Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast Cleveland, Ohio

Ohio City

Ohio City, incorporated before the City of Cleveland, it officially became part of Cleveland in 1836, but also is known as the Near West Side.  Ohio City has retained its distinctiveness and charm rather than becoming an extension of downtown. It has its own commercial center and unique housing stock. The historic houses throughout Ohio City show a wonderfull array of colors, sizes, shapes and styles.  Ohio City has Franklin Boulevard as its mansion row.  There is much restoration and new construction underway throughout the neighborhood.

  The most notorious of the Franklin Boulevard Mansions is the Franklin Castle, one block west of Stone Gables.  This foreboding building has the distinction of being documented as the most haunted house in Ohio.  The history of the building holds intrigue and mystery of every kind.  It was originally built by Hans Tiedeman.   Historical accounts say the building  was used for  sinister purposes. 

The building is currently being renovated after having  fire damage years ago.

Ohio City is filled with many interesting sites to see.  A must for everyone is the West Side Market.  As one of the largest markets still in existance it houses many vendors who sell homemade sausages, cheeses, pastries, fruits, vegetables, fish, olives, coffees and teas, and even spices.  With the West Side Market as a focal point West 25th Street is teeming other attractions:  Restaurants, Galleries, imported foods stores.  To get a closer idea of what is here another great Ohio City website also has listings of restaurants  and shops around the neighborhood.

Cleveland Walking Tour
One of our friends offers a wonderful walking tour of Ohio City and also of downtown. They now offer van and safari rides throughout the city. Please check it out.

"Back in 1796, when Moses Cleaveland arrived, the south shore of Lake Erie was part of the Western Reserve of Connecticut. The city of Cleveland was incorporated  in 1836.".......

Cleveland Walking Tours

Begin the day with a visit to the West Side Market. This extraordinary building opened in 1912 and is a feast for the eyes and the appetite. With 180 indoor and outdoor stands there is something for everybody. Traverse the aisles of artisan breads, cheeses, applewood smoked meat and spices; grab yourself a crepe and a cup of French roast coffee. From tamales to hummus to perogi and fresh fish, they’ve got it all, and don’t forget the farm fresh fruits and veggies. Be sure to look up at the vaulted ceiling of yellow brick in herringbone pattern. Reinforced by the five great arches, it is quite a sight and truly a Cleveland landmark.

Ohio City and Tremont are just two of Cleveland’s unique neighborhoods Located across the Cuyahoga River west of downtown, they are easy to get to. Ohio City has beautifully restored Victorian-era homes, and some great ethnic food, not to mention the Great Lakes Brewing Company. Tremont is a little more of a hidden hot spot located just off Lincoln Park, where you will find art galleries and quaint shops. The dining here is more upscale including Michael Symon’s restaurant Lolita, and numerous others. The Tremont Art Walk is held the second Friday of every month.

Cleveland is home to a multitude of museums, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,  Great Lakes Science Center,  Museum of Art, or Natural History, just  to name a few. In the mood for a little nostalgia? Tour Ralphies house from” A Christmas Story”. It was filmed right here!

A world of beauty awaits you at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. In the 18,000 sq ft conservatory you can trek across continents from the desert to the lush rainforest with 50 varieties of butterflies. Journey outdoors to one of the many themed gardens, the Rose Garden shows off 50 varieties of Roses or take time for a little respite in the Japanese Garden while the kids play in the Children’s Garden.

Little Italy is the perfect neighborhood for dining and shopping. Have lunch alfresco in one of the many restaurants that offer outdoor dining, but save room for dessert. When in Cleveland you must have a Cannoli from Corbos Bakery. It’s hard to find a better cannoli anywhere. Stroll along Mayfield Rd and neighboring streets to shop the many galleries and boutiques.

While on Mayfield Rd, visit Lake View Cemetery, founded in 1869. It is 285 acres of garden cemetery integrating landscapes with memorial sculpture and architecture. It includes a lovely view of Lake Erie too. Most notable is the Garfield Monument dedicated in 1890 to honor James A Garfield, 20^th President of the United States. The building is spectacular!

Lake Erie is Cleveland’s greatest asset. Take a walk along the shoreline; sit under a shade tree in one of the many parks that border the pleasant blue water, or take a sightseeing boat tour. All are wonderful ways to experience the lake.

The Arcade is another Cleveland landmark that is not to be missed. It opened as the first indoor mall in America in 1890, and was once known as Cleveland’s Crystal Palace. The five-story galleries connect to the ten-story towers facing the city’s two main thoroughfares. The skylight is 300 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 100 feet high boasting 1,800 individual panes of glass.

To get the most from your visit, stay at a local Bed and Breakfast. Your hosts make the best ambassadors to the city. Cleveland offers something for everyone, great food and attractions, art and history, and gorgeous scenery, all located on one Great Lake.

How to Find us!

Driving Directions

From the WEST.   Take I-90 toward Cleveland.  Exit at W.41-W.44th Street (Exit # 169), at the second light turn left on W41st. St..  Stay on W41st. St., it  will merge and turn into Randall, but keep going straight.  It will dead end into Franklin Blvd.  Turn right on Franklin Blvd.  We are at the first intersection on the left.  Go around corner (W.38th St.) left and pull into parking lot.

From the EAST.  Take I-90 or Route 2 west toward Cleveland.  When you get to Cleveland stay on Route 2 (The Shoreway).  You will pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Browns Stadium.  You want the next exit, which exits from the left lane.  Exit at W.28th St.  Turn left.  At the second light (or third intersection) turn right on Franklin Blvd.  Turn right at W. 38th St.  then make an immediate left into the parking lot.

From the AIRPORT or SOUTHWEST.  Take I-71 north toward Cleveland.  Take the 90 west exit, be careful it goes right then splits and you want to go left staying on 90 west.  A bunch of lanes will merge together, start making your way to the right lane.  You want the first exit which is W41-W44th St(Exit #169).  Turn right on West 41st. St.  Stay on W41st. St., it  will merge and turn into Randall, but keep going straight.  It will dead end into Franklin Blvd.  Turn right on Franklin Blvd.  We are at the first intersection on the left.  Go around corner (W.38th St.) left and pull in to parking lot.

From the SOUTH.  Take I-77 north.  Then you have 2 options.

1.  1-77 to 1-90 west. (There is currently construction on the bridge)  Exit at W41-W44th .St.(exit # 169). Turn right on W41st. St.  Stay on W41st. St., it  will merge and turn into Randall, but keep going straight.  It will dead end into Franklin Blvd.  Turn right on Franklin Blvd.  We are at the first intersection on the left.  Go around corner (W.38th St.) left and pull in to parking lot.  (This route will take you through Downtown Cleveland.   EEKS!  )

2.  (My Favorite).  I-77 north to 480 west.  Get off at the first exit which is for Brookpark Rd or 176.  Stay to the left and take 176 north.  You then want I-90 west (toward Toledo).  A bunch of lanes will merge together as you get onto I-90.  Start making your way to the right lane.  You want the first exit #169 which is W41-W44th St..  Turn right on West 41st. St.  Stay on W41st. St., it  will merge and turn into Randall, but keep going straight.  It will dead end into Franklin Blvd.  Turn right on Franklin Blvd.  We are at the first intersection on the left.  Go around corner (W.38th St.) left and pull in to parking lot.