Akron Life August 2022

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[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Gentle Breeze

Laid-back dining makes for relaxing, memorable summer days.

Lying underneath a shady tree and looking up at leaves rustling in the cool summer breeze — that’s my baby Izzy’s happy place. In July, my husband, Tony, and I ventured to Maize Valley for the Lavender Festival, grabbed some food from the Pierogi Lady and Wheely Good Food truck and beelined for a tree to eat under. Izzy was a bit fussy from the bumpy stroller ride and sweltering heat, but once we set her on a blanket under the tree, she started kicking, smiling and squealing in delight. There was so much to soak up — a performer singing “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, a bustling artisan market and a nearby family cheering on a baby as she attempted to walk — so we lay down next to Izzy to take in the perfect summer day. Experience that for yourself with our food truck guide on pg. 22 that introduces you to trucks to line up behind and informal, fun outdoor spots where you can find them, including festivals, farmers markets and breweries. Taking a baby out to eat hasn’t always been a breeze. In April, we were still getting used to going out with her, and we became what all new parents dread — the family with the crying baby in the restaurant. We went to Akronym Brewing with Tony’s brother, Tyler, and at first, Izzy was soundly sleeping in her stroller. We had been at the Akron Art Museum and it had been a while since she last ate, so we woke her for a bottle. Oh my, she was mad! The screaming immediately began and didn’t seem to cease no matter what we did — give her a bottle, rock her, shush her, take her outside. I went to the bathroom to change her diaper, and it seemed like she screamed even louder. I thought I heard an exasperated Geez! on the other side of the stall. Tony and Tyler said they could hear her screaming from the table! We finally gave up and left. Yet I was comforted by a comment from a couple sitting by us. One of them said, Don’t worry. This is prob ably bothering you the most. We’re glad you came out.

Izzy photo by Kelly Petryszyn

Going out to eat with a baby is tricky, but we decided early on that we are going to live our lives and take her everywhere to expose her to the world. As the weather got warmer, we found our sweet spots are places like Maize Valley where we can sit outside and let Izzy spread out apart from her car seat. Since, she has enjoyed the patio at the Battleground and picnicking at the Father’s Day car show at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Eating outside can be fun and so relaxing. Whether you bring your whole family or just a friend or partner, these food trucks can offer laid-back ways to savor the last days of summer in The 330.

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ]

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