Akron Life July 2023

190+

WINNERS

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

JULY 2023

Go all in with The 330's favorite things

BEST of the CITY

MAKE BELIEVE MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS KIDS’ STORIES TO LIFE CULINARY MAGIC REMARKABLE DINER SERVES UP FINER FARE JUICY FRUIT SIP FLAVOR PACKED BLUEBERRY BREWS

JUL. 2023 $4.95

MATTHEW “MAJOR SCALES” EDICK AND JULIETTE “RUBY RABBIT” ANTONY

photo by Talia Hodge

PAGES

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

Pages start here

On The Cover | 28 Best of the City | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURE ] !" BEST OF THE CITY

Whether it’s creating a bloody mary loaded with crab legs and a slider, dreaming up a luxurious pop-up picnic or juggling flaming clubs and walking on stilts, these locals go all out. Add excitement to your summer with 190-plus winners, including your picks.

Heaven Bound Ascensions photo by Talia Hodge

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44 BARBERTON Arts and dining

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

56 UNTAPPED Blueberry craft beers

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings + Calendar of events 14 Inside Look: Lanning’s Restaurant

08 MAIL BONDING

Special Section

44 BARBERTON Discover fantastic arts and dining in the Magic City.

09 FROM THE PUBLISHER The Classics

51 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 51 Restaurant listings 52 Uncorked: Meier’s Wine Cellars 56 Untapped: Blueberry craft beers

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

11 UPFRONT Let’s Embark

59 PARTING SHOT Lake Anna

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MAIL BONDING

Tell us what's on your mind.

FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life ? Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life , 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

PUBLISHER Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Petryszyn kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tylar Calhoun tsutton@bakermediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aaron Fowler Eric Van Sant SALES Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com CIRCULATION circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Talia Hodge

Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

The Classics

Here are some personal picks for “Best of the City.”

I spend less time in the Stark County area, but when I do, I think, Why don’t I come here more often? It has so much cool stuff to do. My choice is golf at Glenmoor Country Club. I love golf, and it’s one of my favorite courses in the area. The course is plenty challenging for me, and the beautiful club house is an old Gothic-style building that used to be a seminary. Since I am theoreti cally leaving town, I want to play golf at least one more time. Chances are my round will be horrible as I say under my breath, I never want to play this game again. The very last hole I’ll birdie and say to myself, This game is not so bad. Maybe I will stick with it one more time. If I hit all those on my way out of town, I would be complete. [ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

and I can go to one last place in each Greater Akron county where most of Akron Life ’s subscribers reside. These are my picks, and they have to do with a mix of nostalgia and my likings. For “Best of the City” winners voted on by readers, turn to pg. 28. I grew up in Portage County and lived and went to school in Kent. My pick for Portage County is Taco Tontos in Kent. I love that place, and I try to make a stop if I’m in or around Kent. I remember it being in the basement of the Loft bar. There is something about the way it bakes its bur ritos and makes its hot sauce. It’s not only good but also nostalgic because when I was living in Kent in my early 20s, it was about all I could afford, and it’s filling. I struggled with narrowing down one for Summit County, but I would have to go with Luigi’s Restaurant. Yeah, it may not take credit cards, and I always seem to get stuck just outside of the door in line in the blustery snow, but you can’t deny it’s the spot people want to visit when they come into town. I like to order a mushroom pizza and salad with lots of cheese. For Medina County, I am going with High Voltage Indoor Karting, and the simple reason is I love auto racing. It was the first European-style racing to come to our area, and it isn’t a chain. It’s a lot of fun and never seems to get old.

Every year, I come up with my twist on “Best of the City.” It’s probably one of the hardest publisher’s pages I work on in the year. There are lots of great things to include about the best aspects of The 330, but it’s tough to avoid repeat ing myself every year. So this year I am going to set up a theoretical scenario — that I’m leaving Akron, never to return,

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RADAR

words and photos by Maggie Harris

seen + heard

Paddle Down Without even stepping a foot into the water, kids can play in station ary kayaks and kayaks that rock back and forth at Paddle Park in Cuyahoga Falls. The new Cuyahoga River inspired park features 16 repurposed Jackson kayaks, picnic tables with solar umbrellas that have charging sta tions and metal flowers with attached drum sticks that produce melodies. It creates a needed resting spot in the middle of the busy downtown and a fun place to enjoy a cone from nearby Pav’s Creamery, and it calls attention to the city’s great kayaking spots like the Upper Gorge area. 2170 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls

50,000+ miniature Legos were connected over five weeks to create an uncanny replica of the McKinley Monument for the “Brick Flicks” exhibit, which you can see at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum from July 1 to Sept. 30. Warren Elsmore crafted Lego sculptures mimicking the original staging, lighting and characters from beloved movie scenes. See Elliott and “E.T.” ride a bike past a full moon, and Wayne from “Wayne’s World” jamming on his guitar with a crooked smile as Garth bangs his drumsticks. The exhibit also features stations so you can build your own Lego scenes and a display of winners from a K-12 Lego contest and visitors’ cinematic works. 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, mckinleymuseum.org

