Do you have a hard time thinking of ways to enjoy a night out? We have a few ideas we would like to share below:
1. Enjoy an afternoon of Main Street shopping. Unique shops and foodie stops is what you will find when strolling around Main Street Kent.
2. Saturday morning spring/summer escape. Breakfast and market strolling. Begin your day’s adventure with breakfast at “Over Easy at the Bistro”. This breakfast spot is located inside Kent’s historic train depot and just a few shorts steps to Haymakers Farmers’ Market, where every Saturday (except holidays), the market sets-up their summer season market from 10am-1pm. Don’t forget your cooler!
3. Head to church to enjoy food and drinks. Both the Bell Tower Brewing Co, (Kent) and Craft Artisan Meadery (Suffield) have brought new life to once closed churches. Each is unique in its own way. Check their websites for any special upcoming events.
4. Take a Public Art Walking Tour around Kent. From murals to bronze sculptures, this tour will have you taking plenty of selfies. Make sure you visit the “Squirrel with an Attitude” sculpture. 6 feet tall and 200 lbs., the squirrel keeps an eye out in Acorn Alley II. Details about the Art Walk can be FOUND HERE.
5. Enjoy a night of music at The Kent Stage. Located in downtown Kent, this theater was originally constructed as a silent movie and vaudevillian theater. A full list of upcoming concerts can be found on their website.
6. Pack a basket and enjoy a picnic in one of our area’s many local parks or one of our three Ohio State Parks located in the county.
7. Spend time visiting Wingfoot Lake State Park. Enjoy a stroll through the park, visit the Nature Center, take walk across the floating bridge, spend time enjoying views of the lake while swinging in one of the swings located on the banks. Kayaking, fishing, and even possible views of the Goodyear Blimp are what you will find. Plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic.
8. Movie night. Go ahead and plan to stay in your car for this movie experience. Watching movies under the stars at Midway Twin Drive-in Theatre in Ravenna is a perfect date night. Check their website for warm weather shows and times.
9. Visit the Kent State University Museum. The museum “holds one of the world’s most important collections of fashion, textiles and decorative arts, spanning the mid-1700s through the present.” Visit the website for current exhibits and hours.
10. Enjoy an outdoor concert. Pack your lawn chairs. Throughout the summer, local communities host free outdoor concerts. Visit our events page for updated information.
11. Enjoy a day visiting stops listed on our Portage County Sweet Treats page.
12. Dine at quirky Mike’s Place. If you have never enjoyed a meal at Mike’s Place in Kent, it’s the perfect spot to take a date. The décor and menu alone will give you something to talk about.
13. Portage County Hike & Bike Trail – Miles of smooth and flat asphalt. Perfect for a leisurely ride or walk.
14. Spend time with furry friends at Pure Passion Farms. Snuggle a Mini Highland Cow, feed the alpacas, spend time with baby goats and more. Throughout the year the farm holds “Mooovie Night”, Paint & Sip Classes and special seasonal events.
15. Take a stroll through the Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent State Nature Preserve.
“Cooperrider-Kent Bog is a living relict from the Ice Age.“ Learn more.
16. Spend a day finding your next great treasure. Throughout Portage County, you will find antique and thrift stores.
17. Enjoy a local festival. Popular events include the Old European Days & Bierfest, Main Street Kent’s Art & Wine Festival. Art on the Hill. The Kent Blues Festival, and more. To view list:
18. Spend an evening discussing your next move and Board and Bevy. This Tabletop Pub and Game Store in Kent is the perfect spot to enjoy each other’s company. Plenty of games to choose from.
19. Get your dancing boots on. The Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown is Ohio’s largest year-round country music destination. They even have line dance lesson nights. Visit their website for upcoming events and times.
20. Enjoy a meal with a view. The Lake House Kitchen & Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying a beverage, a deliciously prepared plate of food and views of the nearby lake.
21. Enjoy conversation over a plate of pasta. You cannot go wrong with Gigi’s Ristorante & Market, Belleria Pizza & Italian Restaurant, or Maddalena’s Italian Ristorante in Kent. If you want to enjoy the “Best Lasagna in NE Ohio”, per Cleveland.com readers. Head to Guido’s Pizza in Ravenna.
22. Spend an afternoon golfing. Whether you both enjoy playing a game of golf with traditional irons or you have found you enjoy the sport of disc golf, plan time together hitting the greens. Course information can be found here:
23. Go birding! Portage County is not only home to three Ohio State Parks; located in the county are thirteen Nature Preserves (the most in the State). Plenty of birding opportunities. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars.
24. Want to do something different? Plan time at the Outrage Rage Room in Kent. Once checked in, spend time breaking things. Blow off steam. Learn more.
25. A weekend getaway. Plan a full weekend that includes shopping, dining and outdoor adventures. Ideas and nearby hotel accommodations can be FOUND HERE.