Throughout the past three years that I have lived in Kent, I have grown quite fond of the city. Over the years I have learned that summers in Kent are simply the best. Once final exams are done, many students pack up and go back home for the summer. This leaves Kent much calmer and relaxing.
Walking on campus is extremely peaceful, and you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a bike or getting stuck behind a herd of slow walkers. Everything is so green and beautiful that it feels almost serene. Summers in Kent have definitely given me a new appreciation for how beautiful Kent State’s campus really is.
Not only is the campus full of beauty, the town is too! You realize that Kent is called "the original tree city" for a reason. The trees that line the streets finally have leaves and give the town quaint feeling. The Portage Hike and Bike Trail, which runs through Kent, is so calm and tranquil in the summer, you tend to forget you’re in the middle of a busy town. You can also float or boat down the Cuyahoga River, which is amazing on a hot lazy day. There is truly never a lack of fun outdoor activities in Kent during the summer.
I am lucky to live in downtown Kent. This means that I get to experience the hustle and bustle of the town, and I am close to all of the shops and restaurants. Kent hosts multiple festivals during the summer, which are generally held right downtown. There is the Main Street Kent Art and Wine Festival, which is on June 4 this year, and the Kent heritage festival on July 2. On Saturdays, the Haymaker Farmer’s Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Haymaker Bridge downtown, which is perfect for picking up fresh produce and flowers.
The bar scene in Kent is also a lot more mellow than during the school year, which is a nice change. Everyone seems to know each other and the vibe is much more relaxed and easygoing. It's also nice that you can utilize the outdoor patios when it gets warm out!
Another nice thing about staying in Kent, particularly if you are a student, is not having to wait for an elliptical or treadmill at the rec. The rec center totally clears out and you rarely have to wait for any kind of machine. The hours may be cut down, but it’s still worth it!
A big perk about staying in Kent for the summer is the lack of traffic! I’m not saying there is never any congestion, but it is nothing compared to the school year. This obviously stems from students going home and a small amount of classes being taught on campus. Nevertheless, it’s a nice break from the normal traffic.
So there you have it. Kent is simply amazing in the summer. The atmosphere is much different than any other time of the year. It's a fun, but mellow time of the year. I feel truly lucky to have experienced the city and its beauty during the summer for the past three years. If you are not living in Kent over summer, you should still try and visit at least once! Then you'll understand why it's so wonderful.
