48 Hours in Portage County, Ohio: A weekend excursion.
Foodie and fall lovers rejoice.
If you ask most people what there is to do in Portage County, you may hear them say, “I don’t think there is anything to do.” Well, I am here to prove them wrong. I have found this northeast Ohio county to be brimming with outdoor adventures, unique foodie stops, outdoor markets, Main Street shopping experiences, rich history and a calendar dotted with distinctive festivals.
This weekend excursion only touches a small percentage of what there is to do. Although the itinerary below highlights a quick 48-hour trip, nothing says it cannot be modified to enjoy over numerous days, with additional stops added.
Day One: Arrival and Dinner (Friday night.)
6:00 PM – Dinner at The Battleground
Enjoy the flavors of Mexico
425 Cheery St. Kent OH 44240
Open W-Sat 4PM-9PM
Lunch Fri-Sat 11am-2pm | Sunday 10am-3pm
www.battlegroundbar.com
Get those tastebuds excited. The Mexican dishes being prepared in this kitchen will have you leaving with a new appreciation for the true flavors of Mexico. From their street tacos to their empanadas, each dish pays homage to the flavors of a region. You cannot go wrong with any of their menu items. All their tortillas and their salsa are made fresh daily. Their Esquites are some of the bests I have had. (Pictured above: Corn kernels, Cojita cheese, topped with their house made piquin chile dressing.)
Save room for one of their Tamal de Chocolate. You can thank me later. (Mexican chocolate tamal, dark chocolate sauce, vanilla bean ice cream.)
Reservations are encouraged, during warm weather enjoy their outdoor patio.
9:00 PM – Time to kick-off your shoes and rest before your next day’s adventure.
Hotel accommodations.
Find hotel accommodation just off I-76 in Brimfield OH. Just off the freeway, theses hotels are centrally located and near all the itinerary experiences.
Details can be found here: www.centralportagevcb,org.
Day Two: Foodie, markets and fall.
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Mike’s Place.
Address: 1700 S. Water St., Kent OH | mikesplacerestaurant.com
There is not a better way to start a morning than with a hot cup of coffee and a menu that includes so many items and fun descriptions that you will need at least a refill before you can figure out what you want to order. Did I mention that there is a Jedi replica plane outside, or an actual bus and ship inside? Get ready to take photos of the décor’ and enjoy a plate of diner-style food.
Pro tip: If you like potatoes with breakfast, order their Florida potatoes with grilled onions.
A Jimmy Buffet inspired patio is open during warm weather.
9:30 AM – Haymakers Farmers’ Market (Saturdays only).
Outdoor location: 350 Franklin Ave., Kent OH (Under the Haymaker Pkwy Bridge)
Time: 9am-1pm | haymakermarket.com
It’s market day! Time to enjoy a morning of shopping local. Find locally grown produce, bakery items, prepared foods, local honey and maple syrup, grass-fed meats and poultry, locally roasted coffee, homemade soaps, and more.
Pro tip: Bring cash as not all vendors accept credit cards. Parking is free.
A few of my favorite market vendors are Brimfield Bread Oven (Their cranberry walnut bread.), Busy Bee Bakery (Everything.), Barton Farms & Gardens (Love their small batch jams.), Goodell Family Farm (Maple syrup. Can you ever have enough?), Kline Honey Bee Farms (Check out their hot honey option.), and Wren Box Farm (Veggies!).
11:00 AM – Visit “the” Apple Orchard.
Beckwith Orchards
Address: 1617 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent OH
Open seasonally: 10am-5pm – 7 days a week
beckwithorchards.com
A fall activity that is always on everyone’s list; stopping at a local apple orchard. This family-owned generational farm is the place to go for apples, apple cider, apple butter, and one of their warm from the oven pies or apple dumplings. For those who like mixes, Beckwith has a whole area filled with various mixes to make everything from pancakes to scones and muffins.
Although pick-your-own is not available, the orchard does allow visitors to walk among their apple trees and take photos.
12:30 PM – Lunch at the Guido’s Pizza & Catering.
Address: 214 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH
330.296.9009 | guidosravenna.com
Tues-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm | Sun 10am-9pm (Closed Monday)
Go ahead you owe yourself to try Guido’s famous lasagna. Their lasagna after all was voted the “Best Lasagna” in northeast Ohio by Cleveland.com readers. If pizza is more of what you are looking for, a pie from one of their ovens will not disappoint. Enjoy your meal outside on their patio, if weather permits. Take-out is also available.
2:00 PM – Pumpkin picking at Dussel Farm.
Address: 1109 Old Forge Rd., Kent OH
dusselfarm.com
Throughout the harvest season, you will find corn, vegetables, eggs, fall mums, and more for sale at this family farm. Their corn is an area favorite. During late September and into October, Dussel Farm is the place for pumpkin-pickin’ and corn maze fun. Their pumpkin selection is great.
3:00 PM – Exploring Wingfoot Lake State Park
Address: 993 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore, OH 44260
ohiodnr.gov
Wingfoot Lake State Park is one of three Ohio State Parks located in the county. It’s the perfect park to enjoy a leisurely walk, take in views of local and migrating birds, including eagles and on occasion one big bird known as the “Goodyear Blimp”.
Wingfoot Lake State Park once belonged to the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Over time, the company started developing the area as an employee retreat. In 2009, the park was dedicated to the Ohio State Park system.
