Around Akron with Blue Green

Mac Love of creative firm Art x Love discusses murals, art, the Akron Stories Rubber Worker Project and Akron on Deck playing cards. A trip to Summit Metro Parks leads to exploration of the park’s trails, Himelright Lodge and land conservation efforts. African dance troupe The Black Beanz shows why they are Akron’s newest sensation.

Host Blue Green visits Purplebrown Farmstead, which is part of the Countryside Initiative Program in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Then it’s off to the popular diner Bob’s Hamburg in Akron. Black Culture Candles in Akron creates candles that celebrate cultural experiences. In Wadsworth, find out about SydeQuest Games and Opal Dragonfly Boutique.

Learn about architectural treasure The O’Neil House Bed and Breakfast in Akron. In Cuyahoga Falls, the organization Friends of Keyser-Swain Farmhouse strives to preserve the 144-year-old homestead. A ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a great way to explore Ohio’s only national park. Also, host Blue Green hangs out with the local band Detention.

Celebrate all things artistic with visits to Sassy Sunflower boutique in Copley and Standing Rock Cultural Arts in Kent, plus a chat with painter Danny Ratcliff. Then travel to Klein’s Seafood in Akron—a locally owned retail fish market and carryout restaurant.

Local artists and shops featured include 1474 Art Gallery, The Hideaway Studio and Herbal Gift Shop, Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce and NoTique Boutique.

Fun happens at Stonehedge, which offers bowling, a putter park, an arcade and more. For a different kind of entertainment, Rage Room Ohio is a place to release all your pent-up anger by breaking things. Two of our area’s gastronomic treasures are Hartville Potato Chips and The Pierogi Lady. Visit them all!

Akron Promise helps students access educational support, resources and opportunities. A Walk in the Park Café serves up deliciousness with a creative menu and a unique décor. Host Blue Green gives blood at an American Red Cross of Northern Ohio blood drive. The Peanut Shoppe of Akron has offered fresh roasted peanuts and more since 1933.

V-Rock Shop is well known for its rocks, gemstones and handmade clay pottery. Zeber-Martell Studio offers a collaborative line of decorative and functional clay pieces. JW Cooper is an art photographer who focuses on Americana of all kinds. Pearl Coffee Company is a premier specialty coffee and tea company in Akron. Host Blue Green visits them all in this episode!

Host Blue Green visits OH SNAP, Akron’s premier selfie museum, followed by the makers of Victory Pose deodorant. Then he learns about Akron to Farm Community and the women’s boutique Northside Cellar.

Sweet treats await you at Essential Dipped Delights, located in downtown Akron. The owners of Mueller Honey Bee are doing all they can to save bees and educate others as to their importance. ArtSparks was founded on the belief that the arts play a vital role in fostering the creativity and self-confidence. Killinit Kayaks in Portage Lakes offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Host Blue Green visits with Jim Ballard, who has long been a part of the Northeast Ohio music scene. Then he drops in at Wadsworth Community Radio, which supports the local community with news, sports and talk segments. In Akron, Arnold’s Candies has been manufacturing sweet treats since 1953, and Oddmall Outpost: Assembly of Odd offers unique works of art.

Host Blue Green learns about horticultural practices and gardening with Summit County Master Gardeners. Then he drops in for a cup of coffee at Porchlight Coffee Co. In Akron, Rock Candy Holds has been producing unique colorful hand holds for indoor rock climbing walls, and Rock Mill is Akron’s premier gym to engage in movement and community through climbing, yoga and alternative fitness.