Arts and Culture Discovery
Supper –– or a show? Do both at the Carousel Dinner Theatre, which brings the best of Broadway to its star-studded stage. "The Buddy Holly Story," the be-boppin' musical tribute to the '50s icon who changed rock 'n' roll forever, plays July 5–September 2.

Set within the bucolic environment of Blossom Music Center, Porthouse Theatre gives Kent State University student actors, designers, technicians and managers the opportunity to work with professionals in the entertainment industry to produce spectacular theater. Favorites coming to the stage this season include Thornton Wilder's poignant Pulitzer Prize-winning "Our Town," chronicling the life of an American family, July 6–22; and the celebrated rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar," which made composer Andrew Lloyd Webber a star in his own right, July 27–August 13.

Actors' Summit, a theatrical company located in the Antiques Galleries building in Hudson, features Ohio artists in an eclectic assortment of works. July 6 through July 30, the premiere of the biographical "Nat King Cole & Friends" takes the stage, exploring the music of the famous jazz pianist.

The Coach House Theatre is known for its intimate carriage-house setting. The upcoming season features the Woody Allen comedy, "Don't Drink the Water," about what can happen when traveling abroad, September 7–23.

For 49 years, The Western Reserve Playhouse has brought favorite stories to the stage. This year is no exception, as the comedy "Once Upon a Mattress" will delight audiences July 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30, and August 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Founded in 1935, Weathervane Playhouse has staged more than 500 productions, ranging from the well-known to the cutting-edge.

Summer stock includes the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, "The Sound of Music," the story of a postulant who "climbs every mountain" to find her dream, through July 16. One of the most beloved characters in children's literature takes the stage with her classmates in "Madeline's Rescue," July 29–August 13.

Broadway Across America brings a star-studded line-up to the University of Akron's E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The season includes the Tony Award-winning "Man of La Mancha," October 27 and 28, the story of Don Quixote and his "impossible dream."

Summit Artspace gallery is committed to showcasing the talents of greater Akron visual and performing artists. Through July 13, "2150 degrees Fahrenheit: Sculptural Glass Presented by Steinert Glass," will be on exhibit, followed by the "75th Anniversary Exhibition of the Akron Society of Artists" July 20–September 2. Other events include a summer concert series starring folk artist Anne E. DeChant July 6 and Blue Lunch blues band July 13.

Although the Akron Art Museum is closed for renovation, it maintains a popular presence throughout the city and county with a host of special programs and events. Through July 25, the museum is presenting "Our Favorite Neighborhoods," hands-on architectural arts and crafts sessions for children at branches of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, including  Goodyear (July 18) and Nordonia Hills (July 25). The museum's Downtown@Dusk concerts, held at Summit Artspace, feature Colin Dussault's Blues Project (July 27), Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project (August 10) and 15-60-75 The Numbers Band (August 24). Art talks at Summit Artspace, hosted by Akron Art Museum staff, include "From the Delicious to the Disgusting: Unorthodox Media in Contemporary Art" (August 3) and "Landscape: Capturing the Mood of the Moment" (August 17). The library will also host storytelling at the main branch July 17, 24 and 31.

Each year, Tuesday Musical Association brings world-renowned soloists to E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Programs this year include an evening of Mozart, Shostakovich and Schubert with pianist Yefim Bronfman, violinist Gil Shaham and cellist Truls Mørk October 24.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra encompasses the musical spectrum. This summer the ensemble travels to Goodyear Heights Metro Park July 7 to perform a program that includes selections with a Latin flair by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Georges Bizet.

Opened in 1968 as the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra, Blossom Music Center has long been a favorite place to enjoy concerts under the stars. Located on 800 acres in the pastoral Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the outdoor amphitheater hosts entertainers from both the popular and classical music worlds. This year's line-up includes Tom Jones (July 12), Brooks & Dunn (July 20) and Toby Keith (August 11). The Cleveland Orchestra's annual Blossom Festival begins with Fourth of July weekend concerts conducted by Loras John Schissel, featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, concluding with fireworks. Other festival concerts include an evening of Gershwin and Bernstein (July 22); and "The Music of John Williams and Other Hollywood Greats," including selections from "Star Wars," "E.T." and "Harry Potter" (July 29 and 30).

