No Tank Trips
Falls River Cruise
Another weekend, another No Tank Trip. This time to the Front Street Mall in Cuyahoga Falls. You may have seen kids playing in the water spouts on the mall or attending one of the weekend festivals, but did you know there is a tour boat awaiting you right there at the shore of the Cuyahoga River near the Fountain?
One hour and three scenic miles along the river takes you back in time with a history of the Indian tribes who once lived on the banks and where they've gone. Of course we all know by now that Cuyahoga means Crooked River, but you'll hear so much more from the crew on the local wildlife, vegetation, bridges and pivotal events in Cuyahoga Falls history. All while taking in this treasure, relaxing in the breeze and watching the sunshine dance off the water.
Long gone are the days of the burning river jokes in Northeast Ohio. They've been replaced with pride in the multitude of recreational activities this river has to offer. 100 miles of fishing, kayaking, bird watching and just plain sightseeing expertly woven through our cities and towns
From the peaceful babble of the Cuyahoga over those river-worn stones to the mighty rush of its many falls, our unique river that flows both north and south has survived being an oil and debris dump and has managed to flourish thanks to the hard work and diligence of individuals, groups and organizations like those at the Falls River Cruise.
Only $5 and 7.5 miles from the Akron Radio Center, I hope your family enjoys the tour as much as mine.
Falls River Cruise North Pier Boardwalk 330-971-8372
Dunlap's Orchard
Here we are in Johnny Appleseed country and I’ve never picked an apple from a tree. Well, not an edible one. Sure, as a kid I found out the hard way not to eat the crab apples that thumped to the ground and smothered our backyard with a sickening rotten pulp.
For the good stuff it was always off to the grocery store to overpay for an apple grown somewhere else. But all along Dunlaps Apple orchard has been on Arlington Road just off 77. They grow over 20 varieties throughout the season. Pick up a bag of your favorites or have some real fun - Pick your own!
Me, I’m a Cortland kind of girl. Crisp and snow white inside - sweet and tart at the same time. I’ll bet your favorite is there too. Macintosh, Spartan, Empire, Jonathon and red and golden delicious. And they were delicious! OK, you got me, I sampled a few. I had to know if they were ripe! Now is the time to learn what “laden with fruit” really means. Great photo ops await your group while
they enjoy some of the same crunchy goodness that even Adam and Eve couldn’t resist.
Honey and Cider available too!
Directions to the Orchard: From Cleveland & Akron Area: Take I-77 to Arlington Road Exit turn right follow Arlington Road South 7 miles. Sign and Apple store on the right. From Canton area: Take I-77 North to Portage Street Exit. Turn Left. Take Portage to Arlington Road turn right. Follow Arlington Road North 3 miles. Sign and Apple Store on Left.
Wolf Creek
No fancy picnic basket, just a plastic grocery bag filled with turkey sandwiches, Doritos and Yatzee and we were off to the Winery at Wolf Creek. Late afternoon sunshine still spotlighted thick green grass on a rolling hill that leads into an even more spectacular view of a lake and a dense wall of trees as far as you can see. The smallest chunk of concrete poked up through park-like setting marking the only evidence that the commotion of downtown Akron was just miles away.
That's a snapshot of the view off the patio and deck of this uncommon winery in Norton. Couples were cozy'd up, while other groups, birthday parties and families filled the picnic tables or threw blankets on the ground and settled in for a summer night in the country. That's what's so great about the Winery at Wolf Creek, they'll serve the wine and provide the lovely setting for your evening out. Most folks seemingly opted to bring their own dinner and snacks, which varied from buckets of fried chicken to French Brie and jellies. At least three pizza delivery guys came and went.
Who will you meet at the Wolf Creek Winery? As many or a few people as you choose. Some come for private time and that's usually obvious right away, while others seem open to talk about the wine and take in the scenery.
A ridiculously reasonable 25 cents will get you a taste of the wine before you commit to a whole glass or bottle and the staff seems ready to walk you through the wine-tasting process. It can get busy in the tasting room as guests seemed just as eager to get a seat inside as out.
