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Parks in Akron, Ohio Summer is the best time of the year to go on an adventure with your family. There are always new places to swim, hike, and spend time together. What are some parks in Akron, Ohio where these adventures can happen? Keep reading to learn more! more Cuyahoga Valley National Park Located on Boston Mills Road in Penninsula, this 33,000-acre park is home to over 125 hiking trails and many different plants and animals that came back after the infamous fire fifty years ago. Click the link below for more information about the activities commemorating this fire. Other popular attractions of this park include the Beaver Marsh, Brandywine Falls, The Ledges, Blue Hen Falls, and the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Check out the website for more information and to plan your trip today! More Information Portage Lakes State Park This park is located on Manchester Road in Akron. The park is home to 441 acres with nine different trails to hike on. Other family-friendly activities at this park include boating, disc golf, dog park, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Click the link below for more information and to plan your trip today! More Information Loyal Oak Lake Park Located on Hametown Road in Norton, Loyal Lake Park has been a destination for families since the 1950s. This is a membership-only park. Here, you can enjoy features such as 6 acres of lake to swim in with lifeguards, smoke-free areas, mini golf, disc golf, playgrounds, and many more! For more information and to plan your trip today, click the link below. More Information Summit Metro Parks Located on Treaty Line Road in Akron, Summit Metro Park has 14,000 acres at its disposal. These acres are split into 16 parks and more than 150 trails. Whether you are an experienced hiker or are looking to go less than a mile, there is a trail for everyone! Summit Metro Parks is also autism-friendly. Staff members of the park received special training so that they would be able to assist visitors that might need extra assistance during their visit to the park. For more information about the park and to plan your trip, click the link below. More Information Read More: Things to remember when planning a road trip

Akron Memorial Day weekend events in 2019 If you are not planning on going Memorial Day camping in the Akron area, then you should consider attending one of the local Memorial Day events or parades. We have a list of Akron Memorial Day weekend events in 2019 just for you. more Memorial Day parades near Akron Tallmadge Memorial Day Parade Date: May 27 Time: 9 a.m. Start Point: Our Lady of Victory End Point: Tallmadge Cemetery This will be the 151 st year of the historic Memorial Day parade in Tallmadge. All veterans are invited to participate and walk in the parade and you can learn how to be included in the program by clicking the link below. The parade will end with a ceremony in the cemetery. More Info Hudson Memorial Day Parade Date: May 27 Time: 10 a.m. Start Point: Milford Road End Point: Markilli Cemetery The parade will begin assembling on Milford Road at 8 a.m. and will step off promptly at 10 a.m. It is a parade that will be geared toward the whole family. This year the American Legion is putting on the parade. If you would like to participate or help with the parade, click the link below. More Info National Cemeteries near Akron National cemeteries are federal cemeteries dedicated to U.S. military personal, veterans, and their spouses. In all, there are currently 147 national cemeteries in the United States, and the closest one to Akron is in Seville. It’s called the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and it’s only a short road trip away. Most national cemeteries host special Memorial Day ceremonies every year, and the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery is no different. This year, their ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 26 at 12 p.m. Learn more about this national cemetery below. More Info Other things you can do during Memorial Day weekend Don’t forget, a lot of places are hosting fun sales and events this Memorial Day weekend all throughout the Akron area. For one, Kia VanDevere is hosting a large sale with plenty of great deals. You don’t want to miss out on these offers. Memorial Day weekend, you could be driving home in a new Kia such as the Sportage or Sorento with zero due at signing! You can learn more about either of these wonderful new Kia models below. 2019 Kia Sportage Akron OH 2019 Kia Sorento Akron OH

