Akron Empire Favorites 2014: Favorite Place to Tour

Akron Empire Favorites 2014: Favorite Place to Take a Tour
by Joanna Wilson

Thanks to everyone who shared their opinions with us this past summer.  We've been rolling out the winners one category at a time throughout the Fall.  Click HERE to see the categories we've already covered. Have you taken a tour in all of these places yet?

In the category of Favorite Place to Take a Tour:

3. The Akron Civic Theatre
Did you know they give free tours once a month?  Here's my experience when I took the Civic tour in 2012.  For more information about tours and their schedule, check out their website.

2.  The Akron Art Museum 
In addition to the permanent collection, there is a rotating schedule of traveling exhibits, visiting artists, and events.  There's always something fresh and new happening at the Art Museum.  Check out their website for what's going on now.

High Street entrance.

1.  Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
The former home of F.A. Seiberling, the co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, is a favorite place for Akronites and out-of-town guests.  Currently, they have their holiday lights and decorations on display.  Check out their website for more details about Stan Hywet and their tours.

The Great Hall in the Manor House at Stan Hywet.

Honorable Mentions include:

Hower House
The historical home of Akron industrialist John Henry Hower and his family has been turned into a museum and is owned by the University of Akron.  Click HERE to see the review of my tour of Hower House from 2013.

Hower House is located on Fir Hill, near the university.

John Brown House and Perkins Stone Mansion
These two neighboring properties in West Akron are historical homes as well.  Tours are available from the Summit County Historical Society.  Akron Empire was lucky enough to have a guest blogger share her experiences of touring these properties.  Click HERE to see Juniper Sage's essay on John Brown House and click HERE to see Juniper's essay on Perkins Stone Mansion.

Thanks again to everyone who voted!