The Kent State University Museum is renowned for being at the forefront of fashion history. Through January 7, the museum is exploring "The Age of Nudity," an exhibition of clothing styles through the centuries.

Celebrate Akron's cultural heritage at the Akron Arts Expo at Hardesty Park July 20–23. The festivities include live entertainment, a juried art show featuring more than 160 exhibitors, and Taste of Akron, July 20, which offers culinary delights from the area's best restaurants.

Located in the heart of downtown Akron, Lock 3 Live! pavilion is the centerpiece for summer events. "Rock the Lock" July 7 with Cletus Black's unique blend of country music, blues and rock and the Bob Seger tribute band, The System. "The British are Coming" July 22 with special tributes to the Beatles, Yardbirds and Peter and Gordon.

Akron's Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the epitome of opulence, with 70 acres of lush grounds and landscaped gardens and a mansion filled with antiques. Take an early morning walk around the grounds July 6 or a sunset walk July 27. Enjoy the heritage of  the grand old game at the 10th-annual Akron Cup Vintage Base Ball Exhibition on July 23. The Ohio Shakespeare Festival will delight Bard enthusiasts with the company's production of "Much Ado About Nothing" July 7–9, 13–16 and 19–22, followed by "Macbeth" July 28–30 and August 3–5.

Winter may be a long way off, but that's no reason not to visit Boston Mills Ski Resort this season. The second weekend of the 35th-annual Boston Mills Artfest takes place June 30–July 2. A juried fine arts and crafts show, it features the best in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, jewelry, wood, sculpture and ceramics.

Master craftsman Don Drumm is known for his cement, steel and pewter art. August 19 through 26, Don Drumm Studios & Gallery will hold its annual August sale, featuring a variety of works by top American artisans.

Family Odyssey
There's nothing like riding the rails to discover an integral part of our country's past. The vintage Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad takes passengers on an unforgettable sentimental journey. Spend an evening sampling wines from around the world and appetizers on themed Friday night trips. The schedule includes "Wines From Australia" (August 11) and "Wines From Italy" (September 22). Family programs feature "Storytelling on the Train: Shadows of the Past" with costumed characters recounting history (July 22) and "Young at Heart: 19th-Century Decorum," an exploration of the manners and mannerisms of the 1800s (August 30).

Travel back in time to Civil War days at Hale Farm & Village. The outdoor living-history museum re-creates life more than a century ago. Dozens of local and international acts perform at the "31st Annual Music in the Valley Folk Festival" July 8 and 9. "The Drums of August: A Civil War Battle," August 12 and 13, features more than 500 re-enactors setting up camp and talking with visitors about their experiences in battle. Musket and cannon fire adds to the ambiance.

Music resonates throughout the summer at the Conrad Botzum Farmstead in Akron. Eric Benjamin conducts a program of Aaron Copland and Scott Joplin on August 6. Grab your partner and head for the fourth-annual "Music at the Farmstead Barn Dance" September 9.

Through September 4, the National Inventors Hall of Fame is spotlighting the talents of the 25 semi-finalists of the History Channel's "Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge," ranging from an automatic candle snuffer to a wheelchair that easily propels over rough terrain.
Memories abound at the TV Dinner Club Museum, devoted to 20th-century television. The museum is filled with memorabilia including games and photos –– and sets galore. 

Who really came up with the idea of putting a beef pattie on a bun? Find out at the National Hamburger Festival, August 12 and 13 at Canal Park. Cooking demonstrations and a best burger competition is just part of the fun, along with live entertainment that includes bobbing for burgers.

Seeing double? Then it's Twins Days in Twinsburg. Held August 4–6 this year, the festival for two features hot-air balloon rides, a "double-take" parade and a talent show.

