At least a quarter of a million people visit the National Football League Hall of Fame Museum every year, but while they are in Canton, more and more reasons are emerging to extend their visit. The Gervasi Vineyard is a gorgeous property with lodging, restaurants and event spaces. The Canton Food Tour gives visitors a chance to savor great cuisine while learning about town history. The National First Ladies’ Library and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum educate visitors about the contributions of important Americans. And, the public art scattered around the city adds to the beauty and fun of visiting. Let’s take a look at each attraction.
1. Pro Football Hall of Fame draws thousands
Consistently ranked in the top ten of Ohio’s most popular attractions, the Pro Football Hall of Fame continues to draw thousands of yearly visitors and is undergoing a major expansion. The Hall of Fame has been dubbed “the most inspiring place on earth.” If you are a fan of the National Football League, then that is likely to be very true. Any fan can nominate any player or coach to the Hall of Fame, as long as they have been retired from active playing or coaching for at least five years. Once all of the nominations are in, a very tedious and careful scrutiny and evaluation begins with only the most significant contributors to professional football making the final cut.
Inside the museum, visitors are treated to state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays chronicling the history of professional football and its many players and coaches to emerge since November 12, 1892, when a member of a football team was paid $500 to play the game. Those who follow a particular U.S. team will enjoy finding all of the references to that team as they tour.
A favorite area of many visitors showcases replicas of Super Bowl rings won by the yearly champions. The players are generally huge, and so are their rings.
The museum is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the admission prices are the same year-round with the exception of Enshrinement Week. Visitors between the ages of 13-64 pay 25 USD with discounts for senior adults and those 12 and under.
2. Gervasi Vineyard for exceptional dining, lodging, and surroundings
Gervasi Vineyard produces exceptional wines and allows visitors to tour and taste while on their grounds, but the 55 acres (22.26 hectares) comprising the property are also beautifully maintained making it a wonderful venue for weddings and parties of all kinds.
The Bistro offers Italian fare in an Old World setting. The Crush House is less formal but every bit as delicious with an impressively full bar menu, and the Piazza is the most casual of the three with walk-up ordering. Executive Chef Jerry Risner oversees the menus and the culinary staff for all three plus the extensive catering that is done on-site.
Guests may choose to spend one or more nights in this lovely setting. They may decide to book the entire 2200 square feet (204.4 square meters) farmhouse which sleeps seven or eight, or an individual suite in one of the six Italian-themed villas. The decor of the villas mimics that of Tuscany, and the amenities are plush and plentiful.
The Gervasi website maintains a full calendar of events offered to the public, including culinary classes and the fall harvest where guests may participate in grape stomping and many other fun activities.
3. Foodies taste and learn Canton's history
Canton Food Tours are increasing in popularity among locals and visitors alike. For a set price, a guest is treated to small meals at each of four different restaurants during the course of an evening. The chefs and owners use these tours as an opportunity to introduce diners to some of their specialties, and in-between eateries, a tour guide offers a walking history lesson through several blocks of downtown Canton. Buildings, events and people of historical significance are described in colorful details. At the end of the tour, your palate will be satisfied and your knowledge expanded.
Van tours can also be arranged if walking is difficult.
Tours are offered from April to November each year. Afternoon tours are 58 USD per person, and evening tours are 63 USD per person.
4. National First Ladies' Library houses inspiring collection
The idea for a First Ladies’ Library was launched in 1994 and really began to become a reality when then First Lady Hillary Clinton agreed to be the honorary co-chairperson. The Saxton McKinley House became the home of the library, and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter cut the official ribbon in June of 1998. The house was, in fact, the family home of Ida McKinley, wife of President William McKinley. After they were married, they lived in the house during his years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The library’s website contains a wealth of educational and biographical material pertaining to each of the U.S. First Ladies from Melania Trump back to Martha Washington.
Not only are wives of United States Presidents recognized and honored here in Canton, but there is also a portion dedicated to other women who have been “firsts” in their field, under the banner of First Ladies Salute First Women. Kathryn Sullivan, first American woman to walk in space, and Madeleine Albright, first woman U.S. Secretary of State, are just a few examples.
The former City National Bank Building has been incorporated into this project and now serves as the Education and Research Center.
5. William McKinley's Presidential Library and Museum, a proud monument for Canton natives
Former U.S. President William McKinley wasn’t born in Canton, Ohio, but he moved there as a young man to set up his law practice and married the daughter of a local banker. Residents are happy to claim him as one of their own and tirelessly campaigned to have his presidential library and memorial located in Canton. McKinley was elected the 25th President of the United States in 1896 and served until he was assassinated near the beginning of his second term in office. McKinley and his wife are buried at the memorial.
Visitors may walk the grounds for free, but the memorial is only open April 1 - November 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum and library are open year-round, seven days a week, and the adult admission price is 10 USD per person.
6. Public art showcases Canton creativity
Downtown Canton has an array of public art displays from painted murals to sculptures and vinyl installations of iconic photo collages. Most of these can be found within the blocks designated as the Canton Arts District. Even the trash containers have been highlighted and brightened with whimsical art by eighteen local artists.
A project now underway will showcase the “11 Greatest Moments in Pro Football History.” Michael Clapper’s sculpture “Birth of the NFL (National Football League)” is at the corner of Cleveland Avenue Southwest and Second Street in front of the Frank T. Bow Building. The project is at the halfway point, and other art contributions with the NFL theme can be seen within walking distance of the sculpture.
Visitors will also pass many impressive architectural examples as they stroll the downtown streets.
Delightful surprises are plentiful in Canton
Avid fans of professional football may come to Canton for the sole reason of visiting the Hall of Fame, but they will quickly see that Canton is worthy of a longer stay. Food lovers and wine connoisseurs will be happily satisfied. History buffs, particularly those interested in United States history, will find much to explore. Anyone who appreciates efforts to make a city interesting, entertaining and appealing will like what they find in Canton. Be sure to explore Canton’s website to find other attractions, outdoor activities, and shopping locations.
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