Oh and fellas - This is definite first-date material. It's been called one of Ohio's most romantic spots. Couples seem to be swept away as they stroll the vineyards hand-in-hand.
Only 7miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street.
wineryatwolfcreek.com
SZALAY'S FARM MARKET
You don't have to look far to find something fun and inexpensive to do. These No Tank Trips have been a enjoyable learning experience.
Sue Wilson, the Program Director and morning co-host at WQMX asked me if I,d ever been to the Szalay's Farm Market down in the Valley. The one with the corn, I asked. That's the one. She'd just been with a friend the weekend before and assured me it was a solid No Tank Trip idea.
Not only was she right, she was there! Just a coincidence I guess that she decided to go back. After my experience I know I will.
It may seem a little "corny," but that new August corn, roasted and dipped in butter (and salted) and fresh squeezed lemonade was just what I needed to get out of the rushed state-of-mind everyone seems to be in perpetually. Or it could've be the fresh berry bowls, ice cream or the huge outdoor patio to take in the cornfields and blue sky.
At Szalay's you can get excited about big pink lady apples and crispy green beans without feeling foolish. Everyone else is there for the same reason. They offer samples of many of their goods and most of your fellow shoppers are kind enough to use the tongs provided and only take one. This farmers market grows most of their produce right on the farm or bring it in from other local farmers, businesses and bakeries.
Fresh picked fruits and vegetables are the specialty at Szalay's Farm Market - and by fresh picked I mean the sweet corn is picked that very day. Shop the locally-made baked goods like cinnamon bread, pretzel loaves, honey, jelly and colorful flowers bouquets while you're there.
Then come back in the fall. Szalay's wraps up the season with fresh pressed cider, and homemade apple fritters, giant pumpkins, hay rides and a 3-acre corn maze.
This quaint little farmers market offers a place to settle in for the laid-back set and a refreshing breather for the cyclists along the Riverview Trail. It's open pretty much every day from June to October. The hours are 9-7 and it's located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
No charge and only 7 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street.
Noah's Lost Ark Animal Shelter
Did you know there's an exotic animal shelter near Berlin reservoir? Real life big cats like African Lions, Leopards, Siberian and Bengal tigers. You'll have an up-close look at bears, wolves and monkeys who've had a hard life up until now. Some have been abused and neglected. One tiger named Ming had been cooped up in a New York City apartment for 2-1/2years before he was given a second chance and a permanent home here at Noah's Lost Ark.
It's very peaceful here. Sure, it's a natural environment for the abused animals to recuperate but its not all heavy and sad once you get there. You'll find plenty of petting and feeding opportunities for the kids at this safe haven for donkeys, llamas and big birds.
It's evident the sanctuary cares deeply for the animals and it's obvious the residents know they have found a permanent and secure shelter they can call home.
At only $6.50 per adult, $5 for kids Noah's Lost Ark is great place to take the family enjoy the outdoors, picnic in the sunshine and take home souvenirs from the gift shop, all while supporting a group committed to instilling respect toward these mistreated animals.
40 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street, Noah's Lost Ark was certainly a hidden spot that's not your ordinary zoo.
Horse Back Riding
When I started doing these No Tank Trips, I kind of had a mental list of specific adventures to seek out and experience. Horseback riding was one of them, but I had a feeling it might be hard to find. Think about it, how many commercials have your heard advertising horse back rides here in the Akron area?
Thankfully, someone had heard about Camp Y-Noah. A YMCA run camp that extends across 250 acres of wooded trails. The Firestone Equestrian Center is located off Christman Road in Clinton and doesn't have a huge marketing budget for the media splash that it deserves. Skilled riding instructors are there to mount up with you, on their own horse (of course). No need to double up. There are plenty of these beautiful creatures to go around. Experienced riders and beginners will love their day spent with these horses.
