Get Out of the House Road Trip #5
A summer trip through Summit County Ohio.
On this road trip you will be enjoying a day sampling local favorites, shopping a farmers market, exploring an art gallery, strolling through a spectacular garden and home, then finishing the day with a hike, a glass of wine and views of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
STOP #1
It just wouldn’t be summer without pie. And if you want the deals, you’re going to need to get to Gardner Pies early. Every morning Gardner Pie posts what pies will be available for sale at the outlet that day on their Facebook page. You can call ahead and place your order if you wish. The Apple Berry Delight is just one of my favorite flavors. And the Colonial pies, oh my! (Please note: As of this article, they are only accepting credit card payments.)
GARDNER PIES
191 Logan Pkwy, Akron, OH
330-245-2030 | gardnerpie.com
STOP #2
Time to move on and head to your next stop. At this 3rd generation donut shop you are sure to find something to enjoy with that cup of coffee, latte, or other beverage. May we suggest a”Doughssant”, a cross between a doughnut and croissant? It’s one of their signature donuts.
JUBILEE DONUTS
2126 S Main St, Akron, OH
330-785-9558 | jubileedonuts.com
STOP #3
A road trip through the Akron area would not be complete without a stop at this special art studio and gallery. Don Drumm Studios & Gallery is the perfect stop to find something for that special occasion or for yourself. A renowned Sculptor and designer/craftsman, Don Drumm opened his gallery in 1960. His work can be found in and on many buildings, in offices, parks, and in private homes.
Don Drumm Studios & Gallery
437 Crouse St., Akron, OH
Gallery: 330-253-6268 | dondrummstudios.com
Photo courtesy of Don Drumm Studios & Gallery
STOP #4 (Lunch and Dessert)
Ask any local where you can get a “Galley Boy” and they will immediately give you directions to the nearest Swenson’s Drive-in. For over 85+ years, Swenson’s has been serving up their famous hamburgers, onion rings, Californian drinks, and more. Just pull in. Turn on your lights and a car hop will be by to take your order right from your car.
SWENSONS DRIVE-IN (West Akron)*
40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313
330-864-8416 |swensonsdriveins.com
*If you are planning on enjoying dessert at our next stop, there is another Swenson’s Drive-In located down the street and closer to Strickland’s.
Address: 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, OH 44333
Still hungry? Looking for dessert? Head to Strickland’s for a cone or cup of their famous ice cream.
STRICKLAND’S II
3985 Medina Rd, Akron, OH 44333
330-670-0811 | mystricklands.com
STOP #5
Stop #5 allows you to get out of the car and explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
“In 1898, F.A. Seiberling founded The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Between 1912 and 1915, he and his wife, Gertrude, built their country estate and named it “Stan Hywet” (Old English for stone quarry) the property’s most prominent natural feature.”
CLICK HERE to learn more about Stan Hywet’s 2022 summer exhibit.
STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
330.836.5533 | stanhywet.org
Presale tickets are currently required to tour the home and grounds.
STOP #6
Time to stock the fridge. Szalay’s Farmers Market sells local produce and vegetables, along with local baked goods, jams, jellies, and more. Because Szalay’s is a semi-open market, social-distancing can be done easily. Please remember they only accept cash and checks. An ATM machine is available on the premises.
SZALAY’S FARMERS MARKET
4563 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
330-657-2727 | szalaysfarm.com
Open 7 days a week from 9AM to 7PM (SEASONAL)
When in season, make sure your purchase a few ears of their corn. Delicious. During fall weekends, Szalay’s offers fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob with butter.
STOP #7
The great thing about Summit County is the number of hiking options available for explorers. The Deep Lock Quarry is a 1.4-mile trail that takes you to the remains of the deepest lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal.
DEEP LOCK QUARRY
5779 Riverview Rd.
Peninsula, OH 44264
summitmetroparks.org/deep-lock-quarry-metro-park.aspx
If your feeling even more adventurous, just around the corner is Virginia Kendall Ledges in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The Ledges are just one of the many treasures located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A perfect spot to enjoy a hike, explore unique rock formations, and enjoy beautiful sunsets.
THE VIRGINIA KENDALL LEDGES
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Peninsula, OH 44264
For hiking information: 330-657-2752 | website
STOP #8
You have had a busy day. Shopping, hiking, exploring. Our final stop allows you to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine or other beverage outdoors or inside. Enjoy a an Italian salad, a wood-fired pizza, appetizers, or any one of their sandwich offerings with your beverage. (Children are required to stay with parents at all times.)
SARAH’S VINEYARD
1204 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
330-929-8057 | sarahsvineyardwinery.com
Wednesday- Saturday 12pm-9pm
Sunday 12pm-7pm
“As of March 9th, 2022, -if using a credit card, a 3.5% surcharge will be added to the total bill. To avoid the fee, simply pay with cash or a check!”
Please check their website for any updates.
OPTIONAL TRIP MODIFICATION:
If you are not into wine and would prefer more of a meal. After you have hiked the Deep Lock Quarry, continue north on Riverview Road for about five minutes. There you will find Winking Lizard Tavern and Fisher’s Cafe’ & Pub. Both establishments offer a wide selection of food, including burgers, chicken, salads, wings, fish, and more.
Then after dinner head to Virginia Kendall Ledges to view the sunset.
- Before you go make sure you have packed a cooler. Your going to need a place to stash your goodies.
- Follow Ohio’s COVID-19 precautions and bring along your mask and hand wipes.
- If you enjoy sampling different beers, the Akron/Summit CVB has put together a Summit Brew Path. Learn more here.
- Order your FREE Akron/Summit County Convention & Visitors Guide, online or by calling 800-245-4254. The guide is a great resource for additional stops along the way.
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Article and photos, unless noted by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com, NorthernOhioTourism.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. 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 receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***