A few weeks ago before Emma had her procedure, we had an impromptu family day at the Northside Marketplace in Akron, OH. Initially the trip was to find the Akron Creamery because of the rolled ice cream, however, what we found was so much more! I feel like we felt like we stumbled on a gem!
A few years ago, Darrick and I were on a date and we tried to find the Akron Creamery but we didn’t realize we had to go inside the Northside Marketplace to find it. It was storming and since we had to get out and find it, we gave up, however, this time we came with the kids and it was a cute little marketplace!
On their website, the Northside Marketplace is described as “an Urban Market with a focus on social interaction, local businesses, and grass-roots artisans. The Northside Marketplace is all about identifying up and coming businesses and bringing them together to create a unique local shopping experience.”
Our first real stop before exploring the entire marketplace was Akron Creamery! I mean when you promise little children ice cream you better deliver!
Now I must admit, the ice cream was delicious! I forgot the name of the combination I had but it was vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and chocolate. It was all mixed together and rolled! If you aren’t familiar with the Akron Creamery it is Thailand inspired rolled street ice cream, and this was something I didn’t know until we were placing our order! I’ve seen pictures of rolled ice cream and thought it would be cool to try!
My children are very simple when it comes to ice cream, give them some vanilla and sprinkles and they’re happy! We were asked if we wanted the sprinkles on top or mixed in…we asked for them to be on top!
We sat down at a table watched, soccer on the televisions and enjoyed time together!
Our next venture was into the bike shop, Dirty River Bicycle Works Darrick has a fascination with bikes and bike shops…so he sparked up a conversation with someone that worked there! Another shop we loved was The 7th Floor Clothing DJ and I had to take a pic in the gold chair! They had some great graphic tees! I’m glad I found them online, but I will definitely make a trip back…they have some great Browns t-shirts and y’all know how I feel about my Brownies!
Our last stop was the most interesting! I actually stopped by the wall because it was set up like a honeycomb…and learned that it was Akron Honey!
Initially, I thought it was just honey. Maybe some different flavors, however, once I got up close I saw that it was not only honey but skincare products. I tried some of the Beeswax Body Balm and it was absolutely amazing! Now after some research, I learned the Akron Honey personal care items are for men, however, that Beeswax Body Balm, was ahhhmazing and I would definitely use it! My hands have been peeling very bad this summer and that day I tried it, they were moisturized for a while afterward and not peeling, so let me tell you it may be for me but I am a fan!
When we arrived around the front of the Akron Honey shop, we saw a man bring in a box of honeycombs, and we saw them get the honey from them. After my research, I learned the man we saw was the owner of the shop, and he created the world’s first transparent Men’s Personal Care Production Lab! Each small batch urban honey jar is stamped with the location of hive and time of harvest, which creates a remarkable identity with each batch, and this is why it’s called transparent: to share everything including processes and ingredients. Is this not an amazing shop!!! I didn’t want to be a total creep but when we saw the box we knew it was honey in the honeycombs. We watched as long as we could without staring but I would’ve loved to see the entire process!
We finished our tour of the Northside Marketplace with a trip to Twist Candy Co, it was a small vintage candy shop! The kids loved it, but what I found funny when they picked out their candy was that they both grabbed a Push Pop and asked what it was. I remember eating those when I was a child.
While Darrick paid for the candy, I taught the kids how to play Tic-Tac-Toe! We played a couple of games then we left!
I highly recommend if you’re in the area or want to venture to Akron to check out the Northside Marketplace! We had a great time and I can’t wait to go back. To me, it seems like the perfect place for holiday gifts, especially if you’re into buying specialized items. I try not to pass up on items that are made within my own hometown! I love the bragging rights, and although I am from Cleveland, Akron falls in line with being from Northeast Ohio…so I love to share my “finds” from there as well!
