This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There’s more to Canton than Belden Village Mall and The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Spend a day downtown exploring, eating, learning and drinking.
Breakfast at the Twisted Citrus
The first stop must be breakfast at Twisted Citrus- An Urban Daytime Eatery. Start your day off right with a unique and delicious breakfast at this trendy bistro-style restaurant.
The yellow, green, orange and yellow décor make for a cheery atmosphere and compliment the eclectic menu.
At Twisted Citrus, you’ll find traditional breakfast foods with a twist, along with some off-the-wall offerings.
The most popular meal is breakfast tacos- flour tortillas filled with chorizo, eggs, potatoes, guacamole, pico de gallo and cheese.
They offer several versions of eggs benedict, called “benny’s,” on the menu that include chorizo, sriacha hollandaise, corn cakes and asparagus.
They also serve several types of pancakes and even serve a French toast dish called “fat Elvis French toast.” It’s French toast made from fresh banana bread stuffed with peanut butter and bacon.
While the food is the main attraction at Twisted Citrus, the breakfast cocktails provide the ultimate twist. Enjoy your meal with a mimosa, a white wine sangria or make your own bloody Mary at the bloody Mary bar.
Twisted Citrus is located at 1649 N. Main St in North Canton and is open Tuesday-Saturday 7:30-2:00pm and Sundays from 7:30-2:30.
View the full menu at http://thetwistedcitrus.com/
The William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
Spend a few hours learning about our 25th president, William McKinley. McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio but moved to Canton as a young man and considered it his hometown. The museum grounds also include the McKinley Memorial, the President’s final resting spot after his assassination in 1901.
McKinley led the country to victory in the Spanish-American War and secured the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Phillipines as part of the peace settlement. He also annexed Hawaii in 1898 and passed the Gold Standard Act of 1900.
The flourishing economy during his presidency made him very popular with most Americans, although his legacy was quickly over-shadowed by his successor and vice president, Theodore Roosevelt.
McKinley’s possessions are on display in rooms that reconstruct life in the late 19th century. The museum also features a planetarium, a science center, an exhibit showing the history of Stark county and replica of a 1901 Canton city street.
The museum is open 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:00pm on Sundays. Admission is $10.00 for adults.
The Historic Canton Palace Theatre
Next, attend an afternoon play, movie or concert at the historic Canton Palace Theatre. It’s worth a visit just to see the stunning Spanish/Moorish-influenced architecture in the 1500 seat auditorium. The theatre, which opened in 1926, was a gift to the city from Harry Harper Ink, a local entrepreneur.
The theatre closed in the 1970’s as downtown Canton experienced a period of decline. The building was saved literally in the nick of time from demolition, when the Canton Jaycees purchased it.
Austrian architect John Eberson designed the Theatre, with the goal of replicating a Spanish courtyard on a summer evening. The ceiling is painted to resemble a starry night, and the original cloud machine still creates wisps of steam that create a dream-like atmosphere.
The Theatre has an “ornate columned proscenium arch” over its stage, an intricate fly system for the stage curtains and theatrical backdrops, eleven dressing rooms, a chorus room, a musician’s lounge, a music room, one shower room, and an orchestra pit with seating for eighteen musicians. The Palace Theatre also boasts the largest movie screen in Canton. The silver screen is 21 feet high by 46 feet wide.
Over the years, the theatre has been restored to its former grandeur and now hosts more than 300 events per year. Comedy shows, plays, concerts, corporate events, first run movies and film festivals are held in the historic site, which is now the cornerstone of the Canton Arts District.
For events and show times, visit https://cantonpalacetheatre.org/calendar/
Gervasi Vineyard
The last stop on your day trip in Canton is Gervasi Vineyard, at 1700 East 55th Street, for some pre-dinner cocktails, wine tasting and then dinner.
Gervasi Vineyard isn’t just a winery, it’s a winery resort. The 55 acre property is home to 5 acres of rolling vineyards, 3 restaurants, a winery, a distillery, a boutique hotel, cottages and a farm house.
We won’t blame you if you momentarily forget that you’re still in Canton and not in Tuscany when you step into The Still House for a cocktail. The church-like exterior was inspired by the St. Gervasio church in Denno, Italy. But this version houses a swanky cocktail lounge and cigar lounge , along side the confessional booth and church pews.
After your cocktail, head over to The Crush House for a wine tasting. Tastings range from $6.50 to $9.75 and include different combinations of dry and sweet wine.
Gervasi offers an Italian collection of wines produced from grapes grown on small family-run wineries in Italy. These 10 varietals are sourced from the wine producing regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Venato and represent the best of classic Italian wines.
Their estate grown wines include sweet dessert wines, crisp whites and dry reds. Their newest wine, Solera, is a red blend 10 years in the making. For an off- dry white, be sure to try the award-winning Pinot Grigio, Lucello.
Once you’ve finished tasting, it’s time for dinner. You have 2 restaurants to choose from. The Crush House offers casual dining options like soup, salad, sandwiches and contemporary American entrees.
The Bistro serves upscale, rustic Italian fare in a renovated barn. Whichever option you choose, the food will be fresh, locally sourced and incredible.
Visit Gervasi’s website for hours, menus and events.
As you can see, Canton offers some unique cultural and culinary experiences. For a multi-day trip, you can add visits to the Professional Football Hall of Fame and Stadium, The National First Ladies’ Library and Historic Site and the Canton Museum of Art.
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the amazing places to visit when you’ve lived somewhere all your life. For even more ideas, including places to stay and eat, visit the Stark County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website here.