The Year in Review

2012: The Year in Review

by Brit Charek

Since Akron Empire launched back in March, I've had the opportunity to work with some terrific people, found some new favorite places to eat, shop, and hang out; and also gotten to celebrate some of my old favorites as well. As we close the door on 2012 and approach our one year anniversary, I thought it would be a good idea to revisit some of our most-clicked posts of the year.

Without further adieu, here are my top five most popular blog posts of 2012:

5. The Winery at Wolf Creek
I had a blast writing this article-- I'd highly recommend spending an afternoon in their Tasting Room

4. Thrift O Rama
An extension of The Bomb Shelter, Thrift O Rama opened this summer, right next to Devil Strip Dolly's. It's a fun place to go shop. You never know what you'll find!

3. Hoop Group at Studio 2091 Mothersbaugh Roos
The Hoop Group (as in hula hoop) meets every Thursday at Studio 2091 Mothersbaugh Roos in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. It's fun for participants and spectators alike!

2. Hazel Tree Interiors
Karen and Jon, the owners of Hazel Tree, were kind enough to sit down with me right before their Spring Open House to answer a few questions, including the origin of the now-famous mural painted on the side of their building.

1. This Band Could Be Your Life: The Modulated Tones

I had so much fun talking with Kevin of the Modulated Tones to write this post. As a sucker for psychedelic music, I was beyond excited when I was asked to write this article-- I'm looking forward to following the now Akron-based band's success into the new year!





I also wanted to make sure to acknowledge all the people who helped out with Akron Empire this year. If it wasn't for all the friends and community members that reached out to us, we wouldn't be able to post as regularly as we do.

Here are my top five most popular posts by a guest blogger this year:

5. Light-UP Lantern Festival
I still wrote the words for this post, but I couldn't have done that without Heather Higham's photos. Thanks again for contributing!

4. Comfort Kennels in Seville
Good friend and fellow teacher Marissa Marangoni was so pleased with the service at Comfort Kennels in Seville where she boarded her dogs while on vacation that she wrote this incredibly detailed review.

3. The Fourth Annual Crafty Mart at Musica
J Philip Hudson, who is becoming a regular contributor to Akron Empire, wrote this post about how he and Juniper Sage started Crafty Mart, which is now one of the Akron area's most anticipated annual events.

2. This Band Could Be Your Life: Bethesda
Ash Adams, an Ohio-born Alaska-based writer and good friend wrote this post about one of her favorite bands, kent-based indie rockers Bethesda (who have a new album coming out in the spring!) The photos were taken by Ash's husband, Brian Adams.

1. The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery in Cuyahoga Falls

My most popular post by a guest blogger was also written by J Philip Hudson, about the Blue Door Cafe in Cuyahoga Falls, which is officially my new favorite breakfast spot. We're looking forward to seeing more posts by J in the new year!









If you're interested in becoming a guest blogger for Akron Empire or have an idea of what we should write about next, email us at AkronEmpire [at] gmail dot com

Later this week, Joanna Wilson, the other half of Akron Empire, will post her top five most popular blog posts of this past year as well.  Happy New Year! --and thanks for being a loyal reader.