August 2025

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

AUGUST 2025

Take Me Lakes TO THE

VENTURE TO 13 FUN PORTAGE LAKES DESTINATIONS

AUG 2025 $4.95

Triathletes Liam Garrison, Logan Garrison, Maeve McDonald & Fiona Smith, photo by Mal McCrea

ROCK STAR

GET TO KNOW GUITAR PHENOM MICHAEL WEBER

VACATION MODE

SOAK IN WATERFRONT VIEWS AT THE LAKE HOUSE

COOL OFF

FROLIC AT 3 SPLASH PADS

From First Cars to Family Cars

Akron Drives Serra.

3363 S. Arlington Rd. in Green • (330) 644-7500 • www.serraautopark.com

.com

PAGES

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 24 Portage Lakes | photo by Mal McCrea

{ FEATURE }

24

TAKE ME TO THE LAKES Dive in to all Portage Lakes has to offer.

From kayaking on the peaceful North Reservoir to cruising the bustling Turkeyfoot Lake on a pontoon boat, these 13 destinations are filled with fun opportunities to enjoy the lakes.

KillinIt Kayaks paddleboard photo by Mal McCrea

4

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PAGES

10 INTERVIEW Michael Weber

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

46 BIG BITE

The Lake House Kitchen & Bar

[ DEPARTMENTS ] 06

MAIL BONDING

10

INTERVIEW Musician Michael Weber

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER Heat Index

08

RADAR [ seen + heard ]

09

UPFRONT

Special Section 42

FOREVER YOUNG

12

Discover how an insurance broker can help you enroll in Medicare.

AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings

44

GOOD EATS [ notable food & drink ] 44 Restaurant listings 46 Big Bite: The Lake House

Kitchen & Bar

Along the Shore

51

PARTING SHOT The Black Keys

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

5

PAGES

MAIL BONDING TOP DOCT ORS: 290+

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE

DOCT ORS IN 45+

SPEC IALTI ES

6 JUNE 2025

Summer

Tell us what's on your mind.

SWING INTO

JUN 2025 $4.95

25S +TO DO

JULY 2025

THING VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 7

FESTIVE FUN CELEBRAT E WITH 6 CANTON FESTIVAL S NEW BITE GET A TASTE OF ITALY AT LUCIANO’ S JURASSIC PARK DINOSAUR S STOMP THROUGH THE AKRON ZOO

PATIOS, SWIMMI NG, SHOWS & MORE!

Travis Bazzana photo by Mal McCrea

RIVER’S EDGE

FIND FUN & FRESH FOOD IN CUYAHOGA FALLS

LITTLE ITALY

TASTE LA DOLCE VITA AT SAL’S GELATO

HOMECOMIN G QUEEN

CATCH MACY GRAY’S CANTON CONCERT

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AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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{ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com }

Heat Index SIZZLING TEMPERATURES BRING BACK COOL MEMORIES.

Ohio’s summer heat is in full swing. Back in April, I couldn’t take another cold day. Now I find myself wishing for just one cooler afternoon, so I could be outside without sprinting back into the air conditioning. I honestly don’t know how I survived as a kid. We didn’t have central air, just a box fan in the bedroom window — and those hot summer nights were brutal.

Now I’m soft. I’m used to closed windows and air conditioning circulating throughout the house. My grandmother lived in Brimfield, and she refused to get air conditioning. I guess when it’s always been that way, you adapt. In the last years of her life, she was able to stay in her home, and a lot of us in the family would take turns spending the night with her. I remember some summer nights when every window in the house stayed open, the fan on full blast — and it still felt like a hot hair dryer blowing on you all night. The only real relief was a cold shower before bed, which bought you a nearly 30-minute break before you started sweating again.

When I was a kid, we had one small AC unit in the downstairs living room. On those really hot nights, we’d all pile in together and sleep in that one cool room. It was cramped, but it was better than tossing and turning in the heat.

One of the best summer traditions back then — one that felt like true salvation — was the arrival of the ice cream truck. I’ve lived in Oregon, Connecticut and Florida — and traveled plenty — but I’ve never experienced quite the same prevalence of ice cream trucks anywhere else.

We called the ice cream truck “Jingle Joe.” That little tune it played was magic. I had a finely tuned ear for it — the moment I heard that faint jingle in the distance, I’d go into high alert. We’d tear through the house, flipping couch cushions and begging our mom for spare change. The best moment was when you could tell the truck was getting closer. The worst moment was when we’d sprint barefoot through neighbors’ yards to chase the truck down, and it started getting farther away.

My favorite treat was the banana fudge Bomb Pop — fudge at the top and bottom, banana flavor in the middle.

Still unbeatable.

These days, we still have an ice cream truck in our neighborhood. It doesn’t come every day, but when it does,

Bodhi

I still get excited. Just recently, my wife, my son, Bodhi, and I chased it down the street. Bodhi stood there for five minutes, frozen with indecision, while I grabbed my classic fudge Bomb Pop. No digging through the couch cushions this time — they take credit cards now. That’s probably a good thing, because each treat was over $5. Ouch. Still, it was worth it — for the taste, the memory and the joy of the chase.

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

7

PAGES

RADAR { by Abby Kress, splash pad and ice cream photos by Abby Kress, gnome photos provided by Main Street Medina}

seen + heard

+3 SPLASH PADS ELIZABETH PARK

2 Scoopz

SWEET TOUR

Order a scoop of Banana Pudding at 2 Scoopz, or try a Munchie flurry with M&M’s, peanut butter cups, Oreos and sprinkles from Tasti Crème. They’re part of Stark Flavor’s Ice Cream Passport, which takes flavor discovery to another level by introducing you to 14 locally owned and operated Stark County ice cream shops.

Participating ice cream shops include Taggarts Ice Cream, Pav’s Creamery North Canton, Kustard Korner, the Clever Cookie & Creamery and more. “The concept of our digital passports was to create an experience for local customers who want to support these businesses,” says Mike Sturdivant, owner of Stark Flavor, via an email.

Participants receive a free shirt. Enjoy scoops all summer — the passport is open till Sept. 1. starkflavor.com

8

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

Cool off during the sizzling days of late summer at the new splash pad at Elizabeth Park, which opened in Akron June 6. Enjoy 15 features, including sprayers, buckets that dump water, a floral structure that shoots out H20 and more. The 2,600 square-foot park also features basketball courts and picnic spots.

Splash pad open till September, 10 a.m. -7 p.m. daily, Elizabeth Park, 40 E. Lods St., Akron

KIWANIS-MOORE PARK This bright blue 2,100 square-foot splash pad features sprayers, buckets and a rotating wheel that splashes water. Also enjoy playground equipment and a snack shack at the park. Splash pad open till Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, 35 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora

Elizabeth Park

BLUE TIP PARK With half-circle sprayers, a slide, buckets and more, this new splash pad brings thrills all day long. It had its grand opening this May. The renovated park features new pickleball and tennis courts, along with an expansive, new modern playground. Splash pad open till Labor Day, around sunrise-around sunset daily, 300 Blue Tip Way, Wadsworth

HIDE & SEEK

Uncover mythical creatures hiding throughout Medina with the Gnomes on the Roam scavenger hunt. From 11 a.m. Aug. 11 till 5 p.m. Aug. 17, seek out at least 10 of the 20 concealed gnomes for a chance to win prizes.

Main Street Medina gives you a headstart with a list of 20 participating businesses where you might spot gnomes with names like Adrian, Bea S. Wax, Beanie, Sparkletoots and more. Submit your entry for an Aug. 18 drawing. Prizes include gift cards from participating stores. mainstreetmedina.org

PAGES

UPFRONT { Editor-in-Chief | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com, photo by Erin Gulling }

Along the Shore DISCOVER TRANQUILITY IN PORTAGE LAKES.

After we arrived at Nauti Vine Winery’s lower patio, a great white heron swooped in, landing on the dock in Miller Lake.

Senior graphic designer Erin Gulling, coowner Erica Wathey and I happened upon serendipitous timing. It was a hot but quiet day in Portage Lakes, and a sole fisherman was casting a line from a boat. It was an idyllic setting that you would never know existed just driving by the upperlevel tasting room on South Main Street.

This slice of tranquility is a part of what the Portage Lakes area has to offer.

“People say they can’t believe that this close to Akron — they found this. They call this a little hidden gem,” says Wathey.

This outdoor issue focuses on one of the Akron area’s biggest assets: Portage Lakes.

With 13 bodies of water within the state park proper, there is so much to discover. From pontoon cruises to kayaking, we highlight ways you can enjoy the lakes on pg. 24.

The Portage Lakes State Park is the anchor of the area. For a story on it, Gulling and I joined park manager Michael Studeny on a tour. We hopped in a gator, revving past wildlife and lush plants.

We stopped at the waterfront dog park, and Gulling snapped a photo of a pooch taking a dip.

Studeny pointed out an osprey, as well as a work boat used by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to dredge the lakes — keeping them deep and navigable.

Most are about 12 to 15 feet deep, but some areas can extend to 40 to 50 feet deep. To my surprise, we reached a stretch of the Shoreline Trail by off-roading, taking a bumpy gator ride through the forested trail to the waterfront. It was worth it — stand-up paddleboarders passed by right as we arrived. I noticed a picnic table just a couple of steps from the water and envisioned a peaceful meal among the beautiful scenery. Studeny shared that the Shoreline Trail links to the park’s other trails, such as the 1-mile Rabbit Hill Loop and 1-mile Planet Walk Trail, which helps hikers visualize the distance between planets as they walk through a representation of the solar system.

