Everyday Akron Stories

Things to Do in the Merriman Valley Neighborhood of Akron, Ohio

Rachel Whinnery, creator of Everyday Akron
great blue heron with a fish in its beak; image by Rachel Whinnery

No neighborhood in Akron combines nature and nightlife quite like the Merriman Valley neighborhood. 

Akron’s northernmost neighborhood is nestled next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but there’s much more to the area known by most as “The Valley.” 

If you’re coming down for the Everyday Akron Grown-Up Book Fair on Oct. 14 at the Towpath Tennis Center, here are some things to do in Merriman Valley.

Take in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

In Merriman Valley, the best way to access CVNP is at Botzum Station at 2928 Riverview Rd. From there you can walk to the Beaver Marsh to see plenty of wildlife in the wetlands. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail also intersects Sand Run and Cascade Valley, which are part of Summit Metro Parks. 

This time of year is arguably the best time to be at CVNP with the leaves changing. Even if you don’t want to go for a hike, you can enjoy nature in the area simply by driving around.

Stick Around for Drinks at R Shea and Social 8

There is an abundance of nightlife in Merriman Valley to keep you busy.

One of the more popular spots is R Shea Brewing on Merriman Road. Brewer Ron Shea’s original establishment before he opened up in Downtown Akron, the Valley location often has some experimental beers on the menu. 

There are plenty of seasonal options on the menu, including a pumpkin ale, a sour beer that is meant to taste like a caramel apple, and even a unique stout with hints of pumpkin spice coffee beans and habanero pepper.

At Social 8, you’ll enjoy unique mixed drinks and special events like karaoke, happy hour, wing night, brunch, live DJs, and more delicious fun. 

On North Portage Path, you can get drinks and play some games at Quarter Up Bar & Arcade. Fun for the whole family, Quarter Up has a strong menu of drinks, a variety of hot dogs and other food and, of course, games. There’s everything from pinball and vintage arcade machines to classics like skee-ball and air hockey.

Meet Rachel Cargle and more: What to do at the Grown-Up Book Fair

The first ever Grown-Up Book Fair Presented by Everyday Akron and Elizabeth’s Bookshop and Writing Centre will be hosted at the Towpath Tennis Center’s newly renovated BaseCamp event space. 

Taking place from 1 to 4 p.m., the event features books (obviously), locally made goods and food, make-and-take crafts, and a retro selfie station. You can even chat with Rachel Cargle, author, activist, and owner of Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre.

Be sure to RSVP to the Facebook Event page or Eventbrite page to get updates.

Read more: How Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre Builds Community for Those in Akron, Ohio

More Things to Do in The Valley

There really is something for everyone in Merriman Valley. Support these local businesses and explore the neighborhood before or after the Grown-Up Book Fair. 

  • Towpath Tennis Center, 2108 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313 – Pro shop, pickleball, cardio tennis, private lessons, and more
  • Sushi Katsu, 1446 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44313 – Sushi, donburi, sake and more
  • Vasili’s Greek Cuisine, 1702 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313 – Greek favorites like gyros, spanakopita, dolmades, hummus, pastitzio, baklava, and more
  • Momma’s Rocks, 1698 Merriman Rd. Upper Level, Akron, OH 44313 – Gems, jewelry, crystals, metaphysical goods, and more
  • Well Being, 1692 Merriman Rd. Akron, Ohio 44313 – Massage, hair, esthetics, facials, and reiki 
  • Akron Art Works, 1684 Merriman Rd. Akron, OH 44313 – Art instruction and therapeutic activities for children and adults
  • Szalay’s Farm & Market, 4563 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, OH 44264 – Fall corn maze, pumpkins and gourds, fresh pressed cider and other fall favorites
  • Portal West Coffee, 1690 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313 – Specialty coffee shop and roaster
  • Sal’s Gelato, 1821 Merriman Rd. Akron, OH 44313 – Various gelato flavors made from scratch using high-quality ingredients from Northeast Ohio and Italy
  • Hampton Hills Metro Park, 2092 Theiss Rd., Akron, OH 44313 – Hiking, mountain biking trails, archery range, and more
  • Blimp City Bike & Hike, 1675 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313 – Bike rentals, e-bikes, BMX bikes, hybrid and fitness bikes, repairs, cycling apparel, and more
  • Learn about Portage Path’s history – Check out resources from Walk Portage Path, Ohio and Erie Canalway, and Summit Metro Parks