48th annual Ohio Mart, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Nonmember tickets $9 adults, $2 youth. Manor House self-guided tours are available at an additional charge to nonmembers: $6 adults, $3 youth. (330-836-5533, 888-836-5533, www.stanhywet.org/events/ohio-mart) This is a great chance to soak up some of that fall sunshine before it’s gone for the next 10 months. Stan Hywet will showcase 120 artists and exhibitors all selling their wares. Returning this year is the Stitchery Showcase, a judged display of 300 needlework pieces presented by the Stan Hywet Needlework Guild. There will be plenty for the kids to do at the Children’s Tent, the giant animal habitats exhibit and the truly awesome interactive Playgarden. Seriously, I am kicking myself for waiting until the end of summer to check it out. And if that doesn’t wear out the wee ones, let them run free on the grounds! There is a lot of garden to cover. Meanwhile, I’ll see you in line for the hot gingerbread.
“The Universe at Large,” 1 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Hoover-Price Planetarium at the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Planetarium shows are included in museum admission price: $9 adults, $8 seniors 60 and older, $7 children ages 3-18 (2 and younger free). Children must be 5 or older to attend a show. (330-455-7043, www.mckinleymuseum.org/hoover_price_planetarium) Because it just sounds cool. Have a stellar time observing the current night sky while more than 60 projectors show the aurora, meteor shower, an asteroid, panorama of downtown Canton, clouds, snow, phases of the moon and dozens of constellations.
Mom-in-Chief, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; guided tours 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through Jan. 9 at the Education & Research Center of the National First Ladies’ Library/First Ladies’ National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S., Canton. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children under 18; price includes admission to the Saxton McKinley House. (330-452-0876 www.firstladies.org) “My most important title is still ‘mom-in-chief.’ My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the center of my world,” said first lady Michelle Obama. Your family can learn about the first family at this exhibit that looks at motherhood in the most public eye: the White House. Still, it would be neat to travel by motorcade when carting a minivan full of kids to soccer practice.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, various times throughout the day Wednesdays-Sundays. The train departs Rockside Station in Independence and travels south to Akron and back throughout the day. Passengers can get off, then back on at any of the stations the next time the train passes. $18, $13 children 3-12, under 3 free riding on an adult’s lap. (330-439-5708, 800-468-4070, www.cvsr.com/) Enjoy the beauty of the changing fall foliage while someone else drives. If you are really feeling adventurous, choose the Bike, Hike or Run Aboard option. Cyclists, hikers and runners can ride, hike and run on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and take the train back. Check website for times and prices. Two cool items of note: You can download the free CVSR app to see exactly where the train is and even purchase tickets. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one at shops near the trail.
The Great Pumpkin Carve, 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Beech Creek Gardens, formerly Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance. Free. (330-829-7050, www.beechcreekgardens.org/) Beech Creek supplies the pumpkins; you prepare, design and carve them. Bring your ideas or use one of the design templates provided. Carving tools will be provided as well or you can bring your own. Carved pumpkins will be kept at the gardens and on display every night during Spooky Science, so come back and visit them from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18.