We stopped by the archery range, zoomed around the

short Bird and Butterfly Garden Trail and went past the observatory center, where someone was looking into a telescope. At the boat launch, we saw cormorants fly by.

The tour also took us behind the construction fence surrounding the new visitor center, opening this October.

Staring through window openings and porches, you could catch an incredible view of the beach. Renderings depict sun shades over tables on a patio that walks right out to the beach. Studeny is proud that there will be an ADA accessible ramp, giving wheelchair users access to the beach, and Mobi-mats to ease wheelchairs onto the sand.

These adaptations open up the asset to all people.

“Getting people safe and clean areas to experience nature and create memories is what I love most,” Studeny says.

Soak up the last days of summer by safely hiking, boating, swimming and enjoying Portage Lakes with our guide. Find your own slice of serenity.

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

9

PAGES { by Cameron Gorman, photos by Erin Gulling and Vaneeda Sibounheuang }

Michael Weber SINGER, GUITARIST & COMPOSER

You can’t take your eyes off of Michael Weber. Clad in colorful, retro-inspired custom suits, the guitarist, composer, record producer, singer and songwriter explodes with transcendent energy onstage. All movement and emotion, Weber, a 27-year-old self-taught musician, wails on the guitar and belts out tracks born of a wide variety of musical influences, including ‘50s blues and ‘70s punk.

“You have to have some sort of character that you play that’s a hyper version of yourself,” says the Michael Weber Show frontman. “I want to deliver. I want to put it all out there.”

Performing since the fourth grade, Weber has shared the stage with acts such as Ace Frehley, Gin Blossoms and the Wallflowers. He was the winner of MTV’s “Amazingness,” hosted by Ohio native Rob Dyrdek, in 2018 and has composed film scores for projects such as “Last Night at Terrace Lanes” and “Satanic Hispanics.”

“I focus on the idea of trying to be the best version of myself and deliver every single night to the most powerful degree,” Weber says. “I make music from a perspective of … I have to do it because it’s who I am.”

Singles include “Society’s Crush,” a moonlit bite of psychedelic rock, the bubbly, nostalgic “Rear View Mirror” and the driving, guitar-heavy “Golden Days (Slipping Away),” which has over 23,000 Spotify streams. Weber has released several albums and EPs, including 2024’s “Up Until Now” and “Stereogram.” He is currently working on a new record.

“The only way that we can live forever is to create something and have that be our voice for generations to come,” he says. “I kind of see my creations as being my voice in perpetuity. And hopefully, I can create works that are good enough that they can last. That’s the dream.”

Akron Life sat down for an interview with Weber in his Hudson studio, discussing showmanship, inspiration and the meaning of making music.

See the Michael Weber Show live Aug. 30 at Akron PizzaFest at Lock 3 and Sept. 6 at the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival in Akron.

AKRON LIFE: HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN MUSIC? MICHAEL WEBER:

I feel like it found me as much as I found it. I come from a line of back line technicians. My dad, whose most successful gigs [were] touring with Mountain, opening up for Deep Purple in the ‘80s. …

My dad eventually went 10

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

PAGES

AL: YOU HAVE A UNIQUE SENSE OF STYLE. MW: I’m definitely a

on to work for Wham! on their big ’85 stadiums tour. … My uncle has been doing it since then.

He’s currently on the road with Bruce Springsteen. So, there was always people that had involvement in music that were around — not necessarily musicians, but there was always a guitar that would be leaning against the couch somewhere.

AL: WHAT DID YOU LISTEN TO GROWING UP? MW: I had watched so much of these VHS tapes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix and stuff like that, that my parents ended up buying me my own television with my own VCR. They could watch regular television, and I could watch these live concert performances over and over and over again. … When I was a baby, my parents would play “Angie” by the

[Rolling] Stones, because I would sob every single time they’d play it. … I’ve always felt something with music, I still feel something with music, and I’ll quit playing when I stop feeling something.

AL: WHAT’S GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD WHILE YOU’RE PERFORMING? MW: When it’s good, absolutely

nothing. Onstage is the only time you’re absolutely cleansed from any thought, good or bad, because it’s kind of like, when you’re playing well, the world is working at half-speed. …

You’re just letting it pour out of you.

AL: WHAT DOES BEING AN ARTIST MEAN TO YOU? MW: At the end of the day, being an

artist is just making something. …

As long as it’s you, and you’re putting yourself into it, then you’re essentially an artist. … Realistically, I think the world would be a great place if everybody was an artist of some kind.

fan of vintage fashion, being a certain amount of the golden era of rock and roll music has always been an inspiration to me. Glam rock and psychedelic rock and stuff like that, where people dressed in really bright and flashy clothes, I found that to be visually appealing. … Sometimes you’re playing a place and it’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon, it’s bright out, so no light’s gonna have any impact. … You have to kind of carry the aesthetic on your back. … That’s why I care a lot about the fashion of it, because I can’t always control my environment, but I can always control the way that I visually represent myself.

AL: WHAT DOES INSPIRATION FEEL LIKE? MW: It’s the reason why we do this.

I don’t do any drugs, I’ve never done any drugs. But the drug that every artist chases after is the feeling when you finally write something that you at least deem good enough to share.

The inspiration — and trying to work and develop and foster that inspiration — that is the highest of highs that art can create.

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

Agenda

the essential social digest

8/20 Tiger-Striped Ice Cream Night Follow the Massillon Tiger football team, cheerleaders and swing band from the kickoff pep rally at Duncan Plaza in downtown Massillon to the Massillon Museum for free black and orange ice cream. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. About 7 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

photo provided by Massillon Museum 12

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

AGENDA photo provided by Kent State University Museum

Through 8/3 “Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson: Micro/ Macro” Ohio-based artist Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson, a Kent State alumna, creates beautiful painted weavings — the designs are reflections of the landscapes of her home country, Iceland. This show is a solo presentation of her work. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent.edu/museum Through 8/3 “Maxmillian Peralta: Flat Affect” See paintings from an artist selected for a CAN Triennial Award exhibition.

His paintings allude to the tension, dread and fear experienced by his generation. Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free admission. massillonmuseum.org

Through 8/10 “She Said, She Said: Contemporary Women Artists” Behold a multitude of works from contemporary female artists, such as Genesis Tramaine, Natalie Czech and Cindy Sherman, at this Akron Art Museum exhibit. The show celebrates work from women dating from the late 1960s to the present and includes over 30 artists in its lineup. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free on Thursdays, otherwise $12 nonmember general adult admission. akronartmuseum.org Through 9/13 “Summer Exhibitions” Explore summer exhibitions, including “Covered in Snow” by Katelynn Rogers, group show “Though We May Roam” and the “Overdose Awareness Exhibition” in partnership with Summit County Public Health. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron.

Fridays noon-7 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

Through 9/28 “The Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers” Browse a showcase of actress Katharine Hepburn’s style with this immersive exhibit. It includes examples of Hepburn’s personal wardrobe, costumes worn by the actress and items from the Kent State University Museum collection made by designers she admired. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent.edu/museum

AN EVENING WITH

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AUG 10 • 7:30PM 9/4

SEPT 3 • 7:30PM

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AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

13

AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

Through 10/12 “Juxtaposed: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” View ceramics, paintings and drawings by artists who are connected to the Columbus College of Art & Design, the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Kent State University and The University of Akron. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday–Saturday, Sunday 2-5 p.m.

Free admission. massillonmuseum.org

Through 8/23/26 “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle” Browse the dresses and jewelry of widely-syndicated society columnist Aileen Mehle at this exhibit. Designers she wore included Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co. and more. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent.edu/museum

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 Akron Roundtable’s Fundraising Dinner

Gridiron Greats: A Night with Browns Legends

Eric Metcalf | Greg Pruitt | Frank Stams

Learn more at: akronroundtable.org 14

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

“Juxtaposed” photo provided by Massillon Museum, “Sparkle” photos provided by Kent State University Museum

Through 10/30 Kids in the Garden In collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron, Summit Metro Parks presents Kids in the Garden, a series in which kids complete hands-on gardening activities. From sowing seeds to harvesting and cooking fresh produce, this program helps kids understand the origin of their food. Each week includes a game or craft, a garden activity and a snack. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron.

3:30-4:30 p.m. letsgrowakron.org

AGENDA images provided by Gervasi Vineyard

8/1 & 8/2 Piazza After Dark at Gervasi Vineyard Get your glow on during a night filled with music and cocktails from Gervasi Vineyard. Hear DJ Nick Duve Aug. 1 and DJ Christian Dela Vega Aug. 2 spin tunes from 9 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy a featured cocktail with glowing ice cubes, photo ops and exclusive perks.

