Bored No More

Your Dance Card is Full!

October 1, 2010

By Marci Lynn Saling, Community Arts Manager
ArtsinStark, The County Arts Council

There isn’t a thing to do around here. You’ve heard it once; you’ll hear it again. But of course, I know you would never say that right? You, a successful young professional, immersed in all the glorious food, energizing sports and eclectic art of Canton and the entire region – not know all about this fabulously exciting and not-even-close-to-being-boring town has to offer? Nonsense.

But, just in case you need to pass this along to those people who aren't as "in the know," here’s a complete Stark County social calendar. I think you’ll see that your dance card is full!

Good Eats
From the most eastern corner of the county with the historic and fabulous Hart Mansion restaurant to the western border, home to the simply delicious and quaint Amish Door, there is no shortage of unique dining experiences in Stark County. Add in the plethora of restaurants in downtown Canton (like Iris, Pete’s Grill & Pizza, Benders Tavern, The Brownstown Steakhouse and Desert Inn, just to name a few) that are divine, unique, scrumptious and affordable – and you have yourself a region chalk full of delicious and savory flavors.

But WAIT there’s more…stop in at Gervasi Vineyard and Italian Bistro for a quick lunch on the piazza or sit down for an inviting meal and glass of vino in the fabulously restored barn. I don’t even have time to mention hometown favorites like Old Carolina Barbecue or Papa Gyros – putting it bluntly – We have the best damn food in the land.

After gorging yourself at one of the above restaurants, or any of the hundreds I couldn’t mention, you won’t have the dilemma of finding something to do, it will be a quandary of how to choose what to do.

Get Up, Get Moving
Hmmm…how can I help? How about a romantic sleigh ride through the farm at Walnut Creek while sipping on warm cider and learning about the traditional Amish homestead you just explored? Looking for something more invigorating? What about feasting at Main Street Grille in North Canton before heading to salsa dancing lessons at the Fred Astaire Ballroom?

First Friday Festival
Does it happen to be the First Friday of the month? If so, pack yourself up and head to downtown Canton for the exciting and entertaining First Friday shop hop and gallery walk. Thousands of artists, entertainers and patrons gather every month to take in the arts explosion that is bursting at the seams downtown. Street musicians? Check. Eclectic, locally created art? Check. Rad Magazine and Music shop? Check. Super vibin’ Martini lounge? Check. Quaint and cool coffee shops? Check. Everything else that can make your night anything but a drag? Check.

The Place for Sports-lovers
I haven’t even mentioned sports. Did your ears just perk? Sports? Oh yes, we’ve got them. We all know about the Pro Football Hall of Fame – which is always a great place to spend the day – but Stark County also hosts the OHSAA football championships, and if you’ve never been, shame on you. Grab your pom-poms and get cheering. It’s high school football at its absolute best and the passion is contagious. Hate the outdoors? Wish you could love football without that pesky brisk air? Arena football? We’ve got that too.

One word: ARTS!
Feel like putting away the hoody for a button down? We can help. How about a world-class symphony? The Canton Symphony Orchestra must make it on your to-do list, and you’ll be amazed at the talent we have here in our community. Speaking of talent, the dancers of the Canton Ballet will amaze you. Since I’m planning your social agenda, you simply must attend an engaging live theatre performance. The Kathleen Howland Theatre, Players Guild Theatre and the North Canton Playhouse are always offering some of the best live theatre in the state.

I think I’ve given you enough to chew on for the next few months, but I have to throw in 2nd April Galerie, Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, Glazed and Amused, Studio Arts and Glass, the Canton Museum of Art, Maize Valley Winery, Carnation City Players and wow, I ran out of breath.

I give you permission to be bored every once in a great while, just don’t blame it on lack of things to do, we are a county blessed with vast culture, edge-of-your-seat sports, fine, fine, food, and friendly conversation at every turn. Go get ‘em tiger.

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ABOUT THE YP EXPERT
Marci Lynn Saling, is the Community Arts Manager for ArtsinStark. She has an MBA from Walsh University in integrated marketing communications and is really just a big dork. She has great enthusiasm for this community, and volunteers for many local non-profits. She would like everyone to know she is not an expert, merely uber talkative. You can contact her at marci@artsinstark.com.

INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNER
We are dedicated to using the arts to create smarter kids, new jobs and healthier communities. We give out grants, manage the Cultural Center and run the Annual Arts Campaign. For more information, please visit us at www.artsinstark.com.

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