If you get hungry during your visit to Akron, we have a few ideas….

A perennial favorite (and LeBron James too) would be Swensons. The two closest locations are at Walhaven at Hawkins Ave/W Market St. or behind RadAir in Montrose. www.swensonsdriveins.com

There are some locals who prefer Skyway burgers and rings…still in the same location in front of Fairlawn Plaza. www.skywayrestaurants.net

Lanning’s is experiencing a resurgence with new owners near Ghent Square. They still have the formal dining room and a sophisticated bar with music. www.lannings-restaurant.com.  Same is true with the golfer’s favorite steak place-the Diamond Grille entering downtown. www.diamondgrille.com

If you are in the Valley, try the mussels or their in-house distilled gin at The Merchant Tavern on Merriman Road near McDonald’s. Or cruise down memory lane with the Iacomini family at Papa Joe’s Restaurant on Akron-Peninsula Road heading towards the national park. www.themerchanttavern.com   www.papajoes.com

Since our Friday night gathering has moved out of downtown, you might want to check out the previous venue, the Knight Stage at the Civic next to Lock 3 Park.  Across the street is the famous Peanut Shoppe-still worth the stop. In the same block as the Civic is the new location of Crave Restaurant, now in a former bank building.  Check out www.downtownakron.com for their self-guided walking tour of the historic sites. www.thepeanutshop.com

 www.eatdrinkcrave.com

Also downtown is the iconic Luigi’s for pizza and salads piled high with mozzarella. Be prepared to stand in line. Also, off Howard Street, past the train station on your left is Lock 15-a fun micro-brewery bar with very good bar food situated on the Canalway Towpath. www.luigisrestaurant.com  www.lock15brewing.com

Ken Stewart is a local restauranteur who has two locations for hearty entrees and cocktails, one in the old Foley’s location at Pershing Ave/West Market St or out in Bath at his Lodge on Cleveland Massillon Rd. www.kenstewartsgrille.com

If you are staying at the Hilton, we would recommend The Rail located in the front of Summit Mall for local brews and burgers. Or travel further on Ghent Rd. to Vaccaros Trattoria for Italian specialties. www.therailburger.com   www.vactrat.com

Want to shop? While downtown check out Don Drumm’s Studio and Different Drummer Shop on Crouse St. in the blocks across from the University of Akron football stadium. Check out their website for his one-of-a-kind aluminum pieces!  www.dondrummstudions.com

Near Luigi’s downtown is the Zeber-Martell Glass Studios where you can shop for many locally inspired blown glass gifts…check out their beautiful pears pieces. www.shop.zeber-martell.com

*Bunny B’s still makes the best sauerkraut balls which can be found in the frozen foods section of Acme and most Giant Eagle Stores.

For more info contact Polly Porter Davis at polly5233@gmail.com or Shelley Minster Koh.shelley @gmail.com