The first 120 guests to arrive receive an exclusive glow tube and Gervasi merch. Gervasi Vineyard, the Piazza, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 9 p.m.midnight. Bar open till midnight, kitchen open till 11 p.m. Tickets not required. gervasivineyard.com

8/7, 8/21 & 8/28 Summer Serenades in the Park Enjoy live outdoor performances from small groups of Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians at Minerva Municipal Park, Canton Garden Center and Tam O’Shanter Park. Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. starkparks.com

8/8 A Taste of August: Five-Course Wine Dinner Savor a five-course menu — from Gervasi Vineyard executive chef Ryan Bowen — at this lavish event.

Each course is paired with a premium Gervasi wine. Sample spicy shrimp and scallop ceviche, paired with Passione, tomato vol au vent, paired with Velluto, cucumber watermelon salad, paired with Amore, and more.

While you eat, enjoy live music by the Elegance String Quartet. Gervasi Vineyard, the Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6 p.m. $125. gervasivineyard.com 8/9 Richard Fry Memorial Derby Kids ages 4 to 15 can cast a line at this free fishing derby. Bring your own pole. Bait is provided. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Magnolia Flouring Mills, 261 N. Main St., Magnolia. Registration 7:30 a.m.; fishing 8-11 a.m. Free. starkparks.com

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thelippmanschool.org AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

15

AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

8/10 Sip of Gervasi: A Tasting Event Travel throughout Italy without leaving Gervasi Vineyard with this tour of Italian flavor. Visit six themed tasting stations — each is inspired by a region in Italy — to try paired bites and wine pours. Guests receive a logo stemmed wine glass and Gervasi Passport.

Complete it to receive 20 percent off all purchases in the Marketplace.

Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Timed entry in 30-minute waves from 1-4:30 p.m.

Open house Distillery & Cave tours 2-6 p.m. $49. gervasivineyard.com

16

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

Fun Fest photo provided by Massillon Museum, winery photos provided by Gervasi Vineyard

8/9 Fun Fest Games, sports, performances, music, health and safety booths, giveaways, characters, art activities, inflatables, trucks, bookmobile and more for all ages! It is hosted by MCTV, Massillon Museum and Downtown Massillon Association. Duncan Plaza and Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

AGENDA Stewart house photo provided by Stark Parks, In the Heartland photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard

8/10 & 8/24 Stewart Manor House Tour Step inside the 1920s-era Stewart Manor House and explore unique architecture, hidden spaces and family history. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. 2-3 p.m. $5 per person or $20 per family (cash only). No registration required. starkparks.com 8/12 Discovery Days: Veterans Park Enjoy free family fun with Stark Parks — including kayak try-its, wildlife encounters, beekeeping, nature exploration and a scavenger hunt.

Plain Township’s Veterans Park, 1714 Schneider St. NE, Canton. 5-7 p.m.

Free. starkparks.com

Akron History Center NOW OPEN!

8/14 In the Heartland: Music of the Michael Stanley Band Concert Part of the Gervasi Musica Concert Series in the vineyard, this concert revives the music of the Michael Stanley Band with a performance that recalls sold-out Blossom Music Center shows of the ‘80s. A cash bar is available to purchase drinks. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $41 premium, $31 general. gervasivineyard.com

172 S. Main Street, Akron Wed – Sat, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm For special Bicentennial hours and parking information, go to akronhistorycenter.org

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

17

AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

Experience fiery duels of passion and precision in this dazzling concert of double concertos by Bach, Telemann and more. It features violinists Alan Choo and Susanna Perry Gilmore. The Bath Church: United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Road, Bath. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $12-$80. apollosfire.org clockwise: photos by Stefan Cohen, Sisi Burn and Black Valve Productions and portraits provided by Apollo’s Fire

18

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

“Greg Martin” photo provided by Massillon Museum, Swingbone photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard, Bigfoot Trail photo provided by Stark Parks

8/8 Fencing Match: Round One

AGENDA “Greg Martin” photo provided by Massillon Museum, Swingbone photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard, Bigfoot Trail photo provided by Stark Parks

8/16–9/28 “Greg Martin: Memento Mori” Greg Martin’s mixed-media installation is a meditation on the transitory nature of this world and reflection on the inherent beauty of change, loss and endurance. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

8/21 Swingbone featuring Dawna Rae Warren Concert Groove along to music reminiscent of that of the early Jazz Crusaders, enjoying jazz standards, cool blues

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grooves and big band classics, with this concert from Swingbone — a tenor sax- and trombone-fronted band. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m. $27 premium, $17 general. gervasivineyard.com

8/23 Bigfoot Trail Challenge and Adventures Take on Bigfoot-themed obstacles during this fun, family-friendly 5K adventure at Fry Family Park. Run, walk, or jog the trail. Fry Family Park, 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., race starts between 11 &11:30 a.m. Free. starkparks.com

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AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

8/24 Orienteering Challenge Test your navigation skills in a 90-minute treasure-hunt-style course at Quail Hollow Park. It is hosted by NEOOC. Bring a whistle and compass.

Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. Registration 10:30 a.m.; event starts 12:15 p.m. $15. neooc.com

8/28 Cleveland Keys Concert Cheer on dueling pianos at this highenergy concert from the Cleveland Keys. An interactive show, this concert includes song requests sure to get you on your feet dancing. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Doors open 7 p.m., concert begins 8 p.m. $27 premium, $17 general. gervasivineyard.com

8/29-8/31 Made In Ohio Art & Craft Festival Browse the wares of 195 vendors from across the state of Ohio, and take home handcrafted items, art, gifts and more. Try local food, sip beer and wine and listen to entertainment, including a performance by the Akron Symphonic Winds. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $12, children 3-12 $6, free for members. madeinohiofestival.com

NATIONAL LIFELINE, LOCALLY ANSWERED BY

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Cleveland Keys photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard, Made in Ohio photos provided by Hale Farm & Village

8/28 Soup at Six: “The Pan-American Exposition” In this illustrated program, director of education and membership Ally Carlson explores the history and legacy of the Pan-American Exposition, which took place in 1901. She also explores the eight days between the shooting of President William McKinley and his death. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6 p.m. $25, reservation deadline Aug. 21. mckinleymuseum.org

AGENDA

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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 8

8/8 & 8/9 Magnolia Mills Tours Explore the historic 1834 Magnolia Flouring Mills, featuring vintage machinery and canal history, during the Magnolia Canal Days Festival. Indoor and outdoor tour. Magnolia Flouring Mills, 261 N. Main St., Magnolia. Aug. 8 4-7 p.m.; Aug. 9 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free. starkparks.com photos provided by Stark Parks

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AGENDA

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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Take Me to th

Open Water Just after 9 a.m. on a sweltering 90-plus degree June morning, swimmers, fishermen, stand-up paddleboarders and sunbathers are already out embracing Turkeyfoot Lake at the 411-acre Portage Lakes State Park.

“All the things that we have here are really special,” says park manager Michael Studeny.

The Portage Lakes area dates back to the prehistoric era — mastodon bones were found there. Several of the lakes were formed as a result of glacial activity — ice melted in depressions, forming kettle lakes. It was an important trade center for Native Americans because it sits on a continental divide where some water flows north, reaching Lake Erie, and some flows south, reaching the Ohio River. The system converges with stories by Claire Duber, Cameron Gorman, Abby Kress and Kelly Petryszyn photos by Erin Gulling and illustration by Cameron Gorman 24

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the Tuscarawas River, as well as the Ohio Canal, near the Long Lake area.

During the canal era, some lakes were manmade as feeder reservoirs for the canals. Some were later used to support industry. Companies such as Firestone, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Cargill used Portage Lakes to fuel their businesses.

“Having that constant water source helped them to achieve national notoriety and worldwide success,” Studeny says.

The state park opened in 1949. There are now 13 bodies of water in the state park proper, with the main chain including Long Lake, Turkeyfoot Lake and East, West and North reservoirs.

Almost 2,600 acres of water encompasses the lakes.

“They’re fairly all interconnected and portage-able with kayaks and several

of them, you can go on a boat and get from Turkeyfoot to West Reservoir,” Studeny says.

Some lakes are manmade, including East and West reservoirs.

Portage Lakes State Park is located at Turkeyfoot and Rex lakes. The biggest draw is the 900-foot sandy beach that also features nearby sand volleyball courts, picnic areas and a playground. There are several fishing spots and docks. Spot dogs taking a dip in a swim area at the dog park. Nearby, compete on an 18hole championship disc golf course.

Sharpen your archery skills at a range, aiming for targets 10 to 50 yards away. The Astronomy Club of Akron opened the Akron area’s first public observatory in the state park in 1988.

o the Lakes

Dive in to all Portage Lakes has to offer. From kayaking the peaceful North Reservoir to cruising the bustling Turkeyfoot Lake on a pontoon boat, these 13 destinations are filled with fun opportunities to enjoy the lakes.

“All the things that we have here are really special.”

- Michael Studeny

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You can go to the center today and use a computerized telescope to see detailed views of planets, the moon and more during programs. Stroll a short Bird and Butterfly Garden Trail to go past blooms and bluebird feeders.

“You’ll see purples, blues, oranges.

They get really pretty,” Studeny says.

“We have a lot burst out in the spring and then we’ll have bursts in the fall.”

Just steps from the water, hike the 5-mile Shoreline Trail for upclose views of boaters, homes and paddlers. You might spot shorebirds like ospreys, cormorants, diving ducks, hooded mergansers and more. Take a break at a waterfront bench or picnic table.

