The Insider’s Guide to Residency in Cleveland, OH

 

 

 

This information was compiled by:

 

 

(House Officers Welcome Association)

 

 

 

 

 

This is not, of course, an exhaustive list of the great things one can find in Cleveland.  Do some looking around yourself and let us know what you discover—we’ll keep adding to these pages.

 

As with any American city, places close or reinvent themselves from time to time—sometimes for the better, sometimes not.  It’s always best to call and make sure everything is where and what you thought it was before you spend the money or time or energy to go.

 

 

Welcome to University Hospitals!

 

 

 

 

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

 

Location, location, location!  Where you decide to live will depend on many factors.  Cleveland is surrounded by many suburbs, each with its own advantages.  Your decision will likely be influenced by price, location, and amenities.  Below is a brief summary of the different neighborhoods to make your decision a little easier. 

 

We have also included, separately in your welcome packet, the names of a couple of realtors we found especially good, and some property listings for a few outgoing residents.   When looking for a place to live, keep in mind that it gets COLD in the winter.  Look for homes with attached garages and good insulation (non-existent in many older homes on the East Side).  This will save you hours of ice scraping and tons of money in saved utility costs.

 

East Side

The East Side suburbs offer the most charm and affordability, and are the closest to University Hospitals, University Circle, and many other cultural institutions.  The East Side is very family friendly and has a lot of family centers and libraries to choose from.  Homes to buy and apartments/duplexes to rent are plentiful.  On the down side, most of the homes in this area are old, access to freeways can be difficult, and the East Side gets significantly more snow than the rest of the Cleveland area.

 

Some popular suburbs for residents are University Heights (15-20 minutes from the hospital), Cleveland Heights [www.clevelandheights.com] (10-20 minutes), Mayfield Heights (25-30 minutes), Shaker Heights [www.shakeronline.com] (10-20 minutes), and Beachwood (20-25 minutes).

 

South

There is affordable housing south of Cleveland, but watch out for morning and afternoon traffic congestion.  Cleveland has very little congestion, and it mainly exists for north/south commuters during rush hour.

 

Cleveland Proper

There are affordable homes for sale just west of University Hospitals, between Euclid and Chester.  These are newer homes, built as part of Cleveland’s fight against urban sprawl.  The homes come with a 15-year tax abatement, which is pretty significant if you consider the $400-1000 per month property tax assessment typical for Cleveland area homes.

 

West Side

The west side of Cleveland is closer to downtown, has easier access to freeways, gets significantly less snow, and offers more modern housing.  You will, however, have to brave some traffic congestion on I-90, which can get bad during heavy rain/snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REALTY

 

SELLER ALERT:  If you are selling your home, please keep in mind that Smyth Cramer/Howard Hanna offers a discount on its commission fee for UH employees.  Call 800-321-0558 ext. 262 for details.  Ask about the Howard Hanna Gold Program for UH employees.  They will sign you up and send out other program info.

Gateway Title’s Free Starter Kit & Much More
Gateway Title has won three awards from the Cleveland Better Business Bureau for our FREE Starter Kit and our Super Service. We provide a handbook that guides you through the closing and escrow process as well as all of the self guided real estate forms you will need to complete a successful real estate transaction - a Purchase Agreement and State and Federal Disclosure forms.
To request a FREE STARTER KIT just call us at 1-800-357-0567 or (440) 546-9660

Special Financing for Residents:  http://doctorsnexthome.com/

 

Temporary, Furnished Living:  http://privatelodgings.com

 

 

CAR REGISTRATION/DRIVER’S LICENSE

 

This is a very time consuming process in Ohio.  Dedicate several hours, preferably without children in tow, to this process.  For information, see this link:  www.bmv.ohio.gov/misc/new_resident.htm.  Good luck!

 

Obtaining a Driver’s License

Study the “Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws” from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you will be required to take a vision test as well as a written examination at one of the Highway Patrol Examination Stations.  If your social security number is not on your license, you will be required to present your social security card.  Within 60 days of passing both tests, you will need to take your certification of passage to a Deputy Registrar or Auto and Driver’s License Bureau to obtain your license.  See the web site for information on locations and hours:  http://ohiobmv.com.   Look for “one-stop shopping” locations, so you don’t have to drive to two different locations.

 

To Register your Vehicle

This is a four-step process.  The Golden Gate Plaza in Mayfield Heights is a great place to do this, because it has all of the licensing stations in one place, so you don’t have to drive all over town.

 

STEP ONE:  Out-of-State Inspection.  If you are bringing your vehicle with you, and it was not purchased or registered in Ohio, you must take it to a License Bureau for a vehicle inspection.  You will need the paperwork from this inspection to obtain an Ohio Title.

 

STEP TWO:  Obtain an Ohio Title.  Title Transfer is done at a Title Bureau.  The title must be signed over to you by the seller and be notarized.  You must present identification, and will be charged a $7.00 fee plus 7% sales tax, which must be paid in cash or by certified check or money order.  If the vehicle has two owners, both must go to the Title Bureau unless you get a notarized Power of Attorney for the person who cannot come.

