The Holiday Elf Trail

Calling all elves!  We know how Santa is able to create all that Christmas magic and how those toys all get wrapped under the tree and how Christmas dinner seems to have all the holiday favorites.  This holiday season we invite all of you wonderful elves to come to Portage County and pamper yourself to a holiday treat from one of our local bakeries, enjoy a special holiday beverage from one our local coffee shops, wineries or breweries, all while finding that perfect gift for yourself or a fellow elf.

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.

Bean and the Baker 107 E. Main St., Ravenna
Bent Tree Coffee & Pastry 313 N Water Street, Kent
Cellar Door Coffee Co. 8138 Water Street, Garrettsville
Restoration 44 Coffee Company 10675 Main Street, Mantua
Scribbles Coffee Co. 237 N Water Street, Kent
Tree City Coffee & Pastry 135 ED Erie Street, Kent

Now it’s off to stock-up on those delicious “elf” treats.  Here are a few of our favorite go to spots. Remember the elf rule, one for a present and two for you.

  • Brimfield Bread Oven 3956 OH-43 #2, Brimfield –
    Brimfield Bread Oven makes some of the most delicious breads and pastry items.  Their following is just roof how good their wood-fired 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
    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
    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.
  • Stahl’s Bakery 411 E Main St., Kent
    If you enjoy treats like homemade muffins, cookies, pastries and more from a local small town bakery, Stahl’s in Kent should be on one of your bakery stops.
  • Sunshine Cupcakes Etc  221 S Prospect St. Ravenna
    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!

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.

 

  • 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

  • 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

 

  • Does someone on your holiday gift list like to collect  items from the past?  You will find antique stores scattered around the county. 
    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

  • All elves need new sweaters and holiday outfits.  Give yourself plenty of time to shop all the stores at our 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

 

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

Barrell Run Crossing Winery 3272 Industry Road, Rootstown
Bell Tower Brewing Company 310 Park Avenue, Kent
Mad Cap Brew Co.  1422 Mogadore Road, Kent
North Water Brewing Company 101 Crain Avenue, Kent
Thorncreek Winery 155 Treat Road, Aurora
West Main St. Winery & Brewery 234 W. Main Street, Ravenna

We hope all the “elves” find time this year to get out and enjoy a little getaway time for themselves.  If you are coming in from out of town, we have hotels nearby that can accommodate any “elf” budget. To learn more click here.

 

HOLIDAY MAGIC AND EVENTS TO ENJOY AROUND PORTAGE

Main Street Kent Holiday Highlights

Elf Hits Downtown Kent From Nov. 27 – Dec. 19, search for the MSK Elf in participating downtown businesses and enter to win prizes! Pick up a contest card at any participating location or print one at mainstreetkent.org/make-it-merry-make-it-kent/ and keep track of where you find him during your shopping adventures. Find the MSK Elf in 10 places, complete an entry in the online guest book, and you will be entered to win! Twenty winners will be randomly selected and announced on Mon., Dec. 21.

Small Business Saturday is Sat., Nov. 28! Shopping local is more important than ever this year, so mask up and head downtown to do your holiday shopping. Many local businesses also offer online shopping, curbside pickup, and low to no contact shopping experiences in an effort to keep everyone safe and keep community dollars here in Kent. Join us in supporting the locally owned and operated businesses that make Kent so special.

Kent Skates! November 20, 2021-February 27, 2022 (Wednesday – Sunday), Hours: 10am-8pm
Rink use and skate rental are FREE. Visitor can enjoy food and beverages rink side from the Zamboni Cafe’ snack bar, plus visits from food trucks! Click here to learn more.

Santa Claus is Coming to Kent on Sat., Dec. 5, from 6-8pm! Grab your coats, mittens and masks and enjoy the magic of the season as you stroll through downtown Kent with wonder and delight at the holiday lights, window decorations, and festive feel of the season. Our Kent State Hotel & Conference Center will be beautifully transformed to “Miracle on Erie Street” where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be part of a live window display, waving and wishing “Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!” Each family will receive a free child’s book (while supplies last) provided by the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce as part of their Books for Kids Program in partnership with the Kent Free Library. Children can drop off their letters to Santa in the North Pole Post mailbox located out front of the Hotel. Indoor Santa visits will not be permitted.

 

Ugly Sweater Weekend is Dec. 3rd. Get your ugliest holiday sweaters out and hit the town that weekend. Great Lakes Brewing Company will be providing free holiday glassware to guests enjoying GLBC Christmas Ale, and a dozen downtown businesses will be providing treats like free coffee and ugly sweater-shaped cookies; and free gifts like ornaments and fun stickers, to shoppers donning their ugly holiday sweaters! Sponsored by Portage Community Bank. Full details available at mainstreetkent.org/make-it-merry-make-it-kent/

Outdoor Festive Photo Ops will be on display throughout the downtown district this holiday season! Large holiday themed banners will be on display for fun family photo ops, and there will be twenty uniquely decorated snowpeople displayed in flowerbeds to capture a holiday moment with. Community members and business owners are “adopting” and decorating the snowpeople thanks to this fun project sponsored by the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.