Giving back is an important piece of residing in any community. Not only does it benefit those in need, but it provides an opportunity to meet new people and become part of a cause greater than yourself. While you can't go wrong donating or volunteering in any capacity, deciding which cause to support and how to take action can be overwhelming. Luckily, our agents and staff are here to help! They've provided recommendations for local, national and international charities — all with noble missions worth supporting. All you have to do is choose a cause that resonates with you, and start giving back!
Looking for events during the 2018 holiday season? Check out our most up-to-date guide A Complete Guide to 28 Holiday Events in the Akron and Canton Area. The holiday season is upon us, which means that your schedule is likely filling up with family get-togethers, ugly sweater parties and more! While we love sporting those ugly sweaters just as much as the next person, we recommend you save some of your holiday-themed attire for the many events happening in the Akron and Canton area. From a ride on the Polar Express to a gingerbread extravaganza, there are so many festive things to do this time of year! Here are some of the events we are most looking forward to this year, so mark your calendars and get ready to make this season one to remember.
Pajama-clad families will board a train for a fun filled evening excursion, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the classic Polar Express story. Your destination is the North Pole, and upon arrival, you will be greeted with caroling elves and even Santa himself!
When: November 18-26, Times VaryWhere: The John S. Knight Center, AkronMark your calendars for the 36th Annual Holiday Tree Festival! This event will feature more than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless holiday creations displayed in the John S. Knight Center. It will truly be a sight to behold! All proceeds will benefit the Akron Children's Hospital.
When: November 24 & 25, 11 am Where: Lock 3 The night after Thanksgiving, the streets of downtown Akron will light up with thousands of holiday lights and fireworks to ring in the holiday season in style! The event will feature live performances, ice skating at Lock 3, holiday treats and more. Come back the following day for a grand parade and the arrival of Mr. Claus himself! The parade will feature more than 75 units including marching bands, floats, costumed characters and dance groups. Santa will be available at Lock 3 after the parade to meet everyone!
Come see the zoo in a whole new light! One of Akron's most popular gems will be decked out in thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Walk through the zoo's displays, enjoy a concert from the carolers, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train, get a photo with Santa, and top the night off with a freshly made s'more!
When: Weekends, November 24-December 23, Times VaryWhere: Beech Creek Gardens, AllianceStop by the idyllic Beech Creek Gardens for a holiday extravaganza. There will be trees, holiday trains, roasted marshmallows, visits from the Grinch, live performances, plenty of gorgeous light displays, and so much more. There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit!
When: December 1, 7 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, AkronYou might have seen a version of the Nutcracker before, but you've never seen it like this! For one night only, enjoy a spoof of America's favorite holiday classic on the Akron Civic Theatre stage. The performance is family-friendly, but parts might be considered adult humor.
When: December 1, 4:30 and 7 pm Where: The Dragonfly Tea Room, Canal FultonStart off your holiday season in a sophisticated setting with a soul-warming cup of tea! The famed Dragonfly Tea Room will host a special candlelight tea, complete with holiday snacks and live music, for your enjoyment. Call ahead to make your reservation!
When: December 1, 6-8 pm Where: The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton This festive, annual event will include live music, crafts for kids, open hearth cooking demonstrations, unique stocking stuffers for purchase, special planetarium and science shows, and a live reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. The museum will be decked out in its holiday best with more than 30 trees and extravagant lighting displays — and we even hear that Santa will make an appearance! Admission for members is free (guest tickets are just $5), but make sure to bring a few canned goods for the Hunger Task Force.
See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life by the Players Guild Theatre! The performance of Dickens' ghostly story is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
When: December 2, Time TBD Where: Historic Canal Fulton
Stroll through the streets of Historic Downtown Canal at this family-friendly festival! You will have the chance to meet Santa in person, enjoy Christmas shopping, marvel at the beautiful lights, listen to caroling, get out onto the ice skating rink, and so much more.
When: December 3, 3-6 pm Where: The Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center, MinervaCelebrate the season at the Nature Center! Make holiday-themed crafts, enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate by the fire, listen to live music, and (most importantly) visit with Santa in an 1800s-era cabin. This free event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family!
