Shop Local

Are you one of those people who waits until the last minute to shop for the holidays? When you reluctantly head out with your list, all you find are empty shelves, the “perfect present” on backorder, stressed-out salespeople and sky-high prices eagerly awaiting desperate shoppers, just like you.

This year, think of akronlife as your personal shopping assistant. We’ve scoured the area—from Akron to Hudson, Kent to Tallmadge — hunting for unique presents. And we’ve found the hippest gift ideas in our backyard.

So brew yourself a cup of locally-roasted coffee and map out your shopping plan-of-attack. When your relative or friend opens this special gift from you, we’re sure the response will be priceless.

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Stocking Stuffers

If you need more Shop Local gift ideas, head to

akronlife.com throughout November for our “30 Gifts In 30 Days” special feature. We’re spotlighting unique locally-sold or locally-made presents each day, and there’s bound to be a few that will fit both the recipient’s taste AND your budget.

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Adventure-Seekers

The perfect gifts for people who’d rather have “experiences” than “stuff”

Akron Zoo Keeper For A Day – Know any animal fans who would like to follow an Akron Zoo Keeper during his or her daily routine? The Keeper For A Day will help make diets for the animals, clean their exhibits or simply shadow the zoo keeper and ask questions. This once-in-a-lifetime journey is available for ages 14 and older. The cost is $250 for a half-day or $350 for a full-day. Call the zoo at 330-375-2550, ext. 7220, to schedule this unique experience.

2013 Bridgestone Invitational – Yes, yes, we know … The winter white stuff is coming but there’s no reason you can’t daydream about this summer’s Bridgestone Invitational – World Golf Championships. This year, instead of watching the tournament highlights on the news, join the crowds at Firestone Country Club’s challenging South Course, July 31 through Aug. 4. For details, check out www.worldgolfchampionships.com/tournaments.

Weathervane Playhouse’s Studio Series – Do you know someone who’s always wanted to take voice, piano or acting lessons? Weathervane’s new performing arts classes for children and adults offer private instruction for beginners to advanced students. This is a great opportunity to encourage someone on your gift list to develop or perfect their talents. Classes start at $20 per ½-hour. For info, call 330-836-2626, ext. 35.

Spring Mist Farms – Bundle up your crew and head to Spring Mist Farms at 691 Pearl Road in Brunswick Hills for sleigh rides. Rides for up to six adults in a small sleigh cost $50 per ½-hour, while rides for up to 12 adults in a large sleigh cost $100 per ½-hour. That’s a small price to pay for a journey “over the river and through the woods” that your family will remember forever.

Kent State University Ice Arena – Do you know an avid ice skater or someone who would like to learn to skate? The Kent State University Ice Arena, 650 Loop Road, offers gift cards that can be used for open skates, concessions or programming. For every $50 that you spend on a gift card, the Ice Arena will give you two free skate passes. For details, call 330-672-RINK (7465).

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Charitable Gifts

Easy to Wrap Because They Come from the Heart

Porthouse Theater’s Student Adoption Program – Porthouse provides educational internships to students working toward degrees in theatre programs across the country. The Student Adoption Program allows you to defer a portion of the educational expenses that are provided for a student each summer season. Adopt a student with a donation of $300 (or two students for $500), and you can even choose your student on Porthouse’s website! For info, call 330-672-3884.

Akron Symphony Red Chair Society – Is someone on your list fond of fiddles or partial to percussion? For $6,000 you can gift a membership in the symphony’s Red Chair Society, which funds each of its non-principal musicians for a year and provides long-term, sustainable funding for the orchestra. Call 330-535-8131.

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County ReStore – Home improvement fans will love a gift certificate from the Habitat for Humanity of Summit County ReStore at 2301 Romig Road in Akron. Individuals, contractors and retailers donate new and gently used building supplies and home furnishings to the ReStore, and proceeds are used to build local Habitat homes. It’s a great way to pick up slot machines, big-screen TVs, artwork, playground equipment and other treasures. The store is open Thurs.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lydia’s Purse – Do you know someone who needs a sturdy, but beautiful, bag to carry to farmers’ markets? Check out Janet Rhodes’ shop in Hudson. The Lydia’s Purse collection of market bags is made by women from Haven of Rest, a faith-based homeless shelter in Akron. This sewing project empowers women to learn new skills and create their own business. Purses start at $36. Call 330-653-9006.

