Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Tree stockings

You may ask, why does a tree trunk need a stocking?

The only person who may know the full answer to that question is the artist and creator, Carol Hummel.

Hummel designed a beautiful art form which has literally taken each neighborhood she has adorned by storm.

Hummel actualized her 'Tree Cozy' project back in 2005 in Cleveland Heights. The way it was explained to me: "femininity and comfort" protecting the tree.

I think of it two-fold, at least.

You not only beautify a neighborhood using an interesting art form, but the artist uses this outlet to formulate their innermost thoughts and feelings and then put them on display for the public to see.

These tree sweaters began showing up in the Larchmere Blvd neighborhood over the last month or so and they have really made an impact and a difference in this already eclectic area.

Larchmere has become one of the most up and coming neighborhoods in Cleveland with its art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, specialty stores, fabulous restaurants, and so much more.

Now, the colorful sweaters adorning the trees symbolize the diversity and distinctiveness of this community.

If you have not seen via photograph or live in person one of these tree sweaters, keep your eyes to the tree trunks and parking meters as you travel thru the Cleveland Heights and Larchmere areas...and you too will see why I've made Carol Hummel's tree stockings this week's Hidden Gem!

For more information on the artist, Carol Hummel, CLICK HERE.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Larchmere Porchfest

If you are hankering for some good music, you'll want to head over to the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood between 2:00p.m. and 9:00p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009.

For one day only, dozens of area porches will be transformed into "center stage."

Some of the best local musicians will perform their music.

Whether you are into pop, rock, Indie rock, or some other genre, you're bound to find something you can groove to and enjoy.

The idea comes from a similar event which takes place in the Fallcreek neighborhood of Ithaca, New York.

This is a great opportunity to get out, meet new people, hear great LIVE music for FREE, and certainly learn about the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood, if you are not familiar.

Larchmere consists of dozens and dozens of art galleries, restaurants, specialty shops, antique and book stores.

At least 20 bands will be performing at various locations between 2:00p.m. and 6:00p.m.--including residents' front porches!

The party shifts to Shaker Square at 6:00p.m. where bands will continue their jam session.

And then, if you are still raring to go, the 'after party' continues at Boulevard Blue on Larchmere beginning at 9:00p.m.

A one-day only event in the eclectic Larchmere neighborhood you sure won't want to miss.

If you venture out to this excitingly popular section of Cleveland, you too, will see why the Larchmere Porchfest is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Flying Cranes Cafe + Catering

Chocolate cake to die for....

Pretty much everything in this eatery gets the two thumbs up including the service and hospitality.

Just one of the dozens and dozens of restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries giving the Larchmere/Shaker Square neighborhood it's unique, distinguishing charm!

I initially went into Flying Cranes in search of a chocolate cupcake. Mom, who is not even a chocolate fan, was craving a chocolate cupcake. I ventured inside and have been a regular customer ever since.

A quaint cafe where you can either take out or sit there and eat on site. Their menu expanse for such a small renovated storefront ranges from rice and noodle dishes to soups, sandwiches, salads, croissants, quiches, homemade desserts & pastries and then a whole bevy of beverages including a wide range of delicious teas (mango!), cappuccino, latte, espresso and coffee...they have delicious and affordable Sunday brunch items as well. But I've just touched the surface...

Their homemade fare, mostly based on Japanese and American dishes, keeps customers coming back for more. Kayoko Irie-Frye opened Flying Cranes back in the end of 2007 with her husband Bill Frye.

They cater just about any function you desire. They service special party needs. They take reservations for 'High Tea.'

And to top it off, they have the most beautiful flower garden cafe that opens this time of year thru mid-fall.

Their attention to detail amazes me. The first time I ordered take-out dessert (the chocolate cake, lemon square and key lime square), I was fascinated at how each dessert had been placed at the beginning of the day on delicate, ornate glassware in the refrigerated display counter. No paper plates, no pastry piled on top of one another. But, more impressive was how the owner slipped on her rubber gloves to cleanly transfer the pastry from the glass plate to my take-out box. Something I will always remember.

If you find yourself anywhere near the historical Larchmere Boulevard, maybe on a Saturday morning for their tremendous farmer's market, please make a point to stop into Flying Cranes which is located at 13006 Larchmere. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday, hours vary. Their phone number is 216.795.1033.

Just one sampling of their taunting fare will convince you why Flying Cranes is this week's Hidden Gem!! Bon Appetite!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Busy Bookmobile

I drove by a most interesting site the other day which peaked my curiosity: An ornately decorated school bus parked outside of A Cultural Exchange on Larchmere near Shaker Square. I've actually driven by it a handful of times, each time, wanting for more information.

I did some digging, looked up A Cultural Exchange on the internet, and made contact.

A Cultural Exchange Vice President, Lloyd "Punch" McHamm, says the Busy Bookmobile is alive and well, and 'definitely in service and on the move!'

McHamm went on to say that 'the Busy Bookmobile was the brainchild of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Deborah McHamm. It was her vision and is in support of our mission to provide access to literature for all of Greater Cleveland's Children.'

It appears to be quite a success as they have trips planned throughout the 2008-2009 school year.

The Busy Bookmobile came to fruition during former Mayor Jane Campbell's tenure in office. The concept came to life back in 2003 in conjunction with the Leadership Cleveland class. From there, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners and Mayor Jane Campbell made the leap of faith and launched this program.

The Busy Bookmobile travels around to area schools, various community events, churches, parks, recreation centers, and basically ANYWHERE they have a very captive audience of young ones!

McHamm said, 'We especially like to go where children have the least access to books, i.e. neighborhoods where libraries are not present, children's hospitals, transitional housing, etc.'

The program catapults past the traditional traveling bookmobile programs by giving the children access not only to books but also to other multimedia equipment and activities. Artists and teachers travel with the bus to educate children, allow them to participate in workshops, and even perform for the kids. They want to show the young ones that learning and reading CAN BE FUN!!!!

When kids and their parents board the bus, it is as if they are transformed into another world. Once inside, the adventurers' unlock their imaginations and travel to places they've always wanted to visit!

In today's times, where the common goal is to give our children the best education possible and easy access to learning, the Busy Bookmobile is forging ahead at this mission.

A Cultural Exchange welcomes support from anyone willing and able to lend a helping hand. They are always looking for interested donors willing to make contributions which go toward administrative costs, staffing issues, today's high cost of fuel, and just keeping this program alive!

If you'd like to learn more about this program or how YOU can help, you can call A Cultural Exchange at 216.229.8300 for more details.

Hop on their website or give them a call, and you too, will see why I have chosen the Busy Bookmobile as this week's Hidden Gem!