I'm from Akron, but I've approached from the north. You can get off Rt. 8 at 303, turn west (right), left on Akron-Peninsula Road, left on Northampton, and right on Kent State Drive. This will take you to the Blossom driveway.
As mentioned, sometimes Kent State Drive isn't open, but Northampton will take you to Steels Corners. Turn right, and you're almost there.
I'd still plan on leaving really early. I'd leave Cleveland no later than 5, myself. I've actually left Akron at 5:30 and not gotten there until 7:30 just because of traffic back ups.