Exploring Akron

by Kaylah Stroup

Last Saturday Jeff and I had plans to make a real nice lunch together, and get lots of work done. I just had to run a few errands first. About thirty minutes after he left my apartment I get a text “How are your errands going? FYI You, Jason, and I are going down to Akron when you’re ready.” Well, that was a change of plans but I didn’t mind. The cold weather has me feeling blue so any time I get the chance to get out and take photos I’m jumping on it! I hadn’t even left the house to start my errands yet. Instead I layered up, packed up my camera gear, and shortly after we were off!

In case you’re not from Ohio, or even the US* – Akron is the next large-ish city over from where I live. It’s approximately a forty-five minute drive away and I’ve probably only been there a handful of times. There’s not quite as much as abandonment there as in Cleveland but that wasn’t all we were looking for. Put simply, we were just looking for something new. Jeff actually grew up right outside Akron so nothing is all that new for him but it’s at least a little bit less familiar than our surrounding area. We were out looking for tracks to walks, tunnels to explore, and anything worthy of a photograph.

Jeff telling us a story about a time he was frightened by a plastic bag in this same spot.

After walking the tracks for a while I was ready for something a bit more protected from the weather. I realize that it doesn’t actually look that cold out which is exactly why this winter is so depressing. It looks like it’s nice out, the sun might even be shining but as soon as you step outside you get smacked with reality. It’s freezing!

Jeff knew of an abandoned factory that we might be able to get. After a quick drive, a short walk, and use of some muscles I’d realize the next day that I apparently hadn’t used in a while we were inside.

There wasn’t much left in the factory at all, and, to be honest, I feel a little rusty shooting abandoned buildings. The whole time we were in there I just felt like I was shooting horribly. I was having trouble composing photos. When I got around to editing them the next day I was decently surprised with what I got. I wish I would have taken more photos!

peeling paint, abandonedabandonedpeeling paint, abandoned factory

After making our way out of the factory we were all ready for some grub. Something local, something kind of quick so we could get back out before it got too late. Jeff suggested Diamond Deli which… I don’t even have words for. Their website says their goal is to “make damn good sandwiches” which they are definitely doing. I don’t recall what I even ate except for the fact it had some sort of mustard/mayo combo on it which was just awesome. I truly regret not bringing my camera in so I could have a photo of my sandwich for this post.

We drove around a bit more after gorging ourselves, and spent some time around the tracks shooting photos of trains before eventually calling it a night. All in all, a successful day!
xoxo

* Sometimes people name cities in their posts but it literally means nothing to me because I have no idea where that place is, how far of a trip it is for them, etc. Just thought including a little reference there would be helpful!

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18 comments

Alexandra January 21, 2016 - 2:35 pm

Akron! I worked in Akron for almost 5 years at a design firm – I actually did a logo/menu for the Diamond Deli and we got paid in sandwiches 🙂 As always your posts make me wish I had taken advantage of more Ohio delights when I had the chance. I still miss Glendale Cemetery!

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:11 pm

Really!? What a small world!

Well whenever you come visit, you're more than welcome to hang with us! 🙂

Hils January 21, 2016 - 4:35 pm

I moved to Kansas City from Akron in October and I miss it so much already 🙁 Was this in south Akron? I used to work down there and the walk from work to the transit center was full of cool old buildings.

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:12 pm

I honestly have no idea.

prettythoughtful January 21, 2016 - 7:32 pm

Lovely – old buildings make me feel a little sad, especially when the tiles are crumbling. I don't know why, maybe because I feel like buildings are alive… I need to seek help, I know! The picture with the reflection is a dream, though! – Sam

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:13 pm

Hehe! I guess I get it to an extent!

Joan January 21, 2016 - 7:46 pm

I like your city disclaimer. 😉 I'm a born & bred Ohioan, but I feel like I'm always finding new cities in the state! Love your abandoned photography, and apparently series (I'm new to your blog so I'll be looking at them!).

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:13 pm

Thank you so much, Joan! 😀

Elif January 21, 2016 - 8:15 pm

I wish I could join your group (if you'd have me of course) and explore these places with you but I'm more than 3000 miles away. It's always fun to explore through your images though <3

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:14 pm

🙂

elycia January 21, 2016 - 10:33 pm

Tell Jeff that I got really scared by a plastic bag once too. I was walking past a forest near my house and out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw someone standing at the edge of the woods with a pair of underwear on their head. Nope, plastic bag caught in a tree.

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:14 pm

Hahahahahaha. Oh my god. Elycia! Why in the world would they have underwear on their head!?

elycia January 22, 2016 - 10:39 pm

I have no idea why they would have underwear on their head…that's why it was extra terrifying! I jumped and gasped before I realized what was really going on.

Sarah Albertson January 22, 2016 - 2:17 am

I just love overgrown train tracks! And the factory looks so neat. Love that peeling paint. It always looks so nice and warm here during the winter, bright sunlight and cloudless skies.. But then you step outside dressed for spring and it's like 20 degrees! SO deceptive.

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:15 pm

Me too! It's so crazy to see trees growing up through the tracks.

Lauren January 22, 2016 - 6:19 am

abandoned buildings are so fascinating! these photos look so good.

Kaylah January 22, 2016 - 1:15 pm

Thanks, Lauren! 🙂

Jessica Cvelbar January 22, 2016 - 6:41 pm

I'm glad you had fun exploring our neck of the woods. If you are at the Diamond Deli that is definitely downtown. We love living in the historic Highland Square area, so much to do and see at our fingertips.

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