Pop In A delicate white swirl with white sugar crystal sprinkles decorates a cinnamon roll cake pop, and tiny scrolls of sky-blue frosting, rainbow nonpareils and a mini birth day candle adorn a vanilla cake-shaped pop — Daisy Pops treats are too cute. Upon walking into its new shop, which opened in April in Kent, the sweet smell of cake pops hits you, along

Summer pops at Daisy Pops

with the sights of fun bunches of rainbow balloons and a neon script sign announcing you’re in “The Pop Shop.” A clear display case has dozens of flavors including summer features like banana pudding, cotton candy, raspberry lemon ade and churro. For the latter, vanilla cake is made with cin namon, and a crushed crunchy cinnamon cereal is added to garnish the bottom half of the white chocolate exterior. Take your pops outside to enjoy them fittingly by daisies the team planted or give them out as gifts for a sweet bite of summer. 154 N. Water St., Kent, daisypops.com

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UP F RON T

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

Let’s Embark

“Best of the City” brings on exciting adventures.

of nature below are well worth some jitters, and soon peace comes. “You’re looking at the beauty of our area,” Welser says. “When I get up in the air, I feel so relaxed. It’s a calming effect.” The Rootstown flight went past farms, the Portage County Fairgrounds and Wingfoot Lake State Park. They saw deer in the woods and hawks flying. The group landed on a Randolph Township farm, and the passengers left with unforgettable memories of floating in the sky. There are so many more incredible places and things voted “Best of the City.” Readers’ picks include the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which won for best trail, and Magic City’s Remarkable Diner, which I wrote about for this issue and is a finalist for best diner. I visited the diner during an afternoon outing in Barberton last fall, and the migas breakfast was amazing. Both my husband and I were blown away by how tasty the diner food was — so flavorful and complex! We walked the Towpath for the Fall Hiking Spree, and it was so fun to see so many families and couples biking and hiking the trail. Plus, there were a ton of turtles on logs! We followed signs to take the Magic Mile connector path to downtown and stopped at Ignite Brewing Co. for some beers on the patio. It was such a beautiful fall day, and the Magic Mile made it accessible for us pushing a stroller from the Towpath. Whether you catch the best free event, Rock the Lock concerts, shop at the best new independent store, Mainstream Boutique in Hudson, or enjoy the best winery, Sarah’s Vineyard, I hope “Best of the City” makes your summer brighter and full of fun adventures.

laughs, the pairs of women are ready to take the rides of their lives celebrating 35th and 50th birthdays and retirement. Welser quickly releases the tie off rope — and it’s up, up and away! Whoooa! Oh my God! the passengers exclaim as the wind takes them over a picnic shelter at the Community Bible Church. The balloon floats past treetops and over the horizon, disappearing from sight. “I like the excitement of going on an adven ture,” Welser says. Find our annual “Best of the City” feature, which includes Heaven Bound Ascensions, on pg. 28. I hope these winners, which are voted on by readers and a few by our staff, add excitement to your summer. Surprise your sweetheart with a luxurious pop-up picnic in a park from Legend & Lauryn’s Perfect Little Picnic or catch a jaw-dropping Divine Harmony show and witness performers dancing with flaming hoops and walking on stilts. Maybe it’s being adventurous while din ing out, like ordering Blue Heron Brewery’s bloody mary that’s loaded with a double cheeseburger slider, Alaskan snow crab legs and much more, or trying Taiwanese snow cream at Bubbles & Puffles in the unique taro flavor. As soon as Welser turned on the burners of the balloon, my stomach got butterflies. Even though I was watching from the ground, my heart was racing. The takeoff is so smooth that you can’t feel yourself leave the ground, he says, but seeing the world get smaller and smaller kicks up the adrenaline. The breathtaking sights

photo by Kelly Petryszyn

Large fans begin to inflate the envelope of Heaven Bound Ascensions’ hot air balloon patterned in blue, green, yellow, orange, red, plum and black squares in a Rootstown field. The burners get turned on, shooting flames and lifting the envelope up into shape as four men hold it down and the basket stands up. It’s time for the six passengers from Akron, Garrettsville, the Cleveland area and Denver to board the wicker basket where pilot Denny Welser and his crew help them in. With nervous smiles and anxious

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

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AGENDA

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

Agenda the essential social digest

photo provided by Peninsula Flea

7/1, 7/22, 8/5 & 9/2 Peninsula Flea pg. 18

Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com

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AGENDA

NOTE : Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Through 7/2 “Tigers vs. Bulldogs: Origins of a Historic Rivalry” Learn about the history and rivalry between the Massillon Tigers and Canton Bulldogs professional football teams of the early 20th century at this exhibit that displays photographs and artifacts from both teams. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org Through 7/4 Rib White & Blue Festival Sample ribs from vendors from throughout the country, listen to concerts by bands like Draw the Line and Hotel California and take in a fireworks show. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/5 WindSync Garrett Hudson, Emily Tsai, Graeme Steele Johnson, Kara LaMoure and Anni Hochhalter perform during the Kent Blossom Music Festival Faculty Series. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, Ludwig Recital Hall, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 7:30 p.m. $10-$30. kent.edu by Members of Weave a Real Peace” View artistic creations and traditions from countries like Argentina, Ghana, Guatemala, India and more. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. Free. Monday Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. kent.edu/galleries Through 7/7 “Threads of Connection: Recent Fiber Works

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words and photos by Colin Baker

ELEGANCE REFINED

Lanning’s Restaurant gets a renovation that retains timeless sophistication and adds luxury.

