Enhancing Your Blossom Experience – Fun Things to do in Summit County before the Concert

Before a great summer evening at Blossom Music Center with The Cleveland Orchestra, take advantage of one of the many outlets for recreation and relaxation in Northeast Ohio. Here are some of the most unique and enjoyable activities located near the Blossom grounds.

The Akron Art Museum.

Located in downtown Akron, the Akron Art Museum is home to a variety of collections, primarily focusing on art created since 1850. The museum is housed in a new glass, steel, and aluminum structure, the John S. and James L. Knight Building, which was innovatively designed in 2007 by the Coop Himmelb(l)au architectural firm of Vienna. Visitors can browse the exhibitions independently, request private or student tours, or take part in one of the complimentary “Five Favorites” tours, in which, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, museum docents share five of their favorite pieces currently on display. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and admission is free for all individuals on the first Sunday of every month. The Museum Store offers a wide variety of items such as handmade art, jewelry, and bags, as well as books and children’s crafts and toys.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to tour the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park along the former Valley Railway. In the 1880s, coal, farm produce, and factory products were transported from Akron and Canton to Cleveland on the Railway. Watch as you pass by some of Northeast Ohio’s breathtaking natural landmarks, including the Cuyahoga River, the Beaver Marsh, and the Pinery Narrows. Also see the Canal Visitor Center, the former paper mill town of Jaite, and the Canal Feeder Dam.

The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm.

Located in Akron, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is a hundred-acre arboretum – filled with ponds, gardens, and trails – that serves as a scenic location for hiking, picnicking, and picture-taking. Newly renovated in 2009-10, the 10,000 square foot underground visitor’s center is now sustainable and energy efficient, containing solar panels, reused lumber, and LED lighting. The center provides displays and explanations of plant and animal life native to Northeast Ohio.

Hale Farm and Village.

Hale Farm and Village is a living history museum in Bath, Ohio that provides a glimpse into farm and village life in the 19^th century. Visitors can stroll through farm pastures and historic houses. Artisans dressed in period clothing demonstrate trades of the 19^th century, including basket weaving, glassblowing, candle making, and blacksmithing.

Hudson, Ohio.

A short drive from Blossom, the city of Hudson, OH represents a unique blend of the old and the new and is the home of several important Western Reserve landmarks, including the Clock Tower, Western Reserve Academy, and Library and Historical Society. Hudson was a center of the abolitionist movement and a link on the Underground Railroad. The quaint downtown and the First & Main shopping center offer a variety of local and national shops and restaurants, as well as a gourmet market, live music, and frequent sidewalk sales.

Peninsula, Ohio.

Peninsula, OH, located in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can rent bicycles at Century Cycles for a ride along the towpath before browsing in one of the many local and national art galleries and antique shops. Historical sites such as the Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum, Bronson Memorial Church, and the Peninsula Valley Historic and Education Foundation, are also located in downtown Peninsula. Several different exhibits, farmers markets, and festivals take place throughout the summer.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

Located on the former country estate of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens holds the distinction of being named a National Historic Landmark. Visitors enjoy exploring the Tudor Revival architecture and elaborate furnishings of the Manor House, touring the beautifully maintained gardens, and stepping inside the butterfly habitat in the Corbin Conservatory. Lunch is available at Molly’s Café, located in the former Carriage House.

Summit County Metro Parks.

The Summit County Metro Parks encompass thousands of acres of preserved natural land. Visitors to the Metro Parks can bike, hike, or walk along the 33.5-mile Bike and Hike Trail or the 13-mile Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, as well as enjoy an outdoor picnic in one of the many park areas.

Sarah’s Vineyard.

Located just across the street from Blossom in Cuyahoga Falls, Sarah's Vineyard is home to a winery, fruit farm, butterfly garden, art gallery, and wine bar. Visitors can sip wine “on tap” straight from the barrel in the tasting room or choose from a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts in the Art Gallery Wine Bar. Handmade artwork from over 50 local artisans is on display in the Art Gallery.