Cuyahoga Falls, Greater Akron: Barry Irwin
Nicole Rupersburg |
Monday, July 29, 2013
Barry Irwin is originally from Columbus but moved to the Cleveland suburbs before high school. He attended
Kent State for aviation flight technology and management. He stayed in Kent for several years before accepting a position at the
Akron Canton Airport as the Operations Supervisor. He now lives in Cuyahoga Falls, and is also the events committee chair for the
Young Professionals of Akron.
Dining & Drinking
The
Cashmere Cricket has a wide variety of craft beers and a lot of the young professionals' events are held there.
The
Office Bistro has a full bar and restaurant with fresh seafood, steaks, and a great happy hour.
Sarah's Vineyard is a local winery that serves brick-oven pizzas and has a beautiful patio overlooking their vineyard. Other great places for food are
Moe's and
Hibachi Japan, a Japanese steakhouse that is always busy.
Fitness & Outdoor Recreation
The city run center has an extensive selection of fitness equipment as well as an indoor pool. For those who really enjoy their pool time, the
Water Works Aquatic Center has an outdoor pool with a lazy river.
For more land-oriented outdoor activities,
Cuyahoga Falls National Park on the north end of Cuyahoga Falls is a huge area with hiking and biking trails, and the
Natatorium has a fitness center. The local
Summit County Park is also a nice area with walking trails.
Arts & Entertainment
The
Blossom Music Center is a popular summer performance venue. Every year the outdoor venue brings in major national touring acts. It is also the home of the
Cleveland Orchestra during the summer.
The
Falls River Square District is located right downtown. It is all bricked off and closed to traffic, so all of the Cuyahoga events are held there. There are several major festivals including the
Riverfront Irish Festival,
Festa Italiana, the
Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest, and in the winter there is also a skating rink.
Rockin' on the River is held in the Square every Friday night through the summer, featuring all different kinds of tribute bands. "It's a big event and always good people-watching," Barry says. Every Monday night is the
Riverfront Cruise In. The Square is also home to a number of different independently-owned galleries, antiques stores, and boutiques.
Barry says that Cuyahoga Falls is a great starter community for young professionals and young families. People who want to go to Akron often end up in the Falls, which is the second-largest city in Summit County. To meet other young professionals and get engaged with the community, check out the Young Professionals of Akron.