“It’s right along the water’s edge so people can always see the water,” Studeny says. “There’s areas to rest, sit and just listen to the birds.”

Learn more about the area’s roots with the Freedom Trail, which is set to open at the state park by early August. It highlights how Portage Lakes were used to transport freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad.

“There was interconnection. There was the ability to harbor and move folks,” Studeny says.

Soon, people can learn more about Portage Lakes at a visitor center,

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which is slated for an October ribbon cutting. The nearly 6,000-squarefoot center is situated right beside Turkeyfoot beach and features large windows to take in stunning views.

Inside, see a topographical map of how water flows through the lakes and learn about a canal and dams program that keeps the waterways flowing today. Artful representations of purple martins swooping overhead tell the story of how Portage Lakes is the Purple Martin Capital of Ohio.

There is also a sensory-friendly area with adjusted lighting and noise control.

For the first time at the park, there will be flush bathrooms, which will be

at the visitor center. There will also be changing and shower areas.

The center maximizes lakefront views with porches and a lower level patio featuring shaded seating — as well as a snack shop. It’s a state-of-the-art marvel to help people enjoy Portage Lakes even more.

“Having free access to natural resources like the lakes and the land allows anybody the opportunity to have an experience with nature,” Studeny says. //KP 5031 Manchester Road, Akron, ohiodnr.gov

Fish, bird and paddle on 825 acres of water at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park. In 1936, the Federal Works Progress Administration created it to support Akron’s industry. It’s the largest body of water in the Summit Metro Parks and has 16 miles of shoreline. Cast your line to catch Northern pike, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch, or wait until winter to ice fish. Camp out under the stars at a 29-site shorefront campground bordered by wetlands. Walk a 3.1-mile round-trip waterside trail. Launch a boat or hop onto a stand-up paddleboard and see the colors of sunset reflect off the water. Home to eagles and osprey, Nimisila is also a key stop on the migratory route of thousands of purple martins. During August, spot these mesmerizing birds as they roost on reed-covered sandbars in the reservoir. Kayak out for a front-row seat — in flight, they form astonishing patterns in the air. //CG Green, summitmetroparks.org

photos provided by Summit Metro Parks AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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Classic C “There’s a heritage of wooden boats here.”

- John Vorhies

photos by D. Emery

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c Captains See gleaming antique and classic boats on the water of Portage Lakes at the 49th annual Portage Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show Aug. 9.

Organized and managed by the North Coast Ohio Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this show allows visitors to get up close to antique boats — those built before 1941 — and classic boats — those built after 1941 and before 2001.

“We love the wood boats and the classic fiberglass boats — and that there’s an appreciation for those throughout the world of the artistry that it took to build these things and to maintain them and keep them operating,” says Gil Maringer, chairman of the boat show and president of the chapter.

Held at 530 Portage Lakes Drive on West Reservoir, the show is the second longest-running antique and classic boat show in the country.

“Over 70 businesses support us every year and donate to put on this activity, because it’s offered free, and we want the public to enjoy the surroundings, our lakes and also see these beautiful things,” Maringer says.

A large part of the boat show’s draw is the craftsmanship that goes into the creation and upkeep of antique and classic boats. Attendees can take in a wide array of watercraft styles.

“When you take a piece of wood and are able to twist it and bend it into a barrel back — you

can stand there and look at that for a half hour and ask yourself, How did the artisan do that?” Maringer says.

“And then you get into the engines themselves. And some of these engines, they’re still running 75 years later, because they’ve been so well maintained and they were made well.”

The club hopes to attract interest from younger generations — in the past, the show has drawn up to 3,000 people.

“It’s been an important part of the Portage Lakes since there’s a heritage of wooden boats here,” says John Vorhies, who has been participating in the show since 1988. “It still draws a big crowd.”

Each boat, Maringer says, has an interesting history. One of Maringer’s boats attracted interest from a passing man, who realized that it had once been his boat.

“It’s that kind of history that really inspires people,” Maringer says.

Held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine, the show features over 30 antique and classic boats, representing 15 manufacturers. Browse a for-sale lot, and marvel at boats both in and out of the water. At 2 p.m., all the boats fire up their engines at once.

“The sound of the original engine running through the copper exhaust pipes can be exhilarating,” Maringer says.

“They’re all finished, and they look great. It’s just overall a great experience.” //CG 530 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, northcoastohio-acbs.org

photo by Katie Smith

Built in 1927, the historic lakefront Tudor House mansion still stands today on over 10 acres of lakefront land. The picturesque wedding and event center also hosts public events. Enjoy idyllic views of Turkeyfoot Lake while taking in concerts on select Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and snacks to listen to traditional Celtic band On The Lash Aug. 12. Then, on Aug. 27, catch Massillon-based DJ’s Rock ‘n Roll Big Band performing classic doo-wop, Motown and rock hits. //CD 655 Latham Lane, New Franklin, 330-603-6621, masonscove.com

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Rent&Relax Under a summer sky, KillinIt Kayaks owner Andy Kilgore unloads standup paddleboards from his truck bed, setting each one near the launch at Portage Lakes’ Old State Park. An excited family waits nearby, ready to try out the popular rentals and the tranquil experience they bring.

“I know what draws me to the water — it’s literally good times and sunshine and let’s get out there and just relax,” Kilgore says. “Water is so relaxing. … There’s no better way to decompress.”

Both kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental through KillinIt. Paddleboards require you to paddle in a standing position, and kayaks allow seated users to paddle a one or twoperson boat.

“It’s the ultimate freedom,” Kilgore says.

The idea for the business first materialized when Kilgore saw a kayaker paddle up to a bar in Portage Lakes around 2016. He wondered why there were no kayak rental businesses in the area at the time — and decided to start his own. The full-service business opened in May 2017. Each season runs from May to September.

“We will drop the kayaks off at your house. For the lakers, we do the concierge service, we’ll bring them right down to your dock,” Kilgore says. “We take payments right on the water.”

Visiting customers can also head to the eyecatching, red-and-white painted KillinIt shop to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Kilgore delivers the rentals to destinations, including North Reservoir or Old State Park, where a kayak launch awaits along Turkeyfoot Lake.

For paddlers who want to explore for an hour or so, North Reservoir offers quiet respite. For those who want to see attractions, including businesses and houses, Kilgore recommends Old State Park — there, utilize a pavilion, restrooms and a swing set. Spot frogs, turtles, great blue herons, Canadian geese, ducks, trumpeter swans and more.

The calming nature of water brings people together. Kilgore recalls a father and daughter, who came into the shop while fighting. By the time they returned from their peaceful trip, they’d managed to make up.

“I just love to make people happy. That’s been the basis of this business,” says Kilgore.

“It’s a light feeling when you’re in here. I just want people to experience that from the beginning to the end. And it’s literally what fills me up. … I’m providing a service to the community that people love.” //CG 3803 State St., Akron, 330-612-5950, killinitkayaks.com

photos by Mal McCrea 30

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“There’s no better way to decompress.”

- Andy Kilgore

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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Explore on your own terms thanks to Shenanigans on Portage Lakes. This service allows you to be the boss of your own pontoon boat experience. “Our goal is to deliver an opportunity to act like you own your own boat,” says co-pilot Jon Laliberte via an email. Whether you want a relaxing boat ride or dockside dropoffs for entertainment, Shenanigans can curate a trip for you in its pontoon boat that can take up to six customers. Fish from the boat, pull over and watch a sunset or float in inner tubes — how you embrace your lake time is up to you. “Customers should expect the opportunity to relax — to enjoy what’s right out in front of them and soak it all in,” Laliberte says. “Their shoulders will drop. Their breathing will ease and for a while, they can just let go. …

The water makes it all feel better.” //AK Dock, 3910 S. Main St., Akron, 330-241-7800, portagelakesboatrides.com

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photo provided by Shenanigans on Portage Lakes

e g a y o V Bon A gentle breeze ruffles your hair as you ride on a Portage Lakes Cruises pontoon boat — moving slowly enough to take in the marvels in the wide expanse around you. From one-of-a-kind houses to wildlife, Portage Lakes Cruises customers have the opportunity to see a variety of eyecatching scenery.

“It’s a two-hour ride to see all seven lakes on this chain, which just makes it a really fun venue anyway because things change as you go around,” says owner Judy Narducci from the back of one of Portage Lakes Cruises’ boats.

Founded in 2013, Portage Lakes Cruises is now in its 12th season and boasts a fleet of eight boats and 11 captains.

“They can get up and walk around,” Narducci says of pontoon customers. “You can fish off these. You can have dinner. You can dance.”

From May to around September, choose from several specialized cruises, including private cruises, public cruises and private cruises with dinner options. Up to six people can enjoy dinner on a boat, complete with a tablecloth, china, candlelight, coffee or tea and dessert service. Portage Lakes Cruises orders its meals — such as steak and pasta — from Domenic’s Rose Villa in Portage Lakes. On Mondays, relish Barberton chicken. You can choose your dishes — or bring your own dinner and just get dessert and coffee.

“It’s like being in a restaurant, except you have this instead of another table two feet away,” adds Kevin Wise, one of Portage Lakes Cruises’ captains, gesturing toward the water.

Portage Lakes Cruises can cruise seven Portage Lakes, including West Reservoir, East Reservoir, Turkeyfoot Lake and Mud Lake.

