Downtown Akron - Akron, OH Area Guide

Akron was incorporated as a city in 1865 and the name was derived from the Greek word "akpov," which means a summit or high point. The Ohio and Erie Canal break this city up into two parts, with downtown serving as the center. From 1910 to 1920, Akron was considered a boom town and was the fastest-growing city in America. The popularity of the automobile caused Akron to be called the "Rubber Capitol of the World" with the four major tire companies located in the city.

Downtown has multiple art galleries and performance-arts venues that include the Civic Center and EJ Thomas Hall. The Artwalk provides a free monthly event that allows guests to experience local art and live music through gallery shows and demonstrations. The Akron Art Museum serves the downtown area and has galleries with exciting art collections that date back to 1850.

Restaurants in Downtown Akron range from casual eateries to upscale dining. Whether looking for a place to socialize over coffee or a place to grab a quick bite to eat, the central location for restaurants and nightlife borders Main Street throughout this area.

The Lockview has become a favorite location for "after event" activities in this neighborhood. Akronites enjoy this eatery for the casual and relaxing atmosphere as well as the authentically prepared foods. The Lockview has a menu priced under $10, and a diverse selection of imported beers and wines. Visiting this restaurant after attending an event in Downtown Akron for the Chorizo Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Special that comes highly recommended.

Another popular eatery in Downtown Akron, Crave, has the catchy motto "Eat, Drink and Crave." This restaurant provides carefully prepared foods in a comfortable, yet exciting and eccentric setting. Crave has two chefs who combine their talents to create foods guests crave with a fresh and flavorful twist. Popular menu items include the Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese and the Lobster BLT. The reasonably priced menu ranges from $11 to $30 that's well worth the expense for the unique selection of items.

Nightlife in this neighborhood consists of dive bars, lounges, music venues and dance clubs. Akron has great places for guests to socialize with friends or dance the night away. Popular locations include 69 Taps, BLU Jazz+, Clouds Hookah Lounge and Zar Nightclub. The laid-back atmosphere at 69 Taps provides locals with a place to hang out or grab a beer with friends. This pub has a list of 69 beers available, and the list changes regularly. Guests enjoy super happy hour from 4-9 pm on Fridays. This hot spot features daily specials that include steak night, $2 margaritas and karaoke night.

BLU Jazz+, a gorgeous, new live-music venue, sports a relaxing environment perfect for socialization and experiencing quality live jazz. This nightlife location lends a sophisticated feel that provides the intimacy of an authentic jazz club. BLU also houses a photography gallery, and a full-service bar with signature cocktails, and inspired wine and beer selections.

Downtown Akron ranks as the fourth-most walkable neighborhood in Akron. Most errands can be accomplished on foot; however, cycling provides another effective way to reach a destination. This area has a decent bike infrastructure that incorporates several bike lanes. Metro RTA provide public transportation options and has multiple bus lines passing through the area. Downtown also has the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Car-sharing services, such as Lyft and Uber, provide service for residents without a personal vehicle. Local taxis run regularly and include Falls Suburban Cab, City Yellow Gl Cab and Zona Express. For access to nearby locations, State Highway 59, State Highway 8 and Interstate 76 help locals get around with ease. Downtown has more than 10 parking lots, 10 parking garages and more than 1,100 metered parking spaces.+

Downtown Akron provides activities and entertainment opportunities for the entire family, such as the Akron Zoo and Lock 3 Park. Lock 3 Park serves the Downtown Akron area, and acts as the entertainment hub for year-round events and festivals.

During summer months, this local park allows guests to enjoy concerts and festivals inside the spacious outdoor amphitheater. During the winter months, it provides outdoor skating and winter festivals that include the popular German Christmas Market. Other popular neighborhood parks include Firestone, Goodyear Heights and part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The cost of living in Downtown Akron sits at 8 percent lower than the Ohio average. This percentage relates to groceries, entertainment, shopping and public transportation. Metro bus lines provide the primary public transportation option, and a single, one-way fare costs $1.25 per ride. The average rental rate in this area comes at $617. One-bedroom apartments remain limited in this area, however, at Summit at Glendale, the price starts at $445.

Gas in this neighborhood rests 9 percent lower than the national average, and residents can expect to pay $3 for 16 ounces of domestic beer.

Shopping in Downtown Akron provides a variety of options that include boutiques, speciality stores and small-box retailers. Whether residents need a gift or a new shirt for a night on the town, Downtown has a shop to satisfy their needs. The central location for shops and retailers borders Main Street, and these locations have everything from handcrafted jewelry to special greeting cards. Residents find ALDI's as an inexpensive alternative to large supermarkets or expensive grocery stores. Multiple small grocery retailers service the area as well, including Western Fruit Basket and Main Street Market.

A popular boutique, Rubber City Clothing provides a trendy place to shop in Downtown Akron. This boutique has an entire line of T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, aprons, and caps with Akron phrases or logos on them. Other items that display Akron pride include bumper stickers, erasers, food items, books and many other Akron-inspired items. Rubber City has stylish clothing and apparel for the entire family that has a fun and edgy design. These items make great gifts for Akronites or simple souvenir gifts.

Allie M. Designs provides inspirational and custom jewelry, as well as women's accessories and apparel. This boutique stocks a wide selection of handmade accessories with designs ranging from modern to natural to vintage. Allie M. Designs gives customers a variety of hair accessories, charms, earrings, necklaces and bangle bracelets to list a few. Each design features a handcrafted design filled with detail and originality.

The closest farmers market to Downtown, Homegrown Saturdays in Lock 3 Park opens on Saturdays. This market sells locally grown organic produce, plants, flowers, fresh juices and other items.