BF and I did research before coming here so we knew what to expect. They give very limited tours…read moreand the areas are not all restored or furnished as such. Knowing this, I took a day off on a Friday to come to their 1pm tour. No one else was there so it ended up being a private tour for my BF and me. Our docent Elaine was a straight G for showing us all the areas (and more!), giving us colorful background, really emphasizing the significance of the place and her passion to maintain and preserve. While it's true that the entire upstairs have been converted to offices, Christmas displays and bridal suites, the first floor, and some extras (library, dinning room, sunroom, German pub room) were all still intact and interesting to tour. The staff was very welcoming and it genuinely was interesting to learn about Alliance, the engineering company and the descendants. The admission cost is $10 per person cash and I thought it was worthwhile for the hour+ tour. The grounds had an echo chamber that greatly amused us! Recommend stopping by here and checking out the cute antique shops in downtown Alliance! I had a wonderful day trip here.

This place really does look cool from the outside, but the self-guided tour of the inside fell…read moreshort. We were there for the holiday weekend tour and it was really crowded with not great crowd-management and not really much information about the home or the family. There was a brief hand-out with some basic information about each room, but really nothing really sparked my attention or jumped out here. I am still not sure what the family did or aware of any specific hidden gems in the mansion or anything significant about the architecture. The most interesting little detail were the trolls and owls carved into the molding upstairs in the library. I don't know, but maybe if we came back on a day that wasn't packed to the brim with people I would have felt more engaged? Or maybe more time to talk to the docents? For ten bucks per adult, I don't really think it was worth it. There were significant repairs needed and the house has not fully been restored. There are far more detailed and interesting tours of historic homes in the northeast Ohio area to visit. Either way, now we can say we've been and my son DID get to visit Santa Claus with virtually zero wait to do so. That's a win.

My son and I visited for a trick or treat event for children. The house is quite lovely and I found…read moremyself wanting to learn more about it, but the trick or treat moves fairly swiftly and there isn't time for history. That said, my son enjoyed it and I did too. His favorite part was visiting the lovely sheep grazing outside. The inside of the house was well decorated and there was a craft outside in the small guest house on the property. We were there early so parking was pretty easy. Volunteers were friendly, although the ticketing/check in process was a little confusing. The door was open, but the guy working seemed unclear on whether they were ready for us to come in or not, and directed us to the craft area before we paid and got our stamps. One day I'll come back when it's less hectic to explore and learn more about this interesting piece of Akron history.

I went after hours, walked around, they had live sheep. but being called "Mutton Hill" I got a…read morelittle chuckle out of that. the land is huge but has divots in the grass so be careful. I loved walking the grounds.

I recently learned that you should always be open minded to the suggestions on the billboards on…read morethe highway. We saw a sign mentioning the Palace of Gold on the way to Pittsburgh so we decided to make a detour and check it out. My first impression was how beautiful it was. Most of the building is indeed gold colored so there was no false advertising there. They also do tours of the palace so you can get an in depth look of the palace. The tour guide did an amazing job. What I really enjoyed was how quiet peaceful it was. There was a lot more to do than look at the temple. You could take a walk, visit the temple for worship and just enjoy the Mountain View. Everything was very relaxing. We loved it visit to the Palace of Gold. Such a hidden gem!

I'm a little torn on this review to be honest and it's kind of a hard one to write because the…read morePalace of Gold is definitely beautiful, but overall my experience wasn't the greatest. I visited in winter, which meant no flowers were in bloom in the gardens and the outdoor space was pretty gloomy with the exception of a very cool bug that I found on the steps. The seasons definitely change the atmosphere and I imagine that in spring or summer it feels much more vibrant and alive here. The palace itself is lovely with intricate details and ornate interiors and very much what I expected stylistically. However, it wasn't nearly as grand in scale as I had imagined. It was much smaller than I thought it would be. When you step inside the front lobby area, there are gorgeous stained glass windows and beautiful decor and I really enjoyed the light coming through into that space and being able to take photographs in there. The woman inside asked us on a few occasions if we wanted to take the tour and I wasn't sure until we saw the lobby area. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment was for me was finding out -- only after paying -- that photography wasn't actually allowed inside. That was tough and had I known I definitely would have made a different decision. Personally, I would have been just as happy taking photos of the exterior and I would have saved myself a lot of money. The tour is a little costly considering that you're just accessing a very small area and although the information was somewhat interesting, I had already read the majority of it beforehand. After the tour I was excited to head over to where they keep the cows, which are considered sacred here, because I had read that guests are sometimes allowed to help feed them. Unfortunately (again) it's only during a specific time of day and there wasn't anyone around that I could talk to, but I was able to see the cows through the fence and they were absolutely adorable. We were advised during the tour that we were welcome to go to the lunch offering near the housing area and we did try to find what the tour guide had described, but there were no clear signs. When we did eventually locate the area where they were serving some food, it felt very uncomfortable, like we had wandered somewhere we weren't meant to be. We definitely didn't feel like we belonged there and left almost immediately. Overall, the palace itself is really beautiful and historically interesting and although I don't subscribe to the beliefs of the people here, I do respect what it represents to them. Between the cost and the no photo surprise and the general feeling of uncertainty throughout our visit, we just spent much of our time here wandering and feeling uncomfortable. The welcome center wasn't very welcoming, the peacock walk had no peacocks and the chanting and yelling of Krishna devotees can be a frightening experience to those new to it. This is worth seeing once, hopefully in a season where it's full of flowers and sunshine and beauty. I just suggest you manage your expectations and definitely make it clear that you are not there to be converted.

