Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

This week's Hidden Gem: Larchmere Festival

As you can see folks, Hidden Gems has been on a short hiatus, sort of...

Summer vacations, traveling, breaking sports news, and such have made me stray from this feature for the time being.

Don't worry, it's not gone for good. It's summertime!

Cleveland's known for its abundance of summer festivals, carnivals, outdoor events, concerts, patios, and non-stop festivities which run all summer long! I love this city!

Definitely NOT lacking the perfect accompanying weather. It's been FLA North!

One of the most amazing festivals this month has been the Larchmere Festival.

If you have not ventured over to Larchmere/Shaker Square in a while, it's a must.

You are sure to find a restaurant and type of food tantalizing to your taste in this neighborhood.

Every Saturday morning, the Farmer's Market.

Unique stores, antiques, collectibles, galleries, movie theatres, and anything else you crave can be found in this historical neighborhood.

The Larchmere Festival rocked! Set up nearly the stretch of North Moreland to East 121st Street, vendors lined both sides of the street wall to wall selling their creations.

Vendors came from far and near. Even if they did not have a shop on Larchmere, they made their way to the Boulevard clamoring for attention from Ohio and beyond.

The charm began for me from the get go.

I walked to the festival and stopped by an old-fashioned lemonade stand put on by 2 adorable little neighborhood girls. Oh, the days when we used to set up our stands --we sold lemonade and one year we sold ice cream floats! Because we made the most complex ice cream concoction, we actually lost money, but it was delish!

Not even on the BLVD, you could hear the live musical acts lining the street.....food vendors also sporadically placed for the hungry shoppers.

You greeted everyone you saw, even if you did not know them and saw so many friends and neighbors along the way.

The sellers peddled anything and everything from porch swings to handmade jewelry, Beatles plates, porcelain figurines, shoes, drawings, wood crafted articles, furniture, religious items, record albums and cd's, and anything else you could imagine.

This already vibrant area had its heart beating right out of its chest.

There was also a special wine tasting session which ran for most of the day, if you were into that delicacy.

Most restaurants up and down Larchmere have some type of patio in front or out back. The Flying Cranes has one of the most beautiful flower gardens you could ever see. Won't want to miss it!

Simply put, a fulfilling and quite amazing day with no one going home disappointed.

If you've not been to this area before or in a while, a must!

Keep your eyes on the calendar for any events which take place in this area including next year's Larchmere Festival and Porchfest! Always a treat, always a hit never to be missed!

Please, don't take my word for it. Expand your horizons this summer and head over to Larchmere Boulevard while the days are long, the heat is on, the patios are open, and the drinks flowing to experience for yourself while the Larchmere Festival is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Lake Erie Islands

The more I travel this great land (it sounds like I am about to bust into a scene from Yankee Doodle Dandy!!), I realize how lucky we have it here in Ohio. From the rich history to the diverse landscape, to all of the fun events to experience year round.

Don't get me wrong, I love traveling the globe and have been to some amazing places including Paris, Venezuela, Aruba...the list is endless!

But there is nothing like standing on Hidden Gem Beach at Catawba in the dark of night viewing shooting star after shooting star.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet up with some very dear friends over the weekend.

We met in Catawba and popped over to Put-in-Bay on Sunday.

I believe I've stated this before and re-stated it for my friends: I could not live somewhere not attached to a body of water.

All of the Islands have their own special charm: Kelleys Island, Middle Bass, South Bass, Put-in-Bay...there are other smaller islands not quite developed that carry the same ambiance.

This weekend was the annual 'Christmas in July' on Put-in-Bay. The entire experience was a hoot. That's not the reason we went over there but an added bonus!

We boarded the Ferry at Catawba Point. Before we left, we saw a snake just minding his own business. Once on board, you can stay downstairs and take the chance you will get drenched by the waves in motion or go upstairs to enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the view (as well as the humor factor of watching the travelers below get pounded with water).

As we were approaching the island, a plane flew directly over us. What a vision.

Once on Put-in-Bay, the options endless. You can visit the caves, winery, monuments, fishery, multitude of stores and restaurants, beach, marina, miniature golf, go-karts, etc....and the 'way' to visit all of these places is just as exciting --via golf cart, bike, moped, trolley, car, boat or on foot.

What an exhilarating day. The weather perfect! Could not have asked for better weather to take in the sights, spend quality time with friends and enjoy a nice meal on the island.

Every store or restaurant decorated accordingly with the "Christmas in July" theme though it was in the 80's! There was a boat parade and a land parade. The land parade featured a whole slew of old, historic vehicles leading the way to the guest of honor, Santa Claus & his entourage

Kimberly's Carousel all decked out for the holiday as well as piping out everyone's favorite Christmas tunes the little children could sing along to as they circled around and around.

At nightfall, the sky totally different from the city sky, which is usually clogged with pollution and lights galore.

On the contrary, the Catawba sky pitch black. We were able to locate the big dipper, the little dipper and witnessed shooting star after shooting star. Make a wish!

Whether or not you are the 'outdoorsy type' or not, there is quite a lot to do and enjoy on the Lake Erie Islands. If you have not had the Island experience yet, I strongly suggest you make the trip. Take the Ferry to the Island of your choice and, you too, will experience first hand why the Lake Erie Islands are this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Cain Park


Cain Park is celebrating their 70th anniversary season. They opened back in 1938 and have been going strong ever since!

For those of you who have not been to Cain Park, it's an amazing place with much to do and much to see.

The complex, not far from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Cleveland is surrounded by beautiful forestry in the midst of Mother Nature's backyard!

This venue is a wonderful place to see a musical performance. There is not a bad seat in the pavilion area, and frankly, not a bad seat on the lawn. You can pack a picnic, set on the lawn under the stars, and listen to some great live music!

Cain Park attracts some great acts. This year they have the likes of Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Michelle Shocked, Bo Bice, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Stanley Clark, Roger McGuinn & John Sebastian, and many more....

Over the years, I've seen some great performances by Boz Skaggs, America, Chuck Mangione, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Jethro Tull and George Benson.

Usually, the performers enjoy taking some time afterward to sign autographs, take pictures and meet their fans.


If theatre is more your speed, there is something for you too!

The Evans Amphitheater is used to showcase the classic, Broadway Musical.

The Alma Theater is a bit more intimate where newer, off-broadway shows are produced along with the Alma Cabaret Series.

A must event each summer is the annual Arts Festival, which this year, will run from July 11th thru the 13th. Their Art Festival is actually one of the most popular in the country! Along with the outstanding art on display, there is live music, concerts and other events for the kids, and delicious cuisine for patrons to taste.

The Cain Park Complex is nestled in the area where Superior and Lee Roads come together.

Kids have fun all year long. When winter hits, the kids come out in force to sled down the famous Cain Park hill!

Cain Park relies heavily on their volunteers who host the events, act as ushers, ticket takers or whatever is necessary. They also count on support from the community and business sponsors for their existence.

You just have to make one visit to see all Cain Park has to offer and you will fall in love with the area and keep going back for more! Then you will see why Cain Park is this week's Hidden Gem!