Each distinct neighborhood retains much of its Old World cultural background, tradition often blends with new restaurants, festivals and unique shops. And, outside of the city and its inner ring suburbs there remain a number of small historic towns built in the early nineteenth century when Northeast Ohio was a frontier town known as the Western Reserve.
Downtown
It is hard to imagine many places in the world having undergone the type of facelift Cleveland has seen over the past 15 years or so. From the dirty, damp and dingy steel town of the early 1980s has emerged a shiny new lakeside spectacle. A skyline once filled with smokestacks (and smoke) now boasts glowing towers, shiny stadiums and a host of modern museums and shopping centers. Jacobs Field, Quicken Loans Arena and Cleveland Browns Stadium, along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Great Lakes Science Center, are the architectural and cultural creations that define downtown’s rebirth. The Key Tower a skyscraper built since the mid-1980’s, joins the 70-year-old Terminal Tower to give Cleveland a skyline that reflects both its history and its future. With Playhouse Square and its multiple venues just a stone’s throw from Public Square, the downtown area will never leave its residents with wanting something to do.
West Side Neighborhoods
Lorain Avenue
www.discoverlorainave.com
Lorain Avenue is a major commercial thoroughfare through Cleveland’s West Side connecting Ohio City, Lorain Station Antique District, Little Arabia and Kamm’s Corners neighborhoods. It boasts an eclectic mix of historic landmarks, food and flea markets, churches, ethnic restaurants and pubs and more than 30 antique shops.
Ohio City
www.ohiocity.com
A little-known fact about this ethnically diverse area is that it once nearly went to war with Cleveland over the Cuyahoga River. The so called “Battle of the Bridge” was settled, and the two sides eventually made peace. Ohio City has since become an integral part of the city, if not Cleveland’s most charming and historical district. Birthplace of football legend John Heismann, the Ohio City neighborhood, just across the Cuyahoga River from downtown, is known for its ethnically diverse population and the magnificent West Side Market anchoring Market Square. A city landmark since 1912, the market is one of the country’s largest and boasts a variety of fresh foods and ethnic specialties from more than 180 vendors. Across the street, The Open Air in Market Square Street Fair features live music, a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and takes place every Saturday afternoon during the summer. Take a stroll through this charming Victorian era neighborhood originally settled by Cleveland’s German and Irish population ñ and discover fashionable contemporary eateries, funky shops and an influx of new housing enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance. Another not-to-miss neighborhood favorite includes the famous Great Lakes Brewery, known for its quality award-winning craft beer.
Tremont
If there is such thing as a south side of Cleveland (and it is only “if” because with the suburban sprawl going on it seems as if the southern border is ever-changing), it is Tremont. Located about five miles from Lake Erie, directly south of downtown, Tremont is an amalgamation of Mediterranean ethnic groups, with an emphasis on Greek. The Tremont area treats you to some of the best views of downtown Cleveland and the Flats area. Tremont’s newest residential influx are young urban professionals and artists lured by the area’s eclectic surroundings. Tremont has one of the largest concentrations of architecturally notable churches in the country. Stemming off of Lincoln Park in all directions, you’ll find art galleries and shops. The Tremont Artwalk is held the second Friday of every month. The Taste of Tremont is held every September with an excellent sampling of the art and cuisine of Tremont.
Detroit-Shoreway
www.dscdo.org
The Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood is located just one mile west of downtown on Lake Erie. Gordon Square is emerging as the vibrant commercial center of the neighborhood along Detroit Avenue with arts and retail institutions like the Cleveland Public Theater, antique shops, and cafés. The neighborhood also includes the Franklin Boulevard and West Clinton National Register Historic Districts.
Edgewater
On the edge of the near west side of Cleveland the Edgewater community is best known for the popular Edgewater State Park, which overlooks Lake Erie and offers visitors hiking and biking trails, picnic spots and fishing piers.
Kamm’s Corners
www.kammscorners.com
A neighborhood on the Western edge of the city named after the late 19th century settler, Oswald Kamm, has a long and distinguished history as one of Cleveland’s most desirable and vital neighborhoods. Located west of the city, Kamm’s Corners offers a suburban lifestyle combined with easy access to downtown Cleveland. Kamm’s Corners features a variety of homes from luxurious to affordable, and has great outdoor recreation with municipal parks and Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. Kamm’s Corners continues to be a thriving neighborhood for Irish Americans today.
East Side Neighborhoods
St. Clair Superior
www.stclairsuperior.org
Just east of downtown and a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie, this area is home to more than 23 nationalities, including Asians, African-and Caribbean-Americans, Eastern Europeans and Hispanics. Its commercial district is dotted with ethnic specialty restaurants, shops and markets, including Cleveland’s “Chinatown.” Highlights include popular restaurants and Asia Plaza, offering an authentic Chinese market experience.
Glenville
Named for its shady, thick glens, Glenville began in the 1880s as a fashionable summer resort for the wealthy families of Cleveland. Today, visitors can still glimpse the area’s scenic beauty as they stroll through Rockefeller Park’s Cultural Gardens or the City of Cleveland Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. With a predominantly African American population, Glenville is characterized by a strong sense of community and is an example of urban housing renewal as well as commercial development and redevelopment.
Hough
Located just west of University Circle, the Hough neighborhood is a symbol of rehabilitation and revitalization. Originally settled in 1799, Hough grew into an area for prominent citizens in the 1880s and then for the middle-class in the 1920s. From 1891 to 1946, the neighborhood featured League Park, the first home of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Buckeyes (Negro League). Today, the area features new and renovated homes, shopping and, more importantly, an improved quality of life for the neighborhood’s residents.
