Local activities for students spending fall break in Kent

October 5, 2023

People enjoy a day in downtown Kent on October 5, 2023.

For many students, going home for fall break is not an option, but there are many activities on or around campus for students looking for fun ways to spend their time off.

Check out the food, drinks and shops downtown

Downtown Kent has a variety of different options for students looking to grab a bite to eat and spend their day shopping.

Those who want to check out Kent State-voted favorites can stop by Ray’s Place, which has continuously been voted the best restaurant by students for several years.

Off the Wagon, which won first place in the Best of Kent’s “Best Shopping” category, is located in Acorn Alley at 152 E. Main St. (Kait Murray)

Off the Wagon, a store downtown, was voted best shopping for its obscure toys and games.

More information on what Downtown Kent has to offer can be found on Main Street Kent’s website.

Watch performances at the Kent Stage

The Kent Stage is used for live music performances, plays and films. Students can expect multiple performances over fall break.

The Kent Stage, located at 175 E. Main St. downtown, features a classical theater sign above its entrance. (Sydney Pike)

A live presentation about paranormal history and folklore on Friday, musician Peter Yarrow performing renditions of his songs on Saturday, and folk group Magpie, who met in Kent exactly 50 years ago, performing an anniversary concert on Sunday.

Those interested in the live performances can buy tickets online from the Kent Stage website.

Take a walk through the Portage Hike and Bike Trail

As the weather gets colder and the leaves change colors, the Portage Hike and Bike Trail is especially scenic at this time of the year.

The trail stretches between Kent and Ravenna and passes through various natural sites including the Cuyahoga River and Towner’s Woods Park in Franklin Township.

Jennifer White, education and outreach manager, described the trail as a visually pleasant way to gain the physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors.

The Portage Hike & Bike Trail spans 13 miles along the Cuyahoga River and provides a place for trail goers to hike, bike, or canoe. (Matthew Brown)

“It’s the perfect time to get out to your Portage parks because this fall color is going to be gorgeous the next few weeks,” White said.

Stroll through Beckwith’s Orchards

The beginning of fall marks the busiest time of year for Beckwith’s Orchards. The family-owned and operated orchard located at 1617 Lake Rockwell Road in Kent, Ohio allows walk-throughs of the apple-lined paths, and although visitors are not allowed to pick their own apples, they can buy them after in the gift shop.

Customers can also find freshly baked pies, cookies, candles and locally made honey and maple syrup inside the shop.

Beckwith’s Orchards is open every day over fall break from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check out the Kent State University Museum

For those who have yet to venture to the Kent State University Museum or wish to see it again, the museum is located in Rockwell Hall and is open during fall break to encourage students to explore the sides of campus they may have never seen before.

The museum consists of eight galleries showcasing fashion and costume works and decorative arts.

The Kent State University Museum is free for all students, staff and faculty with their KSU ID.

Kayla Gleason is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].