Owner Judy Narducci photos by Mal McCrea

“There’s a lot of history here.”

- Judy Narducci

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“The first time they come out here, they really should do it on a tour so that they can see everything and hear everything,” Narducci says.

“If they take out a boat and just rent it and not know how to drive it or dock it, or the rules of the lakes, somebody has to be paying attention all the time, and they may not know where to go.”

Cruisers can choose to be dropped off and picked up from docks and destinations such as Nauti Vine Winery — or learn about the area.

“Our captains can talk as much as you want. They can talk the whole route and just do a tour, or they can sit quietly and just answer questions,” Narducci says. “There’s a lot of history here, including more current history.”

While cruising, spot purple martins — Portage Lakes is a spring and summer home to a significant number of these migratory birds — as well as great blue herons, ducks, turtles and fish. Admire the stately homes and mansions that surround the waterfront. Time spent cruising on Portage Lakes is relaxing, restorative and interesting.

“Warm weather and water,” Narducci says, “I just can’t imagine wanting anything more.” //CG 562 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 330-760-0270, portagelakescruises.com

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Linda and Bobby Martin photo provided by Portage Lakes Cruises

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Listen to live music as you cruise past nature and stunning homes aboard the Portage Princess.

An enclosed 40-passenger boat, the Princess features windows that can open or close as you tour West Reservoir, Turkeyfoot Lake, Rex Lake and Mud Lake while a musical act performs. “It is a very casual atmosphere where people feel free to move around, visit in their own group or meet new people. It often inspires people to dance, sing and clap,” says Judy Narducci, owner of Portage Lakes Cruises, via an email. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks — bottled water and light snacks are complimentary.

Come early before departure and order from J&J Food Truck, selling grilled cheese, beef hot dogs, fried bologna and more. On Aug. 14, Bobby and Linda Martin perform ‘60s and ‘70s favorites with guitar and keyboard. Enjoy a fun blues, jazz and classic rock vibe from local favorite John Markovic, performing Aug. 28. //AK Old State Park, 4357 State Park Drive, New Franklin, 330-760-0270, portagelakescruises.com AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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Power of Three

Triathletes Logan Garrison, Maeve McDonald, Fiona Smith and Liam Garrison, photos by Mal McCrea

“You’re getting stronger. You’re getting faster, more endurance.”

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- Logan Garrison

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Adrenaline — according to 15-year-old triathlete Liam Garrison — is part of what makes competing in a tri-sport race so exciting.

“It feels good when you’re done,” Liam says.

“Whenever I do stuff after it, I’m able to focus more on what I’m doing after I use athleticism.”

Liam’s triathlete twin brother, Logan, agrees. “You know that you’re improving when you push yourself,” he says. “You’re getting stronger. You’re getting faster, more endurance.”

On Sept. 7, the Garrisons are competing in the Portage Lakes Triathlon & Duathlon — an event in which participants race through and around portions of the 411acre Portage Lakes State Park. Participants can choose to compete in either a triathlon, in which they swim, bike and run, a duathlon, in which they run, bike and run, or an aquabike course, which consists of a swimming portion and then a biking portion.

“That challenge of putting all three together … when they accomplish all of that, there is that sense of accomplishment and a sense of emotional, physical and spiritual well-being that comes with putting your mind to doing something and then finishing it,” says Craig Thompson, event director of HFP Racing, which organizes the Portage Lakes race.

Both Liam and Logan are participants in the Kids That Tri Cleveland nonprofit, which gives kids everything they need to succeed when training for and competing in a triathlon — including coaching, team uniforms, swim instruction, bicycles, wet suits and more.

“It’s not a mainstream sport, so they may not know about it,” says Eric Gibb, a triathlete and head coach of Kids That Tri Cleveland. “It’s nice to be able to bring them together.”

photos by Erin Gulling

e

Beat the heat this summer at the 900-foot sandy beach at Turkeyfoot Lake in Portage Lakes State Park. Turkeyfoot Lake is also a hot spot for fishing, with species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, musky and channel catfish. Play fun sports like sand volleyball and basketball within the park. To get out on the water, rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, hydrobike or peddleboat from the nearby Dusty’s Landing II. //CD 5031 Manchester Road, Akron, ohiodnr.gov

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Those participating in all three legs of the race swim, bike and run to the finish line. Gibb, who has raced Portage Lakes several times, is set to compete this year alongside some of his students, including Logan and Liam.

“We all train together — and even though you’re competing against the clock and trying to better what you do — you’re out on the course, you can cheer each other on,” Gibb says.

Held within or around the state park, the race features a swim course, a bike course on a surrounding open road and a running course.

“It has … a great lake, nice lake to

swim in,” says Thompson. “It’s unique in that there are some challenging hills for athletes to climb on the bike.”

At this year’s Portage Lakes triathlon, Logan hopes to beat his 2024 time of 1 hour, 52 minutes and 26 seconds in the high school division. Liam hopes to take home first place in the high school division.

“Triathlon especially allows the kids to realize they can do things that they may not have thought that they were able to do, like swim 750 meters open water, bike for [22K] nonstop, run a 5K — put it all together,” says Gibb. //CG hfpracing.com

photos by Erin Gulling

Enjoy country club vibes at affordable prices at the public waterfront Turkeyfoot Lake Golf Links.

Surrounded by Mud Lake, Turkeyfoot Lake and West Reservoir, the 18-hole, scenic public golf course offers four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking for an excellent view, try tee No. 6 — the highest point on the golf course, it boasts a downhill tee shot. Grab food, such as hot dogs and cheeseburgers, on-site. Help the course celebrate 100 years with a special golf event Aug. 4. //CD 294 W. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330-644-5971, turkeyfootgolf.com

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H

Hidden Oasis

La Dolce Vita, meat and cheese plate, lobster flatbread pizza and Mela Verde photos by Erin Gulling

“The sky lights up in so much color. It’s beautiful.”

- Joe Wathey AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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See a fisherman in a boat casting a line, a great white heron landing on a wooden dock and a leafy green treeline reflecting on water as you sip Skinny Mermaid moscato on Nauti Vine Winery’s secluded patio, situated right beside Miller Lake.

“It’s like you’re in your own little oasis,” says co-owner Erica Wathey. “You’re gonna hear the birds going crazy … osprey diving, there’s a few pairs of swans, lots of geese.”

When Joe Wathey and Erica bought the waterfront gem in 2013, it was anything but.

Despite its underwater docks and overgrown vegetation blocking its waterfront views, the Portage Lakes couple saw the former Bob’s Lake Bar property’s potential as a lakeside winery.

“I grew up making wine with my dad,” says co-owner Joe. “It’s always been a passion of mine.”

They embarked on an about $1.3 million renovation — excavating the land to make room for a flat dockside patio. Now there are four docks, as well as an upper and lower patio — close to 3,800 square feet of outdoor patio space. The Tuscaninspired, upper-level tasting room features an enclosed patio, rounding out the total seating to around 250.

Swirl and stack Italian ice with flavors such as lemon, cherry and root beer at Sicily’s Italian Icebox. Opt to cool off with Italian ice popsicles — flavors include blueberry, bubble gum and mango. Enjoy special summer creations, including Havana banana — made with banana Italian ice, vanilla ice cream, caramel syrup, Nilla Wafers and sliced fresh bananas — available from Aug. 1 to 7. Other specials include orange creamsicle, with orange cream Italian ice, vanilla ice cream and mandarin oranges, available Aug. 8 to 14, Italian cream sodas, in combinations such as vanilla ice cream and lemonlime soda, available Aug. 15 to 21, and a blue cotton candy sundae, with blue cotton candy Italian ice, vanilla ice cream and cotton candy topping, available Aug. 22 to 29. //CD Blue cotton candy sundae photo provided by Sicily’s Italian Icebox 40

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424 W. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330-617-2737, facebook.com/silicysitalianicebox

Joe crafts wine on-site from West Coast grape juices. The list is fruitforward, with selections ranging from peach and apricot wine to a traditional chardonnay. A top seller is the smooth, easy drinking La Dolce Vita ($18 bottle) made with a cabernet base and blackberry puree. Another popular pick is the Mela Verde ($18) made with green apple puree and a riesling base for a crisp, refreshing finish. Joe’s new creation is Delizioso ($24), a fortified black cherry wine.

“After the wine is fermented through, I add cognac to it to fortify it, and it brings the alcohol content to 14 percent,” Joe says. “It’s got a little warm finish to it. It’s different.”

In addition to rotating guest wine and beer selections, find wine slushies as well as flavorful cocktails, such as blueberry lemonade sangria, made with blueberry vodka, lemonade and Nauti Vine’s blueberry wine. For a spin on a root beer float, cool off with a wine float, made with your choice of wine poured over your pick of lemon, cherry or pomegranate frozen Dole Whip.

Nosh on appetizers such as dill pickle cheese curds, a Caesar salad and a meat and cheese plate featuring trail bologna, pepperoni, Colby Jack, Swiss and cheddar. Choose from nine flatbread pizzas cooked in a seasoned stone outdoor pizza oven situated in a vintage fire truck. Varieties include roasted wild mushroom ($13) — with shaved Parmesan, mozzarella, chives and a bourbon glaze — or lobster ($15) with garlic butter sauce, tomatoes, basil and a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano and provolone.