Recreational Exploration
Biking, hiking and horseback riding are just a few of the activities awaiting outdoor enthusiasts at the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the country. Bring a partner and join Strings and Things for the Everett Road Covered Bridge Dance on July 13. Popular Celtic trio Brigid's Cross performs their famous three-part harmonies with fiddle and bodhran on August 9 in the park's Howe Meadow.

Dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Ohio & Erie Canal, the Ohio & Erie Canal Coalition sponsors activities for every age and interest throughout the summer. Grab your clubs and head to Legends Golf Course in Massillon July 13 for the third-annual "Towpath Classic."

A nature lover's paradise, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County is comprised of 12 developed parks, a 33-mile bike and hike trail, a visitors center, arboretum and several conservation areas. The Metro Parks Ensemble performs "Music by the Lake" at Munroe Falls Metro Park on July 7 and August 11. Join the Akron Pops Orchestra for a night of music, cake and ice cream July 13 and August 17 at Firestone Metro Park. On August 27, acoustic musician Brian Henke will perform at Akron's F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm.

Enjoy the taste of the season at Countryside Farmers' Market Saturdays through October 7 in Peninsula and Thursdays July 13–September 28 in Akron. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Countryside Initiative, the market features meats, produce, dairy products, bakery and flowers produced by local growers and artisans.

The Akron Zoo is home to Humboldt penguins, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers and more than 700 other animals from around the world. On July 8, spend the evening with this menagerie at an evening Pajama Party. Tailor-made for children, it includes a scavenger hunt, magic show and snacks. Senior Safari on Septem-ber 8 features health screenings and entertainment geared toward visitors age 55 and over.

The Akron Aeros, the Cleveland Indians Class AA affiliate, swings into summer at Canal Park. Special promotions include fireworks July 7 and 14 and August 4 and 18, and team photos July 10 and August 3.

Champion runners will congregate in Akron September 30 for the 2006 Road Runner Akron Marathon and Team Relays. Participants can be part of the challenging 26.2-mile course on their own or as part of a relay team.

The world-renowned Firestone Country Club will host the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club August 23–27. Seventy-five players are expected to compete for a championship purse of $1.3 million.

When it comes to the thrill of harness racing, Northfield Park is the place to be. Upcoming events include the Rolling Rock Cleveland Classic on August 19 featuring 3-year-old pacing colts; and the Scarlet and Gray Stakes September 2 with the best veteran Ohio-bred horses in the sport.

Culinary Adventure
Toast the season at the Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton with live music Mondays and Wednesdays along with a sampling of the establishment's semi-sweet blush, cabernet franc and sweet apple vintages. Get a taste of summer barbecue at the winery's "Old-Fashioned Country Pig Roast" July 28 and August 25.

Since 1949, locals have been dropping in at Luigi's in Akron for the best in Italian fare and homemade pizzas. The freshly baked lasagna, stuffed with melted cheese, takes comfort food to a whole new level.

Experience elegant, upscale dining along the banks of the Cuyahoga River at LeFevers River Grille. Take in the exquisite view while sampling gourmet dishes ranging from decadent calamari or pine smoked duck salad to the not-so-small mini macaroni and cheese made with Manchego and Chevre cheeses.

Everything from bread and pasta to potato chips and cheesecake is made from scratch at Moe's Restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls. Dig into the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on a Kaiser bun or go for a tasty vegetarian option with the eggplant parmesan and roasted portabella mushrooms on ciabatta with provolone.

Start off the day with a hearty breakfast at the Sheraton's renowned Piatto Novo in Akron. Dig into an omelet or indulge in scrumptious pancakes while enjoying the view of the Cuyahoga River.

A casual, fun dining experience for all ages can be found at downtown Akron's Bricco, known for their pizzas and pastas. Pizza toppings, limited only by imagination, include Cuban pork and roasted red and banana peppers.