To elevate the dining experi ence, they refurbished the dining room, which over looks Yellow Creek, overhaul ing it with extravagant chan deliers and redid the lounge, foyer and restrooms. The Martin Room event space has a new mural depicting the Martins and local celebrities. Every luxurious aspect was curated by the Martins, from the custom chairs designed for comfort to the gold flecked paint adorning the ceiling. Eager to experience it first hand, I immediately sensed the attention to detail. The staff, in black tuxedos, wel comed my wife and me, which is a nice fine dining touch that is increasingly rare. We started with sau teed blue crab cakes with Lanning’s cocktail sauce, and as a self-proclaimed crab cake connoisseur, I was impressed

For over 50 years, Lanning’s Restaurant has been a fine dining icon. Starting in December 2020, it underwent a revitalization under the new stewardship of Dean and Bethany Martin. Injecting fresh energy into the restaurant while honoring its rich legacy, the Martins created a refined yet welcoming ambiance reminiscent of traditional fine dining establishments and personally greet guests every evening.

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by the abundance of crab meat. The Caesar salad was a delightful depar ture from the ordinary. It was expertly prepared with anchovies and Parmesan croutons that stole the show. I was tempted to take croutons home — they were that amazing. The chef informed me that the croutons were made to order, and they melted in my mouth. For entrees, I chose the Chilean sea bass with Dijonaise and house seasoned salt, while my wife opted for the 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye brushed with Lanning’s steak sauce. Both were cooked to per fection. I was pleasantly stuffed but couldn’t resist trying the triple-layer chocolate mousse. It was rich and deca dent, the ideal size and taste. The menu also has appetizers like Blue Point oysters on the half shell and sauteed escargots, and surf or turf entrees like lobster tail and filet mignon. Don’t skip the expansive wine list that won Wine Spectator ’s 2022 Award of Excellence. Since its renovation, Lanning’s has expe rienced a transformation in clientele, adapting to meet the changing dining preferences of different ages and groups, including couples, families and friends. The result is a vibrant social destination that appeals to a wide range of guests beyond just special occasions. Adding to the allure, Lanning’s offers live entertainment Wednesday to Sunday in its Deano’s Lounge that features a new jazz-themed mural. Through per formances by acts like Just Jazz Live, it creates an intimate environment and Lanning’s remains an iconic establish ment, immersing guests in luxury and captivating them with delectable cuisine that keeps them coming back for more. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, lannings-restaurant.com transports guests to a bygone era. With a new lavish atmosphere,

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AGENDA

Through 7/15 “The Marvelous Wonderettes” Hear ’50s hits during this o ! -Broadway show. Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. kent.edu/ porthouse 7/19 Boat Tour of Homes Take in the beauty of the Portage Lakes, enjoy lunch, participate in a ra ! le and tour some beautiful homes. Head to the a " er-party at Smoke on the Water starting at 3 p.m. to hear live music by the Akron Symphony. Launch 562 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $60-$130. akronsymphony.org

Through 7/16 “Love’s Labour’s Lost” Enjoy this Ohio Shakespeare Festival performance in the Lagoon area of the estate. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30 p.m. green show, 8 p.m. performance. $15-$30. ohioshakespeare.com

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AGENDA

Through 7/23 “Head to Toe” Get a glimpse of items like coats, hats and shoes from the museum’s permanent collection. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ! and all on Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 8/27 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features pieces of clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ! and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

Through 7/23 “Finding Home: Four Artists’

Through 7/23 “Borderless: Artist Migration from the CMA Collection” Peruse pieces that tell stories and journeys of artists who have experienced migration, immigration and displacement. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Journeys” Check out more than 150 drawings, paintings, linoleum block prints and digital mixed-media works by Frances Jetter, David Macaulay, James McMullan and Yuyi Morales, who depict the immigration experience. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

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AGENDA

Through 9/21 Workout on the Plaza Get active during outdoor workout classes like yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, boot camp and more. Cascade Plaza, Akron. Days and times vary. Free. downtownakron.com Through 9/30 “World of Wonders: Weird Science Laboratory” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org Through 10/31 “Connections: Love & the Ties that Bind” During any tour of the Manor House, check out this exhibit about the Seiberling family, the marriages of F.A. and Gertrude’s six children and the connections they made. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/1 Straight On Hear this Heart tribute band perform, as well as Angie Haze during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22 & 7/29 Winery Tours Explore Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com 7/1, 7/22, 8/5 & 9/2 Peninsula Flea Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com 7/1-9/30 “Brick Flicks” Check out this Lego exhibit featuring movie scenes and the work by winners of a Lego contest and visitors. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5-$15. mckinleymuseum.org 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23 & 7/30 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com 7/3 Hotel California Listen to this Eagles tribute band, as well as the TwistO ! s during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