 

STEP THREE:  Emissions Testing.  For e-check locations, see:  www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/mobile.html.  The cost is $19.50, cash or personal check only.

 

STEP FOUR:  Obtain License Plates and Registration.  To obtain your license plate, go to a Deputy Registrar’s Office or License Bureau.  You will need your Ohio Title, your “passing” e-test certificate, and your driver’s license.

 

SHOPPING

 

Grocery Stores

Zagara's Marketplace (1940 Lee Road • Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118).  This place has an amazing selection, a great bakery, and fresh, fresh produce (including tasty green and red tomatoes). 

Whole Foods (several locations).  Great variety of natural and organic foods.

Giant Eagle

Dave’s

Wild Oats Market (Chagrin Road, near I-271).

Trader Joes (Chagrin Road, near I-271, and Crocker Park).

 

Farmer’s Markets

West Side Market.  Corner of W. 25^th and Lorain Avenue, Cleveland.

Shaker Square.  Saturday mornings in the summer.

Crocker Park.  Saturday mornings in the summer.

 

Warehouse Shopping

Costco (Off Mayfield Road, near I-271, and in Avon Commons)

Sam’s Club

 

Shopping Center’s/Malls

Beachwood Place.  Cedar and Richmond Roads.  115 specialty stores and a food-court.

Cedar Center Plaza.  Cedar and Warrensville Center Road, University Heights.  One-stop shopping!  Macy’s, Target, JoAnn Fabrics, TJ Maxx, Kaufmanns, and more.

Severance Town Center.  Mayfield and South Taylor Roads.  One-stop shopping at its finest.  Tops, Wal-Mart, Blockbuster Video, a movie theater, Borders Books, Marshalls, Home Depot, a post office, Key Bank, IHOP, Burger King, Staples, and more.

Legacy Village.  Corner of Richmond and Cedar Roads.  Upscale shopping complex with a Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, Joseph Beth Booksellers, Crate & Barrel, and more.

Richmond Mall.  Richmond and Wilson Mills Roads.  80 stores and restaurants, plus a movie theater.  JCPenney, Kaufmanns, Barnes and Noble, and Sears. Stroller rentals and indoor rides for the kids.

Shaker Square.  Shaker and Van Aken Blvds.  Good stores, books, great restaurants, and a movie theater.

Tower City.  Public Square, Downtown Cleveland.  Movie theater, high-end stores, food court, specialty shops.  Especially fun around the holidays with Bruce the Talking Spruce, a train ride through the mall, Santa’s Workshop, and holiday programming.  This is also the location for the annual Cleveland International Film Festival.  [TIP:  Park in the lot off of Huron for FREE with Tower City Merchandise or theater admission purchase.  There is plentiful parking right outside the door to an elevator that will take you right up into the heart of the mall near the theaters.  BONUS for people with children:  there are convenient parking spots right outside the door reserved for you!].  

Golden Gate Plaza.  Mayfield Road, just west of I-271.  An interesting mix of stores.  Includes Chuck E. Cheese’s, TGI Friday’s, Office Max, World Market, Carter’s, Half-Price Books, Old Navy.  The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Title Transfer Office are located here, too.

Westfield Great Northern Mall.  North Olmsted.  149 stores and restaurants.  Includes Dillards, JCPenney, Kaufmann’s, and Sears.  Includes a nice indoor children’s play area.  There is also a very nice Chuck E. Cheese next door, as well as Panera Bread.

Westfield Shoppingtown Southpark (Strongsville).  A lot of unusual stores, including a pet store and a ceramic store where you can make your own creations.  There is also indoor miniature gold at Firefly's Minigolf (http://www.fireflysminigolf.com/).  This is a fun outing with the kids.

Avon Commons (Avon, Ohio).  Worth the drive!  All of your favorite stores in one place, including Target, Kohl's, and Costco.  You name it, they have it. 

Crocker Park.  (Westlake) Very upscale outdoor shopping mall. Live music on the weekends and a farmer’s market during the warmer months.

The Steelyard Commons (Cleveland).  A shopping center right in the heart of the city!  Includes a monster Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Old Navy, Marshalls, and much more.  Right to the west of downtown.

 

Factory Outlets

Aurora Farms.  1 mile south of Route 82 and Route 43, Aurora.  65 factory outlet stores.

Sandusky-Lake Erie Factory Outlet Center.  Route 250 at Ohio Turnpike.

 

Resale Children’s Stores

Once Upon a Child.  Various Locations.

 

Books

Barnes & Noble

Borders

Half-Price Books

Joseph-Beth

Mathew’s Bookstore.  Euclid Avenue.  Medical books.

 

HEALTH

 

The following providers come highly recommended by past and present HOWA members and their families:

 

Doctors/Pediatricians

 

The University Suburban Health Center, at 1611 South Green Road, houses wonderful doctors from all specialties.  The pediatricians at Green Road Pediatrics are particularly good (www.greenroadpediatrics.yourmd.com (216)382-3800), as is the OB/GYN group (esp. Drs. Mitch Reider and Laura David (216) 381-2223). 