Mine was Sampson. They said he'd been there for years. Many in the barn and corral had been donated, but others were boarders whose owners were cool with the camp using them for riders like me. He was saddled up and ready to move and I had my goofy, protective helmet on - Now all that needed done was getting me on the horse. I guess I hadn't thought this through completely. Swing this leg over that leg without throwing yourself over the horse and onto the ground on the other side? Hmmm. OK, that done it was time to start over thinking the next steps - how to sit, hold the reins, say whoa. Apparently laying down on Sampson's back and throwing my arms around his neck was not an option. Not to worry, the instructors pretended not to notice my moment of panic and gave me the step-by-step. The horse knew the rest.
It was kind of a follow the leader situation as we hit the well-worn trails. Our leader and the Equestrian Center Director, Susan Garside gave our group a guided tour, which strangely included an old hearse in the woods. We learned that was for the hayrides planned for Halloween. She'd just recently brought her horse from Wyoming, having just moved back to Ohio and seemed most comfortable sitting atop it.
At one point I noticed Sampson was edging a little too close to her horse. I thought mine was trying to take the lead position or something, but she explained they use the twitching tail of the horse ahead as a fly swatter of sorts for their ears. I'll admit, it was quite warm and the flies were certainly out, but I was grateful for the handy limbs I had at my disposal. Especially since I'd just met Susan and thought she might be a bit uncomfortable if I employed the same technique.
I even got to make a couple of nickering noises which I'm sure were answered by some snickering noises from the equine-wise, but it was a great experience. I'm so glad I did it. An instant "cowgirl?" No, I am not. But I loved meeting the folks at the camp and I'm looking forward to taking my toddler when she's old enough.
Just call and make reservations. Flexible days and times are available.
20 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street and you'll only pony up $25 a person, Firestone Equestrian Center at Camp Y-Noah!
akronymc.com/camp/ynoah/equestrian
First & Main in Hudson
You've got to carve out a couple hours in your busy life to take a walk around First & Main in Hudson. Now, hold on. I know I said Hudson, but that doesn't have to mean hoity-toity.
First & Main is a charming collection of shops, eateries and businesses in one quaint location. Red brick roads and old-fashioned storefronts keep the historic feel of downtown Hudson alive, but the modern shopping and dining is what brings people back for more.
Cars and motorcycles lined the First & Main blocks of shops as we met friends there last weekend. We came for the Sunday brunch at The Vue restaurant. We found a huge layout of breakfast/lunch items from filet, sausage, bacon and eggs to made-to-order omelets by the Vue's chef. Spicy shrimp, fruit, pastries and pies are just a few of the delicious items you should splurge on at this trendy spot. The Vue offers outdoor dining, party rooms and a generous bar at not so stuffy prices.
The Vue is just one of the many dining choices here. Middle eastern, Italian, Spanish and Mexican cuisine can be found off the cute streets of First & Main. A stroll through town provided us with a unique shopping experience. Especially interesting was Uniquely Ohio. Jewelry, home decor made by local artists and merchandise and apparel to Ohio colleges and universities. Toys, shoes, books and even flowers and shrubbery are on display at this special spot nestled away inside the cozy embrace of Hudson. Close to the highway off 303, but miles away from the generic atmosphere of your local strip mall.
Bring your kids and let them blow bubbles and play ring around the rosy in the large grassy courtyard and take time to enjoy the weekend in the sunshine at the coffee shops, pizza joints or comfortable benches set up for you at First & Main.
Only 16.5 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street, First & Main in Hudson is a nice escape from the mundane with a lovely assortment of shopping and dining for Northeast Ohioans.
HINCKLEY LAKE
So I spent the day at the Hinckley Reservation in Medina County.
It was a family day and my teenage nephews were happy to come along for this No Tank Trip. An easy drive across Rt. 303 will take you right to 90 acres of reservoir that is Hinckley Lake. Records have been set here, twice. It holds the Guiness Book of World Record for the most kayak and canoe tethered rafts.