How to plan a road trip Are you thinking about going on a road trip? Then you should start with a plan. The best way to have a successful road trip is to do a little planning beforehand. Even if you don’t want to adhere to a specific schedule, we have some tips on how to plan a road trip. more Do you have a destination for your road trip? If you have a destination or a place you want to end up, then this is where you need to start your plan. Find out how long it will take you to get there with a straight shot. If you have more time than you need, consider just driving in the direction of your destination and seeing where the road takes you. Just make sure you bring your phone so you can figure out where you are when you inevitably get lost. Remember, getting lost can be fun, as long as you stay safe and don’t have strict deadlines. Don’t forget to leave in some time for when you want to explore a city or even a roadside attraction. What should you do for food on a road trip? There are three primary means of feeding yourself on a road trip. The easiest is fast food, but it isn’t the healthiest. If you have a little more budget, it might be a good idea to pick sit-down restaurants along the way. It will give everyone a break from the car, and your car a break from driving. You can also pack food and eat in the car or even have picnics. If you keep a cooler in the back and replenish it with ice, you can travel the country cheaply, eat well, and still stay away from junk food if that’s a concern. Safety Tips: 2020 Kia Soul available safety features How to decide who to bring on a road trip Where you are going is just as important as who you are bringing with. You want people that you get along with and people that are willing to help with the road trip whether its planning or expenses. You will also want to limit the number of people to the size of your car. Just because your car has five seats, doesn’t mean people want to spend hours crammed in the back. If you are bringing along someone with a major medical concern, then you may want to ask them to consult their doctors ahead of time. Make sure that there are no health risks they have to consider before the journey. What should you do before your road trip? If you have your route already picked out, then there are still a few considerations that you should keep in mind. First, make sure that your car is ready for the journey with a few simple checks and maybe even some service. Second, make sure that you have everything you are going to need to stay occupied. Lucky for you, we’ve already made guides for both of those things, and you can use them below. Pre-Road Trip Service Activities for a Road Trip

2019 Easter egg hunts in Akron OH Are you looking for some family fun this April? It may still be too early for camping, but Easter is coming up fast, so why not take your kids on an Easter egg hunt in Northeast Ohio. We have an extensive list of 2019 Easter egg hunts in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, OH that your family is going to love. more When is Easter 2019? Are you unsure when Easter is? We don’t blame you. Determining the day of Easter is actually a complicated affair that involves lunar calendars and the like. However, it typically falls in April. This year it will be later than most as it lands on April 21 for 2019. Read More: 2020 Kia Soul safety features Though Easter is on the 21 st, most celebrations and Easter egg hunts, especially in Northeast Ohio, actually occur on the Saturday before. Some events run all month up until Easter. Plan accordingly to ensure that you and your family don’t miss out. Learn about the ultimate Kia SUV for families Akron Zoo Breakfast with the Bunny City: Akron, OH Location: Akron Zoo Address: 504 Euclid Avenue The Akron Zoo will have breakfast with the bunny and an egg hunt for three weekends in April. It occurs on April 6-7, 13-14, and 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Some days are already sold out, so act fast. More Info Egg Hunt & Breakfast with Bunny & Friends City: Akron, OH Location: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Address: 714 N. Portage Path It’s always a fun Easter on the beautiful Stan Hywet estate. Every year, this event sells out fast. Act now to get on the list, and if you’re too late, make sure you hop on the waitlist so you still have a chance. More Info Cuyahoga Falls Easter Egg Hunts The Cuyahoga Falls Easter egg hunts are legendary, and they are back for 2019 with six locations! As always, the event is completely free. Don’t forget to bring your own basket or container for all the eggs your kids are going to collect. Don’t worry, no real eggs here. Instead, it’s all plastic eggs filled with candy and toys. There’s even going to be a contest held at the event. The event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at the following locations: Dewitt School Lincoln School Preston School Price School Richardson School Woodridge Elementary School More Info

2019 Cleveland Auto Show preview Have you ever been to an auto show before? If you live in the Akron or Cleveland area, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Cleveland Auto Show. Not sure what to expect? We have our 2019 Cleveland Auto Show preview to help you out. more What is at the Cleveland Auto Show? The Cleveland Auto Show is an auto show much like other shows that you may have heard of in Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and even Tokyo. It’s a time of big reveals for some manufacturers and it’s a chance for nearly all manufacturers to show off what they have to offer to the general public. You can expect all the big names to be there with their latest vehicles and concepts. What’s more, you can get behind the wheel of many of the cars and interact with representatives from all the car brands to learn more. It’s a fun time whether you are a car enthusiast, looking to buy a car in the near future, or if you are just curious. Read More: What's new for the 2020 Kia Soul? What can you see at the 2019 Cleveland Auto Show? Not only will all the big manufacturers be there with their best cars, but there’s also an onsite classic car show, a Millionaire’s Row of some of the hottest vehicles on the planet, and even ride and drives for many of the vehicles on the show floor. Read More: What is the 2020 Kia Forte GT? When is the Cleveland Auto Show? The Cleveland Auto Show is a yearly event that usually takes place in February. For 2019, it will run from February 22 until March 3. The show floor opens at 11:00 a.m. every day (except opening day where it opens at 5:00 p.m.) and runs until the late evening. It all takes place at the International Exposition Center and parking is free. When will the Kia Telluride be available? Where to buy tickets to the Cleveland Auto Show? You can buy tickets for the big show right online. Adult tickets for those ages 13 and up are just $14. Seniors 62 and older as well as preteens between the ages of 7 and 12 get in for just $12. All children under 6 are free as long as they are accompanied by a paid adult. Buy tickets for any day by following the link below. Buy Cleveland Auto Show Tickets