While visiting friends in Ohio we discovered Lanterman's Mill, first built in 1845 and later…read morerestored in 1985. I am a lover of hiking, waterfalls, mills, bridges, gardens, historic places and tranquil spaces. Lanterman's Mill has all of this which makes a visit here nearly perfect. --- If you follow my reviews then you know I have a particular affinity for COVERED BRIDGES. When I discovered this place while doing a Google search of things to see in the area, I did not notice any pictures of a covered bridge. So it was beyond thrilling to walk behind the mill (where it is hidden from street view) and stumble upon it. For me, this was like finding a briefcase of money as I stood in total disbelief for several minutes. Not only was it a delightful surprise, it was beautiful and well maintained to boot, which is not always the case with covered bridges. Built in 1989, the covered bridge is not historic, but was designed in the likeness of other local bridges from the 1800's that farmers used to bring their grain to the mill. There is also a gorgeous arched street bridge that provides an excellent vantage point for photos of the mill & waterfall as well as another decorative suspension bridge just a half mile away. A 2-mile loop hiking trail known as East Gorge Walk and West Gorge Trail allows for wonderful views of the river gorge and leads you to the suspension bridge from the mill. These trails connect with the West Cohasset, East Cohasset, Axtmann and Old Tree Walking Trails and can more that triple your mileage as you explore the northern end of the park. --- OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST along the connecting walking trail are several ponds, small lakes, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and even a public golf course @ Mill Creek Metro Park. There is a Riverside Garden, Quarry Garden, Nature Center, and the ruins of a historic furnace built in the 1820's which produced approximately three to four tons of iron daily. Pioneer Pavilion, built in 1821 as a mill for carding and fulling wool is a rare surviving example of early 19th Century industry. It sits within view of the furnace. Cascade Gorge Natural Pool and an area known as THE FLATS round out some of the beautiful areas of interest near Lanterman's Mill. NOTE: The Flats are a lush grassy area surrounded by a horse fence. If you follow the fence you will notice an enormous tree in its path, which causes the fence to terminate and continue on the other side of the tree. Not sure what kind of tree it is, but it certainly seems to be very, very old based on the thickness of its trunk. It is easily more than 100 years older than any tree in its vicinity. FINAL THOUGHTS The Mill is a testimony to human determination. The current mill is the third incarnation. The first mill was built of logs and operated from 1799 to 1822. In 1823 the original mill was replaced by a second mill which operated until 1843 when a flood washed it away. A grinding stone from this mill can still be seen resting in the creek bed 500 feet downstream of the Falls. Lanterman's Mill ceased operations in 1888. [source: millcreekmetroparks.org] Lanterman's Mill itself is over 5-stories tall and has a very unique feature of having the waterwheel inside the basement of the mill. All the walking trails are free, but entrance inside the working areas of the mill are currently $3 for non-resident adults and $1 for students and seniors (July 2023). A butterfly garden is on site and during our visit we were graced with many birds, a groundhog, chipmunk and the largest most unusual forest mushroom we've ever seen. It is absolutely a stunning place in the summer. I can't even begin to imagine how magical it is in the Fall season as the trees change into their best outfits. Enjoy! BTW I've been trying my hand at TikTok & made a few videos of our visit to this mill if you care to see them: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dqN8JM/ - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dVsHeW/ 2023 / 10

What a fun nice stop. It's so beautiful here. I remember we brought kids here when they were little…read moreand it had not been renovated. Now it's all fixed up and worth the tour and walk. Plenty of parking and a short walk to the mill. Then you can take a stroll along the creek and take history tour of the mill. They have a nice gift shop inside too. Take a picnic and enjoy the surrounding beautiful nature.

In the southeast corner of Stark County, Magnolia is a tiny town with an interesting history. The…read moremill was built in 1834 by Richard Elson along the route of the Sandy & Beaver Canal, and the railroad also extended a line with a stop just behind the mill as another method of transporting goods. The Magnolia Flouring Mills remained in the Elson family for 171 years before being acquired by the Stark County Parks District in 2005. They now offer tours and we visited during an Open House this past weekend. The beautiful Elson House next door was the family's residence that now serves as a bed and breakfast. The cute town of Magnolia was so named because Richard Elson used to build riverboats and transport and sell goods all the way down to New Orleans. Last, he would sell his boat, and then walk back to Ohio on foot. One of the smells he enjoyed and experienced on his journeys was the fragrant Magnolia. The Mill is interesting and the docents are knowledgeable and eager to share the history with visitors. We especially loved Tara! She was kind to my young son and answered all of his questions without batting an eye. Thank you for such a great experience here. Lovely place.

