Canton (Ohio)

It is best known as the birthplace of professional American football, since the Canton Bulldogs were the first professional football team. It is also the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, and National First Ladies' Library. To this day Canton lives and breathes football.
About 20% of Canton residents report German ancestry, and about 10% report Irish ancestry. The influence of these two ancestries can been seen throughout Canton.

Tourist office

• Canton/Stark County Convention Visitors Bureau

  phone: +1 330 454-1439
  address: 222 Market Ave. N

By plane

• Akron-Canton Regional AirportIt is in neighboring Summit County about a ten minute drive from Canton.

• Cleveland Hopkins International AirportA hub for United Airlines, the Cleveland Airport, combined with an approximately one-hour drive is a convenient means to visit Canton.

By car

• Interstate 77. Canton can be accessed primarily by I-77 which provides connection to Akron and Cleveland to the north, runs through New Philadelphia and Marietta, Ohio to the south, ultimately running its course through West Virginia and the Carolinas.
• U.S. Route 30. Route 30 also runs through Canton. It heads to Wooster in the west and East Liverpool in the east.

By bus

• Lakefront Lines

  phone: +1 330 456-7323
  address: 112 Cherry Ave SE
  At SARTA's Canton Transfer Center.

• Go Bus

  address: 112 Cherry Ave SE
  A couple of buses a day from Cleveland, Akron and other cities in Ohio.

• GreyhoundA couple of buses a day from Cleveland and other cities.

By bus

• Stark County Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)

  phone: +1 330-47-SARTA (2782)
  SARTA provides reliable public bus service throughout Stark County. Transfer Centers are in: Alliance, Massillon, and Canton. There is a bus to the Akron/Canton Airport (Route 115) and an express bus between Canton and Downtown Akron (Route 81). Buses on main routes generally depart each stop every hour. SARTA buses run 365 days per year. On holidays, buses run the Sunday schedule. Check website for details. Additionally, Lakefront Lines, a private bus company, operates an office in SARTA's Canton Transfer Center. Lakefront Lines goes through Canton on its route between Cleveland and Charleston, SC.

By taxi

If you want a cab in Canton, or anywhere else in Stark County, you have to call for one. At the minimum you should call 30 minutes before you need a ride.

• Blue Cab Company

  phone: +1 330-546-1793, +1 330-316-4287

• Lamry Limousine & Concierge Services

  phone: +1 330 433-0020

• Yellow Cab Leasing

  phone: +1 330 491-4343
  address: 4137 Martindale Rd NE

• Pro Football Hall of Fame

  phone: +1 330 456-8207
  address: 221 George Halas Dr. NW
  Hosting the world's largest collection of pro football memorabilia, this site also features the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery and GameDay Stadium theater, which shows the deep archive of NFL Films documentaries. It is undergoing a mammoth expansion in preparation of the NFL's centennial in 2020. The Hall hosts an induction ceremony and Pro Football Hall of Fame Game to kick off the preseason each year.

• Canton Classic Car Museum

  phone: +1 330 455-3603
  address: 104 6th St. SW (Market Ave. S at Sixth St. SW)
  Thousands of pieces of nostalgia, memorabilia, antiques, and period fashions. There are 45 antique and collectible autos, including a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a 1937 Fully bullet proof Canton Police Car, and a hand carved 1937 Packard Hearse.

• Canton Memorial Civic Center

  phone: +1 330 489-3090
  address: 1101 Market Ave N
  Numerous events are held at the Canton Civic Center, such as sporting events, car shows, and circuses.

• Cultural Center for the Arts

  phone: +1 330 452-4096
  address: 1001 Market Ave N
  This venue houses many of Canton's fine and performing arts, including the Canton Museum of Art.

• Canton Museum of Art

  phone: +1 330 453-7666
  address: 1001 Market Ave N
  Known for collections of watercolors and ceramics.

National First Ladies' Library

phone: +1 330 452-0876

address: 205 & 331 Market Ave. S

The Victorian family home of US Presidential First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley now serves as an educational center on the subject of contributions by the wives of US presidents and other women with significant roles in historical US politics. Call ahead for tour reservations.

• Wm. McKinley Presidential Library and Museum (McKinley Monument)

  phone: +1 330 455-7043
  address: 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW
  Climb the 108 steps to the top! The memorial for the 25th U.S. President William McKinley is free, but the museum has a charge.

• Canton Palace Theatre

  phone: +1 330 454-8172
  address: 605 Market Avenue N
  The Palace Theatre is a restored 1920s theater. Be sure to look up and check out the "real" sky, complete with stars and moving clouds. Over 300 events are played at the palace each year, from musicals to matinées. On the first Wednesday of every month $1 matinées are shown.

• Canton Symphony Orchestra

  phone: +1 330 452-2094
  address: several locations throughout Canton
  The Canton Symphony Orchestra has been playing since the late 1930s. The orchestra plays new music, classical music, and showcases soloists. Prices vary depending on concert.

• Center Ice Skating Arena

  phone: +1 330 966-0169
  address: 8319 Port Jackson Ave. NW
  This ice skating rink has a NHL sized rink, high school and college games, and open skating, along with lessons on skating.