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Akron OH 2018 Are you looking for great food on Thanksgiving, but not looking to cook? Then we can help. We have a whole list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Akron, OH for 2018. You have a bunch of options available, but many require reservations so it may be a good idea to start making your plans now before you go out and rake the leaves. more Beau’s on the River Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH Address: 1989 Front Street Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adult Cost: $34.95 With Beau’s on the River, you get a Thanksgiving Day brunch with a view. They are offering a huge menu including classics like slow-roasted turkey and interesting selections like cod with an artichoke and piquillo pepper tapenade. To book your reservations please call 330-920-7530. You can also visit their website for additional details on the restaurant. More Info The Galaxy Restaurant Location: Wadsworth, OH Address: 201 Park Centre Drive Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Adult Cost: $27.95 You are going to love this buffet as you get to sample from the salad bar, the full buffet, and the Yankee pot roast or carved turkey. You can make your reservations by calling 330-334-3663. Of course they also have desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and a triple layer chocolate cake. See their full menu on their event page below. More Info What is the LeBron James I Promise School? The Tangier Location: Akron, OH Address: 532 West Market Street Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Adult Cost: $28.99 This Thanksgiving Day brunch buffet can’t be beaten. Everything is fresh from the rolls to the roast turkey with apple pecan stuffing. To make your reservations, simply call the Tangier at 330-376-7171 during normal business hours. More Info The Oaks Lakeside Location: Chippewa Lake, OH Address: 5878 Longacre Lane Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult Cost: $30 It’s a little way outside of Akron, but The Oaks Lakeside is certainly worth it especially for Thanksgiving. With a black pepper rubbed turkey and rosemary bourbon gravy that might even be better than home cooking. Make your reservations soon at 330-769-2601. More Info Papa Joe’s Location: Akron, OH Address: 1561 Akron Peninsula Road Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult Cost: Menu Dependent With over 80 years in the business and 30 years in this location, Papa Joe’s is an Akron staple, and you can dine in at the restaurant or dine out with a take-home Thanksgiving feast. Make your reservations or inquire further online below. More Info Go camping before the first snow near Akron

2018 Halloween trick or treat times Akron OH Do you want to know when you can go trick or treating? Then we can help. We’ve created an outline for 2018 Halloween trick or treat times in Akron, OH and many of the surrounding areas. If you are looking to get your yard cleaned up before Halloween hits, then consult our guide to yard waste removal in Akron. more When to go trick or treating near Akron 2018 Halloween is always on October 31, which means that for 2018 it falls on a Wednesday. The middle of the week isn’t exactly an ideal time for you or your kids, so most communities in the Akron area have moved their trick or treat time to the preceding weekend. We have a list below including Akron and several other surrounding communities along with the date and time when they will hold their trick or treating. How to make a vehicle road trip ready Akron Date: Saturday, October 27 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Cuyahoga Falls Date: Saturday, October 27 Time: 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Barberton Date: Saturday, October 27 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Lakemore Date: Saturday, October 27 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Fairlawn Date: Sunday, October 28 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Copley Date: Sunday, October 28 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Norton Date: Saturday, October 27 Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tips for safe trick or treating Going with your kids can be the best way to keep them safe, but if you’ve decided to let them go on their own, then ensure that they have multiple ways to contact you, that you know where they are going, and that you have an agreed upon time when they will be home. All trick or treating in the area ends before it gets too dark to keep your kids safe. Try to err on the side of caution and get those kids home before dark anyway. If possible, encourage the use of bright costumes. They may not seem as fun to some kids who go for the more ghoulish designs, but the brighter the costume, the easier they are to see for motorists who may occupy the roads during the trick or treating time. Ensure that you go over pedestrian safety before they head out too. Find a vehicle with AWD before winter in Akron

