Macedonia: The crossroads of Northeast Ohio | Community Spotlight
Macedonia’s name was born from an inside joke among theology students at Western Reserve College in Hudson. Back in the early 1800s, when they traveled to preach in the new settlement, they would recruit fellow students to join them by repeating a Biblical passage: “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” The name stuck.
But Macedonia’s original name — “The Corners” — would have been just as appropriate, because Macedonia is down the corner from everything. It’s dead center between Cleveland and Akron, and strategically positioned between Interstates 271 and 480 and state Routes 8 and 82. The city even registered a motto with the state, billing itself as “The crossroads of Northeast Ohio.”
Location
Macedonia is on Summit County’s northern border, adjacent to Twinsburg city and township, Hudson, Northfield, Northfield Center Township and Sagamore Hills Township.
Attractions
Please note: As the area recovers from the COVID pandemic, many businesses are altering their hours of operation. Be aware that the information reported in this list may change.
• Fun ‘n’ Stuff is a year-round amusement park at 661 Highland Road. Spend a day with friends or family, or plan a birthday party, fundraiser or corporate event. Attractions include indoor activities like laser tag, crazy cars, roller skating and rock wall climbing, and outdoor activities like go-karts, bumper boats and batting cages. Hours change with the season. Learn more at fun-n-stuff.com.
• The 300-acre Longwood Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the state. Cast a line from the fishing pier overlooking a stocked lake, explore miles of hiking trails, or plan a family picnic. The park has three open-air pavilions, four ballfields, and a historic Tudor revival home, The Longwood Manor House. Enter the park at 1566 E. Aurora Road.
• Windmill Golf Center, 1511 E. Aurora Road, is a 25-acre practice/training facility with 25 heated and covered driving range bays and grass tees capable of handling 100 players. There are also chipping greens with sand traps, putting greens, and golf lessons available for youths and adults. Open seven days a week. Visit windmillgolfcenter.com for more information.
• At Blue Willow Lounge, try the burgers, wings, pierogies, or the Friday fish specials. The restaurant, a local favorite since 1986, also has an outdoor patio, pool table, darts, a mini-bowling machine, and scheduled trivia nights and live music. Learn more at bluewillowlounge.com or visit it at 9862 S. Freeway Drive.
• The Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Road, is a 56,000-square-foot facility that offers swimming, meeting rooms and fitness programs from youth sports to Silver Sneakers. Learn more about memberships and planned activities at macrec.com. Daily passes are also available.
• Casa D’Angelo is an old-school Italian kitchen with a full bar and classic menu that includes pasta, seafood and sandwiches. The D’Angelo family has been operating restaurants in Northeast Ohio for more than 30 years. This one at 893 E. Aurora Road is open Monday through Saturday. Find the menu and hours at asadangelo.com.
• The Great Escape is a Midwest chain store of home leisure products, but Macedonia is home to the only one in Summit County. Stroll a showroom full of everything for the home and yard, from pools and grills to bars and game tables. Located at 8163 Golden Link Blvd., you can learn more about the store’s products at shopthegreatescape.com.
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• Harwood Motors, 1333 Highland Road, has specialized in buying and selling vintage automobiles since 1973. From antiques and classics to '50s fins and muscle cars, check out the showroom Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or look over the inventory online at harwoodmotors.com.
• The Rusty Stone offers stone products and gifts for all occasions, including address stones, name stones, memorial stones and pet memorials. Its products are offered by area partner stores, but you can visit 9260 Valley View Road to see the main store and workshop. It’s usually open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Find photos and more info at therustystone.com.
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• Tacos Mexicanos offers authentic Mexican dishes at 223 Highland Road E. Check out its diverse entrees, and add a margarita or beer. Open seven days a week. Check out the menu at tacosmexicanos.net.
• For Japanese fare, try Zuki Sushi House at 899 E. Aurora Road. Comments on Tripadvisor say don’t be deterred by the tiny venue. The restaurant offers big flavor and lots of sushi options, as well as hibachi and teriyaki entrees. Closed Monday. Learn more at facebook.com/zukirestaurant.
• Macedonia Commons, 8210 Macedonia Commons Blvd., offers a collection of nearly 40 stores and restaurants — both local and chain. On the other side of state Route 8, find The Crossings at Golden Link, another plaza with a dozen more eateries and shopping destinations.
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About Macedonia
Founded: First home built in 1824
Population: 12,200
School and mascot: Nordonia Hills City Schools, the Knights
Website: macedonia.oh.us
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Macedonia is the crossroads of Northeast Ohio