Annual events

• Italian-American Festival

  phone: +1 330 453-3782 or +1 330 494-0886
  address: 305 Wertz Avenue
  Attractions include authentic Italian food, Italian car show, Bocce tournaments.

• Stark County Fair

  phone: +1 330 452-0621
  address: 305 Wertz Ave

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

The Annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival is the biggest event in Canton each year. These events occur for about 10 days each summer last July to early August.

• AFC-NFC Hall of Fame GameThis preseason classic is held annually at Fawcett Stadium in Canton.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement

  phone: +1 330 458-2048
  address: Fawcett Stadium

• Timken Grand ParadeThis parade follows a 2.2-mile route and attracts more than 200,000 spectators.

• Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks

  address: 6000 Frank Avenue NW (Kent State - Stark Branch)

• National Ribs Burnoff

  address: Stark County Fairgrounds

• Concert and Fireworks

  address: Downtown Canton

Itineraries

• Lincoln Highway — Travel a section of the historic Lincoln Highway through Canton on Tuscarawas Street.

• Kent State University, Stark Campus

  phone: +1 330 244-3300
  address: 6000 Frank Avenue NW
  One of Kent State University's regional campuses of this public college.

• Malone University

  phone: +1 330 471-8100
  address: 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW
  A private university.

• Stark State College of Technology

  phone: +1 330 494-6170
  address: 6200 Frank Avenue NW
  A technical college that offers more than 45 associate degrees in several fields.

• Walsh University

  phone: +1 330 490-7090
  address: 2020 East Maple Street NW
  A private university.

• Canton Centre Mall

  phone: +1 330 478-1438
  address: 4000 Tuscarawas St W

• Belden Village Mall

  phone: +1 330 494-8815
  address: 4230 Belden Village Mall, North Canton
  Hosts over 110 stores and eateries. Shops in the mall and nearby Park Crossings and Village Commons shopping centers include department stores, shoes and clothing stores.

• 5th Avenue Flea Market

  phone: +1 330 453-3803
  address: 3800 Harmont Ave. NW (Rt. 62 and Harmont, near Kmart)
  Indoor flea market with about 200 vendors.

Budget

• Sunrise Cafe

  phone: +1 330 588-8080
  address: 3020 Harrisburg Rd NE (near SR 62)
  Diner with reasonable prices for breakfast.

• John's Grille

  phone: +1 330 454-1259
  address: 2749 Cleveland Ave NW

• Tim's Tavern

  phone: +1 330 455-6306
  address: 3323 Parkway St NW

• Country Cafe

  address: 333 Walnut St E, East Canton

• Expresso Pizza

  address: 123 Nassau St W, East Canton

• Nicole's Family Restaurant

  address: 800 Nassau St W, East Canton

Mid-range

• Arcadia Grill

  phone: +1 330 454-6055
  address: 321 Court Ave NW

• Baker's Cafe

  phone: +1 330 454-0528
  address: 1927 Stark Ave SW
  While the setting may not be what one would expect, from its location in an industrial area and the plain brick exterior, Baker's has the best steaks in the area.

• Napoli's Italian Eatery

  phone: +1 330 452-7456
  address: 221 Market Ave N
  This Italian restaurant is known for its pizza and pasta dishes. Outdoor dining in the summer.

• The Desert Inn

  phone: +1 330 456-1766
  address: 204 12th St NW
  Order a meal "family style" where everyone orders their own meat and shares salad, rice, potatoes and bread. Belly dancers on Fridays.

Splurge

• Bender's

  phone: +1 330 453-8424
  address: 137 Court Ave SW
  One of the more upscale restaurants, be prepared to spend around $100 for dinner and wine for two.

Drinking beer outside on public sidewalks is allowed in Canton, but only from plastic cups not cans or bottles. Most bars in downtown will sell beers to-go, though there is no discount.

• Brewhouse Pub And Grille

  phone: +1-330-966-7447
  address: 426 Portage St

• Harmon's Pub

  phone: +1 330 453-2144
  address: 2329 Tuscarawas St W
  This Irish pub is a local favorite. Harmon's is known for their Irish Fries, potatoes sliced chip-thin, deep fried, and coated with a special seasoning. Harmon's motto, "Good luck, good cheer, good friends!" really describes the atmosphere.

• Tozzi's Restaurant of Magnolia

  phone: +1 330 866-9878
  address: 144 North Main St. Magnolia
  Est.1914 Offering steaks, seafood, chicken and pasta. Join family and friends in the heart of Magnolia. Original tin ceilings, fresh roses and white table cloths make Tozzi's classic atmosphere. Full bar and attentive service. Call for reservations. Cash only.

• George's Lounge

  phone: +1 330-452-0029
  address: 229 Cleveland Ave. N.W.
  A locally owned bar since 1959, now under new management. MC/Visa accepted.

• Lorentz's Diner

  phone: +1 330-454-6280
  address: 3711 Middlebranch ave NE
  Breakfast and lunch. Casual.

• Picciano's Martini Lounge

  phone: +1 330 454-3800
  address: 410 Market Ave N.
  Full bar specializing in fresh cocktails, offering finger foods Tu-Sa evenings. Lunch F only. No outside sign.

