The Year in Review (2013)

The Year in Review--2013 Edition
by Joanna Wilson

My Akron Empire co-founder, Brit, and I are looking forward to another busy year on the website.  We are beginning to schedule our upcoming essays, sharing our favorite bands, restaurants, places to shop, and events in the Empire.  Before we move forward, Brit and I would like to reflect on what worked (and what didn't work) during the previous year.   Last year, we created lists of our most popular posts--for 2012--and it was very entertaining.  So I'd like to once again, create a list for my top 5 most popular posts from 2013.  Click on the titles for the link to return to each of these posts.  How many of these do you remember reading?  Thanks for joining me on this journey and giving me an excuse to explore the Empire's many treasures.

5.  Blue Eyed Dog Gallery in Peninsula
This new space features local art, vintage, and upcycled items to satisfy a variety of tastes.  They've gotten even more fun stuff in the store since I first wrote this essay last September.

4.  Danny Lyon Photography Exhibit at the Akron Art Museum
Though this photography exhibit is long gone (I wrote about the Danny Lyon show in January 2013), I'm very pleased that readers are just as curious as I am about what's going on at the Akron Art Museum.   Wasn't that a great show?

3.  Skullz Salon in Kent
Looking to get your wig busted?  Check out the styling opportunities in downtown Kent's coolest salon.  Tell 'em Joanna sent you.

2.  Givits Thrift and Recycle in Hudson
One of my most favorite places in the Empire--you never know what you're gonna find at Givits.  It's also one of the friendliest places around.  Follow them on facebook and you'll be treated to photos of all the wonderful stuff that's coming (and going) through their place.

1.  Rust & Found in Canal Fulton
Isn't it thrilling to discover a new place and watch a business grow?  This post from last May caught Rust & Found at the beginning of their tremendous success of 2013. 

A triumphant Joanna and Brit at last summer's Color Me Rad 5k at Derby Downs on Akron's east side.

 
What was your favorite Akron Empire post from 2013?  Let us know in the comments below.  Later in the week, Brit will create a list of her most popular blog posts from 2013 as well.  And, next week, we'll post lists of our most popular posts written by guest bloggers.   If you'd like to share information with us for the website, send a press release, or be a guest blogger, please contact us via email: AkronEmpire [at] gmail dot com.  We'd love to hear from you.