After your Future Flash Day experience, keep the excitement going with a visit to Downtown Kent!
Day or night, you'll find eclectic shops, unique eateries, beautiful parks, live music and endless events! With so much to do and see, it's no wonder Kent was named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine. Plus, participating businesses are offering special promotions just for admitted students and their families.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, coffee, something sweet, or a unique souvenir, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to mention “Future Flash Day” to take advantage of some exclusive offers!
RESTAURANTS
1. If you’re hungry and in Kent, you’ve got to go to Ray’s Place: When anyone from Kent thinks of Kent, they think of Ray’s. Serving mouth-watering American staples from burgers to beer, and from wings to wraps, Ray’s has served the Kent community for well over 75 years. Parents can enjoy their wide beer and wine selection as well as their colorful cocktail menu.
2. Dig in to some comfort food at Alley Mac: This family-owned restaurant nestled in Acorn Alley! Indulge in one of their specialty mac n' cheese dishes with braised short ribs, poblanos, chorizo, pickled jalapenos and so much more. If you are in the mood for something other than mac n’ cheese, they also offer pierogies, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Then, top it all of with some of their delicious ice cream!
Alley Mac is offering your choice of discount on Future Flash Days:
- 15% off any specialty or build-your-own mac n' cheese
- One free scoop of ice cream with any purchase
- Alley burger, side of mac and can of soda for $13
- Free side of mac with any sandwich purchase
3. Grab a meal to remember at Mike’s Place: Considered by some to be the most eccentric restaurant in Kent, Mike’s Place is an experience within itself! As their decor is complete with a castle tower, a Star Wars X-Wing and even a boat, their menu is even more eye-catching. Mike's Place offers just about everything, from breakfast to wings, and burgers to pizza, everyone in the family will find something to enjoy!
Additional Future Flash Day Promotions:
Bell Tower Brewing Co. – Free side of fries with purchase
Daisy Pops Cake Pops – BOGO free per person (family included)
Erie Street Kitchen – One free appetizer per group
Scribbles Coffee Company – $1 off total order or a free 8oz cup of coffee
Nineteen10 Restaurant and Lounge – 10% off your check (excludes alcohol)
Laziza – 10% off your check
SHOPS AND GIFTS
1. Show off your Kent State pride at Kent Sportswear: A newer addition to Downtown Kent, Kent Sportswear is your one stop shop for all KSU and Kent, Ohio apparel and gifts. Owned by Kent State alumni, this store offers tees, hoodies, jackets, hats, mugs, stickers and more, all designed and printed locally.
2. Find your fit at Branded in Kent: If you love vintage clothing, this is the place for you! Featuring styles from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, you can find a wide variety of unique clothing and accessories to have you turning heads on campus. Inventory is freshly hand-selected with new additions every week to keep you going back for more!
3. Unleash your inner child in Off the Wagon: For the kid in all of us! As their tagline of “Weird, Funny, Gag Gifts” describes, you can spend hours discovering something new or entertaining in this store. Featuring an eclectic collection of rubber chickens, finger puppets, edible crickets and more, you will also find adorable plushies, novelty toys, pins, books and games. Mention you're there for Future Flash Day and receive a free Kent, Ohio pencil (no purchase necessary – limit one per person).
MUST-SEE!
1. Visit the May 4 Visitors Center: Take a moment to revisit history in the May 4 Visitors Center or follow the guided walking tour around Taylor Hall. This tour includes seven marker panels featuring pictures, maps and descriptions of events that transpired. There is also an option to view a video documentary and listen to audio accompanying the tour.
2. Catch a show at the Kent Stage: Nightlife in Kent starts at the Kent Stage! This Kent staple hosts over 150 concerts a year, while also hosting film nights and festivals, so chances are, there will be a show to attend after your Future Flash Day! Parents can also partake in their full service bar.
3. Walk or Bike the Portage Hike and Bike Trail: This beautiful trail stretches over a dozen miles long and can be found alongside the Cuyahoga River in Downtown Kent. The trail traverses Franklin Mills Riveredge Park where you can typically find the people of Kent enjoying a picnic or relaxing on the green. Heading south from Franklin Mills Riveredge Park will take you to John Brown Tannery Park, the location of Crooked River Adventures, where you can rent a kayak or canoe in the summer!
Want to learn more about Downtown Kent and discover all that this vibrant community has to offer? Visit our Explore Kent webpage!