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.
Lock 3 is an outdoor amphitheater that plays host to a variety of events in the summer months. Friday nights feature WONE's Free Admission Rock the Lock Concerts with the country's best tribute artists and Saturdays are Lock 3 Live! Concerts with touring artists. The Annual Rib, White and Blue Festival is held at Lock 3 in July, as well as Akron's Italian Festival and The National Hamburger Festival. In the fall and winter, Lock 3 hosts Ohio's largest ice-skating rink as well as the Akron Chriskindl Market.
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.
Located at the intersection of N. Main and W. Lorain streets, the Congregational Church of Christ was built in 1842. The church has a Greek Revival style of architecture and has been put up on the National Register of Historic Places owing to its historic value. The church continues to function even today, while regular services are held from time to time.
Although the congregation can trace its history back to 1837, Independence Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1853. After its dedication in October 1854, the church served the community until 1905, when it was shut down, reopening in 1925. The original structure, which is now an annexed chapel, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Offering rental spaces for hosting several types of events and functions, the Todaro Party Center is a delightful venue. From large scale events like weddings to smaller private functions, the center has three small ballrooms and one grand ballroom. The party center's Halloween and New Year's Parties are adored by the locals. Providing on-site and off-site catering, the party center has everything you need for a great event.
The First Congregational Church of Hudson is a community church that offers more than religious services. Its mission is to spread the message of the Lord, imbibe moral values and maintain peace in the community. With this aim in mind, it hosts variety of events that bring together the entire community irrespective of their statuses and backgrounds. The church also has special programs designed for different age groups i;e from toddlers to senior citizens. It also features Youth Room, separate choir room, a children's center (equipped with a complete kitchen) and many other modern facilities. Call ahead for more details.
Kenneth Paul Lesko Gallery is located in the 78th Street Studios complex. This space is a dedicated address for modern, historical and regional art. Throughout the year, it plays host to an array of exhibitions in myriad genres. This contemporary and minimalistic venue is a great platform for emerging and established talent. It also showcases photography, sculpture and tribal art.