At the bottom of the Spillway is a pool to splash around in then we took a little walk around the lake. Near the Hinckley boathouse we set up our picnic area. Dannie and Nick was ready to roll with their fishing gear, while the rest of us fed the ducks. We weren&Apos;t there 10 minutes before a fish was snagged, my 2 year old tried to lick it, we took a picture and back in the drink it went.
Blue Heron stood regal and watchful in direct contrast to the ducks who made complete fools of them selves trying to get our bits of crackers and bread. One couple just came for a stroll with their golden retriever, who wanted nothing more than to serve his purpose: to retrieve a stick from its watery destination.
Hinckley also provides hiking trails, picnic and pavilion areas and even ledges for rock climbing or just plain admiring.
I've never really seen a crowd here, just folks seemingly sneaking away. Perhaps trading in the responsibilities of life for a day to actually LIVE it.
You can swim, fish, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and pontoon around the lake for extremely reasonable prices. We rented a rowboat for $12 dollars and tooled around this gorgeous nook of the Cleveland Metroparks soaking up the sun. Well, I sat and soaked up the sun while my husband did the hard work of rowing the boat.
Only 14.7 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street, Hinckley Reservation has something for everyone!
Hinkley Boathouse 330-278-3132
ClevelandMetroParks.com
Camping!
A weekend away doesn't necessarily mean taking a trip. I just came back from a 2-day vacation in a woodsy cabin within feet of swimming, fishing, and a crackling fire. It left me refreshed, suntanned and with a new appreciation for the comforts of home.
It was the KOA Campground in Streetsboro right on Rt. 303. The cutest little log cabin with a front porch swing sat under a shade tree with our own picnic table and fire ring. There were even new curtains and a small table and chairs inside. We were surprised to find air-conditioning, a large full size bed and a set of bunk beds. It was so clean! I was expecting a lived-in look at best when checking in. I mean, it was a campground after all. We felt like it had been prepared especially for us.
After we left our gear - bags, drink cooler and food cooler, it was off to the lake. A beach, a slide and a lifeguard were all we needed to enjoy the sunny day. A mommy duck went about her business while her ducklings tagged along throughout the afternoon. KOA staff put up umbrellas along the beach while others picked up and kept the potties and shower areas stocked and spotless.
The traditional looking general store on the grounds stood at the ready for any items campers may have overlooked and also sold cute camping-themed picture frames, toys and statuary. It also rents pedal karts for the day while the game room down below offers different indoor activities from pool tables to Guitar Hero. My 2 year old especially liked the after dinner hayride courtesy of the campground and a local farmer.
Once darkness fell, the cabins just sort of sunk into the night and only the flicker of firelight could be seen. Evening is always telling at a campground, people like us gathered round their own little piece of wilderness roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Funny how us "city folk" take this tiny, secret pride in rustling up fire by ourselves. Makes you feel like maybe you could get by without all the aptly named trappings that seemed so important during the rat race that consumes our week and sometimes our lives. Sure we couldn&Apos;t have done it without matches and yes we used the air conditioner, but it was nice to rough it and getaway without going away.
$63 for the whole family and just 19.5 miles away from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street.
Streetsboro KOA www.StreetsboroKOA.com
A Trip to the Flea Market
About 20 minutes south of Akron a day of sunshine, friendly faces, collectors items, memories and just plain weird odds and ends awaits you. How much do I have to pay to get in you ask? Nothing. The Hartville Flea Market is a free No Tank Trip. This huge bargain hunters paradise has been polished a bit over the years, but is still a great way to spend your weekend. Some old-timers will tell you it was better back when you could shop the row after row of vendors displaying their wares in a big dusty parking lot on the side of the road. Well, if you miss that experience you'll still find that same feel in the parking lot behind the new building, minus the gritty taste of dirt. Up to a thousand tables are still laden with goods - especially over the holiday weekends.
