Named Lakewood's BIGGEST SUMMER BLOCK PARTY, this festival had approximately 15,000 people in…read moreattendance. There were food, clothing, art, and other kinds of vendors in attendance. I attended the Lakewood Summer Meltdown Festival on 15 July 2023 which was a Saturday. Oh, it was a meltdown alright - not only did it rain at certain points throughout the day, but it was also hot too so needless to say, we were all melting...haha. For the most part though, I didn't walk all day in an umbrella so besides the rain, my friends and I had fun. BIG YET FUN ATMOSPHERE -- The festival is large because it spans down about 6 side streets all along Detroit Ave. in downtown Lakewood. There was a fun 1-mile family run and walk which I didn't do but I saw kids and adults lining up to race. There were many vendors and I didn't see them all or I passed through some of the vendor stations without fully stopping in each vendor booth. I did stop by the Seeds of Literacy table where I could take a free book plus I received a mini notebook, tote bag, and a pencil case from them. It was great to hear about all the wonderful things they do to bring literacy to those in need. They are always seeking volunteers to help so reach out to them if you are interested. If you have young children including teenagers, this festival is a great way to bring them out to experience food and culture in a fun and safe environment. Some vendors had activities for young kids to do such as arts and crafts. FOOD AND DRINKS -- There were about 7 options to choose from which isn't alot. I also bought some filipino egg rolls, called Lumpia, from the Parilya food truck and they were delicious. I think I bought the beef and pork lumpia or just the beef one. I also bought a 16-oz bottle of fresh orange juice from a new company called "Socially Raw". Specifically, I got the "Buster" which includes organic pineapple, orange, lemon, and ginger. To satisfy my sweet tooth, I bought some small cake pops from a cake pop shop but I forgot the name of the business. SAFETY -- I saw some Lakewood police officers walking down Detroit Ave. to make sure everyone remains safe. If you are looking to get out of your house or apartment in the summer months then I recommend the Lakewood Summer Meltdown festival in July as a fun activity. As of the time of the writing of this review, the festival was held in July 2023. I would suggest more food options for next year. My friend and I ended up getting lunch at a Thai restaurant on Detroit Ave. because we weren't fully interested in any of the food vendors but it was actually cheaper to eat at one of the surrounding restaurants. **** - 97/150 total reviews in 2023 - 648 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 19 December 2023

My first time attending a concert at Lock 3 and it rained. What was nice is that when people went…read moreto stand or sit under the stage's roof overhang no one said not to. People ran to stand under the parking garage. The staff were very nice about it. Overall Lock 3 is a wonderful venue. Buy reserved seats or sit in the grass with your lawn chair. The area is beautiful. Tonight food trucks were there. It's handicapped accessible, too. The parking garage was free. Everything was great. We will return.

Lock 3 Park is a park in the heart of Akron. It has a cool cascade like steps. I visited the park…read moreon multiple occasions attending yoga fest and most recently Sakura festival. The park is gorgeous, has a very convenient and clean towpath. This is DORA area so you can enjoy beverages from nearby places. There is also a stage for performers. Bring a blanket or a chair for extra comfort during the shows, there is no permanent seating. Only the stage area is covered so bring an umbrella on rainy days. Parking is conveniently located by the Children's museum. Parking rates vary. There are multiple floors of parking in the enclosed garage with convenient elevator or stairs to descend directly to the park.

I'm writing this review after hearing a deeply disturbing story from my younger sister, who was a…read morestudent in the Stow School District. Over the years, she visited this establishment multiple times through school-organized field trips. Her earlier experiences seemed educational and age-appropriate, but her final visit in 8th grade was traumatizing and completely unacceptable. On her first visit, she was a young child, excited to explore history. She remembers playing with wooden toys and engaging in fun, interactive activities. It was a harmless and enjoyable experience. On her second visit in 4th grade, the experience was still fairly lighthearted--she milked cows, churned butter, and watched glassblowers at work. It seemed like a continued effort to connect children with the past in a safe and engaging way. But her third visit in 8th grade took a shocking and horrifying turn. During this "A Fugitive's Path: Escape on the Underground Railroad" experience, my sister and her classmates were: Placed in shackles and treated like slaves Forced to simulate escaping through the Underground Railroad Exposed to the sound of blank bullets being shot into the air Surrounded by the cracking of whips Yelled at and intimidated by adults playing the roles of slave catchers or owners This wasn't education--it was trauma packaged as a learning experience. As her older sibling, hearing her describe the fear, humiliation, and confusion she felt during this simulation was gut-wrenching. I cannot understand how any school district, let alone an educational institution trusted with children's development, would approve of such a psychologically scarring experience. How could you slowly build a relationship with this place over several years, only to subject children--still minors--to a reenactment of slavery that includes the sounds of gunfire and whips? What kind of message does that send? What makes anyone believe that this is appropriate or effective? Let me be very clear: no child should ever have to go through this. Teaching about the horrors of slavery is important--but traumatizing children in the process is not education. It's irresponsible and deeply damaging. To the school district and the organizers of this program: What made you think this was okay? You crossed a line that should never be crossed. You failed these students. As a sibling, I'm heartbroken. And as a community member, I'm calling for serious accountability and immediate re-evaluation of what is considered "educational." This should never happen again--to any child, in any school, anywhere. This event took place in 2013-2014 school year however her trauma is still valid in 2025!!!!!!!!

