Best of Kent 2019

Winner: Beckwith’s Orchard

If you love traveling to apple orchards in the fall, you won’t have to travel far.

For those who are itching to visit and tour an apple ochard, Beckwith Orchards is a seven-minute drive from the university’s main campus. The family-owned farm market has operated in Kent for more than 125 years.

The farm market opens in August and sells apples, peaches, nectarines and pumpkins. Visitors can also go to the gift shop to buy candles and locally grown honey and maple syrup.

The orchard has a bakery where customers can buy pies and other treats.

Best of Kent voters described the place to be “so cute in the fall” and a “family favorite” area.

Second Place: The Kent Stage

In the mood to watch “The Rocky Horror Show” around Halloween? You can take a trip to downtown Kent and check out The Kent Stage.

Originally started in 1927 as a silent movie theater, the theater is known to bring in acts to people of all tastes.

Those who attend The Kent Stage love the place for its history and memories. Some Best of Kent voters claim the stage brings interesting talent. 

“No one else brings world class talent,” one voter wrote. 

If you’re ever in the mood for music or comedy, this is the place to be.

Third Place: Towner’s Wood

When the weather’s nice and you’re in the mood to take a stroll in 234 acres of nature, Towner’s Woods is a quiet place to exercise and contemplate.

Not much is known about the history of the park, but that doesn’t stop Towner’s Woods from being the place to go for lakeside hiking despite its aura of mystery.

“We love to walk my dog there,” one voter wrote. “It’s always so quiet.”

Other voters described the place as “peaceful.”