7/1, 7/7, 7/22 & 8/25 The Anniversary Film Series

Celebrate the release of films like “Armageddon,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Die Hard” and “Animal House.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $7. cantonpalacetheatre.org

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AGENDA

7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 & 8/7 Summer Kids Movie Series Families can watch “DC League of Super-Pets,” “Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania,” “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” “Encanto” and “Turning Red,” as well as sensory-friendly viewings that employ dimmed lights and lower sound. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. sensory cinema viewing. $2. cantonpalacetheatre.org 7/4 Canton Bluecoats at the Piazza Watch this world-class drum corps perform during this fundraiser. Gervasi Vineyard, the Piazza, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1-1:30 p.m. $25- Jovi tribute band, as well as the Wishgarden during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/4-7/9 Akron RubberDucks vs. Harrisburg Senators Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 7/6 15 60 75 Numbers Band Take in this band that blends blues, jazz and rock during the Downtown@ Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 7/6 The Motowners Jam out to hits by the Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. $29-$39. 8-9:30 p.m. gervasivineyard.com $100. gervasivineyard.com 7/4 Wanted Catch this Bon

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AGENDA

7/7 Fleetwood Mac Mania Hear this tribute band perform as well as Monica Robins & the Whiskey Kings. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $5. lock3live.com 7/7, 7/14, 7/21 & 7/28 Friday Matinee Escape the heat and see movies like “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “A Man Called Otto.” Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 2 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 7/7, 7/14, 7/21 & 7/28 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner friendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum. org 7/8 Christmas in July Book Sale Pick up books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles for $1 each. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. barbertonlibrary.org 7/8 Jazz under the Stars Listen to Northeast Ohio-based Jazz in the Blue featuring singer, bass guitarist and pianist Erin Nicole Neal during this event hosted by Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach. Uptown Park, Medina. 7-9 p.m. Free. ormaco.org 7/8 & 7/9 Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival Enjoy wine tastings, live folk music, educational sessions about instruments and living history demonstrations. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. $8 children, $15 general admission. halefarm.org

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AGENDA

7/8-9, 7/30, 8/20 & 9/24 Vintage Base Ball Root for the Akron Black Stockings during a game of vintage “base ball.” Take part in an 1860s-style clinic July 30. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-4 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/11 History Discussion Group Join this conversation about Massillon and Stark County restaurants while enjoying co ! ee and sweets. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 10 a.m.- noon. Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/11 & 7/18 Yoga in the Pavilion Peace out with this outdoor flow led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $15. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

7/12 & 7/26 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event at 6 p.m. July 12 and 2 p.m. July 26. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 7/13 Angie Haze Listen to this multi-instrumentalist during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 7/13 & 7/20 Summer Serenades in the Park Concert Series Enjoy performances by the Canton Symphony Orchestra at the Wilderness Center in Wilmot and Deer Creek Reservoir. 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot and 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance. 6:30 p.m. Free. starkparks.com 7/14 E5C4P3 Catch this Journey tribute band, as well as Hot Blooded during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/14 Gala 2023 Attend this black-tie benefit that features dinner, dancing and an auction. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 6 p.m. $400 or $500. stanhywet.org 7/14 Massillon Museum Island Party This exciting family-friendly party features steel drum and fire performers, Caribbean food and drinks, limbo and more. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 6-10 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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AGENDA

7/18 Music by the Lake Sit back and enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Silver Creek Metro Park, Lake House & Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 7/18-7/23 Akron RubberDucks vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 7/19 Miami String Quartet Benny Kim, Cathy Meng Robinson, Scott Lee, and Keith Robinson perform during the Kent Blossom Music Festival Faculty Series. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, Ludwig Recital Hall, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 7:30 p.m. $10-$30. kent.edu

7/14 & 7/21 Midsummer Night’s Dream Pavilion Dinner Take in the views of a lake and vineyard, listen to live music and enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings. The menu includes creamy tomato gazpacho, roasted pork medallions, watermelon cucumber salad, grilled beef tenderloin filet and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-8:30 p.m. $130 GV Club members,

7/20 Akron Roundtable: Erin Fitzgerald & Michael Chadsey Listen to this presentation titled “Sustaining Our Future: Energy, Agriculture and Climate Change.” Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable. org 7/20 Taste of Akron Chow down on food from over 30 vendors. Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market St., Akron. 6-10 p.m. akronartexpo.com 7/20 Tommy Lehman & Uplift Take in this eclectic band during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org

$140 nonmembers. gervasivineyard.com

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory Family owned and operated since 1875, with chapels in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls. Now celebrating the sixth-generation of family leadership in dedicated service to the city of Akron.

