The Holiday Elf Trail

Calling all elves!  The holiday countdown has started. This holiday season we invite you to bring your sleigh to Portage County to gather items for the holiday table, do a little gift shopping and treat yourself to a few treats. .

MORNING ELF BREW

Start your “elf” morning at one of our area coffee shops.  Not only do they make a great cup of coffee, they also offer seasonal favorites, and of course there is always a mocha drink with whipped topping and drizzle on the menu.  Don’t forget to purchase a few bags of coffee for the holidays. A bag of coffee always makes for a great stocking gift.

Bean and the Baker 107 E. Main St., Ravenna
Bent Tree Coffee & Pastry 313 N Water Street, Kent
Scribbles Coffee Co. 237 N Water Street, Kent
Tree City Coffee & Pastry 135 ED Erie Street, Kent
Restoration 44 Coffee Company 10675 Main Street, Mantua

PICK-UP A FEW ELF TREATS

Holiday stops should always include a few “elf” treats. Remember the elf rule: one for a present and two for you. Many treats also freeze well. 

BRIMFIELD BREAD OVEN
3956 OH-43 #2, Brimfield
brimfieldbreadoven.com
Brimfield Bread Oven makes some of the most delicious breads and pastry items.  Their following is just roof how good their breads are. One of our favorite breads is the Cranberry-Walnut.  Perfect holiday treat.  Check their website for store hours and current bread availabilities and times.

BECKWITH ORCHARDS
1617 Lake Rockwell Road, Kent
beckwithorchards.com
Not only will you find apples and cider at the orchard store, you will also find delicious baked treats, local maple syrup and baking products, as well seasonal decorations and gift giving ideas.

POPPED!
138 E Main St., Kent
shoppopped.com
What “elf” doesn’t like popcorn?  Especially, popcorn drizzled with caramel and chocolate.  Make sure you also stock up on their special chocolate items!  Perfect for those stocking stuffers.

ROCCO’S CUPCAKE CAFÉ
295 S. Water St., Kent, OH 44240
roccoscupcakecafe.com
If you love made-from-scratch cupcakes that are baked fresh every morning, Rocco’s is your place. Check their website for current cupcake and cake pops selections.
(Pictured: Coconut  and Chocolate Peanut Butter.)

KIRA’S SWEET BAKES IN THE VILLAGE 
10698 Main Street, Mantua, OH 44255
Facebook
This bake shop serves breads, cakes, cookies, pies and more.

TOP TIER PASTRY 
4668 East Prospet. St., Mantua, OH 44255
(330) 289-1999 | toptierpastry.com
Duffins (donut meets muffin), cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, tarts, buckeyes, scones, fougasse, and more can be found lining the bakery cases at this pastry shoppe.

SUNSHINE CUPCAKES ETC
221 S Prospect St. Ravenna
facebook.com/sunshinecupcakesetc
If your “elf” magic works off cupcakes, well Sunshine Cupcakes in Ravenna will help you keep that magic. Their selection of cupcakes like orange cream, chocolate mint,  strawberry wedding, hot chocolate, birthday cake and more are sure to put a smile on your elf face.  Make sure you bring one back for Santa!

ELF TABLE 

Even Santa knows where to find some of the best meats for the holiday table. 

DUMA’S MEATS INC.
857 Randolph Rd., Mogadore, OH 44260
330.628.3438 | dumameats.com
This family-owned and operated 4th generation store has been serving the area for years. You will find all cuts of meats, including their homemade sausage. Check their website for current hours. Closed on Sundays.

LOCAL ELF BOOK SHOPS

Being an “elf” means you know where to find those unique gift ideas. Those hidden treasures. Here are a few stops along the “elf trail” we think you may enjoy checking out.

