Akron, Ohio is known as a city of “firsts,” which include the first balloon tires, first automobile tires made in the United States, first U.S. toy company and first artificial fish bait made. Akron is located on the Little Cuyahoga River, and was once the heart of the nation's rubber industry. Its many manufactures range from fishing tackle to plastics, missiles, rubber, and heavy machinery.

The city is home to the University of Akron, the Institute of Rubber Research, an art institute, a music center, and a symphony orchestra. Of note is a giant air dock for blimps—one of the world's largest buildings without inner supports. The American Marble and Toy Museum is a definite must-see attraction. The John S. Knight Center is a state-of-the-art exhibition, convention center, and banquet hall, which is located in the center of downtown.

Each summer Akron hosts the All American Soap Box Derby. Children from across the country race their homemade, gravity-powered racecars down a steep hill. The Summit County Fair is another annual event in Akron.