Twinsburg, OH

In 1819, identical twin brothers Aaron and Moses Wilcox bought 4,000 acres near what was then called Millsville. They sold the land off in small parcels, making the area attractive to settlers. They donated 6 acres for a public square and money for a school. The settlement's name changed from Millsville to Twinsburg in their honor.

The Twinsburg Historical Society has its offices in a stone building built in the 1860s, once known as the Twinsburg Institute. The building also serves as a museum for items relating to the city's history. A barn adjacent to the facility houses antique tools and farming equipment.

Several historical monuments and markers stand in Twinsburg. An important one honors the Wilcox twins. Two others pay tribute to soldiers who served in the Civil War and World War I. Several historic homes still exist, the oldest dating back to 1826.

The main thoroughfares of Darrow Road and Ravenna Road feature the usual selection of fast food and national chain establishments. Twinsburg also has some small, one-of-a-kind restaurants for those looking for something different.

Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern offers the best of both the water and the earth to locals, with a menu cunningly divided between succulent fish and tender meat. Its traditional American-style menu features a wide range of salads and entrees, and speciality ingredients such as elk meat and Maine lobster add extra flavor. This popular restaurant now has branches in two other locations, but locals believe the original Twinsburg site remains the best.

Bongiorno Family Restaurante & Pizzeria has pizza on the menu, but is also has so much more. Elegant dining awaits in a cozy indoor eating area with white linen tablecloths, folded napkins and candles at each table. Warm up beside the fireplace on a chilly evening, or dine casually on the covered patio, weather permitting. If you have your heart set on pizza, feel free to indulge, but don't overlook the special Italian offerings of cavatelli, cannelloni or veal picatta, each made fresh from scratch.

Hold off on dessert until you get to CupCaked, a bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes and cakepops. Baked fresh daily, the sweet treats here feature flavors to tempt your taste buds.

Travel either to Cleveland or Akron for some night time fun, or stay within the area and spend some time with friends at Sassy's Bar and Grille in Twinsburg. Not only does this place have good food, it also features live entertainment four nights a week, with both karaoke and area bands performing. Since November 2011, Sassy's has been the place to go for "good food, good drinks and good times."

Sidewalks are hit and miss throughout the neighborhood, making walking somewhat hazardous. No bike lanes exist either.

You can call for a cab or ride a METRO bus, but most residents commute by car. If you choose to go by bus, park your car in one of the numerous business lots around the area. Board the No. 104 Twinsburg/Creekside bus, which travels from Twinsburg through Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, then on to Akron.

Drivers have ready access to State Route 91, which runs north and south through Twinsburg, and I-480, which runs northwest to southeast. I-480 connects with the Ohio turnpike.

If you need a ride but do not want to travel by cab or bus, you can access the Uber car service with your smartphone.

Looking to fly out of town? Travel south to the Akron Canton Regional Airport. From there, you can fly to several major U.S. cities, such as Boston, Chicago, New York and Denver, where you can connect to flights to other parts of the country or around the world. If you want a direct flight out of the country, travel north to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Twinsburg remains blessed with a number of parks in and around the neighborhood. All of them offer residents places to enjoy the great outdoors, many with hiking and biking trails and some with rock climbing. Center Valley East Park on Ravenna Road has a 1.2-mile-long trail with five scenic bridges along the route. If you enjoy hiking, do not miss the Center Valley Loop Trail with a path that winds along 4.41 miles of beautiful scenery.

Owners can turn their pets loose to run and exercise without a leash in the Twinsburg Dog Park on Ravenna Road, a facility specifically set aside for dogs.

Twins Day, called “The World’s Largest Gathering of Twins,” takes place annually in Glen Chamberlin Park in August on the first full weekend of the month. This family oriented festival offers good fun and great entertainment all weekend long. If you happen to be a twin (or any type of multiple), you can register as such. Not a twin? Not to worry, you are welcome. Events on Friday evening are only for the twins (and their families) who register. Activities during the rest of the weekend remain open to the public. Admission is charged.

Residents of Twinsburg pay considerably more for goods and services than do their counterparts in Cleveland. The overall cost of living in Twinsburg stands about 16 percent higher than that of Cleveland. Groceries cost about 10 percent more and transportation about 19 percent more. Housing costs run nearly double that of Cleveland. The average cost of a one-bedroom house or apartment in Twinsburg runs about $760 per month.

You can ride a METRO bus for $1.25 for a single trip, $2.50 for a full day, $15 for a 7-day pass and $50 for a month. Gas prices stay about 9 percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay about $6 for a pint of beer in local restaurants and pubs.

Residents buy their groceries mainly at either Giant Eagle or Heinen's Grocery Store, both on Darrow Road and both parts of larger chains. Those looking for fresh produce travel go to the Twinsburg Farmers' Market on Ravenna Road on Thursdays throughout the summer. Shoppers can choose from fresh fruits and vegetables as well as eggs, honey, cheese, jams, sauces and fresh-baked goods put out by the area's farmers and small food vendors. Boutiques in Twinsburg and the surrounding area offer a variety of items. The Grey Colt in nearby Hudson offers unique women's clothing and accessories as well as home and gift items. GRC (Green Roots Collection) in nearby Hudson remains the place for fashion, gifts and decor made with environmental conservation in mind. The Grey Colt, also in Hudson, is a women's specialty store with a 50-year tradition of supplying ladies with fashion from head to toe.