For the person on your list that loves to read:
Last Exit Books and Coffeeshop – 124 E. Man St., Kent
Logo’s Bookstore – Christian Bookstore – 975 W. Main St., Kent
Village Book Store – 8140 Main St, Garrettsville

Find games, funny gifts, puzzles,  age related toys, and more at Off the Wagon. And for those who collect comics and figurines, there is Adam’s Action Figures & Comics.
Adam’s Action Figures & Comics – 4039 State Route 14, Edinburgh
Off the Wagon 152 E. Main St., Kent

DECKING THE ELF HALLS  

Need to spruce up the holiday tree?  You will find the most beautiful holiday ornaments, as well as other unique locally made gifts at McKay Bricker Framing & Gallery.
McKay Bricker Framing & Gallery – 141 E. Main Street, Kent

ELF TREASURE HUNTING

Does someone on your holiday gift list like to collect items from the past?  You will find antique stores scattered around the county. Bring a fellow elf and make it a day of treasure hunting. 

I-76 Antique Mall 4284 Lynn Road, Ravenna
City Bank Antiques 115 S. Water St., Kent
Cooper Kettle Antiques Mall 115 E. Main St., Ravenna
Streetsboro Antique Mall 8932 state Route 14, Streetsboro

MORE ELF SHOPPING 

All elves need new sweaters, holiday outfits and pretty jewelry.

You will find a nice selection of local small business shops in Downtown Kent, including Squirrel City Jewelers, Sun in Leo, Tiger Rae Boutique and more. For more info on Downtown Kent Main Street shopping click here.

For elves who need even more choices, check out this area outlet.
Aurora Farms Premium Outlets 549 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora

Shopping for the man who has everything, make an “elf” trip to these two area hot spots. 
Hartville Hardware 1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville
Summit Racing 1200 Southeast Avenue, Tallmadge

ELF CHEER 

Sometimes an “elf” needs to find a little holiday cheer to enjoy during all the holiday hustle and bustle.  Elves can sample unique brews, meads or a bottle of wine, at one of our area’s breweries or wineries.

Bell Tower Brewing Company 310 Park Avenue, Kent
Crafted Artisan Meadery – 1292 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore
Mad Cap Brew Co.  1422 Mogadore Road, Kent
North Water Brewing Company 101 Crain Avenue, Kent
West Main St. Winery & Brewery 234 W. Main Street, Ravenna

DOES SANTA NEED A PLACE TO LAND HIS SLEIGH AND STRETCH HIS LEGS?

Don’t worry. We have two Ohio State Parks nearby that are perfect landing strips and offer a great way to get a little exercise in before the big day.

WEST BRANCH STATE PARK – 5570 Esworthy Rd., Ravenna, Ohio 44266
WINGFOOT LAKE STATE PARK – 93 Goodyear Park Blvd.,Mogadore, Ohio 44260
Click here to learn more.

HOLIDAY MAGIC AND EVENTS TO ENJOY AROUND PORTAGE

Kent Holiday Highlights 2024

Main Street Kent Elf

Elf Hits Downtown Kent From Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, “Join Main Street Kent for the annual Elf Hits Downtown Kent! From Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 31, all are invited to explore Kent businesses to hunt for the MSK holiday Elf! Pick up a contest card at any location, search for the elf throughout the month, and enter your answers on the card. Once you’ve found as many as you can by Dec. 31, enter your answers online for a chance to win a gift card. (See contest card for QR code to enter.) No purchase required to play. Winners will be announced Jan. 6, 2025 and contacted by email.”
.Learn more: mainstreetkent.org/elf-hits-downtown/

Small Business Saturday is Sat., Nov. 30! Shopping local is more important than ever this year, so mask up and head downtown to do your holiday shopping. Join us in supporting the locally owned and operated businesses that make Kent so special.

Hometown Christmas – Brimfield – December 1st; from 5pm-7pm.
Bring the whole family to a community holiday lighting extravaganza! Walk through a beautiful holiday light display, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy games, activities, and sweet treats from local community groups and businesses.
Facebook event.

Santa Claus is Coming to Kent on Sat., Dec. 7, from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Santa arrives at 6:30pm.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com

WHY NOT STAY, SHOP AND PLAY?

Elves love to take road trips. Book a room at one of our local hotels and then spend a couple of days marking everyone off your shopping list, all while enjoying a little time away, We have hotels nearby that can accommodate any “elf” budget. To learn more click here.

Need help planning your day? Reach out we would be happy to help you.