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Black Friday Game Plan

Your guide to holiday shopping in Akron’s Historic District

SHOP

Akron Art Museum Store

1 S. High St.

330-376-9185

www.akronartmuseum.org

Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Sun., and 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.

This store offers a unique assortment of contemporary accessories for your home and lifestyle. Choose from beautiful handmade objects, including jewelry from local artists, fair-trade items from across the globe, award-winning art supplies and toys for children. Gallery admission is not required to shop.

High Street Gallery

22 N. High St.

330-374-1114

Akron’s premiere fine art gallery and event space can be found above Urban Eats and Musica.

Musica

51 E. Market St.

330-374-1114

www.akronmusica.com

Do you have a music fan on your shopping list? This venue showcases up-and-coming talent in the heart of Akron’s Historic District. Check out Musica’s website for a list of upcoming shows and ticket information.

1 • Noto

51 E. Market St.

330-451-6686

www.zelionoto.com

Open Tue.-Sat., 3-7 p.m.

This women’s clothing and accessories boutique, owned by Lauren Ward, brings chic city style to Akron without breaking your budget.

2 • Rubber City Clothing

18 N. High St.

330-434-4722

www.rubbercityclothing.com

Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Wed., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sat.

Since 2004, Rubber City Clothing has promoted the pride and spirit of Akron with witty and spirited T-shirts, hoodies and kids’ gear.

Urban Kanvas Contemporary Art & Furnishings

51 E. Market St.

330-310-7135

www.urbankanvas.com

Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

This studio features a unique mix of pop art, from hand-cut stenciled plywood paintings to screen-printed designer cabinets. Choose from existing pieces or commission artist Jason Scala to create a painting or cabinet with an image, design and/or color scheme of your choice.

3 • We Gallery

20 N. High St.

330-252-0988

www.thewegallery.com

Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Weds.; and 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat.

The vision of sisters, Karyn and Erin Ludlam, this eclectic gallery features national and local artisans in all media, encompassing metal, glass, jewelry, wood, ceramics and photography.

PARK

High/Market Parking Deck

40 S. High St.

Open 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Solutions Valet

45 E. Market St.

Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and 5-11 p.m., Sat.

John S. Knight Center Parking Lot

71 S. High St.

24 hours, 7 days

EAT

3 Point

45 E. Market St.

330-535-6410

www.3pointrestaurant.com

Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.; and  4-11 p.m., Sat.

Said to be “the place where commerce and culture meet cuisine.” 3 Point serves affordable, simple American dining with a gourmet twist.

Crave

57 E. Market St.

330-253-1234

www.eatdrinkcrave.com

Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11 a.m., Fri.; and 5-11 p.m., Sat.

Co-owned by chefs DeAnna Akers and Aaron Hervey. Tried-and-true recipes twisted with fresh new flavors.

Stew Pot Kitchen

23 S. Main St.

330-376-7839

thestewpotkitchen.com

Open 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

Soups, stews, Nathan’s ¼-pound hot dogs or Slovenian kielbasa. Owner Scott Malensek’s weekly menu specials offer unique flavors and pairings and include vegetarian and vegan options.

Uncorked Wine Bar

22 N. High St.

330-374-1850

This wine bar displays local artists’ work and is often used for art receptions. Uncorked features Flight Night, private and public wine tastings, Friday Happy Hour, gourmet items, wine accessories, gift baskets, carry-out, live music and more.

4 • Urban Eats ... A Pop Art Café

51 E. Market St.

330-310-7135

www.urbaneatsmusica.com

Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and during all Musica shows.

Urban Eats provides a healthier alternative to typical bar food ... Nothing is deep-fried! Chef Jason Scala’s urban-industrial artwork decorates the walls and is available for sale. Coffee and cold beverages, including smoothies. Catering and downtown delivery available.