Hey everyone! So I hope everyone is doing well. I have to say that another week has flown by for me. However it was definitely a busy one. From the start of my job from last year, working in the Advancement Office as a Phone-A-Thon Caller on Monday, to the job fair on Wednesday, it seemed like I was never in my dorm room (which I’m sure my roommates will contest is true). Add to that several projects, and RHA meetings, and my first actual test in my Business Ethics class and you have a jammed packed week. By Friday (tomorrow) I will hopefully feel truly accomplished as I have kept up on my homework (with this blog being the exception) and will hopefully have a weekend to simply relax and catch up with everyone.

Well enough about me… let me tell you about my secret treasures that I discovered this past weekend. As many of you know, it was fall family weekend here at Walsh last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. My parents unfortunately had to miss out on a majority of the events that were offered but made it down on Sunday for a special mass on campus, and spent the entire afternoon with me. WELL before all this took place, I decided that instead of the same old routine parent visit…that I would take this visit from them to another level. I was aware that North Canton, and Stark County in general had a lot to offer. I mean what is it?? Like 365 restaurants in Belden…I’m sure you could eat at a different one for an entire year and another restaurant would pop up before you were done. I decided I would break the mold a bit, and brought them to a local Mom and Pop restaurant that I had been taken for a Campus Ministry Appreciation dinner last semester. The name of this little Italian Restaurant was Mama Guzzardi’s restaurant, and it reminded me so much of a local restaurant back home that my family and I enjoy—The Crows Nest in Ashtabula, OH. Anyways the restaurant was a big hit. BUT WAIT! THERES MORE!!

Like I said before and in my previous blog, I was all about breaking the mold of a typical family visit. On a usual visit it would probably go something like…dinner, maybe the store, and then I would be dropped off and we would say our goodbyes. Not this time. After we left the restaurant we headed to the McKinley Monument. Now I had an idea of this historical site, but never knew how well taken care of the entire grounds were. The day was beautiful and as we got near to the monument we drove through the nearby park which my parents loved, along we went to the breathtaking view of the monument, lit up by the extremely sunny day. My mom insisted that we walk to the top, as she seemed to be working this into her daily exercise, as many around us seemed to have been doing as well. I think we were lapped about 3 times as we walked and others sprint the steps. There had to be a hundred + stairs to climb, but finally we made it to the top! The monument itself from the outside was breathtaking, but once inside I was astonished by the detail and perfection of everything—especially for something being built back in the early 1900’s. The ceilings really caught my eye as they were so tall with a beautiful glass window at the very top. A true tribute to the president and his family, as well as quite an honor to our local area. And to think it’s only about 15 minutes from Walsh!

 

It’s places like this monument and  restaurant that I mentioned that  are guaranteed “great visits” with the parents, along with several other attractions that I’ll list below that are sure to impress them, and make them so proud that you are taking advantage of all that Walsh and the community have to offer.

 

Over the past few years of living on campus and getting to know the city, as well as the many surrounding areas I have found that there is more than enough to keep you busy and entertained. From the many beautiful parks that North Canton, and Canton city have to offer, to the museums, walking/biking/hiking paths—there is truly something for everyone. Here’s a list of my top attractions of Canton—all within walking, or short driving distance of Walsh University. These are just some of my suggestions, and I’m sure you all have some great ones as well! Please feel free to let me know of your favorite places—I can update this and keep a complete list that’s available for whenever someone says “there’s nothing to do around here!!” First off, if you’re saying that and go to Walsh, you probably have not left your room…or forgot to check your email…not too worry, in the moment it took for me to type this blog, you have probably already been invited to 10 different events happening on campus J  

List of my favorite things to do when I’m away from the WU:

·         Go for a walk through the Hoover Trails– and on into downtown North Canton—this time of year if perfect for a nice walk/run/bike as the leaves begin to change and fall, it’s truly a great way to relax after a long day.

·          Go to the park on West Maple—a great park and recreation center with a walking track, picnic grounds, basketball, and volleyball net, what more could you ask for to take a picnic lunch and just enjoy the day with friends or family.

·         The Toe Path—hiking and mountain biking trails—honestly can’t say that I’ve ever been here, but I’ve heard so many things about it, that I’ve added it to my list. Definitely will be going soon!

·         Hoover Historical Center—which many of you probably are not aware still has tours. I know I didn’t until this past year when I walked through it while working on their internet wiring for the IS department. A truly interesting museum and historical site.

·         The McKinley Monument, Museum, and Presidential Library—as explained above, you can’t go wrong with this visit.

·         The Football Hall of Fame—home of Walsh University Cavalier Football—so much to do for all ages of your family, a great visit during sibs’ weekend, or even better a free football game that your family will love!

·         And how could I forget food (I mean I think about it every other minute)—well where do I begin, my personal favorites are Papa Bears, Macaroni Grille, Mama Guzzardi’s, and a family favorite Pileggi’s Italian Cafe

·         The Canton Classic Car Museum—Dad will love this one!

·         Canton Museum of Art

·         The Harry London Chocolate company—I heard they give free samples??!!

·         And what mom would not appreciate a trip to the National First Ladies Society??

 

Well there you have it—some of my top picks!! I hope this will keep you busy for a little while, and perhaps even score you some brownie points from the ‘rents when they come down for your first visit to find that you have an afternoon agenda ready for them!

 

Hope you all have a great weekend! I’m off to Student Government! Catch you later!

 

Take care,

Chris Burr