There’s no better way to explore Summit County than by indulging in its sweetest offerings. Whether you’re a local looking for your next sugar fix or a visitor craving a taste of Northeast Ohio charm, this sampling of sweets is your guide to nostalgic candies, inventive popcorn flavors, creamy scoops and decadent chocolates. Grab the family and bring your sweet tooth!
Old-Fashioned Candy Shops
Start your journey with a little throwback delight. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in Cuyahoga Falls is a technicolor paradise of retro favorites and quirky finds. From vintage treats like Zotz and wax bottles to international snacks and a $5 candy buffet box, there’s something for every kind of sweet tooth. (Their pickle-flavored candy might surprise you!)
Next, stroll over to the Peanut Shoppe, a downtown Akron icon since 1932. Here, the scent of fresh-roasted peanuts will reel you in, but don’t miss the chocolate-covered nuts or honey-roasted cashews that are just perfect for snacking as you walk.
Cool Off with Ice Cream
Ready for a scoop (or three)? Summit County’s ice cream scene is a summertime dream. Pav’s Creamery is a must-stop. Known for its freshly made custard, homemade ice cream, yogurts and sorbets, Pav’s seasonal “Boozy Shakes” are a hit with adults, while kids will love fun flavors like Cookie Monster.
Chill Artisan Ice Cream in Akron, Ohio, uses as many fresh and local ingredients as possible, which means that the flavors change frequently. So, there’s always something new and delicious to taste. Think creative combos like Goat Cheese with Roasted Red Cherries or Vegan Pineapple Basil Sorbet, alongside favorites like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.
Locals swear by Country Maid Ice Cream, where they offer creamy classics in a cozy, small-town setting. Try their banana split or seasonal flavors as well as sherbets, low-fat frozen yogurts and additional treats like milkshakes, malts and floats.
Mary Coyle Ice Cream Parlor in Akron is a vintage favorite, scooping up sundaes and malts in a charming, old-school diner setting. The butterscotch is a local favorite!
Unique Local Treats
Want to mix it up? These stops offer creative, locally crafted goodies. Metropolis Popcorn in Cuyahoga Falls pops over 50 wild flavors. Sweet standouts include Butter Pecan, Samoa Cookie and Death by Chocolate.
In nearby Peninsula, The Crooked Kettle Popcorn Company specializes in handmade popcorn with a twist. They offer a wide variety of flavors. So, spend some time here, wandering around and letting nostalgia sweep over you as you choose your favorites.
Looking for frozen fun? Skoops Ice Cream blends hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, floats, flurries and sundaes with your favorite candy flavors like Reese’s and Oreo, in a welcoming neighborhood shop.
Wrap things up with a luxurious visit to the Fannie May Chocolate Factory in North Canton. Stock up on Pixies and Mint Meltaways for the road — or as gifts if you can resist eating them all yourself.
Sweet Adventures Await
Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic nibble or a bold new flavor, Summit County is full of sweet spots worth exploring. Pick a day, a weekend or just your next craving, and let your taste buds lead the way. From charming ice cream parlors to creative popcorn shops and candy counters, there’s always a delicious discovery waiting around the corner. So, go ahead. Map your route, bring your appetite and get ready to taste your way through the sweetest parts of Summit County!