The Best Things To Do In Central Portage County, Ohio
A special thanks to Central Portage County VCB and Ohio. Find It Here. for sponsoring this post!
With welcoming communities, picturesque landscapes, historical architecture, agritourism experiences and outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of fun activities for a weekend getaway in Central Portage County. Keep reading for the best things to do in Central Portage County, Ohio!
*While there are great attractions throughout Portage County, we just explored Central Portage County.
Looking for more things to do in Northeast Ohio? Read these Northeast Ohio Travel Guides.
Where is Portage County, Ohio?
Portage County is located in Northeastern Ohio, approximately 30 miles south of Cleveland.
Things To Do In Central Portage County, Ohio
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway or friends’ retreat, there’s lots of great things to do in Kent and Central Portage County!
Downtown Kent, Ohio
Explore Downtown Kent
Spend a few hours exploring Main Street Kent. Admire historic buildings, peruse local boutiques and shops, dine at local restaurants, take a self-guided walking tour to learn about the history of industry in Kent and/or to learn about public art throughout town, stroll along the Cuyahoga River, coffee shop hop and visit local hotspots to hang out with Kent State students and locals alike.
Be sure to visit Popped! for delicious gourmet popcorn, the McKay Bricker Gallery for handcrafted specialty items and unique gifts, a framing studio and art gallery and Off The Wagon for fun and quirky items for kids and adults.
Forever Chanel/Coco + Karl Exhibit at Kent State University Museum
Kent State University Museum
The Kent State University Museum houses a wonderfully curated collection of historic dress, fashion, textiles and decorative arts. The Museum holds one of the most comprehensive teaching collections of fashionable design from the 18th century to present day with thousands of pieces in its collection. Visitors can admire changing exhibits in the eight galleries.
I enjoyed the Fashion Timeline showcase and the What’s in your bag? exhibit. My favorite collection was the Forever Chanel/Coco + Karl, this beautiful collection of vintage Chanel is a fashion lover’s dream!
Address: 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://www.kent.edu/museum
Local Vendor at Haymaker’s Farmers’ Market
Haymaker’s Farmers’ Market
Haymaker’s Farmers’ Market is Portage County’s oldest producer’s only farmer market. The market is open year-round every Saturday morning in Kent. Outdoor season markets are April through November and indoor season markets run December through March. This market is a great place to support local farmers and producers by purchasing seasonal produce and specialty products.
We found lots of great goodies – locally grown tomatoes and sweet corn and delicious cookies from Fat T’s Cookies.
Address:
April-November Under the Haymaker overpass at Franklin Ave., between Main St. and Summit St.
December-March United Methodist Church of Kent 1435 E Main St., Kent, Ohio
Website: http://www.haymakermarket.com
Visit Local Wineries and Breweries
Whenever I’m visiting a new destination, I like to sample local wines. We visited Barrel Run Crossing Winery and enjoyed a bottle of Engine Number 5 while dining al fresco on their patio and listening to live music.
Address: 3272 Industry Rd., Rootstown, Ohio 44272
Website: https://www.brxwinery.com
Barrel Run Crossing Winery
If you’re more of a beer drinker, stop by North Water Brewing to sample some local craft beers. They also have delicious cocktail slushies, canned cocktails and wine.
Address: 101 Crain Avenue, Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://northwaterbrewing.com
Apple Pie Slushy at North Water Brewing
Outdoor Attractions In Central Portage County
Floating Bridge at Wingfoot Lake State Park
Wingfoot Lake State Park
Once owned by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Wingfoot Lake Park was used as an employee recreational facility. In 2006, Goodyear closed the park and the ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased 690 acres. Three years later, 121 acres were transferred to the Division of Parks and Watercraft and added to the state park system. Even though the park is no longer owned by the Goodyear Company, visitors can still find the company’s legacy there. The Goodyear Blimp is parked in its hangar on the south shore of the lake and on a clear day, visitors can spot the aircraft.
Mature groves of trees, a 444-acre lake, a nature center, paved walking paths and a Storybook Trail are just a few of the inviting features of this park. Be sure to walk across the 200-foot floating bridge, the second of its kind in Ohio!
We enjoyed spotting fall foliage while walking the paved trails and crossing the floating bridge was fun. The Goodyear Blimp was out for the day, so we didn’t get to see it during our visit.
Address: 993 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260
Portage Hike and Bike Trail
The Portage Hike and Bike trail is the key east-west link between the major trail systems in Northeast Ohio. This seven-mile multipurpose paved trail from Ravenna to Kent is great for hiking and biking, and it’s ADA accessible.
Address: multiple parking lots in several trail sections, see website below for details
Autumn Attractions
This autumn, fall in love with Central Portage County! From locally grown fresh apples to seasonal produce, pumpkin picking and a fun corn maze, there’s lots of fun fall activities for the entire family in Central Portage County.
Apple Cider and Apple Dumpling at Beckwith Orchards
Beckwith Orchards
Beckwith Orchards has been family owned and operated since 1878. Summer brings fresh fruits and vegetables and in autumn, all things apple can be found at the farm shop. While visitors cannot currently pick their own apples in the orchard, you can stroll through them for a fun photo opp. Bushels of fresh apples can be purchased in the farm store, along with other seasonal treats and specialty items. The bakery serves hot or cold apple cider and be sure to try a delicious apple dumpling. Fall brings plenty of pumpkins and gourds to the farm as well.
Address: 1716 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: http://www.beckwithorchards.com
Dussel Farm Autumn Display
Dussel Farm and Feed Store
Since 1948, Dussel Farm has been family owned and operated. While the farm has a year-round feed store and seasonal produce market, in the fall, it welcomes more visitors with a pumpkin festival and corn maze. Late September through October, hundreds of pumpkins, mums, corn stalks and hay bales are available to purchase. Kids of all ages will enjoy a cup of apple cider, caramel apples, kettle corn and to find their way through the corn maze.
Address: 1109 Old Forge Rd, Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://www.dusselfarm.com
Where To Eat In Central Portage County
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Kent and Central Portage County and it might be hard to choose just one. From chain restaurants to local hot spots, you’ll find a delicious meal at one of these eateries.
The “Big Fricking Sandwich” at Mike’s Place
Mike’s Place
There’s no place like Mike’s Place, with the eclectic mix of décor and fun vibes you must experience it for yourself. A bus, ship, plane, and hundreds of other items throughout the restaurant make for a fun scavenger hunt when dining. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the restaurant and the menu, as the menu is huge with lots of unique creations!
Address: 1700 S. Water Street, Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://www.mikesplacerestaurant.com
The Mo-Fo Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger and Pig Rub Fries at Ray’s Place
Ray’s Place
Since 1937, Ray’s Place has been a Kent landmark. If you want to go where the locals go, Ray’s Place is it. This bar and restaurant is the best place in town to enjoy a delicious burger and beer.
Address: 153 Franklin Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://www.raysplacekent.com
Chocolate Croissant at Brimfield Bread Oven
Brimfield Bread Oven
At this European style bakery, everything is made from scratch and baked in a wood-fired oven. From bread to pastries, your tastebuds will enjoy every delicious bite!
Address: 3956 State Route 43 #2, Kent, Ohio 44240
Website: https://www.brimfieldbreadoven.com
From farmers markets, local wineries and breweries, unique shops and boutiques, historical architecture, agritourism experiences, outdoor adventures, to delicious dining options, Central Portage County makes for a great Ohio weekend getaway!
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