Cozy booths, moderately priced com-fort food and a posh, eccentric atmosphere aptly describes Crave, downtown Akron's place to indulge in traditional dishes with unconventional twists, such as the char-grilled Black Angus cheeseburger with fried onions and roasted jalapeno aioli on a knotted sesame bun.

An Akron landmark since 1934, the Diamond Grille specializes in hand-cut aged prime steaks and fresh seafood.

Themed after World War II and sporting a casual yet elegant atmosphere, the 356th Fighter Group in North Canton overlooks the Akron-Canton airport and specializes in American and Continental cuisine. Sunday and Wednesday are all-you-can-eat prime rib nights, Monday and Tuesday are crab leg nights and Black Angus Thursdays boast supreme cuts of beef at reasonable prices.

The historic 1852 Western Reserve mill in Hudson is home to the Inn at Turner's Mill, known for its seasonal menus, grilled meats, roasted chicken and supreme seafood and pasta dishes. Children can choose from a special $7.95 kids menu, which earmarks the inn as a good spot to celebrate special occasions.

Fine dining metropolitan-style can be found at the Vue Restaurant and Lounge in historic downtown Hudson. Amid award-winning 1940s supper club décor, enjoy an extensive wine list and bistro, brunch, lunch and dinner menus with such sinfully delicious entrees as the roasted lamb loin with artichokes and fingerling potatoes and goat cheese ravioli with mushroom and asparagus.

Mexico City native, Marcela Arregui de McNeill, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare at Marcelita's in Hudson since 1978. Dig into the Pepita Salad with grilled chicken, steak or yellow fin tuna, or try a custom-made enchilada and savor the unique flavor of the signature chile peppers used in the sauce.

A classic steakhouse atmosphere with a contemporary twist can be found at Flemings Prime Steakhouse in Fairlawn, which offers a reserve list of more than 80 wines from the world's most exceptional vineyards available by the bottle. Steaks are broiled at 1600 degrees to seal in juices and are served with peppercorn, Madeira and béarnaise sauces.

Featuring prime aged steaks and chops, Hyde Park Grille in Akron is a steakhouse with a club-like atmosphere. The steaks are chargrilled in an 1,800-degree broiler to sear in flavor, and lightly dusted with a special seasoning.

Founded in Akron in 1981, the Mustard Seed Market & Café is the largest retailer of natural and organic products in northeast Ohio. The café provides fresh seafood, all natural and organic beef and chicken dishes and both vegan and vegetarian items. Try the Mid East Feast, featuring Bulgar parsley tabouli and hummus served with a sliced whole-wheat pita and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves.

With seven locations in the Akron area, Swenson's drive-in restaurants are conveniently close by and offer nostalgic drive-in (there's no indoor seating) dinner experiences with traditional loaded double cheeseburgers, coleslaw and fries.

The Olde Harbor Inn overlooks Portage Lakes in Coventry Township and specializes in fine American cuisine with a French twist. The seafood restaurant features a huge selection of ocean-inspired platters from flaky crab cakes to luscious lobster tails dripping in drawn butter.

Located in the Highland Square district of Akron, Two Amigos Mexican Grill offers all of the traditional Mexican favorites, including burritos and nachos.

Aladdin's Eatery in Hudson is the place to find authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine; many of the dishes are vegan and vegetarian friendly. Try the Lebanese Salata, a combination of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, parsley, olive oil and herbs with a pita on the side, or go for the Chicken Sambusek plate, a stuffed curry chicken pie topped with diced tomatoes and scallions served with salad greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, calamata olives and a choice of dressing.

Cold Stone Creamery doesn't just serve ice cream, they specialize in the original Cold Stone Creation, a freshly made, smooth and creamy product made on a frozen stone with mix-ins of nuts, fruits and candies. Indulge in the Berry Berry Berry Good creation made from sweet cream ice cream whipped with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Experience the taste of the California's Bay Area at the San Francisco Oven in Hudson, where casual lunch and dinner items are delivered at fast-food speed without all the grease.