Today, the park includes a Nature Center, Storybook Trail, disc golf park, an all-access kayak ramp, picnic tables, playground, and a floating walking bridge allowing park goers to walk alongside the lily pads and water wildlife. If you enjoy fishing and have a license, feel free to cast in.
When visiting I enjoy taking in the lake views from one of the “porch” style swings.
Two options for dinner.
Dinner option #1
6:00 PM – Head to church. Crafted Artisan Meadery
Address: 5665 Waterloo Rd., Suffield, OH 44260
craftedmead.com | Reservations not accepted.
Upon arrival, you may just be thinking, that’s a church building. Yes, it is. It’s one of two churches that have been repurposed into breweries in Portage County. Built in 1881, the historic 19th century church has been given a new life as the Tap Room and production facility for one of the oldest fermented beverages. A lot of care has gone into preserving many of the churches’ features, like the choir loft.
Having never tasted “mead” before, I was in for quite a surprise. The taste was not at all what I had expected. The Meadery offers a selection of honey and mead inspired cocktails, as well as other selections of craft brews. An on-site kitchen prepares to order pizzas, salads and shareables.
If you want to enjoy an experience, order one of their beehive flight boxes. It’s a great way to sample the various meads and find which ones are your favorite.
Dinner option #2
6:00 PM – Ray’s Place
Address: 135 Franklin St. Kent, OH
www.raysplacekent.com
Not only is Ray’s Place a staple in the community, it’s also home of the famous “MOFO” Burger. The burger that Chef Michael Simon once stated was the “best burger he ever ate”. If burgers are not what your belly is craving, Ray’s dishes up all your pub favorites including, wings, brisket, sandwiches, salads, wraps, those delicious poutine fries, chili and even quiche. So go ahead and sit down in this restaurant with over 75 years of history serving the community. Parking is available nearby.
Day Three: Lake views and fashion.
11:00 AM – Brunch at The Lake House Kitchen & Bar (Sunday)
Address: 7508 OH-43, Kent, OH | lakehousekent.com
Make reservations.
Lake views and delicious food are what you will enjoy when having Brunch at The Lake House Kitchen & Bar. I first learned about this restaurant from a friend who suggested I check out Lake House’s Fish & Chips. Me being a sucker for a beer-battered fish basket. I could not wait and let me tell you about their take on Fish-n-Chips did not disappoint. With a side of their remoulade and jalapeno stuffed “Loud Dog” hushpuppies, I knew I would be adding this restaurant to my return list. I can’t forget to also give 5-stars for their crab-sweet corn fritters.
1:00 PM – Kent State University Museum
Address: 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent OH
330-672-3450 | kent.edu/museum
Sunday: Noon – 4PM | Tues – Sat 11am-5pm
Admission applies. Sunday admission: Free.
Get ready to be impressed over fashion. The Museum offers an insight into fashion, textiles and history. I found the Fashion Timeline Exhibit to be very intriguing. I enjoyed viewing the historic fashion up close and learning more about their designs. Some of the fashions were stunning. Make sure you allow time to visit the Museum store. You may just find your next fashion statement. The exhibits change regularly, so check their website for current exhibits.
Heads-up. One exhibit I am excited to see is the “Wicked” costume exhibit coming to the museum. (September 11-November 9, 2025.)
Please note: “There is designated free parking reserved for Museum visitors in the Rockwell Hall R-1 lot. Guests must register their license plate number at the visitor services desk upon arrival.”
The Kent State May 4th Memorial is located on the campus. The memorial honors the students killed in the protest against the Vietnam War. The Visitor Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday.)
FINAL REFLECTIONS
There just never seems to be enough time time to experience all of this counties hidden gems.
Portage County is full of outdoor treasures. The county boasts three (3) Ohio State Parks, including Nelson-Kennedy Ledges that recently opened a new glass bridge allowing visitors to look down at the parks unique rock formations and waterfalls. The county is also home to the most nature preserves in the state, as well as spring and fall migration viewing areas. The Cuyahoga River cuts through the county perfect for kayaking and if that is not enough, The Buckeye Trail blue blazes trail lead hikers through the area.
Throughout the year the county hosts free music festivals like Kent Beatlefest and Kent Rocks Guitar Fest, the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair (September), the Akron German Family Society’s Bierfest (June) and Oktoberfest. (September}.
And for those who enjoy a night out, The Kent Stage brings in musical entertainment throughout the year. Visit their website for upcoming performances. FYI. Some say this historic theater houses a few spirits.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Downtown Kent, who adopted the black squirrel as its mascot, is a charming college town filled with independent boutique shopping, local eateries and public art murals to enjoy. If a good cup of coffee is on the menu, you will find local coffee shops throughout downtown ready to make your favorite drinks. Many offer special fall drinks and coffee selections. Two of my favorite area coffee stops are Scribbles and Bent Tree Coffee Roasters.
Downtown Kent uses parking meters. Have coins ready.
Pack a cooler for any non-perishable items you may want to purchase.
LODGING
Find hotel accommodation just off I-76 in Brimfield OH. Just off the freeway, the hotels are centrally located and near all the stops shared.
Details can be found here: www.centralportagevcb.org.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received compensation from Central Portage County VCB. My Ohio Fun also receives site advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***