Parker House/Inn circa 1920s,  Lucinda Parker is standing in front (photo courtesy of Larry Perkins).

Parker’s Inn stood on the river’s west bank where the Hudson Drive Bridge now crosses the river. It was a very popular attraction and served meals and liquor along with lodging until 1926, when it closed forever.

In 1826 William Wetmore Jr., erected a building on the northwest corner of Front and Portage Streets for a dwelling house and store. It was used until 1828, when the stock of goods was moved to the building across the street (southwest corner) that was later occupied by the Cuyahoga Falls Reporter. The original building was then converted into a hotel, its first proprietor was Benjamin F. Hopkins, followed by Ezra B. Morgan, S. A. Childs, Ira Loomis, Henry Cooke, A. W. Hall under the title of the “American House,” and then by John F. Perry and John B Perry as the “Perry House,” and then Mr. George Marvin made improvements and had additions put on and changed its name to “Clifford Inn“.

Cuyahoga Falls had a restaurant, called Spindler’s Inn, that was known throughout Ohio for the famous chicken dinners they served family style. It was located on Hudson Drive at the corner of Melvin where the United Presbyterian Church now stands. Folks came from Cleveland and points south for the man-sized meals, particularly the chicken dinners with homemade noodles, and the fish and frog legs. The Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs held their luncheon meetings there until it was closed in 1943  because of the owner’s health. – 175 Cuyahoga Falls Anniversary Book

After the repeal of the 18th Amendment prohibiting the sale of liquor, bars seemed to spring up all over Front Street.  But unlike the saloons, most bars included restaurants and women were permitted. The State Road area was also beginning to build up with restaurants, dairy stores, gas stations and drive-in restaurants.

Cuyahoga Falls had a restaurant, the Canteen, that was noted in Northeast Ohio and brought people from the Cleveland area as well as Akron. Located on State Road at Grant Street, this restaurant was later taken over by the Anthe Brothers and retained its popularity until it burned down in 1963.

1956 Photo of The State Road Inn located at 1529 State Rd

Town & County Motel

Chesterfield Hotel

Tommy’s Cafe