Things To Do
Downtown Cuyahoga Falls (Front Street)
Just 20 minutes from Stow-Kent, this walkable riverfront district has everything in one spot — restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and summer concerts. Great for an afternoon stroll or a night out.
Downtown Kent
A lively college town vibe about 20 minutes from Stow, thanks to Kent State University. The downtown area has a mix of bars, breweries, and unique restaurants, perfect for a fun night out. Favorites include Ray’s Place (famous bar food + burgers), Bell Tower Brewing (craft beer + good food), and Tree City Coffee for a cozy café stop. In warm weather, there are patios and often live music spilling into the streets.
Downtown Cleveland
Less than an hour from Stow, Downtown Cleveland has a little bit of everything — sports, culture, and nightlife. Big highlights include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (iconic museum right on the lake), Playhouse Square (Broadway shows + theater district), and Progressive Field/Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse if you’re into catching a game. Foodies will love East 4th Street, a pedestrian dining hub with trendy restaurants and bars, and the West Side Market for a taste of Cleveland’s food scene. Plus, the nearby Flats East Bank offers riverfront restaurants, patios, and nightlife with skyline views.
The Feast of the Assumption
Lucky for you, the Feast of the Assumption will be happening in Cleveland’s Little Italy! It’s a beloved annual Italian festival with food vendors, music, desserts, and street celebrations. Location: Little Italy neighborhood A good address to enter for navigation is: Holy Rosary Church – 12021 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106 The festival takes place along Mayfield Road and the surrounding streets throughout Little Italy. PARKING: While there is some parking available in Little Italy, you're not going to have much luck finding a free space, and even the pay-lots fill up fast. Luckily, there is an RTA Red Line stop in Little Italy in perfect proximity to the event.
RTA Brook Park Station- transportation to Little Italy/ Cleveland area
The RTA red line is a train that has a stop in Little Italy, among other places in Cleveland. Brookpark station has plenty of parking and allows you to avoid parking downtown.
University Circle
About an hour from Stow, this cultural district is packed with museums and gardens. Highlights include the Cleveland Museum of Art (world-class and free!), the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. It’s also home to Severance Hall, where the Cleveland Orchestra performs. University Circle is walkable, so guests can spend a whole day exploring art, science, and nature all in one spot.
Crocker Park
A popular outdoor shopping and entertainment district featuring restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and a movie theater. It’s a great place to stroll, grab dinner, or spend an evening.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is a big spread-out park (33,000 acres!) that runs between Cleveland and Akron. It covers land in a bunch of towns, including Cuyahoga Falls, Peninsula, Brecksville, Boston Township, and others. The park headquarters is in Brecksville, OH (that’s why you’ll usually see that address listed officially). BUT most of the popular spots — like Brandywine Falls, the Towpath Trail, Boston Mill Visitor Center, and the Scenic Railroad — are closer to Peninsula and Cuyahoga Falls, which is right next door to Stow.
Brandywine Falls Trailhead (inside cvnp)
A stunning 65-foot waterfall — one of the park’s highlights.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Historic mansion with stunning gardens and seasonal events. Tours of the inside and the gardens for a fee. Worth the visit!
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
This is our SPOT! We have been coming here since we were little and no matter where we live, this is still our favorite. With over 50 irresistible ice cream flavors, there's something for everyone.