Leaf and yard waste removal in Akron OH The fall season is coming up fast, and If you are trying to figure out what to do with all that yard waste, we can certainly help you out in the Akron area. Continue reading to learn all about leaf and yard waste removal in Akron, OH. more Fall leaf removal in Akron In the fall, Akron will actually pick up your leaves curbside, but you do have to follow a few simple rules. You can either rake your leaves to the curb or put them in biodegradable paper leaf bags. Do not mix in sticks or other debris. The leaf pickup is just for leaves. If you choose a bagless option, the leaves can be raked right into the street no more than two feet from the curb the day before pickup. Do not park your vehicle on the street the day of pickup, and never park your vehicle over dry leaves as this is a major fire hazard. When available, your 2018 Akron leaf pickup schedule can be found at the link below. Akron Leaf Pickup Times Can you arrange a special pickup? If you have a lot of yard waste to get rid of, and it won’t fit in your bins, then you do have another option. You can arrange a special pickup. To arrange a special pickup simply call 311 or (330) 375-2311. You must call one week ahead of time, and you are only allowed three special pickups per year, so plan them wisely. Campgrounds near Akron Can yard waste be picked up with normal garbage? If your yard waste can fit into your normal waste bins, then you’re fine. Otherwise, bundle your yard waste into tied rolls that are no longer than 4 feet long. Though there are no weight restrictions, please make sure they are easily manageable. Read More: Best Kia vehicles for winter If you do decide to just load up your bins, remember the lid has to be able to close on your bin completely. Are you frequently filling up your bins to capacity? Then you may want to consider getting an additional bin. If you would like to get an additional bin, then you can do so for a one time charge of $50. What should you do to get your vehicle road trip ready?

What is the LeBron James I Promise School? Akron is a proud city, and we couldn’t be prouder of LeBron James and all that he has accomplished. He left a legacy out on the court that he is still building on, and he is leaving a different sort of legacy right here in Akron with the I Promise School. What is the LeBron James I Promise School? It’s a privately-funded public school with big ideas funded in part by LeBron James. more Is the I Promise School a public school? The I Promise School, despite receiving a lot of private funding from LeBron James and others, is entirely a public school. It would have been easier to start a charter school with far less oversight and still serve the same students. However, LeBron thought it was important that this become a public school. Summer Fun: Best Public Pools in Akron The I Promise School officially enters the Akron public school district as the 29th elementary school. As such, it will still have to maintain the same curriculum standards that the public school system adheres to. It hopes to exceed those metrics as part of its mission. How to get your vehicle road trip ready What makes the I Promise School different? The I Promise School is aimed at helping students who come from low-income families. It has a longer school day, a longer school year, free meals and bikes for kids, and even provides a clear path to college with a free tuition program. The school will also provide support for the parents of students with GED programs and more. To start with, the school is currently operating 3rd and 4th grade, but will eventually expand to 1st through 8th grade. Campgrounds in Northeast Ohio Why did LeBron choose Akron? This may come as no surprise to the locals, but LeBron isn’t a native of Cleveland where he spent many of his best NBA years. He’s still an Ohio native though, and he grew up right here in Akron. This could be considered LeBron’s way of giving back to a public school system that LeBron credits for setting him on his path to basketball greatness. Where is the I Promise School in Akron? The new I Promise School sponsored by LeBron James is actually located on West Market Street between Oakdale Avenue and South Valley Street. This also puts it right next door to our award-winning VanDevere Kia location. By situating the school on West Market Street, the school stays close to downtown while also easily serving West Akron, Highland Square, and a variety of other Akron communities.

Best public pools in Akron OH Are you looking for a great place to cool off in the summer heat? Make sure the AC in your car works and then head down to a great swimming pool. Lucky for you, we have put together a guide to all the best public pools in Akron, OH. We even have some indoor pool locations that you can enjoy all year round. more Akron indoor swimming pools If summer has passed, but you still want to swim, then these indoor pools are a perfect option. All of these pools are luckily open all year round. This means, even if it is summer, you can still enjoy these great pools. They are perfect for winter, rainy days or even if you just want to stay out of the sun. Balch Street Fitness center City: Akron, OH Address: 220 South Balch Street Open 2018: All Year Round In addition to its pool, Balch Street Fitness Center also offers classes, a hot tub, sauna, and more! More Info Citi Center Athletic Club City: Akron, OH Address: 146 South High Street Open 2018: All Year Round With a 20-yard swimming pool, this is a great pool to enjoy even when you’re in busy downtown. More Info How to get your vehicle road trip ready Akron outdoor swimming pools If it’s hot outside, and you want to cool off, but you still want to enjoy the great outdoors, then one of these outdoor swimming pools is bound to be your best bet. Luckily, Akron and the surrounding areas have many great swimming options to choose from. Read More: Camping destinations in the area Reservoir Park City: Akron, OH Address: 1735 Hillside Terrace Open 2018: June 10 – August 18 This pool is open Monday through Thursday throughout the summer until 7 P.M. More Info Water Works Family Aquatic Center City: Cuyahoga Falls, OH Address: 2025 Munroe Falls Ave Open 2018: May 26 – August 14 If you want some water slides, then take a drive up north to this facility in Cuyahoga Falls. More Info Perkins Woods City: Akron, OH Address: 899 Diagonal Road Open 2018: June 10 – August 18 This public pool is also open until 7 P.M., but it’s only open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. More Info Griffiths Pool City: New Franklin, OH Address: 6571 Cleveland Massillon Road Open 2018: May 25 – August 14 Divided into three great pools, this is a wonderful place for the family to cool off in New Franklin. More Info