Complimentary Live Streaming. Virtual Arrangements. Digital Tribute Wall and Guestbook

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com

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AGENDA

7/21 Satisfaction Hear this Rolling Stones tribute band perform, as well as Ravenwood during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/21 & 7/22 African American Arts Festival This En-rich-ment event features art, culture and creative expression. Centennial Plaza, 300 Market Ave. N, Canton. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. africanamericanartsfestival. com 7/21-7/23 “Anything Goes” Rubber City Theatre presents this performance that features music, dance and laughs. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $20-$50. goodyeartheater.com

7/22 & 7/23 African American Festival Enjoy this 43rd annual festival featuring live music and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. lock3live.com 7/22 & 7/23 Akron Art Expo Peruse art by over 100 artists at this fine arts and cra " s show. Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market St., Akron. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartexpo.com 7/23-8/7 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Celebrate enshrinement with parades July 23 and Aug. 5, the Balloon Classic presented by Aultman July 28-30, a 5K July 29, a Bluecoats performance Aug. 7 and more engaging events. Times and prices vary. profootballhofef.com

7/25 “Art Collection Tours of CLE: A Tuesday Night Series” Meg Harris Stanton, the Summa Health System curator, provides a tour of the art displayed on campus during this Cleveland Arts Prize event. Summa Health System Akron Campus, 141 N. Forge St., Akron. 4-7 p.m. clevelandartsprize.org 7/25 Brown Bag Lunch: Sue Reid Listen to this presentation titled “Women in Flight: Jerrie Mock (First Female to Fly Solo Around the World).” Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/25 Kidz Bop Never Stop Live Tour Kiddos can sing along to today’s biggest hits with Kidz Bop Kids Jackson, Kiya, Shila and Tyler. Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton. 7 p.m. $49-$69. hofvillage.com

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AGENDA

7/26 Red Cross Blood Drive Make an appointment, donate blood and receive a voucher for a self-guided tour. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Carriage House Reception Hall, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/26 Theron Brown Jam to this Akron jazz musician during the Live & Local series. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 7-9 p.m. lock3live.com 7/27 The Labra Brothers Listen to this Latin funk and soul band during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org

7/28 Grand Funk Railroad Groove to this five-piece rock group, as well as opener Subliners. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $47.50- $77.50. goodyeartheater.com 7/28 Hard Days Night Hear this Beatles tribute band perform, as well as Cats on Holiday during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/28 Shades of the Mind Take in this work by Akron Soul Train resident artist Sujatha Srinivasan, who founded Shri Kalaa Mandir Center for Indian Performing Arts. Akron Civic Theatre, 7/28-8/12 Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival See performances by Verb Ohio Contemporary Ballet, GroundWorks DanceTheater and Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. in local parks on select dates during this festival that honors the legacy of the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. Locations vary. 8:45 p.m. akrondancefestival.org 7/29 Akron Pride Festival: Drag Battle At this fi " h annual competition, drag artists compete for the title of 2023 Drag Artist of the Year and a cash prize. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $28-$43. akroncivic. com 7/29 MusiCall of the Wild Concert Enjoy a family friendly performance by the full Canton Symphony Orchestra and a live animal showcase provided by Stark Parks. Sippo Lake Park, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 6:30 p.m. Free. cantonsymphony.org 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $8 children, $14 general admission. akroncivic.com

7/27 Symphony Uncorked: Bass Trio Surround yourself with music during this performance by Brian Del Bianco, Jacob McAleavey and Thomas White. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9 p.m. $20. gervasivineyard.com 7/27-8/13 “Twelfth Night” Watch this Ohio Shakespeare Festival comedic performance on select nights. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30 p.m. green show, 8 p.m. performance. $15-$35. ohioshakespearefestival.com

Taylor Made Jewelry has been voted #1 JEWELER more times and has more 5-STAR REVIEWS than any other Akron Area Jewelers.

We are proud and thankful to be Akron’s number one jeweler. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing customers that make it possible! — JIM TAYLOR AND THE ENTIRE TEAM AT TAYLOR MADE JEWELRY

2492 Wedgewood Drive, Akron • 330-733-8000 taylormadejewelry@sbcglobal.net

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AGENDA

7/29-1/7/2024 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” Check out this new exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/30 TubaSummer Hear popular tunes like polkas and patriotic singalongs during this outdoor performance by tuba and euphonium players. Guzzetta Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. uakron.edu 7/30 Yoga on the West Terrace Relax with a yoga class then take a stroll through the gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 non members. stanhywet.org 8/2 Jim Ballard and the Strangs Jam to this rock band during the Live & Local series. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 7-9 p.m. lock3live.com 8/5 Concert for Legends: Zac Brown Band Take in this Grammy Award-winning country band during its From the Fire Tour. Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $49-$240. hofvillage.com 8/5 Jazz under the Stars Listen to Cleveland-based performer Nick Puin and his band, including Dave Zamos, Jim Noel, Steve Stanziano and Karen Casey, during this event hosted by Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach. Uptown Park, Medina. 7-9 p.m. Free. ormaco.org

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Talia Hodge BEST of the CITY 2023

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BEST PANORAMIC VIEW

READERS’ PICKS

Whether it’s creating a bloody mary loaded with crab legs and a slider, dreaming up a luxurious pop-up picnic or juggling flaming clubs and walking on stilts, these locals go all out. Add excitement to your summer with 190 plus winners, including your picks.

