What Akron is known for

The Akron Destination is named for the [largest] city that lies within its borders. Akron, Ohio, is the county seat of Summit County and is the fifth-largest town in the state. "Akron" is derived from an Ancient Greek word "ἄκρον," which means "summit" or "high point." An estimated 190,000 people live in the city proper, though when accounting for the surrounding metropolitan area, that population rises up to roughly 700,000 residents. Akron's historical roots are linked with the manufacturing of rubber, and more specifically, tires. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is one of the largest tire companies that operates in Akron in modern times, directly inspiring one of the nicknames for the city: the "Rubber Capital of the World."[1]

The largest city within Akron Destination's borders is Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Orchestra, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Cedar Point Amusement Park, and Cleveland Botanical Garden are only a few of the numerous attractions listed as "the greatest hits" by Destination Cleveland.[9] Concerning nature outdoor areas, Lake Erie serves as another point of interest. Reportedly, during the summer, various events with live music take place on the lake's beaches. There are also kayak, paddleboat, and jet ski rentals for guests' convenience.[10]

Though Akron is overshadowed in both size and population by the metropolitan area of Greater Cleveland to the north, its downtown is still home to a number of attractions, many of which are free. The Downtown Akron Partnership lists a few examples of "free things to do in downtown Akron," such as the Akron Art Museum, Lock 4, and the Akron-Summit County Public Library. If visitors are willing to spend a small attraction fee ($10 or less), the number of potential activities expands to include the National Museum of Psychology, the Hower House, the Akron Children's Museum, and the Nightlight Cinema. A sizeable proportion of these activities are described by the Downtown Akron Partnership to be friendly for "families," "children," and "people of all ages."[5]

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most prominent outdoor attractions in the Akron Destination, acting as a buffer between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. The park is comprised of approximately 32,000 acres, which were designated initially as a National Recreation Area in 1974. It wouldn't be until the year 2000 that the land would be redesignated as a national park, making it the only national park that was previously a "national recreation area." Attractions that can be found within the park include the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which spans nearly 21 miles; multiple visitor centers such as Canal Exploration Center and Boston Store; and the Summit County trail, which passes through Akron and further south for almost 70 miles. Millions of people have been reported to visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park annually, with the most recent data in 2020 indicating that 2.7 million tourists passed through the park during that year.[4]

Geography

Apart from Akron itself, the Akron Destination is home to a number of communities and other features. Ashland, Mansfield, Canton, Boardman, and Youngstown can be found within the territory, in addition to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. [Though not part of the Akron Destination, Cleveland is a short distance to the north of the region.] Additionally, Cleveland is found in the northern part of the region. Interstates such as I-71, I-76, and I-77 connect many of the major cities within the Akron Destination, with the latter road acting as a direct path into Cleveland. 

Ohio as a whole is described as "a relatively flat state," though it is also noted that it is "not made up entirely of plains." Forests, river valleys, and relatively small hills all constitute the Akron Destination in some part, all of which act as habitats for a number of wildlife species. Animals that sit at the "top of the food chain" in the state are black bears and coyotes. Squirrels, mice, raccoons, and white-tailed deer are other examples of mammals that can be found in the Akron area, the latter of which is the Ohio state mammal.[6] Given the forests and other natural features in the territory, local flora is relatively diverse. White wood aster, bee balm, wild geranium, butterfly weed, and savanna blazing star are plants that are described to "thrive in a northeast Ohio climate." Some people select these types of species for their "Akron, Ohio, garden," given their broad range of colors.[7]

Median temperatures in the Akron Destination fluctuate a decent amount over the course of a year. In the winter months—spanning from December to February—the average temperature is generally between 20 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit, though it is not uncommon for the low on a given day to approach 4 degrees. During the summer—from approximately the end of May to mid-September—temperatures typically lie between 65 and 82 degrees, with occasional highs that stretch up to 89 degrees instead. May and June are the rainiest months of the year, with an average of 11.2 "rainy days." June has a slightly higher average rainfall of 3.3 inches (compared to 3.0 inches in May). Akron, Ohio, is far enough north that it does have the potential to experience snow between December and March. Such snowfall is relatively mild, with an average of 2.8 inches per month during that time.[3]

History

The Akron Destination has a moderately recent history, especially in comparison to other regions of the United States. Akron itself was established in 1825, and within 16 years (in 1841), it became the county seat of Summit County. Some of the early residents of the town were Irish, who were gradually employed to build the Ohio and Erie Canal nearby. This canal was completed in 1827 and soon became a contributing factor to the city's economy. Textile establishments, mills, and furnaces started coming into existence soon thereafter.[8]

Two notably large companies sprang up in Akron during the 1800s: the B.F. Goodrich Company and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Both businesses manufactured rubber and tires, which saw an increase in demand following the commencement of the age of automobiles. Goodyear eventually pursued the zeppelin industry, leading to its involvement in blimp manufacturing in modern times.[8]

Due to the high quantity of rubber fabrication taking place in the Akron territory, the city was nicknamed "The Rubber Capital of the World." Goodrich and Goodyear would be joined by subsequent companies in the early 1900s, such as Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, along with General Tire. The industry continued to flourish throughout the 1950s-60s as automobiles experienced a second surge of popularity in the region.[1]

By the year 2000, the Akron area was home to roughly 200,000 people. Following the results of September 11th, 2001, the city and other surrounding communities put together the Fire Truck Fund. This event ended up raising 1.39 million dollars, which was put toward purchasing additional emergency vehicles for the New York City Fire Department. One of the most recent historical achievements for the Akron Destination was the naming of Akron as an "All-American City" by the National Civic League.[2]

A few relatively famous people have emerged from Akron or nearby areas. Some examples of musicians are Chrissie Hynde, the group Ruby and the Romantics, and James Ingram. Melina Kanakaredes (an actress) and Angie Everhart (a model) were both residents of Akron as well.[8]