Stow, OH

The Seneca, a tribe of Native Americans, inhabited the Stow area for centuries before European settlers arrived from the eastern seaboard. The colony of Connecticut claimed the region as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve in the 1700s. In 1796, Joshua Stow purchased the land that now houses the town of Stow and developed it for residential use. Settlers organized into a township and became an official city in 1960.

Modern Stow retains its original small-town feeling, despite its close proximity to Cleveland. While the city does not house any museums, the Kent State University Museum and the Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society Museum lie just a short drive away. The Stow Players entertain residents with plays and musical performances, and locals come together for annual events such as the Fourth of July Parade and Scarecrows on the Plaza.

The dining scene in Stow features a healthy mix of American and international cuisines, and locals enjoy everything from fresh sushi to Midwestern comfort food. Though the city hosts few fine dining options, residents have no trouble finding cheap eats. Restaurants scatter throughout Stow, with higher concentrations along Darrow Road, Highway 59 and Fishcreek Road.

Warm up with a huge bowl of wonton soup and an order of coconut chicken at Phoenix Express, a low-key Asian restaurant. For a lighter meal, try the Godzilla Roll or the Out of Control Roll and finish with delicate green tea ice cream.

Locals love the friendly service and classic Mediterranean food at Ceedo's Eatery on Bridgewater Parkway. Don't be put off by the simple decor — authentic dishes, such as the lamb burger and hummus, win over diners on the first bite. When you're in a hurry, the restaurant offers food to go.

Tip Top Restaurant & Catering caters to locals looking for a traditional diner experience, with classic American favorites in hearty portions. While the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, locals particularly relish the breakfasts, which are available all day long. Don't be put off by the sheer length of the menus: it's all good, and the staff helps you pick the ideal options for you every time.

Due to its small size and relatively rural location, Stow does not provide many nightlife options. Enjoy a casual game of pool and a cheap beer at Brubaker's Pub on Bridgewater Parkway — make sure to bring quarters for the jukebox. For a more upscale evening, enjoy a glass of merlot on the wraparound porch at Cellar 59. This homey bar, which is located inside a renovated farmhouse, has a limited food menu and hosts the occasional live band.

Most residents of Stow get around by car. Some residential areas provide sidewalks for safe walking, but most points of interest sit too far apart to make the city walkable. Bike lanes are few and far between; for the safest biking and walking in town, use the car-free Bike and Hike Trail. Call ahead if you need a cab or book a car through Uber's smartphone app.

Two public bus lines, routes 103 and 51 of the Akron Metro system, run through Stow; they provide convenient connections to downtown Akron and other suburbs, but aren't particularly useful for getting around Stow itself. No public transportation lines link Stow and Cleveland.

If you prefer to drive, you can take advantage of the free parking spots on the street and around local businesses. Highway 8 lies less than five miles from most points in Stow, so you can get on the road quickly.

Stow houses 10 different free parks, each offering green space and family-friendly amenities. Bring the kids to Oregon Trail Park to play on the expansive playground, or go for a dip in the lake at Meadowbrook Lake Neighborhood Park. If you're in the mood for a workout, go out for a run or a casual walk on the path at Heather Hills Neighborhood Park.

At Silver Springs Park, children of all abilities can use the S.O.A.R. Boundless Playground. In late August, locals come out en masse to the Stow Summer Sunset Blast. The two-day event includes carnival games, food stalls, live bands and a grand finale fireworks show. Local pet owners visit the park's Bow Wow Beach to let their dogs run free in the off-leash area and swim in the lake.

The cost of living in Stow is higher than the citywide averages for both Cleveland and Akron. Housing and transportation prices drive up Stow's costs. A rental unit in the city goes for an average of $792. Beer prices at local bars rarely exceed $5 per pint, and a one-way bus ticket into downtown Akron costs $1.25. If you own a car, expect to pay about 10 percent less for gas than the national average.

Residents of Stow do most of their shopping at the city's major retail outlets, which include Kohl's, Macy's and Big Lots. You'll find convenient collections of stores at the Graham Road Plaza Shopping Center and the Towne Center Plaza Shopping Center. Pick up a reasonably priced mountain bike or cycling shirt at the family-owned Marty's Bike Shop on Kent Road, or opt for a high-end triathlon bike at Eddy's Bike Shop on Darrow Road. Local parents keep up with their growing kids by shopping at The Growing Years, a consignment store that sells gently used children's clothing in excellent condition. Shoppers can also choose from a selection of toys and handmade items.

Several Ohio mainstays meet Stow residents' grocery shopping needs, including Walmart, Giant Eagle and Marc's. If you're looking for inexpensive produce and a friendly neighborhood feeling, pop by Acme Food and Pharmacy on Kent Road. Kirbie's Family Meats & Catering sells custom cuts of meat and hard-to-find items such as duck and mussels. Save time in the kitchen by stocking up on pre-stuffed pork chops and marinated cuts of meat. From June through October, locals enjoy Saturday morning visits to the Stow Community Farmers Market, where Ohio growers sell everything from fresh spinach to homemade bread.