Hall of Fame)
The National Inventors Hall of Fame honors the men and women -- past and present -- who have contributed to the science and technological advancement of this country. Currently there are 313 inductees, including Northeast Ohioians, Garrett Morgan (inventor of the gas mask), Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone (inventor of the pneumatic tire).[br][br][b]Update January, 2009[/b] - The NIHF museum is currently closed for construction as they add a new science, math, and technology middle school to the complex. The museum is expected to re-open in mid-2010.
Dr. Bob's Home
(courtesy of Dr. Bob's House)
The simple, two-story house where Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1935 still stands in central Akron. Today, the house is open to visitors daily from noon to 3pm and tours are offered.
F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm
(courtesy of Metro Parks Nature Realm)
The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is 104 acres of nature to study and enjoy. Located within the Sand Run Metro Parks, it features a visitors' center, hiking trails, three ponds, gardens, and an array of special programs throughout the year.
Akron Art Museum
(© flickr user: kevinq2000/cc license)
The Akron Art Museum, founded in 1922, is located in the heart of downtown Akron. Reopening in July of 2007 following a $34 million expansion project, the museum will combine the original 1899 Renaissance revival structure with a modern "gravity defying" glass building.
