COVENTRY TOWNSHIP: Residents here call their community the “Heart of the Portage Lakes,” a local treasure for anglers, boaters, hikers and stargazers.
But along with lake-related activities, there are a few other attractions to check out if you find yourself in town.
To help our readers take better advantage of the amenities in our region, the Beacon Journal is spotlighting a different community each week. We’ve made some obvious picks, but also enlisted local officials, residents, Facebook fans and our own expert staff writers to round out our list.
This week: 10 things to do in Coventry.
• Pav’s Creamery has been an icon at 3769 Manchester Road since 1969, keeping guests in suspense for what the next “flavor of the week” will be. The ice cream stand is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. This summer, Pav’s is also hosting a different food truck from 5 to 9 p.m. each Friday. The next four Fridays will get a visit from Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers (June 24), The Beachcomber (July 1), Chef Dick’s Kitchen (July 8) and Hunger Squad (July 15.) Find more news at https://twitter.com/pavscreamery.
• Shop Hop, by our home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge: “Sugar Loves Spice Boutique takes the Portage Lakes’ laid-back vibe and translates it into women’s fashion. This little shop offers on-trend casual wear at moderate prices, including some fun lake-theme items.” The shop, at 499 Portage Lakes Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. It also sells online at http://sugarlovesspice.com.
• Social Media Shout-out: Coventry Diner got 4.5 out of 5 stars from Facebook fans. It’s a favorite haunt of the locals, a cozy neighborhood eatery tucked into the shopping plaza at 3333 Manchester Road serving traditional American fare. The restaurant opens daily at 7 a.m., with closing hours of 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Check out its Facebook page. When you’re done there, step next door to visit...
• Harbor Freight Tools is a chain store, but being the only one in Summit County it has earned quite a few fans for what it bills as “quality tools at ridiculously low prices.” Be sure to look for coupons to make your deals even better. Located in the plaza at 3333 Manchester Road, store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit http://www.harborfreight.com for more info.
• If you want to see Portage Lakes from the water, rent a pontoon boat at Kieffer Marine, 252 Portage Lakes Drive (330-644-0234). Or just stop by and check out their nautical gift shop. Co-owner Laurie Kieffer said they focus on “inland water” themes, not beachy souvenirs. They also carry apparel and home decor items. Summer hours are daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit http://www.kieffermarine.com.
• Locals were disappointed when the Olde Harbor Inn closed a few years ago. The mainstay served up fine dining and casual fare at its lakeside restaurant that attracted walk-ins as well as boaters who tied up to the dock next to its deck. But shortly after, the homegrown chain On Tap Grille & Bar moved in, keeping the party going with live music on Saturdays and karaoke nights. Stop in at 562 Portage Lakes Drive, or visit its Facebook page “On Tap at the Harbor” for news.
• No need to wait for Halloween to check out Akron Design & Costume, a year-round costume shop at 3425 Manchester Road. The store stays busy with everything from mascot to theater clients and is a fun experience even for window shoppers. Note the store is closed on weekends; visit Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you’re there, be sure to see the outdoor “Masquerade” mural project created by a team of Akron Public School art students. More at http://www.akrondesign.com.
• There are 1,300 different kinds of beers on site at Portage Lakes Brewing Co., 503 Portage Lakes Drive. Owner Tony Pierce, who opened the store six years ago, also keeps 20 beers on tap for tasting. Lots of folks buy and go, but there is also indoor and outdoor seating for anyone who wants to linger after quitting time or have a pint during a televised game. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Check out “Portage Lakes Brewing” on Facebook.
• Make money or spend it at Akron Coin and Jewelry, located right next door to the main entrance of Acme Fresh Market, at 3235 Manchester Road. The family-owned business buys and sells everything from coins and paper money to diamonds, watches, even flatware. Take your own treasure in for a quick appraisal. Open from noon to 5:45 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday. See https://www.akroncoin.com.
• Portage Lakes is big enough to be shared by several communities, but Coventry gets the lion’s share with Long Lake, North Reservoir and parts of the East and West Reservoir. Look for popular fishing spots with ample parking off Portage Lakes Drive just south of Cormany Road, and on State Mill Road, across from Alma Avenue. The State Mill site has a boat ramp as well.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.