My first time and what a great experience. The grounds were lovely although did need the grass cut…read more All of the employees were great with the exception of one who was not age appropriate and came off as mean.

As a very basic white girl whose family never really celebrated any cultural traditions besides…read moremaybe that of the low income country folk who ate a lot of Hamburger Helper growing up, I always think it is neat to check out the festivals of other cultures. St. Mary's Romanian Festival is Fri-Sun in the middle of August and has been happening for the past 13 years. They have food, beer, wine, one of those bouncy house playgrounds, tours of the church, and live entertainment (music, dancing kids, etc). Also tons of people walking around dressed in authentic Romanian attire. I recommend going when they first open as parking can fill up fast and treats disappear just as fast. The wine garden is in a closed off area so it's nice and chill with no kids around. For desserts you can find things like large cream puffs, torts, rum balls, fruit and nut bars. Food wise they have stuffed cabbage, chicken stew, sausages & kraut, roasted pork and mamaliga this cheesy polenta stuff. There are also special stations for crepes, elephant ears, and mititei this grilled ground meat you top with onions and mustard. You can also purchase some Romanian souvenirs like religious looking pictures and knick knacks, clothing, and jewelry. I'm not really one for crowds and the heat so I was only there about an hour and took food to-go, but it was nice to explore, learn a little bit about others, and support local. Add them to your list of summer festivals to check out!

My bet would be that for anyone with eastern European roots no place is better than Cleveland in…read morethe summer. We can visit Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, as well as Romania. Our ethnic churches and organizations divide the summer into weekend trips that bring us the food, the dance, the music, and the culture of each of our sister nations. Perhaps St. Mary's festival best represents the many others. There are no Ferris wheels or cotton candy. Those things are for the WASPS. Here the music and dances tell folk stories from various regions of Romania. Unlike the Lord of the Dance where a mishmash of steps are performed to wow an audience these dances portray tales of love or bravery or struggle. In the church hall lines form to buy baked goods that are not seen in such variety or prices in any bakery in Paris, New York or Miami. Everyone knows no professional baker can compete with a bunch of grandmothers. Lines also form to buy the cheese rich polenta, cabbage rolls, sausages, chicken and dumplings. The food is similar to the offerings at the other nationality festivals yet different enuff that one can identify each nation's special touches. Going to as many of these festivals as I can but always St. Mary's does what is intended. At each my eyes well with tears and I think I am so glad I grew up an eastern European in Cleveland, Ohio. It does not matter to us that western Europeans see us as Eurotrash or that Cleveland is made fun of by those living on either coast.. We are going to keep on dancing to our own music.

I bought a Groupon for the painting for my boyfriend and I to celebrate his birthday, and it was…read morereally fun! They provided all the coverings for your clothes, shoes, and hair. I'd recommend the covering because your clothes will get dirty. They had a bunch of different rooms in the building dedicated for the painting. The rooms have black walls and a full drum set. You can paint on your canvases, the walls, drum set, each other, anything! We got to choose our music for the entire 30 minutes- we just told the worker what artist and they put on a playlist. We had a really good time and would definitely go again, and likely check out the Break Rooms.

Small place but did what I expected. They have many rooms…read morefor breaking stuff and other activities. We did a break room. We had 1 tv to smash and a huge box filled of plates and glass/ceramic knick knacks. Everyone was nice and helpful.