Just went to Magnolia Flouring Mill with my sister and our three children. It was a chilly day but…read morewe enjoyed our tour of the inside of the mill, Andy did a great job and was well informed. Me and my sister enjoyed hearing about the history and seeing the old machinery, the children enjoyed seeing the machinery being turned on briefly and seeing how it works. There was no heat in the mill (the store area did have heat) so dress appropriatley uf you go in colder weather like we did. We are planning on going back when its warmer so we can enjoy walking around outside to see the other buildings and canal. There is also a fun quest you can do with the family but it was too chilly for us to do it this time.

This is the quintessential Brownsville historical attraction. If you are looking for a prize of…read morelocal history you cannot find anywhere else then look no further

I have heard of Nemacolin Castle, but had thought it was near the resort by the same name. It…read morewasn't until I entered the address into the GPS that I learned it is located in Brownsville. Husband and I decided to visit when the Christmas tour was offered. We got a history lesson on the man who founded a trading post and built the castle. The Bowman family was quite influential in the area. It is impressive to be made aware of the history behind the family and the home. The home is managed by the historical society and volunteers. It would be great if they would get some additional funding for restoring the home. Right now, they rely on donations and admission fees to maintain the upkeep. There are areas of sagging floors and peeling wallpaper. It is fortunate that most of the furniture items were actually owned and used by the family. The piano is beautiful and one of the first to come to the area. The home was decorated for the Christmas holiday. Admission is $15 for adults and tickets may be purchased online or at the door. On busy times, I would recommend reservations. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We were in a tour of about 18-24 people which was too large of a group. The some of the rooms were small and we were crammed in to hear the guide. Still, it was a nice way to spend a rainy Saturday before Christmas. I want to return when they have a haunted tour next fall.

This place has been here since the whiskey rebellion. It has a deep historic roots involved with…read morethis place. In the 1770s, tracing ownership through the Swart and McDonald families. An ancestor named John Henry built the stone house between 1817 and 1823 on what was then called a plantation. An old will also refers to the dwelling as "the mansion house." They've since put a deck on the back of the place and redid the inside of the house. It's incredible and nicely snuggled inside of Mingo Creek Park and worth a visit.

My girlfriend and I stopped by the Superman house on 29 May. In 1933, 18-year-old Jerry Siegel and…read morehis friend Joe Shuster co-created Superman in this house. I was excited to see it as I'm a fan of comic books and wrote both my M.A. thesis and PhD dissertation about comic book history. It's a private residence, so we only read the signage and took some photos near the signs, but the owners clearly enjoy their historical legacy and care for it well. They have Superman statues visible in their garden and cardboard cutouts of Superman in the upstairs windows. Just know that it's a one-way street and be respectful if you want to read the signage.

"This is the house where Superman was born," reads a sign hanging on the fence in front of the…read morehouse. This was the spot in 1932 that 18-year-old Jerry Siegel invented the Man of Steel, arguably the most successful literary creation of the 20th century. With its colorful porch flowers and new siding, the former Siegel residence is the best-looking home in a hardscrabble neighborhood. It's still lived in as a house, and its current owners have said they will give a local Superman society first crack at buying it when they leave. In return, the society helps to keep the place up now. "Jerry wasn't popular," the sign notes, but he "gave us something to believe in." and visit only once if you must....

I can't believe I had never been here until this past weekend! They had a small outdoor festival…read morewith train rides, food trucks, history talks, and a give-away tote from the North Canton library. My four year old and I enjoyed the little train and touring the historic home. The docents were very friendly and knowledgeable. I had no idea Hoover had a plant in the UK- the volunteer told us that people in England still call their vacuums "Hoovers". Oddly enough, I was listening to an audiobook after we left, and the British author referenced the Hoover in the next chapter that very day. Weird, right? The grounds and gardens here are quite lovely. We walked back to the event space where a lecturer was speaking about the history of North Canton. It was quite warm inside that space, so we quickly left, but my son found the playground and all was good in the world.

I'm a vacuum cleaner collector and this was soo great! If you are in north canton please check this…read moreplace out! Our guide Kathy was so incredibly kind!

This place is my safe place i go when i need to be alone and do word searches, listen to music,…read morepractice my witchcraft and enjoy nature. Its amazing here! However last time i went the bathroom was covered in pee from the floor to the toilet so i had to leave early. Normally i have epic peaceful experiences, so i dont hold anything against one bad experience because any other time its beautiful and amazing. Its in the middle if no where so sometimes its hard to find an uber back home, but eventually they come lol this place is addictive if you want to me surrounded by beautiful nature and enjoy haunted places . I haven't got the pleasure of seeing any ghosts yet but i hope one day to succeed! Haha

Great place to visit if you have kids. Pack swimsuits and let them play in the water. Cool rocks to…read morefind and beautiful scenery. This was one of my favorite stops. It is an easy hike from the parking spot.