Santa Claus is coming to town, but he's not using the chimney this time! Santa will fly to the MAPS Air Museum by plane to visit all of the good boys and girls. Make sure to snag a photo with him before enjoying punch and cookies, and exploring the planes at the museum.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 2-19. Times Vary. Where: The Akron Zoo, AkronThe animals won't be the only ones at the zoo this season! Santa Claus is coming to town, and he will be at the zoo for this merry event, which includes snacks, entertainment and holiday crafts. Admission to Wild Lights is included in the ticket price.
When: December 7, 5:30-8:30 pm Where: Downtown Canton This holiday festival will feature live performances, fantastic fireworks, and a special visit from everyone's favorite man in red! Bring the whole family for this fun-filled event, and don't forget that camera — you'll need it to capture all of the memories! Photos with Santa will be available on the main stage shortly after fireworks have concluded.
When: December 8, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, AkronJoin the Akron Symphony Orchestra for their annual holiday celebration concert. Helen Welch, one of Akron's most beloved entertainers and a critically acclaimed vocalist, will lead the evening, so you can be sure the night will be lively and festive to say the least!
When: December 9, 9 am-3 pm Where: The Fieldcrest Estate, North CantonThis tradition is as sweet as can be! The Fieldcrest Estate will host adults and children alike, giving them the chance to choose a floor plan and design your own giant gingerbread house. Guests can choose from three different sized houses to take and build. It will be baked, sliced and constructed upon your arrival, and there will be plenty of materials available so you can decorate the home to your heart's content! While you are working, enjoy hot chocolate, adult beverages and other holiday treats.
When: December 9, 2 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Enjoy everything ELF at this festive event. A sing along screening of ELF will take place at 2 pm at the Akron Civic Theater, because the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Raise the spirit meter even higher by stopping by Lock 3 for ELFcon before the movie starts. Here, you'll be able to compete in an Elf costume contest, an etch-a-sketch drawing contest and a trivia contest alongside a sled hill, ice skating and putt putt.
When: December 9, 9 am-noon Where: McKinley National Memorial, Canton The Canton Parks are merry and bright this time of year, strewn with an assortment of fun and colorful holiday decorations. We can't imagine a better setting for a morning jog! Come to this festive race and walk or run the course of your choosing. The event will start and finish at the McKinley National Memorial, and entry includes a tee shirt, cookies and plenty of hot chocolate!
When: December 12, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, AkronThis critically acclaimed extravaganza combines a cirque show, a Broadway musical and a Christmas spectacular into one incredible show! Witness snowmen, penguins, reindeer, gingerbread, Santa and more complete gravity defying feats to the soundtrack of original music and seasonal hits from live performers.
When: December 17, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, Akron
Carol of the King will bring a love story to life on stage with 20 of the world's most skilled Irish dancers and musicians. You'll be transported to a mystical time and place, right here in Ohio.
When: December 20 and 21, 8 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, AkronThis annual extravaganza has become a staple of the Northeast Ohio holiday season, and this year's theme will not disappoint! Ryan Humbert's new honky tonk band, Shooter Sharp & The Shootouts, will pay tribute to the country greats and serve up a healthy dose of merry classics.
The kitchen is often affectionately referred to as the "heart of the home," and there's no mystery as to why! This is where we gather to prepare our daily meals, to catch up with loved ones and to host get-togethers. We spend a large portion of our time in the kitchen, so it's important that it reflects the owner's personality and style preferences.
We hear lots of buzz about modern kitchen trends on local blogs and renowned design publications alike, so we gathered up some of our favorite homes for sale in the Akron and Canton area that reflect those trends. We hope they inspire you!
Gather 'round all you witches and warlocks, ghouls and boys — the spookiest season of the year is upon us again! Between the caramel apples, costume contests and frightful fun, there will be plenty to celebrate over the next few weeks, but Halloween wouldn't be complete without attending one or two of these festive, local events.
From family-friendly gatherings to 21 and up events, we have rounded up some of the parties, festivals and bashes in the Akron and Canton area that we are most looking forward to. Mark your calendars and get ready to make this a Halloween you won't soon forget!
There's nothing that hits the spot quite like a glass of wine after a long day, especially when the wine was harvested, mixed and fermented right here in Ohio. Ohio's Wine Country gets all the credit for our state's best vineyards — and we agree that those wines are great — but for those who aren't in the mood for a long trip, there are several wineries close to Akron and Canton that are just as good, if not better. If you're a fan of chardonnays or cabernets, you will certainly enjoy spending a few hours at a local winery learning about your favorite varietal. We rounded up some of our favorites in the area, so next time you're in the mood to share a bottle, make sure to support your local community (and have a fun day while you're at it!).