Slavic Village
www.slavicvillage.org
A neighborhood of Old World service and charm, Slavic Village was first settled by Polish and Czech immigrants. Today, it’s a unique blend of Eastern European ethnic shops and eateries. Located Southeast of downtown, this neighborhood is linked to the Metroparks Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation near the intersection of E.55th Street and Broadway Avenue. Experience arts, crafts, keilbasa and more at the Slavic Village Harvest Festival held every August.
University Circle
www.universitycircle.org
University Circle is an extraordinary cultural, medical and educational district centered around the prestigious Case Western Reserve University. This enclave is about 4Ω miles east of downtown and is a haven for museum-goers, as well as those looking for quaint shops and cozy eateries. Home to no fewer than nine museums, including Cleveland Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Society Western Reserve Historical Society, the neighborhood has an almost Smithsonian feel. The Cleveland Botanical Gardens features an impressive glasshouse complete with two amazing ecosystems and lots of butterflies. Take a walk up Martin Luther King Boulevard through Rockefeller Park. Drop in for a foreign film at the acclaimed Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art or a performance by the Cleveland Orchestra in their lavish winter home, Severance Hall. On the way, you’ll pass by the deconstructionist architectural marvel by Frank Gehry, the Peter B. Lewis Building on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. Rest at Glidden House an exquisite 60-room bed & breakfast located in the heart of University Circle. This 1910 mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Little Italy
www.littleitalyredevelopment.org
Just up the road from University Circle is Little Italy, one of the city’s best-known and geographically distinct neighborhoods. You do not have to be Leonardo to figure out what this neighborhood has to offer. Also known as Murray Hill, most denizens prefer the more quaint title, which reflects the area’s culture. First settled in the late 19th century by skilled Italian artisans, Little Italy, also known as Murray Hill, has retained much of its Old World charm. The area is home to a blend of art galleries and shops, offering a wide variety of crafts, paintings and sculptures. Murray Hill Artwalks are held the first weekends of June, October and December. As its name might suggest, The Feast of the Assumption is a weeklong street festival in August that begins with a traditional religious procession by the parishioners of Holy Rosary Church.
Cedar Fairmount
www.cedarfairmount.org
Cedar Fairmount is located at the intersection Cedar Road – the East Side’s major commercial avenue ó and Fairmount Boulevard, one of the East Side’s most distinguished residential boulevards. This district is well known for its beautiful historic Tudor-style buildings. During the day, enjoy the unique shops and cafés. In the evening, enjoy sophisticated entertainment like jazz shows, martini bars or a game of billiards.
Coventry Village
www.coventryvillage.org
Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights has an atmosphere all its own, retaining the counterculture atmosphere that made it a magnet for Bohemians in the 1960s and 70s. The heart of Coventry Village offers a truly original shopping experience with an eclectic assortment of boutiques featuring everything from retro clothing and toys to offbeat music stores.
Shaker Square
www.visitshakersquare.com
Shaker Square, the oldest shopping area in Ohio, is an excellent place for discerning visitors looking for unique merchandise, a broad choice of restaurants, and a six screen cinema with independent and mainstream films. Saturday mornings starting in April, locally grown produce is available during the Farmer Markets and Cleveland’s only outdoor antiques show is held in June. Stroll one block north to Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland’s Art and Antique district, is home to more than 40 primarily locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and services that create a unique urban shopping experience. Two light-rail Rapid Transit lines stop at the Square offering fast transportation to and from downtown Cleveland, the waterfront and Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
Chagrin Falls
www.chagrinfalls.net
Located astride the scenic ìHigh Falls” of the Chagrin River, about 18 miles east of Downtown Cleveland, Chagrin Falls was first settled in the mid-19th century by New Englanders eager to exploit the commercial potential of the falls and river. Today, this village of 4,500 boasts a blend of 19th century appeal and 20th century sophistication, making it a popular destination for area residents
Hudson
www.ci.hudson.oh.us
Hudson is a traditional Western Reserve town with a century old clock tower that has been rejuvenated with boutique shopping and bistro dining in its attractive downtown First and Main development. Before Western Reserve College moved to University Circle to later merge with Case Institute of Technology, it was located in historic Hudson. The beautiful campus dates from 1826 and remains in use as prestigious prep school.
Oberlin
www.oberlin.org
Oberlin’s historical importance extends beyond Northeast Ohio. Oberlin College, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts schools founded in 1833, became the first institute of higher learning to admit African Americans and women. The college and community were also instrumental in the Underground Railroad in the 1860s. You will find a number of heritage sites, restaurants and shops downtown. Oberlin College’s prestigious Music Conservatory gives many public performances throughout the year.
Peninsula
www.explorepeninsula.com
The hamlet of Peninsula is located in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley between Cleveland and Akron. It developed in the nineteenth century as an important commercial center on the Ohio-Erie Canal. You will enjoy the park like atmosphere of the downtown district that includes numerous recreational opportunities that exist like a scenic railroad, hiking, biking and golf.
Vermilion
www.vermilionohio.com
This historic whitewash harbor town on the shores of Lake Erie is reminiscent of a quaint New England fishing village. The charming atmosphere, bed and breakfasts, soda fountain, Czech and French restaurants, beaches and marinas are big draws.
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