This is a very cute farm stand with a nice variety of local produce, meat, and some baked goods…read more One of the owners is a potter, and stocks mugs and bowls. The farm is pretty close to the Towpath trail, so you can visit both. I went for a pottery class, and it was a lovely experience, outdoors on a nice evening, and picked up some bread. They had a handful of events on the website, including crafts, educational, and community building with live music. When I returned to pick up my pieces, I got more bread, and also some seasonal produce. The meat always looks really good, but the timing hasn't lined up for me to try it. There is a big livestock guardian dog who roams the property, so pets are not allowed, and also, he's super friendly, so may approach.

Oxbow Orchard is an ideal destination in your slow living journey. It's this perfectly serene…read morecottage farm and orchard within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The farm practices land stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability. I have visited the farm for two years now. There is no place quite like it around. Layout: The farm is huge, but once you orient, it will be easy to navigate. Aside from the farm field, you'll find a little creek, hand-woven willow dome, flower field, greenhouse, event area with hay ride stage, a farm stand and Oxbow market. Gravel parking is available, overflow parking is on the grass along the farm. Animals: The farm residents are Icelandic Sheep, turkeys, and very good boy Milo (Great Pyrenees). Meet all! Oxbow Market: The farm has market stand and Oxbow Market. The market stand has seasonal veggies and flowers. Check social media for availability. It works on an honor system, cash or Venmo are accepted. The Oxbow Market is an absolute farm gem. It has fresh produce (like tomatoes grown on the farm), many locally loved brands (such as yummy mushrooms), locally baked sourdough and focaccia, clay handmade mugs, soaps, and a lot more. You'll find produce, flowers, bread, meat, dairy, souvenirs, personal care, sweets, and more at this store. The store is open during events, and Wednesday through Sunday from 12-7 PM (check their website for the latest hours as the seasons change). I love to get seasonal veggies, scones, and bread here. I never successfully walked away empty handed, everything looks so tasty! During the last visit I purchased a scone, focaccia, and peaches ($17.41 grand total, 3% credit card sub charge). Flower Picking: The farm seasonally grows and sells flowers. You can get a premade bouquet $20 or $15 for you-pick. You-pick experience looks so dreamy. I especially love their gorgeous marigolds. Events: The farm offers different events during the summer. They're always so relaxing and also a little rustic. Events include concerts, crafting activities, yoga and sound baths at the willow dome. The music is always so eclectic and really good. The crafting events so interesting like eco dyeing, pottery, paper making, and more. Some events feature food vendors. Most concerts have a suggested donation and benefit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You may want to bring a chair or a blanket if attending a concert (some picnic tables are available). Event tickets can be pre-purchased on their site. My personal favorites: I love to spend a whole evening on the farm. I always look forward to petting Icelandic sheep, getting some goodies from the Oxbow Market, listening to the music or crafting, wandering around the farm, and lingering by the fire pit. Everyone at the farm including the owners and the volunteers are so welcoming! It's fun to see families and kids on the farm just enjoying togetherness and nature. You have to visit and feel the amazing atmosphere of this farm. It's a nice getaway from the city and real life. I highly recommend checking out their events and stopping in to shop at the market. I'm already planning my next visit!

Such an amazing place kids love this place so fun definitely recommend going here so much to see !read more

This is charming. It's a cute little nature center in the Rocky River Reservation with some play…read moreareas, educational areas, restrooms, etc. This place is BUSY, so even the fairly generous parking area can fill up quickly. Trails from the Nature Center lead into several different directions, and you can either attempt the stairs that ascend to the moon, or avoid them if 9 flights of stairs aren't your idea of a fun hike. They also host occasional activities and plant sales.

Not really happy with the outcome of my visit to the drive in. Went there to watch one movie, paid…read moremy fee to go in and the screen was not working. Asked for a refund and the denied me a refund and told us we had to watch the other movie. Stayed for the movie but it just ended us talking the whole time and not watching the movie. I think I will call next time to make sure all the screens are functioning

We had such a great experience at the Drive-In. This is such a great thing to be able to do while…read moresocial distancing. We purchased our tix and reserved a spot online. The reserve a spot worked out great. We didn't have to worry about coming super early (we did anyway lol) to try to get a good spot in the center. They had a reserved spot for us front and center. It was perfect!! I love how they are staying open so late. It gives people something to do while being safe at the same time!! We seen Elf and Christmas Vacation. We seen these movies so many times but it was so great to see them on the big screen outside. The staff were super friendly and helpful!! It's only $20 a carload too!! Such a fun night for such a reasonable price!!! We ordered cheeseburgers and onion rings and we were pleasantly pleased how good they were from the concession stand!! We can't wait to go back again.