BEST THING TO HAPPEN IN GREATER AKRON (LAST 12 MONTHS) 1. House Three Thirty 2. Hall of Fame Village 3. Downtown Akron renovations National Park 2. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm 3. Cuyahoga River BEST REASON FOR WAITING IN LINE 1. Luigi’s Restaurant 2. Blossom Music Center 3. The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery BEST CORN MAZE 1. Szalay’s Farm & Market 2. Ramseyer Farms 3. Maize Valley Winery BEST NATURAL WONDER 1. Cuyahoga Valley

BEST MUSEUM 1. Akron Art Museum 2. Maps Air Museum 3. Stan Hywet

Hall & Gardens

BEST ART GALLERY 1. Don Drumm Studios & Gallery 2. Summit Artspace 3. Zeber-Martell Gallery and Studio BEST ARTIST 1. Don Drumm 2. Sharon Frank Mazgaj 3. Ron White BEST JAZZ MUSICIAN 1. Sausalito 2. Theron Brown 3. Dan Wilson BEST FREE EVENT 1. Rock the Lock, Lock 3 2. Downtown@

BEST PANORAMIC VIEW HEAVEN BOUND ASCENSIONS You experience everything all at once.

Dusk, Akron Art Museum

hour. Passengers can see up to 60 miles away, including the Cleveland and Akron skylines and Kent State University. But the valleys, lakes, riv ers, streams and wildlife are most majestic. Welser sometimes flies pas sengers past Chagrin Falls’ waterfall or West Branch State Park’s lake, and they gaze at the balloon’s reflection in the water. Sometimes he dips down so passengers can pluck leaves from trees. Upon landing, passengers enjoy a Champagne toast. People have flown to propose, celebrate anniversaries or check off their bucket lists, including a spry 100-year-old man, and are stunned by the adventure. “They realize how much fun it was feeling like a bird up in the air,” Welser says. heavenboundballoonrides.com

From Heaven Bound Ascensions’ hot air balloon, you might see otters and beavers in the Cuyahoga River, red foxes and deer running through the forest, the expansive Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. blimp hangar at Wingfoot Lake State Park and picturesque ponds near charming farmhouses. You are in perfect harmony with the panorama surrounding you, and it’s all more beautiful from the sky. “It’s like all of the sudden you’re tak ing in the whole world,” says Denny Welser, a licensed aeronaut who has done about 4,000 flights and is president of the Tallmadge-based company. Up to six passengers and a pilot launch from the Kent-Ravenna area. The balloon floats with the wind at about 1,000 feet for about an

3. Falls

Downtown Fridays, Cuyahoga Falls

BEST CHARITY EVENT 1. Butterfly Gala, Stewart’s

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 1. Blossom 2. Jilly’s Music Room 3. Lock 3

Caring Place

Music Center

2. Pawsibility

Ball, Humane Society of

Summit County 3. Red Tie

BEST LIVE THEATER COMPANY 1. Weathervane Playhouse 2. Porthouse Theatre 3. Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Affair, Ronald McDonald House

BEST WAY TO IMPROVE THE 330

1. Safety 2. Roads 3. More Jobs

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BEST COSTUME SHOW RUBBER CITY COSPLAY When Ryan Dyke cosplays as Star-Lord from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” he sports a 3D-printed Walkman-like Bluetooth device to re-create the character’s vintage dance sequences. When his sister, Sydney, dons her Rey cosplay from “Star Wars,” a working BB-8 droid rolls alongside her. These are just a few of the artistic cosplays by the 15 to 20 members of Akron-based Rubber City Cosplay. “We’ve gone from DIY in our garages, basements, to now owning multiple 3D printers,” says Ryan, a co-founder of the club that began in 2015, “and trying to get as accurate as possible.” Ryan has had fun making over 50 cosplays, including Kylo Ren and Harley Quinn, and some take dozens of hours to build. The club attends events like the Akron Comicon and Hall of Fame City Comic Con, where it offers free pictures at backdrops. It has shared over 16,000 photos. He encourages people to At an Akron RubberDucks game, a group of young boys who didn’t know each other posed for a photo with Hulk, Captain America and Batman props. “It shows what we’re about. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from — let’s get together,” says Ryan. “Let’s celebrate the positivity and craftsmanship that this community has to offer.” facebook.com/rubbercitycosplay cosplay too or use what Rubber City Cosplay has for photo ops.

photo provided by Rubber City Cosplay

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BEST COSTUME SHOW

Ryan Dyke as Star-Lord

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READERS’ PICKS

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE 1. Mayfair

BEST NEW INDEPENDENT

STORE (LAST 12 MONTHS) 1. Mainstream Boutique, Hudson 2. Mythical Bookworm 3. All Paths Merge BEST DANCE STUDIO 1. All About Dance by Kristen 2. Dianna Durkin Dance Studio 3. Sheena’s Platinum Movements

Country Club 2. Raintree Golf and Event Center 3. Fox Den Golf Course

BEST RADIO SHOW HOST 1. Joyce

Johnson, WKSU 89.7 2. Keith Kennedy, 98.1 KDD 3. Matt Spatz & Amanda Casey, 97.5 WONE Erie Canal Towpath Trail 2. Buckeye Trail 3. Sand Run Metro Park, Dogwood Trail BEST BIKE SHOP 1. Eddy’s Bike Shop 2. Ernie’s Bike Shop 3. Marty’s Bike Shop BEST CAR DEALERSHIP 1. Serra Auto Park 2. Fred Martin Superstore 3. Montrose Ford BEST TRAIL 1. Ohio &

BEST DENTIST 1. Dr. Robert Zavodny, Zavodny Dental 2. Dr. Winnie

BEST TRICK CANDLE AKRON LIGHTS CANDLE CO.

