The historic parcel of land that Hale Farm & Village is built on was donated to The Western Reserve Historical Society by Clara Belle Ritchie. Historic buildings from around the country were relocated to the land to create a living history museum and village called Wheatfield. Visitors will learn about life during the Civil War and the history of the region. Exhibits relating to fashion, technology, and other subjects can be seen here as well.
Dr. Robert Smith House is a two-storied bungalow which dates back to 1914. The house belonged to Dr. Bob Smith; the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The house plays an important role in hosting many meetings during its formative years. The house was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. The building has been converted into a historic house museum and also has on display several artifacts that narrate the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Constructed in 1837, the Perkins Stone Mansion belonged to Colonel Simon Perkins, who was the son of Akron's founder General Simon Perkins. This historic house museum is now maintained by the Summit County Historical Society of Akron and is also their headquarters. One of the most striking Greek Revival style houses in the area, the repository is decked with period furnishing telling the story of its past residents, city and county.
Originally the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens comprised of 3,000 acres (1214.06 hectares) in 1916 and was built amid 1912-1915 for F. A. Seiberling. It featured a Tudor Revival 65-room Manor House and the largest landscape gardens. Today the grand estate has seized down to 70 acres (28.33 hectares) yet is one of the most elegant mansions and ornate gardens of the country. The mansion is one of the best examples of Tudor Revival architecture and has well kept period decor that gives a glimpse of a bygone era. The themed gardens such as the Breakfast Room Garden, English Garden, Birch Allee Vista, Japanese Garden, Lagoon and The Dell are a delight to all visitors. The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens also houses the Corbin Conservatory, a beautiful Gothic style greenhouse and the Gate Lodge where Alcoholics Anonymous took form. Home to the Ohio Shakespeare Festival and The Annual Classic, Antique & Collector Car Show, a visit to this magnificent place is a must when in the city.
This entertainment home that is spread over less than one acre of land, is the Akron Civic Theatre, which was previously referred to as Loew's Theater. Built using the Italian Renaissance style, the theater is said to be an excellent example of the great movie palaces of the early days i.e. the 1920s. Serving the visitors as the first theater of the County, the theater appeals to the public through its Broadway shows, dance performances and other shows.
Located in Akron, the Akron Zoo boasts of 700 animals spanning over 90 species! With almost 1 million visitors coming here every year, it is touted to be the most popular tourist attraction in the entire Summit County. The zoo is divided in to six sections that are symbolic of different parts of the globe. Also, there are various exhibits at the zoo like, The Legends of the Wild, The Komodo Kingdom, Jellies Rhythm, Journey to the Reef, Penguin Point and Tiger Valley.
Croghan Park is the city's prime spot for recreation and relaxation. This tiny speck of green in the urban town of Fairlawn, this park provides a healthy albeit momentary break from the daily hustle and bustle. Featuring basketball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a children's playground and picnic spots, there's plenty to indulge in for those looking for a good dose of physical activity, and even for those just looking to lay back and enjoy the warm city breeze.
Enjoy your holiday by playing golf or swimming at Fairlawn Country Club. Spread across 200 acres (80.9371 hectares) of land, this club houses 9 hole golf course, pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse for your recreation. You can even plan your special events here as they provide services for your private events. This club can accommodate more than 250 guests for your events. Fairlawn Country Club is ideal for a fun day out with your family and friends this holiday season.