6+ Reasons to Visit Louisville’s Umbrella Alley Ohio This Year
Umbrella Alley is one of Northeast Ohio’s newest attractions. This vibrant art display and community gathering space is located in Louisville, Ohio, just a short distance from Canton. If you’re planning a trip to the Canton area, here’s everything you need to know about this fun outdoor umbrella display!
About Umbrella Alley Ohio
Umbrella Alley is a community display on the main street in Louisville, Ohio, just outside of Canton. This stunning art piece features nearly 200 colorful umbrellas suspended high above the street.
But that’s not the only aspect of it! Umbrella Alley is a place where people can stroll and enjoy some of the city’s most unique and fascinating locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and other attractions.
You can find visitors strolling under the colorful canopy of umbrellas, eating lunch on public benches, or browsing in the one-of-a-kind retail outlets. Umbrella Alley is also an incredibly popular spot for taking pictures, thanks to the beautiful backdrop!
The public art attraction was made in an effort to revitalize downtown Louisville and draw attention to the city’s art scene. There are always art displays in Umbrella Alley, and they might change at any time.
The alley is 20 feet wide and 180 feet long. Since its completion in May 2020, Umbrella Alley has become a popular spot for community events, and it is open throughout the year at no cost to the public.
Other unique features include the brick walls that line the alley. One has been turned into a chalk art wall, which changes regularly. Another features a floral mural. The alley has rainbow-themed tables and chairs that anyone is welcome to use. There are also QR codes posted throughout offering a link to the official Umbrella Alley playlist.
Things to do at Umbrella Alley
Take a Stroll
One of the simplest and best things to do in Umbrella Alley is simply to stroll the colorful streets and enjoy the energy that pours from every door. The bright colors, happy music, and beautiful art displays are bound to get you in a good mood as you go.
Drink a Cup of Coffee
Meet a friend for a cup of coffee at Uptown Joe’s coffee shop in Umbrella Alley and people-watch as you enjoy the beautiful umbrellas floating overhead.
Do Some Shopping
Umbrella Alley is home to some of the most fascinating and fun retail outlets in Louisville. The main street is home to boutiques, thrift stores, clothing outlets, and plenty of places to get a snack. You can even find flowers and jewelry for sale here!
Admire the Art
Umbrella Alley was constructed in partnership with ArtsinStark, a nonprofit art organization. So it should come as no surprise that the street features tons of art displays from local artists! These change throughout the year and there are even live art shows, so you never know what you’ll find.
Enjoy an Outside Lunch
Almost all the restaurants on Umbrella Alley offer to-go options for their food. Visitors are welcome to take their meal to enjoy on one of the alley’s rainbow-colored benches. We bet you’ve never eaten a gourmet meal under 200 umbrellas before.
Attend a Public Event
Umbrella Alley is the host of public events of all kinds! Throughout the year, you’ll find interesting things going on such as family festivals, holiday celebrations, special art events, live music, and much more.
Plan Your Visit
Since Umbrella Alley is filled with great places to eat, it’s perfect for a weekend trip right around lunchtime. Start by taking a stroll through the art displays. You might want to stream the signature playlist or take a few pictures under the colorful “ceiling”.
Enjoy the atmosphere as you browse through the shops to see what treasures you can find. Make sure to stop into one of Umbrella Alley’s top-tier restaurants. If it’s a nice day, make sure to get your lunch to go so you can enjoy it on a colorful bench!
More Things to Do Near Umbrella Alley Ohio
Explore Finders Keepers Country Market
Finders Keepers Country Market is a year-round open-air market right in Louisville. In the summer, you’ll find local goods of all kinds here, including farm-fresh produce, handmade gifts, and more. In the winter, the space transforms into a flea market, so you can continue hunting for treasures.
Get in Touch With Nature at Arrowhead Orchard
Located just outside Louisville in the town of Paris, Arrowhead Orchard is a wonderful place to visit throughout the summer and autumn. This gorgeous fruit orchard offers pick-your-own apples as well as hay rides, a corn maze, and sunflower picking, as well as plenty of other activities.
Relax at Beech Creek Gardens
Louisville’s Beech Creek Gardens are just a short distance from Umbrella Alley and they are well worth the visit! You’ll find everything here from plant displays to educational programs, wildlife rehabilitation, outdoor reading clubs, and more. There are also plenty of special events throughout the year.
Drink Some Local Wine
Located just outside Louisville is Gervasi Vineyard, one of the best vineyards in Northeast Ohio. Here, you can sip locally-made wines in one of the facility’s three eateries. The resort also has three places to stay, each one offering a luxurious getaway with a unique design.
Visit the Canton Museum of Art
The Canton Museum of Art is just a short drive from Louisville. The museum features countless art exhibits with a special emphasis on 20th-century painting and modern ceramics. It’s easy to get lost in the experience as you explore the galleries!
Lodging Near Umbrella Alley
With all the great things to do in Umbrella Alley, Louisville, and nearby Canton Ohio, it makes it the perfect destination for a girlfriends’ getaway or romantic weekend. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay near Umbrella Alley.
Palmantier’s Motel
Palmantier’s is a motel offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Each room is the size of an apartment and features a full kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. The motel is family-owned and features many personal touches such as outdoor grills and a community room.
Purcell Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Northeast Ohio is full of stunning historical inns, and Purcell Mansion Bed and Breakfast should be at the top of your list! This renovated family home dates from 1929. It sits on 13 acres of private gardens, making it one of the most beautiful places to stay near Louisville.
The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor
The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor might just be one of the nicest places to stay in Northeast Ohio! The huge resort includes not only a full hotel, but also a spa, three restaurants, sports courts, pool, and a golf course. If you’re looking for luxury, you can find it here!
Cutty’s Sunset
If you prefer a campground to a hotel, make sure you check out Cutty’s Sunset. This family-friendly campsite is right in Louisville just a short distance from the gateway to Amish Country. The camp is full of clean sites, family-friendly entertainment, and lots of things to do!
Dining Near Umbrella Alley
Milk and Honey Ice Cream and Restaurant
Milk and Honey Ice Cream and Restaurant has been serving up signature scoops since 1962! This family-owned eatery is still one of the most popular places for a casual meal and a cone of ice cream in the Canton area. Specials change regularly, but you can depend on having the classic favorites always available.
UnHitched Brewing Company
UnHitched Brewing Company isn’t just about beer — though they do offer 16 beers on tap. It’s also one of the best spots to get amazing gourmet meals custom designed by the on-site chef. If you’re not a beer drinker, you might enjoy a glass of house wine or a signature cocktail.
Ermanno’s Pizza
Every town needs a place to get a great slice of pizza. In Louisville, that place is Ermanno’s. The joint has been serving up delicious signature pies since they opened their doors in 1968. Since then, Ermanno’s has become a Louisville landmark — one you won’t want to miss.
Scratch Steakhouse and Lounge
Located right on Main Street in Louisville is Scratch Steakhouse and Lounge. This award-winning steakhouse serves up gourmet cuts of meat along with cocktails, wine and beer, and other delicious dishes. It’s a meal you won’t want to miss.
Linger Longer in Louisville Ohio
Louisville Ohio’s Umbrella Alley might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical world when you visit. This bright alley is a haven for music, great food, art, and best of all, community.