Enjoy your food and wine on the outdoor lower patio, featuring a bar and fire pit at the base of a rocky hill dotted with milkweed, grape vines and birch trees. Linger for sunset.

“The sky lights up in so much color.

It’s beautiful,” says Joe. “There’s a reflection off the water — it’s pretty amazing.”

3950 S. Main St., Green, 330-644-5444, nautivine.com

Co-owner Erica Wathey

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

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FOREVER YOUNG { by Cameron Gorman }

Help Arrives Using an insurance broker can simplify the Medicare selection process.

Enrolling in Medicare can be a complex process — one that conjures a host of questions and considerations. Should you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or stick to Original Medicare? Should you choose to add Medigap coverage?

What’s the difference between Medicare parts A and B? “The most common thing we hear when we talk to people about Medicare is how confused they are on what to do, when to do it and what not to do,” says Steve Clark, president and owner of Ohio Health Benefits, a locally owned and operated independent insurance broker in Tallmadge. “They just need some good, hard factual evidence or information to help them make a decision.”

Open enrollment takes place Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It’s almost time to select your coverage and enroll. But independent research can often end in unreliable results.

“Probably the most frustrating pitfall is people that go online and begin to do research on their own,” says Clark. “There’s lots of websites that all they’re trying to do is farm your information and sell it to other companies throughout the country. Then your phone will start ringing off the hook.”

Medicare recipients can enroll on their own, using medicare.gov, but Clark does not recommend this route. The information provided through the website can be confusing and can lead to choosing the wrong plan. Finding the right plan can mean the difference between obtaining necessary

drugs for an affordable price and paying a great deal of money for medication.

“When you look at Medicare Advantage plans, they have doctor networks, they have lists of medications or formulary lists, and if somebody chooses the wrong plan, they could find out that they don’t get to see the doctor they want to go to or they don’t get to go to the hospital system they need. They may find out their drug’s not covered, or it’s covered, but it’s extremely expensive,” says Clark. “If you enroll in a plan and you make a mistake, you’re basically stuck with that decision until the next open enrollment period before you can make a change because of the government rules. So, you really want a thorough analysis when you get started

Make Yourself at

Home

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Our community isn’t one-size-fits all – we have options to meet your needs, both now and in the future.

Find out how you can make Ohio Living Rockynol your home today: • Call 330.867.2150, • Email mlpoor@ohioliving.org, or • Scan the code

Independent Living

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akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

| ohioliving.org

Long-Term Nursing Care

FOREVER YOUNG and try to find the best plan out there.”

Using an insurance broker, like Ohio Health Benefits, can help to avoid these issues. An insurance broker helps clients find the right health care plan for their unique situations, acting as an intermediary between the insurance provider and the recipient — and helping to answer immediate questions like when to enroll.

“We basically meet with people who are becoming eligible for Medicare because they’re turning age 65,” says Clark. “We just help people figure out what they should do, what they shouldn’t do, as they approach age 65, or if they’re past age 65 but they kept working, and now they’re retiring, and they need to get their Medicare in place. We just do what we can to help them figure that out.”

The services of brokers like Ohio Health Benefits are free — brokers are paid by health insurance companies they enroll clients into. Your first session, which usually lasts about an hour, is purely consultative.

“It could be the first of one, two, three or four meetings, depending on what’s going on,” Clark says. “But really, it’s just having a really good open, honest exchange with

Your best life TODAY. A plan for TOMORROW.

each other, getting to know the needs of our clients and then figuring out the timing of when they need it.”

This initial session also allows clients to ask questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions, Clark says, include those on when to enroll and what plan to choose.

“We describe it as having two different paths,” Clark says. “You can go down path one, which is doing Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan, or you can go down path two, which is going on a Medicare Advantage plan. … We’ll spend a half hour to 45 minutes explaining the differences between the two and the ability to move from one side to the other.”

Original Medicare includes part A, hospital insurance, and part B, medical insurance. Original Medicare is often supplemented with a Medicare Part D plan, which assists with the cost of prescription drugs, and Medigap insurance, which helps to pay out-ofpocket costs under Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans are also known as Part C plans — and are Medicareapproved private plans.

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To prepare for a first meeting with a broker, bring two main things: a list of the medications that you are taking and a list of doctors and hospital systems that you would like to use under your Medicare plan.

“We also will ask questions about your travel habits. Do you need coverage outside the state? Do you own a home in another state? Are you a snowbird?” says Clark. “We’ll just ask them what’s going on in their life with their budget, what’s going on with their health, so that we can also give them good advice and direction.”

Guidance can be especially helpful when it comes to narrowing down the vast amount of choices available to recipients.

“The counties in Northeast Ohio are in the top 10 of all the counties across the country in terms of the number of Medicare plans that are out there that people can enroll into,” says Clark. “For example, in Summit County, we have 87 different plans that somebody can choose from.”

Brokers can assist in the enrollment process when you are ready to choose a plan. Consulting with a broker can help ensure you obtain the Medicare plan that works best for you.

“You can get an independent opinion, an independent evaluation and recommendation,” says Clark.

It can also reduce stress.

“That’s one of the best parts of the job,” Clark says, “is just relieving people of the stress that they’re feeling as they get close to the Medicare age.” ohiohealthbenefits.net AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

43

GOOD EATS

Restaurants VISIT AKRONLIFE.COM TO VIEW MORE AREA RESTAURANTS & EVENTS. B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

Patio Alcohol available Takeout available Valet parking Wheelchair Accessible

$ average entrees less than $6 $$ average entrees between $6-$10 $$$ average entrees between $11-$16 $$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher Information subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant

Beau’s Grille

Bistro on Main

$$ B L D

$$$$ B L D

$$$ L D

Aladdin’s Eatery

Beau’s on the River

Block 7 Bar & Grill

$$$ B L D

$$ L D

Belgrade Gardens

Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern

$$$ L D

$$$$ L D

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery

250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600

782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson, 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102

$$$ L D Al’s Corner Restaurant

155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978

$$ L Alexander Pierce Restaurant

797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003

$$$ D Arcadia Grill

85 years. 321 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 234-214-8940

$$ B L D Arnie’s West Branch Steak House

5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717

$$$ D Barley House

222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925

$$ L D

3180 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-5218

Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530

401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113

3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-678-3000

$$

D

L

Bender’s Tavern

137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424

$$$$ L D Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano

4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927

$$$

L

D

Big Eu’es BBQ

1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700

$$ L D Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900

524 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-745-7677

8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583

1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774

$$$ B L

Brubaker’s Pub

4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525

$$$ L D Burntwood Tavern

2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-209-9746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372

$$$$ L D The Cabin

35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171

Berlin Farmstead

$$$$ B L D

$$ B L D

96 Barrington Town Square Drive, Aurora, 330-562-5334

4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600

Bob’s Hamburg

1351 East Ave., Akron; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron; 330-253-2627

$ B L D Boiling House

1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234-571-9692

$$$$

L

D

Cafe Tandoor $$$ L D Casa Del Rio

839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160

$$ L D Caston & Main Brew Yard

Bombay Sitar

5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-2275

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-305-0671

$$$ L D Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop

Basil Asian Bistro

2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-836-4433

$$$ L D

$$ L D

$$$ L D

The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard

Bricco West

3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684

3150 W. Market St., Akron, 330-835-2203

$$$ L D

The Battleground

$$$

D

$$$ L D

Chameleon Cafe

The Bistro of Green

Brew Wall

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-452-3888; 145 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 330-601-0885

425 Cherry St., Kent, 330-548-9019

$$$ B L D

1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 L

3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434

$$$$ D

44

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880

$$$ L D

23 S. Main St., Akron, 234-334-3603

$$ B L D

GOOD EATS China City

156 Cherry St., Kent, 330-673-6566

$$ L D 474 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-1998

$$ L D Chowder House Cafe

1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-794-7102

$$$ L D Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant 326 S. Main St., Suite 1204, Akron, 330-434-2876

$$$ L D Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 L

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400

$$$$ D

Chin’s Place

$$$$ B

Divine Food Spirits Wine

D

Cool Beans Cafe

103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174

$$ B L D Corkscrew Saloon

811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220

$$$$ L D

Dominic’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424

$$ L D Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine

555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530

156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234

$$ L D

1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, ext. 5

$$ L D D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron

566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234-678-3612

$$$ L D 6081 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844

$$$ L D Darby’s on Fifty-Nine

2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-7540

$$$

L

D

Dean Martin’s Lanning’s

826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553

$$$$ D 328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777

$$ L D 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766

$$$$ L D Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444

$$$ L D 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877

$$ B L Diamond Grille

77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041

$$$$ L D

(no credit cards)

