11 Must-Do's in and around Canton, Ohio
Most known for the Football Hall of Fame Canton, Ohio is a popular destination. There is so much more to do in the area, especially during the winter months for couples. Categorized in Attractions, Culinary and Shopping, here are 11 places to visit in and around Canton, Ohio during your winter couple get-away:
Attractions
National First Ladies Library & Museum
The First Ladies Library and Museum is FREE to visit and the tour of the McKinley-Saxton home is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for youth under 18. The collection is unique and operated by the National Parks Service.
*Fun Fact: The McKinely-Saxton home was owned by the women of Ida McKinley’s family during a period when women couldn’t vote let alone own property.
Canton Classic Car Museum
Beyond classic vehicles, the Canton Classic Car Museum is a great place to visit and learn more about the history of Canton. Highly recommend reserving 1.5-2 hours at least for your visit. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students 11-18 and children under 10 years of age are free.
MAPS Air Museum
Part of the Ohio’s Air and Space Trail for the America 250 Celebration the MAPS Air Museum is huge. In addition to the various aircrafts on display (and you can sit in) there is a Local Heroes Exhibit, Art Gallery and many more additions coming soon. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for ages 6-12 and all youth under the ae of 6 is free. All veterans receive $2 off regular admission.
*Fun Fact: The museum is operated by 108 volunteers (Jan 2025).
McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Learn about the 25th President of the United States, get hands-on in the Discover World Science Center and go out of this world at the Hoover Price Planetarium. The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is so much more than a collection of William McKinley memorabilia it’s immersive, engaging and loaded with fun everyone will enjoy. Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, $13 for youth 3-18 and children 2 years of age and under are free.
*Fun Fact: In honor of William McKinley’s Birthday, January 29, the museum celebrates with cake, live re-enactments, a wreath ceremony and may other special activities.
Culinary
Heggy’s Nut Shop
There are two locations but the Heggy’s Nut Shop with the diner is located on 3200 Tuscarawas St W.
Ambiance: Casual throwback. It feels like stepping back in time to a 60’s diner.
Food: Overall Good. It is what you’d expect at a diner; comfort food. We ordered the Chili Hot Dog, side of chili, butter fries and BBQ bacon burger.
Recommended: Chili Hot Dog and Butter Fries were the items recommended. Both were good and worth getting again.
Fun Fact: All the soups, ice cream and syrups for the ice creams are made in house.
Advice: Order the turtle sundae. It’s a great showcase of their housemade vanilla ice cream, fudge, caramel and nuts.
Cost: $
Sandy Springs Brewing
Located in Minerva, Ohio, Sandy Springs Brewing is about 30-minutes away from downtown Canton.
Ambiance: Casual and cozy. Has elements of warehouse/industrial décor without losing comfort.
Food: Overall Great! Sandy Springs has craft beer and mimosa flights. On weekends there is a brunch special. The flatbread was crisp to preference and the keto burger is a great lunch option for those with dietary needs.
Fun Fact: Flights come in square cubes taking up less space on the table.
Advice: Check out the AirBnB accommodations.
Cost: $$
Hart Mansion Restaurant
Located on top of a hill in Minerva, Ohio Hart Mansion Restaurant provides a grandiose first-impression that continues throughout the dining experience.
Ambiance: Charming, cozy and romantic. It feels like a private dinner party.
Food: Overall Spectacular! To start, the pumpkin soup greets the taste buds with a warm spice like nutmeg then is chased with the sweet smoothness of the pumpkin and finished with a heat akin to cayenne pepper.
The Mansion Chicken comes with Baked bow tie pasta, cheese & marinara topped with sauteed chicken, mushrooms, onions & peppers.
The Caramel Apple Pork comes with Pork medallions sauteed with apples, pecans & brown sugar, served in a savory caramel sauce with rosemary potatoes.
There a few options for dessert but for those with a gluten intolerance, the flourless chocolate torte is worth splitting.
Reccommended: The waitress recommended the caramel apple pork and it is one of the best entrees I have tried.
Fun Fact: The mansion used to be a residental home and in 2008 the property was purchased and turned into the culinary experience it is today.
Advice: Go early and experience the bar on the second floor. It is charming and a great place to sip on pre-dinner cocktails like the Italian Wedding Cake (I had 2).
Cost: $$$
Bender’s Tavern
Downtown Canton, Ohio is home to the historic Bender’s Tavern. Known for hosting many important dinner conversations and guests.
Ambiance: Historic lounge. The interior consists of warm toned wood trimming and is overall elegant. This is a place you could visit in a nice pair of pants or even jeans and dress up shirt.
Food: Overall Good. This restaurant did not have many gluten-free options. Both the crab cakes and chicken marsala that was ordered were on the dry side but still palatable. Truthfully, I think the steak or the lobster would have been a stronger choice.
Fun Fact: Conversations to persuade the NFL to locate the Hall of Fame in Canton took place at Bender’s Tavern (1962).
Recommendation: There is a housemade butter that Bender’s is known for the waitress recommended us to try.
Advice: Make time to enjoy sips at the bar. The historical structure in there is worth looking at. Also, the mocktail with Kombucha hit the spot.
Cost: $$$
Shopping
Heggy’s Nut Shop
Take the taste of Canton home with you at Heggy’s Nut Shop located in The Village on 2101 Hall Of Fame Wy NW Suite 3A. It also next door the Visit Canton office which is a great place to discover even more activites in and around the Football Hall of Fame.
The shop features assortments of Heggy's Nuts, Heggy's Chocolates, and other local food products. It's a great place to stop and take a piece of Canton home with you.
Off The Beaten Path
Great shop for homemade soaps, lip balm, and stickers!
Off the Beaten Path is a boutique, located in Minerva, Ohio, with unique finds to bring home. From stickers and lip balm to soaps and clothing items, there are items perfect for gifts and for yourself.
Market Street Art Spot Gallery
Discover the local art scene in Minerva, Ohio!
Market Street Art Spot Gallery is packed with pieces from various local artists. Its collection includes paintings, jewelry, pottery, and mixed media. Market Street Art Spot Gallery is dedicated to helping local creatives.
Every second Friday, the gallery hosts an artist reception with live music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Accommodations
The Double Tree Downtown Canton is a centeral location to most of the activities listed above. Bender’s Tavern, Canton Classic Car Museum, The First Ladies Library and Museum and the Mckinley-Saxton House were all a walkable distance
This was a fun winter get-away for my husband and I. We learned so much and look forward to going back and exploring more throughout Stark County. Check out the itinerary on Shrpa.
*Disclaimer – This trip was partially comped by Visit Canton and paid for by Shrpa. Opinions are truthfully and wholly Hayliestory’s and were not influenced by the partnership. Please drink responsibly.