Airports:
Cleveland Hopkins Airport is a major airport hub and closer to the northwest side of Akron. We recommend flying here if you are coming in by plane.

Akron-Canton Airport is a regional airport. It’s slightly further from West Akron than the Cleveland airport.

Amtrak trains aren’t a feasible method of travel to the Akron area. We all love trains, honest. But Amtrak to Cleveland or Akron travels once a day, arriving at 5:00 or 6:00am at a location inconvenient to transport.

Ride share! We’ve created a form to help people connect if they want to share transport, whether they are driving the whole way or just looking to car-pool from Hopkins. If you fill it out, you will get view access so you can reach out to others whose needs match up with yours.

Hotels:
We recommend staying in the Montrose or Fairlawn area of Akron. There is a lot of shopping nearby and it’s near Bill and Weezie, so we can guarantee people heading back and forth to that area for extra ride availability.

Suggested options:

• Homewood Suites – has outdoor social area and indoor pool.  Currently $105->$125 for a king room.
  • Many guests have chosen to stay here. It’s near Beth’s parents and a lot of chain restaurants and shops. It will be an easy location for carpooling or last minute errands.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites – has indoor pool; is right across a parking lot from the Homewood Suites.  Currently ~ $115 for a 2-queen or king room.

There are, of course, many boutique inns, hotels, and B&Bs in the Cuyahoga Valley, and if you would like to take an extra day or two to enjoy the scenery, it’s a great time of year to do that!

Restaurant options:

There are lots of places to eat near the Montrose area (near the two hotels above). Most of them are corporate, so you know something about them already. Here are some other options:

Angel Falls Coffee: This is pretty much the original local coffee joint in the Highland Square area of town (nearer the wedding venue!) It’s cute and has decent baked goods. Frankly, this is the most cosmopolitan part of town. There are a bunch of places near here worth your time. Fun fact, Portage Trail, at the western edge of this area, was the Western Frontier of the US during the 1790s.

Luigi’s: This used to be the best pizza place in Akron. No, really transcendent. But last time I was there, it tasted doughy and flavorless. Was it the pandemic? Have I changed too much? Did it grow old and tired and Luigi’s kids all move on to owning Taco Bells? It’s close to downtown in the remainder of an old Italian neighborhood.

Mustard Seed: This is the local health food store, that grew up and sprouted locations. It’s a good place for breakfast and lunch, especially now that Whole Foods is also just, well, you know. Besides the cafe we’re having the rehearsal dinner at, there is a larger one in the shopping plaza near your hotel in Montrose, just down from the DSW and the TJ Maxx.

Michael Trecaso’s Mary Coyle: Michael Trecaso, owner of one of the two good pizza places in Akron, bought up this old institution of an ice cream shop and it’s probably walkable for those of you staying in Highland Square. Great if you want to try Midwestern pizza, although the sauce is a bit sweet. Added bonus, I worked at his original place when I was in college.

Old Carolina BBQ Company: This was one of the vendors that Stan Hywet offered for the reception food. While I wasn’t feeling that kind of stuff for the big party, I went into their place during my cake-related errands and slightly regretted my choice. I felt I should point the way (to Fairlawn) for those of you who loved smoked meats.

Pad Thai: This is Ohio, so the Asian food isn’t as good as it is on the coasts. But it is competent, tasty, and healthier than many of the local chains, and it’s right nearby the Montrose hotels.

Swensons: This is an Akron institution, going back to 1934. The waiters still run out to you when you park and put your lights on. There is one at 40 Brookmont Road, but the original one from my youth is the one at 40 S. Hawkins Ave. Try the Galley Boy burger and the deep fried mushrooms. They also still serve malted milkshakes.