The Winery at Wolf Creek was founded in 1980 by Andrew Wineberg on his parents' property with nothing but 10 acres and a dream. The winery has since grown and fallen under new ownership, but continues to be family owned and operated. The current owner Andy Troutman and his family live on the vineyard year round, and Troutman ensures that the wines produced are top-notch and served with a smile. Locals know that the welcoming atmosphere at this local spot is second to none, and typically flock to the vineyard for fun events like the dog-friendly Yappy Hour and live music Mondays and Wednesdays.
Red Horse Winery
5326 Fairland Road, BarbertonSince Red Horse Winery sits on the second highest area in Summit County, it also provides access to some of the most incredible sunsets in the state. While you're enjoying the fabulous view, make sure you have a glass of wine in hand. Owner Joseph Semannsky Junior is an eight generation Hungarian winemaker, and has spent many summers on his family's vineyards overseas learning the art of making incredible wines — and his expertise is certainly apparent once you've tasted the final product.
Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE, CantonGervasi Vineyard has swept the table as far as awards go, earning countless gold, double gold and silver medals for its fabulous wines. While you're sipping on your wine of choice, you can enjoy the Tuscan-inspired dining room, live music on the Piazza and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Looking to delve a little deeper? Enroll in a culinary class, where you'll learn to make a gourmet meal to pair with one of the Gervasi wines, or enjoy an exclusive pairings tour in the winery, complete with a selection of small bites and wine tastings. Make a weekend of it by staying in a luxurious villa suite on-site!
Nauti Vine Winery
3950 South Main Street, Akron Nauti Vine Winery is nestled on the shore of Portage Lakes, and offers the ultimate wine tasting experience in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking the water. The winery resulted from the passion of local wine enthusiasts, Joe Wathey and Erica Antoniotti, whose vision was to create a Tuscan style winery with fantastic views and a welcoming community atmosphere. The two have accomplished their goal, and welcome locals and visitors alike daily to try Ohio wines and tasty bites. Beer enthusiasts will also find solace here — Mucky Duck Brewery shares a roof with the winery.
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Margaret opened the doors of Sarah's Winery in 2007, realizing a years-long dream and honoring their late daughter, Sarah. The vineyard and tasting room is an incredible homage to their loved one — boasting shaded picnic tables among picturesque gardens, a rustic chic vibe in the tasting room, a cozy loft, a deck and (of course) excellent wines made from the grapes grown on-site. The newest addition to the property, an elegant pavilion, opened this April, and offers stunning views of the grape vines season to season. Rumor has it that this is a fantastic venue for watching the Cleveland Browns during the fall!
Maize Valley
6193 Edison St. NE, HartsvilleMaize Valley truly has everything you could need for a fun weekend getaway, including a winery, craft brewery, farmers' market and even a family fun zone. Shop the market full of homegrown produce, savory meats, fresh breads and delectable cheeses, and create a picnic to enjoy alongside your chosen bottle of wine. The wines are made from grape varietals grown right there in the vineyard, and range from Hanky Panky (a sweet rosé), to Sinfully White (a dry white), Redneck Red (just what it sounds like) and many more. The winery also carries a few fruit wines in flavors like apple pie and blackberry in case you're looking to try something new!
If you find yourself in Doylestown, don't miss this family-owned boutique winery. Husband-and-wife duo Ed Sunkin and Christine Sabo bought the property in 2003, pursuing a dream to build and operate a family-friendly farm to host celebrations and special events. The couple pursued a wine education, working through the Ohio State University Agriculture Research and Development Center, and coupled that with winemaking knowledge they gained from traveling across the world. Their expertise has earned them a number of accolades, including "Editor's Choice" awards in 2006 and 2007 from Wine Maker Magazine. Taste the winning wines for yourself by visiting the tasting room, and make sure to strike up a conversation with one of the owners.
ThornCreek Winery
155 Treat Road, AuroraDavid Thorn, a local landscaping architect, set his eyes on the ThornCreek site back in 2005. Since then he has transformed a forgotten property into one of the most popular destinations in the area, known for its unparalleled scenery, friendly service, seasonal menu, and eleven fantastic dishes that have stacked up an impressive number of awards over the years, including two silvers, a gold and a double gold (don't miss the chardonnay!). A tasting here is sure to be an experience to remember!
Cheers!
Which is your favorite winery in the area? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!
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