Foundry Social

333 Foundry St., Medina, 330-333-9000 L

D

6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-494-4000

108 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-2942

$$$ L D

Fred’s Diner

Edgar’s $$$ D

El Campesino Restaurante Mexicano

4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-9777

$$$ L D 1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330-644-7700

$$ L D

$$$$ L 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733

$ B L Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588

$$ L D Fronimo’s Downtown

315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-640-8665

$$ D The Galaxy Restaurant

201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663

$$$ B L D Garretts Mill Diner

4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344

$$ B

L

Gasoline Alley

El Rincon

1485 S. Arlington St., 330-785-3724

$$ L D Emidio & Sons

636 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-4777; 3204 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-4282

$$ B L D Erie Street Kitchen $$$ D The Eye Opener

870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670

$$$ L D George’s Lounge

229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-452-0029

$$ B

L

D

Gio’s Italian Oven

1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586

$$$ L D Girves Brown Derby

$$ B L D

5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171

Farmer Boy Restaurant

$$$$ L (only on weekends) D

$$ B L D The Farmer’s Table $$$$

L

D

Fat Head’s Brewery

3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601

$$$ L D

Golden Dragon

1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109

$$ L D Green Diamond Grille & Pub

125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900

$$$ L D

14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330-644-8842; 5642 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, 234-258-4800

$$ L D H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants

49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-655-3547

Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill

Exchange Market, 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, 330-952-2079

Diamond Deli

4000 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-5200

Franklin Square Deli

1324 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4052

Dewey’s Pizza

Guiseppe’s Pizza

$$

1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114

Desert Inn

$$ L D

$$$ D

2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551

1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State St., Alliance, 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-875-9700

$$ L D

$$ L D

Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron-Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500

Grinders Above & Beyond

1607 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2651

Driftwood Modern American Bistro

163 Erie St., Kent, 330-593-5928

Deli Ohio

Fisher’s Cafe & Pub

FlipSide

El Fogon Mexican Grill

Danny Boy’s

$$ L D

$$$$ L D

$$$$

The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard

10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-634-9967

$$$$ D

140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940

530 Nome Ave. at J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-869-3000

D

Firehouse Grill & Pub

Downtown 140

$$ B L D

L

$$ L D

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Crave Cantina

2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000

1860 Newton St., Akron, 330-733-2201

$$ L D

Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant

Crave

Fiesta Pizza and Chicken

221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-815-4959

$$$$ L D Hamad’s on Main

1826 E. Market St., Akron, 330-733-8381

$$ B L Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery

1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353

$$$ L D Henry Wahner’s Restaurant

1609 E. Main St., Kent, 330-678-4055

$$$$ D

(No credit cards)

Hibachi Japan Steak House

1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333

$$$ L D HiHO Brewing Co.

1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-7564

$$$ L D Honeymoon Grille

3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-644-4355

$$$ B L D Hopocan Gardens

4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923

$$ L D

(No credit cards)

House of Hunan

18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899

$$ L D Hudson’s Restaurant

80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955

$$$ B L D The Howlin Bird

123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000

$$$ B L D Ido Bar & Grill

1537 S. Main St., Akron, 330-773-1724

$$$ L D Jerzee’s Sports Grille

1019 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330-896-9464; 2531 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-456-9977; 5260 Dressler Road, Canton, 330-497-4100; Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 330-366-9800

$$ L D The Jetty River Bar and Grill

1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544

$$$ L D Jilly’s Music Room

111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757

$$ B D (weekends) AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

45

GOOD EATS

BIG BITE { by Cameron Gorman, photos by Erin Gulling and Vaneeda Sibounheuang }

Vacation Mode

THE LAKE HOUSE KITCHEN & BAR OFFERS SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND DELICIOUS EATS.

From the patio of the Lake House Kitchen & Bar, a stunning view of East Lake — one of the Twin Lakes — surrounds the restaurant in blue. It serves as a fitting backdrop for its elevated Midwestern lake comfort food.

“Seeing it change with the season is great,” says co-owner Mike Beder.

“This time of year, it’s arguably prettiest, when everything’s in bloom.

But when the leaves are changing on the trees in the fall, that’s beautiful.

Even when it’s barren in the winter but it gets a little sunny, that’s a great look.

It’s like constantly changing artwork.”

From 1985 to early 2022, the location was known as Twin Lakes Tavern.

Beder and Ben Koberna purchased the popular spot around April 2022.

“Me and my family live in Kent,” says Beder, an alumnus of Kent State University. “This is an important landmark and community gathering place. To be the stewards of that is a point of pride.”

Under Beder and Koberna’s leadership, the restaurant gained a new name, a refurbished aesthetic — including a modernized sign, a sleeker interior and fresh paint — and an updated menu, featuring seasonal lakeside fare such as fresh made New England clam chowder and grouper bites.

On the patio — which includes a small waterfall — take a seat at a bar that affords unobstructed views of the lake, or relax at one of six or seven tables. Inside, surrounded by blue painted

Pierogies, Lake House fish and chips, and Twin Lakes Sunset

46

walls and wood accents, dine at one of 13 tables. The Lake House’s main menu offers appetizers, such as lake chips ($12), made with blue cheese, balsamic reduction, fresh scallions and herb cream drizzle; salads, such as a Lake House Caesar ($7-$12); and entrees, such as the buoy burger ($15), loaded with cheddar, tomato jam, pickled red onions, field greens and garlic aioli. The bar menu, meanwhile, offers cocktails, spirits, ciders,

seltzers, beer and wine.

Savor the Lake House fish and chips ($22). Beer-battered cod — crafted with handmade beer batter and a proprietary blend of spices — is served with house fries, remoulade sauce, creamy coleslaw and Loud Dog hush puppies, made with diced jalapenos.

“People love our coleslaw, which helps balance the whole dish,” Beder says.

Complete the meal with a craft cocktail, such as the Twin Lakes

GOOD EATS

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

47

GOOD EATS Sunset ($10). Prepared with houseinfused vanilla bean Watershed vodka — from a Columbus distillery — housemade passion fruit simple syrup, pineapple juice and cranberry juice, it’s a splashy sip of fruit punch-flavored sunshine.

For something slightly subtler, try the pear martini ($13). Its ingredients — Grey Goose La Poire vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, a lemon twist garnish and simple syrup — lend themselves to a delicious, fruity palate pleaser.

“It tastes like a pear,” says bartender Cole Group. “Very summery.”

Another fish dish, the mahi-mahi ($26), is made using caramelized onions and house-made garlicleek aioli. It’s served with roasted garlic redskin mashed potatoes and a vegetable of the day.

“It’s very simple, because mahi’s got such a great flavor that when you’re using a good fish like that, you want to let that be the star,” Beder says.

“It’s just pan fried, has a light, nice, little crisp on the edges, and then it gets balanced with the caramelized onions and a little garlic aioli.”

Those craving a turf-based

meal can order a grilled tri-tip hoagie ($19), served with cheddar, creamy horseradish sauce, caramelized onion jam, coleslaw and house fries.

“That’s just a great, hearty sandwich.

Comes on a big piece of French bread,” Beder says. “The cheddar cheese adds the creaminess and then the horseradish sauce, more creaminess but a kick.”

Lake House chef James Novy remembers the first day he prepared the dish for Beder.

“I had it all marinated up, and I grilled them outside, and I finished them in the oven. And I sent pictures to Mike — he goes, I’ll literally be there in five minutes,” he says. “It’s perfectly marbled. … When you grill it off, you slice it down thin, and it works perfect on sandwiches.”

When the weather cools down, try crispy potato cheddar pierogies as an appetizer ($11) or as an entree ($22), for which they’re accompanied by locally made smoked beef kielbasa.

The pierogies are sourced from the Pierogi Lady, a local business.

“She’s got a bunch of unique flavors.

We’ll bring in some of the different ones to use for specials,” Beder says.

“But for the core menu, we went as traditional as possible, which would just be the potato and cheddar. And then the way we finish the entree is with this balsamic onion jam, so it sweetens it up, it’s a little tart, and then the sour cream to balance it.”

The dishes and drinks available at the Lake House all complement its gorgeous setting.

“I always thought this was such a great hidden date spot, where you’re 3 miles from Kent but it feels like you’re miles away on a coast,” Beder says. “For this to be so accessible to people was always really interesting to me. I still have that same reverence for it.”

7508 state Route 43, Kent, 330-678-8946, lakehousekent.com

Mahi-mahi and pear martini 48

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

GOOD EATS Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ

526 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-349-6949

$$ L D Jimmy Bigg’s Grille

1927 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-2444

$$ L D Kasai Japanese Restaurant

295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788

$$$ L D Ken Stewart’s Grille

1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555

$$$$ L D Ken Stewart’s Lodge

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881

$$$$ D Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990

$$$ D Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que

1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193

$

L

D

Kingfish

15 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330-777-2005

$$$$ D Kozmo’s Grille

37 First St. SW, Massillon, 330-832-8807

$$$ L D LagerHeads BBQ Smokehouse and Brewing Co.

Lucca Downtown

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe

$$$$ L D

$$$ B L D

Lucia’s Steakhouse

Nauti Vine Winery

$$$$ D

$$$ D

Lucci’s

Nepali Kitchen

228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534.

4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933

2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053; 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833

$$ L D Luigi’s Restaurant

105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999

$$ L D

(No credit cards)

Lukity Country Inn

459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300

$$ L D

Platinum Dragon

$$ L D

$$ L D

Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe

Primo’s Deli

10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087

1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-9111

215 Dover Road, Sugarcreek, 330-852-2993

814 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-8108

1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056

$$ L D Rasicci’s Pizza

513 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-923-1999

$ L D Ray’s Place

$$ L D

Nomz Cafe

$$ L D

Mandarin House

$$$ B L D

Rice Paper Thai Cuisine

$$ L D

North End

$$$ L D

Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub

$$$$ D

6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344

3201 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8157

8870 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-3663

21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315

7542 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-342-1400

$$$ L D

Oak and Embers Tavern

Meet Me At Irene’s

$$$ L D

264 Kent Ave. NE, Hartville, 330-877-6477

$ B L Menches Bros.

