If you are like me, you love the fall and wouldn’t mind if it was year-long. Sadly, this is not the case and it is slowly coming to a close. With every passing day, winter draws closer. I wish it would stay away!

If you’re looking to prolong this fall season as much as possible, here’s a list of fun places to visit around Kent in the fall.

1.     Get your favorite fall-flavored drink at Tree City Coffee and Pastry

Who doesn’t love a good apple chai in the fall?

Voted Kent’s best coffee shop 5 years in a row by The Kent Stater, Tree City Coffee and Pastry brews only ethically sourced and fair-trade coffee and bakes their pastries in-house every morning. Located at 135 East Erie Street, you can order through their drive-thru, or step inside and stay awhile.

The coffee house is a great place to meet up with friends or tackle some studying. Not to mention, the set-up and décor is adorable!

Tree City Coffee and Pastry is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2.     Become one with nature at Franklin Mills Riveredge Park

Looking for a place to take in some beautiful fall scenery? Look no further than Franklin Mills Riveredge Park!

Located along the bank of the Cuyahoga River at 497 Middlebury Road, Franklin Mills Riveredge Park is a great place to see beautiful trees, crunch fall leaves and witness wildlife. Explore the park by walking along its pathways, or stop and enjoy the view by sitting on a bench along the path.

The park is in the center of town and is accessible in three different locations. You can enter from Stow Street on the south, River Street via a stairway on the west and Main Street via a stairway next to the Bissler Building on the north.

The park is also accessible to the handicapped behind the Portage Paper Box Company on River Street.

3.     Grab some fall treats at Beckwith Orchards Cider Mill and Gift Shop

Did you know there is an orchard right here in Kent? Located at 1617 Lake Rockwell Road, Beckwith Orchards is a family-owned farm market and gift shop that offers a wide variety of fall goods, including apples, pumpkins, cider, candles and pies.

Visitors are also able to take a walk through the family’s beautiful orchard. What a great place to take some fall pictures for Instagram!

Beckwith Orchards is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4.     Watch your favorite team play football and dine at Ray’s Place

Love it or hate it, football is a huge part of the fall season. If you are among the former, stop by Ray’s Place for a memorable sports watching experience.

Located at 135 Franklin Avenue, Ray’s Place is more than just a sports bar. The bar has a number of awards to its name, including being named ‘Best Restaurant’ by KentWired in 2018, and offers a number of ever-changing beers and shots of the month.

The bar also has a full food menu. The menu includes a number of mouth-watering options including Ray’s Hot Nachos, Ray’s Reuben and Gerty’s Homemade Chili.

Stop over to Ray’s Place for a fun-filled fall night with friends and family. Ray’s Place is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 12:30 a.m.

A limited, late-night food menu is offered Monday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to midnight and on Sunday from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. No food is served after midnight and 11:30 pm, respectively.

5.     Support local vendors at Haymaker Farmers Market

Looking to get some fall produce? Why not help local vendors at the same time by attending the Haymaker Farmers’ Market!

Haymaker Farmers’ Market is Portage County’s oldest farmers’ market that sells only locally made goods and offers a wide array of items, including but not limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, kettle corn and homemade soaps.

A fun feature about the market is that you don’t need cash! Simply visit the market information table to swipe your card in change for market tokens, which you can use in place of cash.

Because the weather is getting colder, the market is now located indoors at the United Methodist Church at 1435 E. Main Street and is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I hope at least one of these events peaked your interest. Enjoy the rest of fall!