4th of July fireworks near Akron OH 2018 It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate this great nation with cookouts, parties, and displays of skyborne fire. Do you want to know where and when all the 4th of July fireworks near Akron, OH are for 2018? Then we are here to help. Even if you’re camping in the area, there’s no shortage of events or activities either. more Norton Fireworks Date: Friday, June 29 Time: After Racing Concludes The Barberton Speedway is having a special Friday night race with all your favorite classes including Aarons Late Model, Ritzman Muffler Modified, and more. The race will conclude with a fireworks show that promises to be both bigger and better than last year. More Info Portage Lakes Fireworks Date: Saturday, June 30 Time: 10 p.m. The New State Park Beach & Lake on Latham Bay is having a fireworks display of its own! Expect the Independence Day fires to take to the skies shortly after dusk. The event will also be simulcast on 91.3, so make sure to tune in. More Info Cuyahoga Falls Fireworks Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3-4 Time: After Concert Concludes Cuyahoga Falls is hosting its Blossom Music Festival at the Blossom Music Center, and both nights of concerts promise to conclude in a beautiful fireworks display. The concerts begin at 8 p.m. and will feature all your favorite patriotic songs both evenings. More Info Akron Fireworks Date: Wednesday, July 4 Time: 9:45 p.m. Akron is hosting its annual Rib White and Blue event right in downtown. Admission is free, and gates open as early as 11 a.m. The event actually runs from June 29 until July 4th, with great bands every night, but the fireworks won’t take to the skies until the 4th. More Info Fairlawn Fireworks Date: Wednesday, July 4 Time: 10 p.m. Fairlawn is starting Independence Day off with a parade at 4:30 p.m. followed by bands at 5:30 p.m. in Bicentennial Park. Fireworks will cap off the evening. Ensure that you secure your viewing location early. You won’t want to miss the show. More Info Hudson Fireworks Date: Friday, July 6 Time: 10 p.m. This fireworks show comes a bit late in the week, but it ensures that you can see more than one fireworks show this year. Fireworks will take to the skies from Barlow Farm Park. A portion of the park will be closed for safety, but the west side of the park will be available for viewing. More Info How to get a vehicle road trip ready How to change a windshield wiper

2018 Memorial Day events in Akron OH There are plenty of Memorial Day events in Akron and Summit County, Ohio for 2018. Below, we have found a few parades that you can attend. Find one near you and remember to get there early so you can secure your spot. more Tips for planning a family vacation Tallmadge Memorial Day Parade Where: Tallmadge, OH Day: Monday, May 28 Time: 9:30 AM Details: This parade is being put on by the Kneil-Lawrentz post of the American Legion. It will start in the parking lot of the Our Lady of Victory Church and move out onto North Avenue before turning south toward Tallmadge Circle. It will proceed around the circle and exit at Southwest Avenue towards the Tallmadge Cemetery where there will be a ceremony. More Info Hudson Memorial Day Parade Where: Hudson, OH Day: Monday, May 28 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Details: The event is another parade put on by the local American Legion. It will begin assembling on Milford road near the Veterans Way Park at 8:00 AM. This road will be closed to all through traffic during this time. At 10:00 AM the parade will step off and head toward Markillie Cemetery where the annual parade will conclude with a Memorial Day ceremony. More Info New Franklin Memorial Day Parade Where: New Franklin, OH Day: Monday, May 28 Time: 10:00 AM Details: The parade will begin assembling at 9:00 AM in New Franklin at Grace Bible Church. At 10:00 AM that parade will step off and proceed south down Manchester Road. It will then turn west on Nimisila Road before coming to an end at the Manchester Cemetery. For those looking to participate, the church will be providing a free pancake breakfast. More Info Memorial Day camping near Akron Nearby Memorial Day Ceremonies at National Cemeteries If you are looking to attend a National Cemetery for the occasion, then the Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery is not that far away. Safety: Learn how to make your car safer It’s over in Seville, and it will be holding its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 27 at 1:00 PM. That means you can go on Saturday and still see a parade in Summit County on Monday. More Details