The Merchant Tavern

1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510

$$$ L D Michael’s AM

1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Suite 120, Akron, 330-929-3447

$$$ L D

Mike’s Place

The Leopard

$$$ L D

$$$ D

Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery

Laziza

Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-7000

959 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-724-9375

New Era Restaurant

91 Wood Fired Oven

$$ B L D

La Loma

Parasson’s

$$$ L D

Magic City’s Remarkable Diner

Lager & Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar $$$ L D

$$$ L D

$$$ L D

$$ L D

$$ B L

1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999

Park Street Pizza

$$ B L D 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787

Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s

399 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-631-1112

2697 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-753-5983

$$$ L D 30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-650-1717

3950 S. Main St., Akron, 330-644-5444

1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444

4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-832-6200

2832 Abbeyville Road, Medina, 330-725-1947

867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333

$$ B L D 1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501

7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056

The Oaks Lakeside

5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, 330-769-2601

$$$$ B D 111 Bistro

2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122

$$$$ D One Red Door

49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-3667

$$$$ B L D On Tap Grille & Bar

3263 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-0464; 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-725-1972

135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233

3867 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 234-466-0499

The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market

911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376

$$$$ L D Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-666-1221, 330-668-2626

$$ L D Rockne’s Pub

7 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-762-7555; 1203 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-3663; 2914 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-7662; 1450 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-0904; 155 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-833-8800; 5000 Portage St., North Canton, 330-244-4212; 9406 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-422-8010

$$ L D Rose Garden Restaurant

$$ L D

2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6630

600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111

$$ B L D

Open Door Coffee Co.

$$ L D

$$$$ D

Missing Falls Brewery

$ B

36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-656-2100

Leo’s Italian Social

540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000

2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427

$$

$$$$ B L D

Moe’s Restaurant

Lizardville

L

D

2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600

21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Copley Township, 330-644-1782

$$$$ L D

$$ D

518 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4711; 493 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 234-312-9351

Lock 15 Brewing Co.

Molly Brown’s Country Cafe

21 W. North St., Akron, 234-900-8277

$$ B L

$$$ L D

Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar

The Lockview

795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272

207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128

$ B L D

$$ L D

Mulligan’s Restaurant & Pub

Luca’s New York Style Pizza

4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239

$$$ D

$$$ B L D

3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595

164 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-653-5900

Pad Thai

3545 Brookwall Drive, Fairlawn, 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9998

$$$ L D Pancho & Lefty’s

3254 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-6781

$$$ L D Papa Gyros Greek Grill

3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-497-1100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330-823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475

$$ L D

Rosewood Grill

$$$$ L (Fri/Sat only) D Russo’s

4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665

$$$$ D Saffron Patch in the Valley

1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777

$$$ L D Sakura

3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288

$$$ L D Samantha’s on Portage

4954 Portage St. NW, North Canton, 330-499-9700

$$ B L D AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

49

GOOD EATS Sammie’s Bar and Grill

3 Palms Pizzeria

$$ L D

$$$ L D

Samosky’s Homestyle Pizzeria

Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.

$$$ L D

$$ L D

Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish

Thyme2

$$$ L D

$$$$ L D

Sarah’s Vineyard

Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub

498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334

6738 Center Road, Valley City, 330-483-2000

1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802

1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8057

60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545

529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739

Valley’s Edge

The Wine Mill

$$$$ D

$$$ L D

Vasili’s Greek Cuisine

Winking Lizard Tavern

10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602

1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722

$$ L D

3634 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-220-9944; 5710 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-1133; 79 Springside Drive, Copley, 330-644-1780; 5111 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, 330-467-6200; 2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, 330-470-6460; 1615 Main St., Peninsula, 330-467-1002

Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub

$$ L D

$$ L D

113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114

2823 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1530

4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594

Village Inn Chicken

4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553

2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-5751

Wise Guys Lounge & Grill

$ B L D

$$$$ L D

$$ L D

$$$ D

Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute

Timber Lodge

$$$$ L D

$$$$ D

Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey

Shawarma Bros.

Tip Top Restaurant & Catering

$$$ D

3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531

Virtues

$$$$ L D

538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611

1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996

$$ L D Sisters Century House

123 S. Canal St. S, Canal Fulton, 330-854-9914

$$ B L Skyway Drive-In Restaurant

2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Green, 330-896-9350

$ L D Social at the Stone House

824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-809-0461

$$$$ L D Spennato’s Italian Ristorante

10446 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-468-8688

$$$ L D Stricklands Frozen Custard

1809 Triplett Blvd., Akron; 2629 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8498; 3465 S. Arlington Road, Green, 330-899-9477; 9070 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2750

$

Swensons Drive-In

658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330-665-1858;5815 Wales Ave., Massillon, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-499-9494

$ L D

2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288

3428 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3171

$$ B L D Tito’s Mexican Grill

25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-9801

$$$ L D Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi

1132 N. Court St., Medina, 330-952-2818

$$$$ L D Tomaso’s Italian Villa

3271 Barber Road, Norton, 330-745-6063

$$ L D Tomato Grill

6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666

1646 Norton Road, Stow, 330-655-2550

$$ L D Totally Cooked To-Go

388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102

$$ B L D Town Tavern

3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433

$$$ B L D Trecaso’s Mary Coyle

780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511

$$ L D Twiisted Burgers & Sushi $$$ D Twisted Citrus

Taco Tontos

$$ B L

1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-452-6844

$ L D

$$$

L

D

Vaccaro’s Trattoria

1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158

Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille

469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-334-5151

$$ L D Taste of Bangkok

514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270

$$ L D 50

The Twisted Olive

5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550

Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant

akronlife.com | AUGUST 2025

845 W. Market St., Akron, 330-374-4915; 100 North Ave., Tallmadge, 330-633-7400; 3997 Medina Road, Bath, 234-466-0155

$$ B L Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse

$$$ L D Valley Cafe

1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8650101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555

$$ B L D (Wadsworth only)

Yours Truly

$$ B L D

Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com.

150 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-966-8866

Waterloo Restaurant

Tong-Tong

Wolf Creek Tavern

36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800

Wally Waffle

$$$$

D

1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680

$$ L D

$$$ B L

$$$$ L D

L

$$$ L D 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223

525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444

106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771

985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606

Table Six Kitchen & Bar

3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0233

1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330-922-3006

423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158

$$ B L D Water Main Grille

339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757

$$ L D West Ave Tavern

67 West Ave., Tallmadge, 330-630-2888

$$$ L D The West Side Bakery

2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101

$ B L Whitehouse Chicken

180 Wooster Road N, Barberton, 330-745-0449; 4195 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-5644; 199 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth, 330-335-6000

$$ L D Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers

3600 Brecksville Road, Richfield, 330-659-3600

$$ D

(No credit cards)

Wild Goats Coffee & Cafe

319 W. Main St., Kent, 330-677-2326

$$ B L D

YEARS HONORED

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

PARTING SHOT { by Claire Duber, photo by Andrew McAllister and provided by Akron-Summit County Public Library/ Summit Memory }

“

Come Up Akron, 2005

”

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney grew up a few houses away from each other in a West Akron neighborhood. Their brothers were friends — and the two eventually started jamming together while attending Firestone High School in 1996. With Auerbach on vocals and guitar and Carney on drums, they recorded a demo in Carney’s basement, forming the Black Keys in 2001. The band played its first show at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in March 2002 — to a crowd of under 10 people. The pair recorded their debut, “The Big Come Up,” in Carney’s basement, and Alive records released it in May 2002. Pictured here in 2005, the Black Keys played Akron’s Lime Spider multiple times. Eventually, the two-piece found international success, winning five Grammy Awards. See the duo return to Northeast Ohio Aug. 22 at Blossom Music Center on its “No Rain, No Flowers” tour — named after its 13th studio album, out Aug. 8. Expect to hear the Black Keys’ new single, “The Night Before,” and the Grammy Award-winning 2010 hit “Tighten Up,” which brought commercial success to the beloved blues rockers.

AUGUST 2025 | akronlife.com

51

Looking For A True Business Partner Who’s In It With You? Doug Terry, CPA, ABV, MBA, JD

Brian Liddle, CPA, MBA

Senior Manager

Partner

Running a business is rewarding, empowering, and, at times, overwhelming. You’re expected to be the visionary, manager, strategist—and somehow, the expert in everything. That’s where having the right partner makes all the difference.

Beyond balance sheets and forecasts, a firm that acts as your trusted financial advisor brings something deeper: shared responsibility. At W3, we bring insight, structure, and strategy—but more importantly, we bring an integrated team of tax, finance, accounting, and business valuation professionals to lean on.

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Our goal is to partner with you to help you eliminate stress, offload complexity, and provide the assurance that everything we do is to help you make the most of your money and keep more of it, too.

GLOBAL ACCOUNTING | 330.867.3578

|

WEALTH MANAGEMENT | 330.836.3805

|

W3FINANCIALGROUP.COM