Off The Beaten Path: Stan Hywet Hall And Gardens

After a filling lunch, we were ready to explore Akron and our first stop was the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, which is Akron’s first and largest National Historic Landmark, and is also the nation’s 6th largest historic home to F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

The Estate includes five historic buildings and eight historic gardens on 70 acres of land. 95% of the collection at the Manor is original, so you can admire the time period pieces and see what elegance was like back then, up close and personal. Don’t touch though! There is a reason why everything is in pristine condition. Photography and video are also not allowed inside, so this is the only photo you will see from the outside, but what a gorgeous Manor!

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
 All photos by: Melissa Arditti

Some kind lady offered to take a picture of myself and my parents though, as we arrived.

We were fortunate enough though to get a “Guided House Tour” that day. I would suggest going with an interpreter, as opposed to a self-guided tour because you really get a full experience where you can ask questions along the way. Every room tells its own unique story and our tour guide, Ruth, surely knew a lot. Of course, she has been volunteering for many years, so she was a pleasure to listen to the stories and learn more about what it was like to have a life like the Seiberlings.

Sadly we were not able to go to the lush gardens that people have raved about due to Mother Nature’s wrath being particularly fussy that day, but as we climbed the stairs and saw the view from the windows, WOW…breath-taking. As we were leaving, a wedding group arrived (in some cultures, rain on your wedding day is good luck) and so if you’re looking to find that perfect place to get married in Akron, this is surely the one. Book well in advance though, as this destination is sought-out by brides-to-be.

The Seiberlings worked very hard for everything they had and you can see while viewing the website’s photos that no small detail was ever over-looked, everything was exactly how the family envisioned their home to be. It is a real treat that they have graciously opened up their home to the public and continue to honour their family motto “Non Nobis Solum” or “Not for Us Alone”

We were also told about an upcoming weekend event from Sept 19-21st called Concours d’Elegance that brings tons of people to the area. If you’re a car aficionado, hold your breath because you’ll get to see 160 rare, invitation-only automobiles and enjoy the epitome of fine living by experiencing high tea and much more. I think I want to go back now. I am not really into cars, but I have always wanted to engage in a high tea afternoon. Where’s my invite? :)

For more information, visit the website.