Inside is a very well put together mall of sorts, but I assure you the pieces of history, hand-made craftsmanship and Amish-made cheeses, jellies and baked goods are far from the usual run-of-the-mill shopping fare. I spent the first couple of hours strolling in the cool air conditioned, two story walk down memory lane, ate a snack at Sarah's Grille then headed outside. That's where the adventure begins for me because you really never know what you'l stumble upon. I've told friends; you name it, it's at the Hartville Flea Market this summer. From cannonballs to fireballs and cedar chests to family crests I've seen it in this parking lot.
I hope you'll take the short drive down 619 and enjoy a day away from the grind. Go ahead, take home the local produce, antiques of every sort and treasures that only you were looking for. I go every year and walk away with interesting and unique items to display on my mantle, laugh about with friends and hand down to my little girl.
I spent almost five hours and $6 dollars at the Hartville Flea Market last weekend. See, no need to stress about a vacation - there's plenty to do right here at home.
21.02 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street and free admission.
Hartville Flea Market 1289 Edison St NW
Hartville, OH 44632-8942 hartvillefleamarket.com
Train Ride Through the Cuyahoga Valley
Ever been on a train? Me neither. If you're from Northeast Ohio you've more than likely heard of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Here we have form of entertainment wherein someone else drives, you sit in the comfort of an air-conditioned rail car and get a guided tour of 33,000 acres of national park.
Of course the railroad was built to transport coal and freight, but it';s always been a means of carrying passengers to their destination, too. So, if my goal here is to find alternative transportation and still enjoy my summer - what better way than this.
So, it was off to the website I went. Our route started from the Akron Northside Station (near Luigui's) to Peninsula. I must admit I felt pretty luke-warm about it at first. Yet I still told my 2 year old how exciting the choo-choo would be for her. But when that train came puffing into the station, Mom and Dad were just as awed. The powerful roar and the sheer size of the locomotive was immediately offset by the smiling faces of the crew and the Park Rangers waving out at us.
We had a whole car to ourselves at first, but we were pressed against the windows almost immediately. I bet they have to clean to window glass a couple times a day from all the nose smudges. I know it's the same Cuyahoga Valley that I drive through almost daily, but from a different perspective.
Figuratively speaking I was stopping to smell the roses as we made our way over busy streets and into the mute, green passageway of the trees.
One spot we were told was once a junk yard and almost became a parking lot, before beaver staked their claim and turned it into a rich wetland now home to herons and turtles.
A tiny town called Everett sat tucked in the woods along the way and Indigo Lake stood out blue and sparkling. Men and women who'd escaped their busy lives savored quiet spots on its shores to fish or catch some rays. This same lake serves as a practice zone for rescue workers learning to save lives. Hale Farm and Village takes visitors from this same stop.
One whole car on the train was filled with cyclist who paid only two bucks for their ride up the Towpath Trail. The Bike Aboard service hangs the bikes in one car while the nature-loving cyclists conserve their energy before a long trek home.
The Cuyahoga river went from tame and stream-like in some spots to a swell of water of giant rocks and boulders in others. Peninsula was our destination. There, farmers markets, patio umbrellas, antique shops, artists and bike shops awaited us.
Only an hour and half and it was back on the train. My little one's eyes began to close as she watched the trees and farmland pass by. It was a peaceful break from the same old. A getaway without going away. Could this day get any better? Only if you've got root beer and ice cream chilling at home with your name on it.
I know my family will be back on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad soon.
$15 bucks a person and only 3.82 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street. Yes, I think that officially qualifies this as a No Tank Trip. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
cvsr.com
Boat Tour: Portage Lakes
In my quest to get away without going away, I knew the Portage Lakes had to be a stop. I don't have a boat or friends with a boat so I had never seen the lakes from the lake itself. That's what Portage Princess Tour Boats does. Nothing too fancy, just a nice hour and half or three hour boat ride through the glacier-made lakes.
We met Captain Jack at the tour boat dock as he was coming back to the pick-up point with a group of wind blown, but smiling people who'd set out an hour and a half before. We weren&Apos;t the only ones waiting for the Saturday afternoon excursion. Just the only ones with an excited 2 year old ready to plunge in the water.
