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Ohio in Winter — is cold — but it’s also a gorgeous time to explore our local community. It’s hard not to think about moving when the temperatures are -15 degrees. But heck! even if I could, I wouldn’t move out of Ohio. Nope. I’d move to this gem in the Short North, Columbus. (Listed on HER realty — OMG isn’t it gorgeous!?)
But, alas, I won’t be moving anytime soon. But if you live in Ohio one of the places you’ll hear about frequently is Kent.
Kent, Ohio is home to Kent State University, which is primarily what people think of when they hear “Kent.” But there is so much more to Kent than just the university! Really! I promise!
Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday of the year people from all over come out to this farmers’ market — which just so happens to be the oldest farmers’ market in Portage County. Their mission is to bring local food and community together. Their vendors range from artisan soaps to fresh fruits and vegetables. Oh — and Ohio City Pasta and pour over coffee!
Tree City Coffee. Stop in at any time of day to pick up one of their signature Tree City Maple Lattés and a homemade biscuit, because they truly are delicious! And I can get behind any place that has ethically sourced coffee with direct trade.
Brimfield Bread Oven. Located just a couple of miles outside of downtown, this little gem is a true hidden treasure. All of their breads are homemade daily and baked in a woodfired oven. They serve breakfast treats, like morning buns, pretzel croissants, and danishes, as well as a huge variety of breads — including a local HiHo Beer Bread!
Freedom Trail. This trail, I think, is one of the most underutilized flat trails in all of Summit Metro Parks! From the Kent trailhead (located off of Northeast Avenue) to Howe Ave, it’s 2-miles of mostly flat running or biking trail. Which means when I want to take the kids in the double-stroller for a run, this is the most perfect place for it! A total of four easy miles, surrounded by huge trees, close to the KSU airport (so lots of sights for the kids to see in the skies), and the occasional train blaring in the distance.
Peace, Love, and Little Donuts. And like any ‘good runner’ I like to eat donuts after my 4-mile run! 😛 I kid (kind of)!
101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Switching things up a little bit, but this place needs a mention. Kent has no shortage of places to sip and savor your favorite beers and wines thanks to the university students. But 101 Bottles is different. It’s not a college hangout — it’s a craft beer mecca.
Lucky Penny Creamery. I am hardly the farmer type of gal, but I’ve run into the folks from Lucky Penny too many times to fail to mention them. If you’re looking to purchase goats milk, cheese, cajeta, or just see how it’s it made, head to Lucky Penny Farms and see how their beautiful dairy goats make delicious cheese!
Where is your favorite place to explore in Kent, Ohio!?
This post is a partnership with Nakturnal. As always, all opinions herein are my own.
But the bars! THE BARS! Ray’s, the Zephyr, Water Street Tavern! I miss Kent so much…
Agreed. I definitely love Ray’s! And I love WST a LOT more when they had that zyedco bistro place inside of it. But it’s gone 🙁 🙁
You had me at coffee, donuts, and tacos! Love finding cool places in any city!
Great post! I think you’ve convinced me to take a trip to Kent. I haven’t been there since college when I was visiting friends!
Before living in CFalls, I had only visited Kent my freshman year of college…. and I did NOT see anything but the inside of a house party and a few bars. 😛 So this side of Kent is MUCH better! <3
Ohio isn’t too awful far from us- we’ll have to visit their sometime!
This makes me want to go explore my own town… and eat all the donuts!!
love this!!! we plan on visiting soon and I’m definitely pinning this for later! theres nothing like exploring your own town! you always find hidden gems
Oh wow, everything looks amazing! I LOVE donut shops and Mexican places like the ones you mentioned and craft beer is awesome. I need to head out to Kent! Exploring new cities is so fun.
Thanks for writing this! I’ve actually never visited Kent (and have lived in Cleveland my whole life). #oops
Girl! We need to change that!! Let me know and I can give you a mini tour of Kent 😉 We’ll meet up for a blogger date!
This looks like a beautfiul place to explore, I have only been as far east as Indiana, hoping I make t farther sometime soon!
Valerie
Wow we need to make a trip down to Kent. First, we used to have Frescos near us but they closed and I LOVED it. Also we have a Peace, Love and Donuts near us and are obsessed. Will have to make a trip to Kent soon!
That bread looks amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this before. What an awesome trip!
We love Cleveland and Columbus but have never gone into Kent!! Next time we are in the area we will have to check it out!
Yum, I’m hungry after seeing pictures of that delicious looking bread… and all those deserts! Kent sounds like a wonderful place to visit, despite the chilly temps.
When I hear Freedom Trail, I think of Boston, but if I was in Ohio I would spend a ton of time at your Freedom Trail. And I would have to after eating all that beautiful bread! Yum!
We have never been to Ohio. Amazing how many people don’t take the time to explore their own home state. Beautiful photos.
These are great tips! I’ll have to stop at some of these places next time I’m in Ohio.
My sister lives in Kent, so we visit often. Peace, Love & Little Donuts has such yummy donuts!
I have never even thought to visit Ohio, and at one time I lived a state away. From the look of these amazing pictures I am definitely missing out!
These are true gems. I have family in Columbus, so the next time we visit we will have to look up some of these places.
This place sounds amazing! And all that food has me drooling!
Beautiful! My husband would love 101 Bottles and The Creamery would definitely be the place for me to pick up some cheese for a picnic on the Freedom Trail!
Wow! This all looks amazing. And delicious!!
I’m going to Kent next year! I love the park by the old train station along the river. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing…I’ll be sure to check some of these places out 🙂
Beautiful !! I loved the farmers market under the bridge, it looks so eclectic ! Wow 60 salsas !! I bet you always have a hard time picking one of them ! Thanks for sharing !
What cool spots in a cool town!! You had me at bread and donuts!!
Freedom Trail looks absolutely beautiful and my husband would love 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall! We have plans to visit each state when he retires and will make sure Kent is on the list!
Those breads and pastries look so good! I love visiting cold-weather cities during the winter because we don’t get a proper one down here in Houston, TX.
I got my nursing degree from Kent State in 2016, and let me tell you, I LOVED living in Kent! Your list is great – it makes me want to go revisit my old stomping grounds!
I love all the food included! Looks like a day trip is in order.
All of that food looks amazing! Wow. I need to visit Ohio.