Merriman Valley - Akron, OH

The Merriman Valley neighborhood began with the development of Stan Hywet Hall. During the beginning of the 20th century, the Siberlings constructed this Hall, and from 1911 to 1930 many of the homes were constructed. The Siberlings were the founders of Goodyear, and as a result of the other leaders in the rubber industry residing in the area, the neighborhood was referred to as Rubber Baron Heights. During the 1970s, a subdivision called Merriman Woods was developed near Merriman Road. Merriman Valley lacks a strong arts and museum culture. For a more engaging arts and museum culture, residents visit downtown Akron. Weathervane Playhouse has many special events, plays and performances during the year. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens acts as a nearby museum and Ohio Shakespeare Festival provides a performance arts opportunity.

Merriman Valley rests in close proximity to a couple of dining options that include an authentic cuisine location and a niche eatery. The central location for restaurants in this area border Riverview Road to the south, however, several other restaurants border Market Street further south of Merriman Valley.

Saffron Patch prevails as one of the neighborhoods only authentic cuisine locations. This restaurant prepares traditional Indian dishes that guests commend for authentic spice and flavor. Popular menu items include goat curry, chicken makhani, paneer tikka masala and chicken biryani. Saffron Patch has a reasonably priced menu that guests praise for the excellent quality of food.

Another restaurant, Pub Bricco, provides a causal dining experience complemented by a diverse menu. This restaurant has a great selection of appetizers, flatbreads and sandwiches. However, Pub Bricco also prepares traditional American dishes such as cheese burgers and provides a wide selection of beer. Guests recommend the goat cheese with spicy marinara and enjoy the social atmosphere.

Located south of Merriman Valley, Swensons Drive In , serves as a unique fast-food location. This restaurant has guest's favorites such as Galley Boys and Potato Teezers. Swensons also prepares cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings. Swensons Drive In features the convenience of driving to the location and having the food served to the vehicle. This inexpensive restaurant opens late, which has become an added convenience that guests enjoy.

Nightlife in Merriman Valley has a quiet and basically nonexistent presence. The only nightlife option in this area, Pub Bricco, also serves as one of the only restaurants. Residents can find more nightlife options to the south of Merriman Valley, closer to downtown Akron. Pub Bricco has a social atmosphere and a great selection of beers. Guests recommend the martinis and enjoy the friendly wait staff. This pub stays open late on weekends and provides a casual location to grab a drink.

Merriman Valley ranks as one of the least walkable neighborhoods in Akron, and this neighborhood incorporates a minimal bike infrastructure with only a couple of bike lanes. Most errands require a vehicle and Theiss Road or State Highway 10 serve as transit options. Merriman Valley has two Metro bus lines that include route 23 and 28.

Car-sharing, provided by Uber, serves downtown Akron and surrounding areas for residents without a vehicle. This area lacks a regular local taxi service, however, Anytime Taxi serves nearby and surrounding areas. For access to nearby destinations, Theiss Road acts as a throughway and State Highway 10 helps residents travel with ease.

Merriman Valley has a couple of neighborhood parks. Hampton Hills Metro Park and Sand Run Metro Park are ideal for residents who enjoy engaging in outdoor activities. Hampton Hills sits on 655 acres of land and features an archery range and two hiking trails. Visitors enjoy walking or exercising along the stunning trails which are lined with gorgeous streams. This large park also has grills and picnic tables for special occasions.

Sand Run has a wetland that naturalists enjoy for salamander-migration. This park has skating and sledding for children as well as a large soccer field. Sand Run incorporates hiking and jogging trails and an area for cross-country skiing. Annual events in these parks include winter or holiday activities and multiple hiking events throughout the year.

The cost of living in Merriman Valley runs about eight percent higher than Akron. A one-way fare on Metro bus lines costs $1.25, and the average rental rate rests at $577 for a one-bedroom residence. Gas sits about seven percent higher than the national average, and residents should expect to pay $3.50 for a domestic beer at a local bar.

Shopping options in Merriman Valley remain limited to nearby boutiques and speciality shops. For large department stores and chain retailers, residents should visit downtown Akron. For grocery needs, residents can shop at the nearby Giant Eagle Supermarket or visit Hana Asian Market. Hana Asian Market prevails as one of the closest shopping options and sells groceries, ethnic cuisine items and basic home essentials.

The closest farmers market, Countryside Farmers' Market at Howe Meadow, rests north of Merriman Valley and opens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Second Sole acts as a sports wear shop in the Merriman Valley neighborhood. This shop has a friendly and knowledgeable staff that sells clothing items, running shoes, athletic gear and more. Second Sole has a diverse selection of apparel and has competitive prices that keep guests coming back.

Located southeast of Merriman Valley, Underhill’s Games , provides a wide selection of games, toys and hobby items. This specialty shop has cool board games and gift options that guests enjoy. Underhill's Games provides tables in the back and food for guests multiple times a year to attract potential customers and retain existing customers. The friendly staff provides useful information about games and toys options that guests find valuable.