As two other couples boarded the boat with us, Captain Jack was quick to alert us to the location of the life jackets in case the boat flipped over again. After an awkward moment to digest his joke, everyone laughed but his ice- breaker hung in the air as an important reminder that these could come in handy should anything happen.
Captain Jack began to show us some of the points of interest while weaving in colorful stories from the silly to the serious while we sat back and soaked up the sun. It was easy to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Portage Lakes and admire the spectacular homes that dot it's shores. The breeze off the lake was most welcome on this hot and humid Sunday. A group of tanned and bathing suit clad boaters waved to us from a tiny and almost hidden drinking hole that looked to be for neighbors only.
Did you know that magician David Copperfield's manager lives on the lake as well as many other notable Akron-area names.
All too soon, we were aiming for the dock and my husband was off to the 27 hole golf course across the street as I had a date with a long island iced tea at the Olde Harbor Inn's patio right on the water.
We felt refreshed and sure didn't have to go far to see our world from a different point of view.
Vitals: $20 bucks a person and only 16.2 miles from WONE Studios on West Market Street. That's what I call a no tank trip.
Portage Princess Tour Boat Corner of Route 619 and Turkey Foot Lake Road 330-499-6891
portageprincessoh.com
Carriage Ride at Brandywine
Last weekend was beautiful! Sunshine, blue skies and a little cool breeze yet. Perfect for the very first No Tank Trip: A getaway without going away. Carriage Trade Farm at Brandywine Falls. If this isn't a secret spot I don't what is. I've been down Brandywine Road right off Olde Eight many times, but I didn't know that time had sort of stood still just a mile away from 271.
The traditional red barn was in pristine shape with the backdrop of farmland and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as we turned into the drive. Outside the barn doors stood the most picture-perfect scene: A handsome, cream-colored horse with a extraordinary two tone mane already harnessed to the buggy.
Inside the barn was such a stunning collection of antiques and collectibles of time gone by, we could hardly take it all in. A lovely white wedding carriage, a large surrey (with the fringe on top) while proudly displayed treasures hung from the ceiling and walls ranging from the bizarre to the touching.
Wade Johnson runs the Brandywine Falls Adventure at Carriage Trade Farm and is the fourth generation keeping the story of the once thriving town of Brandywine alive.
While we admired the showroom, a Norwegian Fjord Pony began to gently remind us why we were here. A thump, thump, thump to the fence said lets go. This was his first opportunity to shine too and he was chomping at the bit. Not only are these Fjord ponies striking in their looks, they're ready to work and pulling a carriage is light work for this thousand pound animal.
Candice, our driver and narrator, teaches in the Akron Public School system during the winter and is lucky enough to host these tours in the summer.
The wind blew in our faces as the pony pranced and showed his docile nature was perfect for the job at hand. We learned a small, but once prosperous village stood on this ground. It boasted a saw mill, grist mill, a woolen factory and a distillery. Its whiskey soon became the legal tender for everyone from the teachers to the preachers. It was known as Brandywine currency.
Bikers along the nearby Metro Park bike trail surprised us. We'd gone back in time for that 45 minutes. The tour ended with a Sassafras float to commemorate the root-beer scented Sassafras tree with 3 different leaves we'd seen on the property.
Then it was off to Brandywine Falls. Just a minute down Brandywine Road and the bridge over 271 on the left was a parking area that lead to a boardwalk down to the gorgeous and surprisingly large waterfall where we enjoyed a picnic basket of wine and cheeses while watching a wedding party capture their special day.
Carriage Trade Farm offers visitors a once in a lifetime experience in this gone, but not forgotten town of Brandywine and my first No Tank Trip was everything we'd hoped it would be.
Vitals: $55 and only 20.9 miles from the WONE Studios (West Market Street).
CARRIAGE TRADE FARM 8050 Brandywine Road Northfield, Ohio 330-467-9000
on the Web: carriagetradefarm.com