• Canton Brewing Company

  phone: +1 330 409-0343
  address: 120 3rd St NW
  A brewery with a restaurant on the first floor and speakeasy in the basement. The speakeasy has an extended line up of draft beers.

• Shale Brewing

  phone: +1 330-776-8812
  address: 715 2nd St SE

• Buzzbin Arts & Music Shop

  phone: +1 330 754-6770
  address: 331 Cleveland Ave NW
  A bar and arcade that regularly acts as a music venue.

• Mapleton Cider Mill

  address: 8720 Mapleton St SE, East Canton
  Unpasteurized sweet apple cider. Sales start in late September using an honor system.

Budget

Mid-range

• McKinley Grand Hotel

  phone: +1 330 454-5000
  address: 320 Market Avenue South
  Downtown across the street from the National First Ladies' Library. The building is a older and looks a tad worn, but the rooms are clean. Has an indoor pool and hot tub.

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Canton

  phone: +1 330 493-7373
  address: 5285 Broadmoor Circle NW
  Average hotel. Nothing fancy, but nothing horrible either.

• Comfort Inn - Hall of Fame

  phone: +1 330 492-1331
  address: 5345 Broadmoor Circle NW
  Nice hotel, although the rooms could use some updating. Has a sauna and an indoor pool. Also has a pretty decent restaurant/lounge.

• Residence Inn by Marriott Canton

  phone: +1 330 493-0004
  address: 5280 Broadmoor Circle NW
  Kitchenettes in each suite. Allows pets.

• Courtyard by Marriott Canton

  phone: +1 330 494-6494
  address: 4375 Metro Circle NW

Splurge

• Cambria hotel & suites Akron - Canton Airport

  phone: +1 330 454-5000
  address: 1787 Thorn Dr
  This hotel offers suites, free WiFi, and airport transportation.

• The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor

  phone: +1 330 966-3600
  address: 4191 Glenmoor Road NW
  Hotel on a golf course. Stay includes use of facilities, such as the golf course and European spa.

Dial 911 from any telephone for emergency police, medical, and fire services.
Areas that are not recommended for travelers:

• Highland Park - Now known as Skyline Terrace - Cherry Ave. south of 14th Street
• Newton Zone - Newton Ave. between Tuscarawas and 5th Street
• Deuce Block - 2nd St. NE by Harrisburg

• United States Post Office

  phone: +1 330 438-6444
  address: 220 4th Street SW

Hospitals

• Aultman Hospital

  phone: +1 330 452-9911
  address: 2600 6th St SW

• Mercy Medical Center

  phone: +1 330 489-1000
  address: 1320 Mercy Dr NW

Gym

• Hall of Fame Fitness Center

  phone: +1 330 455-4348
  address: 2700 Roberts Ave
  Open M-F 6AM-10PM; Sa Su 8AM-5PM. This fitness center offers exercise equipment, a track, and an indoor swimming pool, along with other fitness activities. A free pass can be obtained from their website.

• YMCA

  phone: +1 330 456-7141
  address: 405 2nd Street NW

Laundromat

• Bubbles & Bleach Laundromat & Dry Cleaning

  phone: +1 330 456-9949
  address: 1127 12th St NW

• Suds Duds Etc.

  phone: +1 330 454-0088
  address: 3130 Tuscarawas St W

• Suds-N-More Suds

  phone: +1 330 492-2387
  address: 3102 Cromer Ave NW

Library

• Stark County District Library, Main

  phone: +1 330 452-0665
  address: 715 Market Avenue N
  The main branch of the Stark County District Library offers free public computers, although you may have to obtain a library card first. Public WiFi is available without needing a library card.

Newspapers

• The RepositoryThe only daily newspaper published in the Canton area.

• Amish Country centered in Holmes County to the southwest of Stark County.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, . This park is primarily north of Canton, and follows the course of the Cuyahoga River and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland, Akron and Canton. A number of older buildings are preserved here. The Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad, with train cars from the 1940s and 1950s also runs through the park from Cleveland to Akron and Canton. The Canal Byway extends from Lake Erie in Downtown Cleveland through the southern suburbs past Akron, Canton, New Philadelphia and into rural Bolivar and Historic Zoar.
• Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom amusement park in Aurora.
• Hall of Fame Cycle. Tourists can plan visits to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Inventure Place (the National Inventors Hall of Fame) in Akron, and The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
• Hartville. About 15 minutes to the north, Hartville offers two flea markets, antique stores and a handful of restaurants.
• Zoar Village State Memorial, 2½ miles east of I-77 (exit 93) on State Route 212. It is between New Philadelphia and Canton in Tuscarawas County. Referred to as: The quaintest, most interesting and unique village, in this country. Zoar Village was founded by German religious dissenters called the "Society of Separatists of Zoar", in 1817 as a communal society.
• Zoar School Inn Bed and Breakfast take one or two nights for a stay in the historic first school of Zoar. Step back in time circa 1836. Enjoy fireplace and Jacuzzi suites, full gourmet breakfast and explore Zoar Village. +1 216-927-3700