Almost frozen in time, Medina, Ohio is the perfect getaway just south of Cleveland. Luckily for locals and visitors alike, it’s just south of the snow belt, meaning commuting around the city is pleasant and easy almost year-round. With stunning architecture, local shopping and a quieter pace of life, a visit to the Medina is an adventure-free experience. Pack just enough snacks on the road to keep you satisfied…you’ll need to keep your appetite for the area’s fantastic restaurants!
When it comes to the hidden gems of Northeast Ohio, Medina is a community worth writing home about. When the community was founded in 1818, early settlers wanted to pay homage to their New England roots. As a result, they immediately created Village Green. Today, the Medina’s Historic Square has blossomed around the green space in the city center. Although an early fire transformed the community and introduced locals to the magnificent brick facades that now line the streets in the historic district, an old-school New England atmosphere still permeates the town. Its atmosphere, ironically, shaped the personalities of many famous figures, from Amos Ives Ruth Ryan Matthew Dunn.
When going to Medina Square, you will most likely exit State Route 18 if you take I-71 or I-77. If yes, then you definitely need to stop by. Medina Antique Mall. With 52,000 square feet of space, you can truly spend most of the day in this one place. Its various shelves are filled with treasures ranging from ancient to antique. You never know what you’ll find here! However, if the floors are hard, you will have to choose your shoes carefully. The wrong shoes will make you feel tired before you even get to town!
Whatever you choose, make sure it is suitable for hiking too. This area is served by the Medina County Park District, and Lake Medina tucked away just north of Highway 18. It once provided water for local residents, but these days the 100-acre lake is simply a beautiful place for hiking. It’s almost never busy so you can have the whole area to yourself! Its hiking trails are surprisingly extensive, making it easy to spend a few hours immersed in nature.
From Medina Lake you will only travel a short distance on State Route 18. You’ll need to turn south onto Smith Road, which will help you avoid traffic and the occasional Sunday drivers who seem to like to drive slowly from traffic light to traffic light. On Smith Road you will find Sweets and geeks. Part candy store, part collectible store, part toy store, this is one of those unique local businesses that has something for everyone. This is a great stop if you’re looking for nostalgic and hard-to-find sweets, but there are also modern delights like dehydrated candies. You might want to set a budget for this place…they have so much food and merchandise it’s easy to go crazy!
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While you are in the southern part of the city, you can stop by here. Books and oddities about a black cat before you visit the square. This cool local bookstore occupies two full rooms and stocks classics, contemporary titles, and local authors. In addition to the stocked bookshelves, you’ll also find oddities, book paraphernalia, stickers, and bookmarks. There are two parking lots right next to the two houses, so you won’t have to carry your shopping too far.
Just down the street, charming Medina Farmers Exchange beckons. If you’ve ever been to Cleveland’s Westside Market, you might think of the place as a much more condensed version of that landmark. It’s a cool market right now that caters to local growers and makers. From fresh produce to Keller meats and dumplings, you’ll find all the ingredients you need for a satisfying farm-to-table meal. Speaking of tables, this is the first stop on our trip for a bite to eat. There are several restaurants on site, including a café and a bakery if you’re just looking for something light. While in the building, take time to admire the beauty of its architecture. The building has lived through many lives since it was rebuilt in 1935 and it is amazing to see how its modern identity has retained and celebrated its roots as a community center for agricultural trade.
From here you will travel to the most photogenic part of the historical Medina. At the southern end of the square. Castle Noel And Mini golf “Someone else’s vacation” delight visitors of all ages. Oddly enough, these are two halves of one thing! While the mini golf storefront is exactly what you might expect, Noel’s Castle requires a little explanation. This Christmas museum is open all year round and features everything from intricate displays to props from films such as Elf How the Grinch Stole Christmas and of course A Christmas Storywhich was filmed in Cleveland. If you’re looking for another dose of nostalgia, these cool businesses are on your bucket list.
On the square dozens of local businesses are waiting for your visit. Gift shops, jewelry stores, leather stores, eateries… you name it, they have it! I just love walking up and down the street and looking at old store windows. The beautifully designed storefronts will transport you back to the era of downtown shopping, when every store seemed beautiful and welcoming. There are also some incredible restaurants and breweries right in the area, so there’s something delicious for every taste. If you’re looking for a bite to eat in the square, I have to recommend you visit Sally. They have some of the best beer cheese in Northeast Ohio and I Very I take my cheeses seriously.
If by this point your legs have not yet given up walking, you will have to go to Root candles. With 20,000 square feet of retail space, there is no shortage of locally made candles to choose from. And they just smellnationally! Interestingly, this business is inextricably linked with the identity of the city. Its founder helped modernize the beekeeping industry, and his passion not only contributed to the development of the local industry, but also created a love for honeybees among local residents. While they may be a welcome rarity in some communities, in Medina they are everywhere!
If you want to stay in the city, it’s charming Spitzer House Bed and Breakfast is just a few doors away from Root Candles. (I hope you don’t mind sharing your room… They say it’s haunted.) Corkscrew Salon is right down the road so you can admire the architecture while you dine. Indeed, the architecture in the Medina is on a new level. It is magnificent and luxurious, shining throughout the historic district and beyond. Once you have received your full dose, you may be able to spend some time outdoors in Alpaca Farm at Majestic Meadows.
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All in all, Medina, Ohio is a great little town filled with fun things to do for the whole family. You can even visit the square during a special event, and if you don’t mind the foot traffic, they offer a great way to see everything the city has to offer. The community is picturesque and welcoming, so whether you’re visiting for the day or decide to put down roots, you’ll enjoy your time in Medina.
Looking for another local attraction to add a little splendor to visit you? Mapleside Farms It’s just one village in the north, and it’s an autumn wonderland.
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