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KentStater

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KentStater

Off The Wagon, located on Acorn Alley.

BOK ’25: Best shopping

Ella Katona, Campus Editor April 1, 2025

FIRST: Off the Wagon Off the Wagon, located in Acorn Alley, offers a unique blend of nostalgic toys, board games and stuffed animals, drawing in customers of all ages. Meg Sahr, the Kent store...

Partygoers wait downtown in long lines to celebrate Fake Patty's.

Kent overflows with green as parties move downtown

John Engoglia, Reporter March 23, 2025

Downtown Kent was a sea of green as hundreds of partygoers packed the streets to celebrate Fake Patty’s Day.  Students, local residents and visitors from other colleges all roamed trying to find...

A&J Ramen in Downtown Kent on Feb. 21, 2025, located on S Depeyster St.

New ramen and boba tea restaurant attracts customers to downtown Kent

Tanner Smith, Beat Reporter February 26, 2025

Ever since A&J Ramen Spot opened its doors on Nov. 4 of last year, it’s been attracting local residents with its large menu and bold flavors.  The new restaurant’s menu offers a variety of...

Acorn Alley and Acorn Plaza held fun winter games for people to play and win free items at the Snow Day event in downtown Kent on Jan. 25,2025.

Main Street Kent transforms downtown for second annual ‘Snow Day’ event

Alyson Garfield and Felicity Scott January 27, 2025

Flocks of people in puffy coats decorated with red cheeks from the wintry air bustled through Main Street Kent on Saturday. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, attendees came out to support their...

Community members visit local businesses in Acorn Alley in Downtown Kent.

Kent businesses struggle downtown

John Engoglia, Reporter November 28, 2024

Downtown Kent features a wide variety of businesses for all to enjoy. With bars, restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores and more, it offers something for everyone.  Yet, it always seems there’s...

Upcycled goods for sale at the store Sun in Leo located in Acorn Alley. Oct. 17, 2024.

Sun in Leo provides low-cost, gender-affirming clothing during Rainbow Weekend

Kayla Gleason, Reporter November 1, 2024

Sun in Leo, a queer-owned store in downtown Kent that sells upcycled clothing and accessories, provided a space for LGBTQ+ vendors during Rainbow Weekend. Justine Gallo, owner of Sun in Leo, hosted...

Downtown Kent comes alive for Halloween weekend

Michael Neenan, Kent Stater TV Reporter October 28, 2024

Downtown Kent celebrated Halloween weekend. By day, vendors from around Northeast Ohio set up shop to sell spooky-themed products. By night, students and alumni flooded the city's bars. Barstool Kent announced...

Make a Difference Day: Lending a helping hand in Portage County

Emilio Hernandez and Michael Neenan October 22, 2024

National Make a Difference Day is an event on the fourth Saturday of October where volunteers across the nation work to make a positive change in the community. This year, Kent State partnered with multiple...

Alley Mac is located in Acorn Alley in downtown Kent.

New mac and cheese focused restaurant opens in downtown Kent

Ana Julia Cechin Facco, Reporter September 6, 2024

Located next to Off the Wagon in Acorn Alley, Alley Mac offers mac and cheese, pierogies, salads and sandwiches all made with fresh ingredients.  The owners, Chuck Crawford and his wife Jessica, got...

Hulk Hogan visited Water Street Tavern on Tuesday to promote his "Real American Beer."

Hulk Hogan visits Water Street Tavern to promote new beer

Michael Neenan, Newscast reporter August 21, 2024

Hulk Hogan visited Water Street Tavern to promote his "Real American Beer" on Tuesday as part of his tour across Ohio. Tori Baliman, Water Street marketing manager, said she enjoyed watching fans show...

Midnight Fairy Jewelry is located in Acorn Alley in downtown Kent.

Midnight Fairy Jewelry brings whimsical shopping experience to downtown Kent

Adriana Gasiewski, Reporter July 25, 2024

When walking into Midnight Fairy Jewelry, the assortment of gold mirrors, comfortable furniture and ethereal jewelry and accessories may catch customers’ eyes. Tasha Kardos, owner of Midnight Fairy...

Sarah, a local in Kent, came to the festival for the first time this year after hearing about it on Main Street Kent's Instagram.

Culture lines the streets of downtown Kent at its annual Art & Wine Festival

Lauren Cohen, Reporter June 1, 2024

Main Street Kent presented its annual Art & Wine Festival Saturday throughout downtown Kent. Held for 16 years with a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the event features music, artists and downtown...