Wong, Barsan, Stefan & Wong Family Dental

3. Dr. Robert Brandhorst, CreekSide Family Dentistry BEST EYE CARE 1. Uniontown 2. Davis Eye Center 3. Visioncare Associates

A chargrilled patty topped with melting cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles between buttery buns — this cheeseburger may look good enough to eat, but it’s actually a candle. Kimberly Ochsenbein hand molds each faux ingredient once her all-natural soy wax is cool enough to touch. Then she paints it with wax dye and adds a cotton wick to create the ultra-realistic honey-butter roll-scented candle. The process takes a whopping 15 hours. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of patience,” says the owner of Akron Lights Candle Co., which she started in 2021. If you’re craving sweet aromas, light a candle that looks like a slice of strawberry cheesecake, a jarred birthday cake candle

or an Oreo cookie-shaped wax melt. The double-walled candle based on Starbucks’ strawberry and coconut milk Pink Drink refresher is complete with ice cubes made from gel wax molded in an ice cube tray, sur rounded by light pink soy wax. Some of Ochsenbein’s TikTok videos of the strawberries-and cream-scented candle, which started as a subscription-based candle of the month and is now offered year-round, have gotten tens of thousands of views each, with comments pouring in. “The majority of them are like, Oh my gosh, I can’t even believe that ,” she says. “I had already sold 536 units within 10 min utes of releasing it.” akronlightscandleco.com

Vision Center

BEST FLORIST 1. Savoir

BEST CLOTHING STORE

Faire Event Planning

1. The Grey Colt 2. Allie M. Designs 3. Rubber City Clothing

2. The

Greenhouse 3. Dietz Floral Studio

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BEST TRICK CANDLE

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READERS’ PICKS

BEST RETIREMENT LIVING 1. Brier Creek Senior Independent Living 2. Ohio Living Rockynol 3. The Village of St. Edward

BEST PET DAY CARE 1. Pay It Forward For Pets 2. All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge 3. Camp Bow Wow

BEST PET GROOMER 1. Wizard Of Paws 2. Plus One Grooming 3. Clipper Cottage

BEST HOMEBUILDER 1. Shultz Design &

Construction 2. Wagler Homes 3. Old World

Custom Homes

BEST SALON/SPA 1. Gavin Scott Salon & Spa 2. Scott Talbot SalonSpa 3. Aro Hair Salon BEST TATTOO SHOP 1. Red Rabbit Studio 2. Assassin Tattoo Studio 3. Empire Ink

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER 1. H. Everson Designs 2. Cynthia J. Ho ! man

Interior Design

3. M2creative

BEST MEAL IN A GLASS BLUE HERON BREWERY

BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE 1. Logos Bookstore 2. The Learned Owl Book Shop 3. Shelf Life BEST JEWELER 1. Taylor Made Jewelry 2. Jewelry Art 3. Kimberly Jewelry

Oohing and aahing at Blue Heron Brewery in Medina during brunch may signal the Hail Mary ($24) is being served — and it’s more than just a bloody mary. “Most people are blown away by the amount of food it is,” says executive chef and co-owner Ben Erjavec. “It’s a full meal.” It’s an eyeful, with 15 to 20 rotating garnishes. A gooey soft pretzel stuffed with jalapenos and white cheddar creates a base on top of the glass. The heat from that and a boneless Buffalo wing marries well with the spicy bloody mary, especially if you dunk them. A mozzarella stick, three-cheese fried ravioli and rotating charcuterie like capicola, smoked Gouda, peperoncini and Kalamata olives can help cut the heat and so can a double cheese burger slider.

“That bread and creaminess of that cheese calm your palate down,” Erjavec says. A maple sausage link and apple wood-smoked bacon comple ment the brunch theme. Alaskan snow crab legs, celery and roasted garlic Parmesan shrimp add to the wow factor. The bloody mary itself deserves attention. The mix of Worcestershire, horseradish, black pepper, tomato juice and vodka has a good kick. For more heat, opt for a $6 refill with ghost pepper sauce. It cranks the heat and flavor of the gargantuan meal to the max. “It’ll light you up pretty good,” Erjavec says. 3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina, blueheronmedina.com

BEST VINTAGE SHOP 1. The Bomb Shelter 2. Happy Tails Thrift Shop 3. Modern Vintage

