With winter winding down, it’s time to get out and have some springtime fun. Liberty Commons in Merriman Valley has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing night out for dinner, biking/hiking the nearby trails, or a fun day out shopping. Liberty Commons is the place.

If you’re looking for a nice bite to eat or a drink, the Valley has a great variety from Saffron Patch in the Valley, offering authentic Indian flair, to the Merchant Tavern and its sister brewery the Towpath Distillery, serving up high-end drinks and food for your tasting pleasure. If you’re looking for a more adventurous time, The Basement offers a multitude of events like trivia night, Singo (the musical bingo), or musical performances. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia or something more kid-friendly, Quarter Up Bar Arcade offers fun for all the younger ones and has a nice cut-off time for adults looking to have a great night out. 

If you’re looking to shop, Merriman Valley has you covered, from an auction house to specialty shops and thrift shops. For those who are looking for a thrifty day of shopping, Happy Tails is a great local charity-based thrift shop that benefits the local animal shelter with each sale. They are always getting new and interesting stock for you to check out. This spring, they’re running a boutique sale on handbags from March 28-April 10. They will be having a $10 VIP preview sale on March 28 with all the proceeds benefiting rescue animals awaiting adoption. The collection of specialty shops in the Merriman Valley area is tailored to your every want, from Momma’s Rocks, which sells rocks, crystals, and gemstones, to JAC Games, selling all your tabletop and card game needs.

If you’re feeling up for adding a bit of educational entertainment to the mix, you can always sign up for classes in the arts at the Akron ArtWorks, which has both adult and child-friendly classes so that anyone can learn a new craft. If you’re more interested in the performing side of the arts, however, you can always audition for a show at the Weathervane Playhouse, which has upcoming auditions for Newsies starting March 14-16. This doesn’t mean you need to audition— you can always go to a show there! They currently have two shows on the schedule— The Color Purple and Clue. As the year goes on, the Blossom Music Center will also start having a variety of shows for any and all music fans to enjoy.

With the Liberty Commons being nestled within a Valley surrounded by nature, you also have a wide variety of hiking trails, biking, and parks nearby to wind down from your weekly stress. So no matter what your interests are, there’s going to be something for you in Merriman Valley.