BEST WEALTH MANAGER 1. Gina A. Betti, Edward Jones 2. Wells Trecaso Financial Group 3. Alpha Asset Management BEST WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE 1. The Barn at Wolf Creek 2. Gervasi Vineyard 3. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

BEST LANDSCAPING

COMPANY 1. Alpine

Landscaping

2. Suncrest Gardens 3. Pride Lawn Care

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BEST MEAL IN A GLASS

Mimosa flight and Hail Mary

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BEST JAW ! DROPPING PERFORMANCE DIVINE HARMONY

Look up at Juliette “Ruby Rabbit” Antony and Matthew “Major Scales” Edick towering on 3-foot stilts, as Edick juggles clubs and balls nearly 10 feet in the air. Watch Antony perform a gravity-defying aerial silks act. Marvel as Edick juggles flaming clubs and Antony dances with a flaming pronged hoop around her. “I’ve always had a fascination with fire,” Edick says. “It has potential to be very dangerous. ... We enjoy being able to control that element.” The Akron-based duo, who make up Divine Harmony, a neo-vaudeville circus act, taught themselves, with Edick starting on poi and Antony on Hula-hoops. They began perform ing variety shows in 2015, with local audiences of 20 to 500 and thousands at national festivals like Burning Man. Variety shows feature the couple’s showstopping skills, with Edick jug gling, balancing spinning plates and riding in on a horse and whipping targets, and Antony fusing modern and Filipino folk dance, doing aerial acrobatics and more. “I juggle knives over her, teetering on a balance board,” Edick says, “which is probably the scariest trick I do because I would hate to drop it on my darling.” Snag tickets to the July 30 neo-vaude ville Devilstrip Cabaret at Musica featuring under-the-sea-themed bur lesque, variety acts and more. “They don’t really see this in this area,” Antony says. “Our goal is to bring that type of entertainment back to Akron.” divineharmonyperformanceart.com

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BEST JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCE

Matthew “Major Scales” Edick and Juliette “Ruby Rabbit” Antony

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READERS’ PICKS

BEST YOGA STUDIO 1. Li’l Yoga Shop 2. Roots Yoga 3. Harvest Yoga & Wellness Studio BEST PATIO DINING 1. Gervasi Vineyard 2. Beau’s Grille 3. Jerzee’s Sports Grille BEST DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT 1. Swensons Drive-In 2. Skyway Drive In 3. B&K Rootbeer BEST CHINESE TAKEOUT 1. Bill Hwang Restaurant 2. Lucky Star 3. A-Wok Restaurant BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. D & M Grille 2. Swensons Drive-In 3. Zydeco Bistro Mexican Grill 2. Bomba Taco & Bar 3. Tito’s Mexican Grill BEST PIZZA 1. Guiseppe’s Pizza 2. Luigi’s Restaurant 3. Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine BEST BARBECUE 1. Big Eu’es BBQ 2. Old Carolina 3. Swine BBQ BEST TACO 1. El Fogon

BEST COCKTAIL BAR 1. Jilly’s Music Room 2. Ken Stewart’s Grille 3. Cashmere Cricket BEST BREAKFAST 1. Fred’s Diner 2. The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery 3. Farmer Boy Restaurant BEST BURGER 1. D & M Grille 2. Swensons Drive-In 3. Ray’s Place

BEST SUSHI 1. Kasai

Japanese Restaurant

2. Wasabi

Japanese Steakhouse 3. Sushi Katsu BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT 1. Kasai Japanese

BEST SURPRISE LUXURY LEGEND & LAURYN’S PERFECT LITTLE PICNIC

It’s like walking into a fantasy. A couple celebrating an 11th anniversary came upon a lavish pop-up picnic in a park with a low table adorned with a white rose vine, light-up “LOVE” letters, formal place settings with gold silverware and candlesticks surrounded by royal blue velour pillows, photos of them, an instant camera, a cigar, bourbon, games and more. “They’re surprised. Most people don’t know their partners have set this up,” says Tamika Thompson, CEO of Fairlawn-based Legend & Lauryn’s Perfect Little Picnic, which started in 2020. “It makes people feel like this person really cares.” Two-hour personalized picnics pop up in backyards, Portage Lakes State Park and more spots. Bring food or get it made by

chef Dion Millender, who works with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a hibachi meal with a restaurant-worthy show. Dream up an extravagant movie night with a projector and pop corn and cotton candy machines or the ultimate birthday party with a bounce house and ball pit. Heat up romance with an inflat able hot tub in a hotel room with a floating wine caddy, rose petals and chocolate-covered strawber ries. Setups are often ensconced in a plastic bubble, netted tent or teepee, creating an intimacy that can be hard to find. “You get a chance to enjoy each other because there’s not much distraction,” Thompson says. “It brings out a lot of conversation.” instagram.com/llpicnic

Restaurant 2. Evelyn’s Co ! ee & Banh Mi 3. Golden Dragon BEST BREWERY 1. Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 2. Missing Mountain Brewing Co. 3. MadCap Brew Co. BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION 1. Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 2. Lock 15 Brewing Co. 3. Magic City Brewing Co.

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