 

Another OB/GYN group to consider, and one that comes highly recommended by a HOWA member, is composed of Drs. Wollam-Huhn, Usis, Buchanan & Ferry OB/GYN--(440) 753-5100.  This is an all female practice.  OB patients cycle through all four doctors and you will be delivered by one of them.

 

A good family practice/internal medicine doctor is Dr. Philip Anderson.  Phone: (216) 291-1650
University Suburban Health Center, 1611 S Green Rd, S Euclid , OH 44121.

 

Dentists

 

Dr. Connell, Dental Associates of Lyndhurst (on Mayfield, just past Richmond). 440-684-4000. 

Dr. Michael E. Skerl, University Suburban Dental Group.  216-381-6521.  Very professional and friendly! 

Dr. Christopher Connell with Dental Associates of Lyndhurst.   5406 Mayfield Road.  440-684-4000

Bradley Cohn, DDS.  (216) 381-6000.  His office is located on Mayfield in South Euclid between Belvoir and Green.  Dr. Cohn is friendly and thorough.  He is also on staff at Case Dental School and he takes Cigna Dental Insurance (the insurance offered through UH).

 

Pediatric Dentists

 

Tapper Pediatric Dental Center, located on the main floor of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.  11100 Euclid Avenue, suite 1200.  216-844-3080.

 

Diana Kyrkos, D.D.S. (Pediatric Dentistry), Bay Pediatric Dentistry, Inc.  660 Dover Center, Bay Village, OH.  (440) 892-5556.  Family friendly dentistry at its finest!

 

BEAUTY

 

Hair Stylists

 

La Barbaria.  Three locations.  One is next to the hospital on Euclid Avenue and one is in Little Italy.  Moderately priced with very friendly staff.  Discounts for UH staff!

Steve-n-Anthony.  Downtown on Lakeside.  (216) 861-7877.  Expensive and they only accept cash or checks, but outstanding cuts and styles.

Lucia's Salon.  Located on Mayfield near the corner of Mayfield and Richmond. Lucia's is a "contemporary" salon with friendly staff and extended salon hours in the evenings and weekends.  They specialize in hair coloring but also give great hair cuts and provide other salon services.   (440) 995-5400. 

Laura Lee Salon.  1797 Coventry Road.  (216) 371-HAIR.  Aveda salon.  Cash/check only.

Kids Kuts.  Rocky River.  (440) 333-2887.  The staff is fast, friendly and good with kids.  The salon houses a hollow, artificial tree with characters peeking out.  It also has a train track and moving train for the kids to watch while they get their hair cut on carousel horses.  Checks/cash only.

Brown Aveda Institute, 19300 Detroit Avenue, Rocky River, OH (440) 255-9494.  Full service salon/beauty school.  $12 will buy you a very stylish cut, which includes shampoo/conditioning/styling.  It also includes a hand/arm/scalp massage and a facial.  It takes a little bit of time to get in and out, but it’s well worth it!

John Roberts Solon on Mayfield and SOM Center.  Expensive but good.

Lucia’s Salon on Mayfield Road.  440-995-5400.  The staff is wonderful, they make you feel like a princess, and they are GREAT at cutting hair!

Ladies and Gentlemen Salon for Aveda.  Legacy Village, 25377 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst.  440-255-5572.  Jennifer is good at cutting, and Stephanie is very good at styling and cutting, and is cheaper because she is a more junior level.  $50 includes haircut, shampoo, style, mini-facial and makeup touch-up.

 

 

AMUSEMENT/WATER PARKS

 

Ohio must be the capital of amusement parks.  See the following list for a sampling of the thrills.

 

Cedar Point.  Sandusky, OH.  Rated best amusement park in the world.   Very fast roller coasters and an extensive children’s area.  It is located next door to Castaway Bay, one of Ohio’s indoor waterparks.

 

Castaway Bay.  Sandusky, OH.  Indoor waterpark.  Admission to the waterpark is free with your overnight stay at the resort.  The resort offers day passes (and discounted evening passes) for non-guests, but only during the week.

 

Kalahari Waterpark.  Sandusky, OH.  Large outdoor/indoor waterpark with a huge indoor play structure/arcade for the kids.   Limited admission on the weekends for non-guests.

 

Memphis Kiddie Park.  Brooklyn, OH.  Small amusement park for young children.  Open mid-May through mid-September.

 

Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom.  Aurora, OH.  Huge Outdoor waterpark.  Visit the park mid-week for shorter wait times.

 

Dover Lake Water Park.  Northfield, OH.  Water slides galore.

 

Great Wolf Lodge.  Sandusky, OH.  Indoor waterpark and resort.

 

NATURE/OUTDOORS

 

Cleveland Metroparks System.  Over 19,000 acres of forest surround Cleveland like an “Emerald Necklace”.  See its website for information about all of the nature centers and golf course/swimming/skiing/tobogganing locations.  www.clemetparks.com  There are many events held year-round.  The Chapin reservation rents cross country skis and snoeshoes for a VERY cheap, nice day in the winter.

 

Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.  28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village.  This is a terrific place to take the kids.  They have a planetarium with shows for the whole family, and a lot of nature programs for children.  This is also a great place to go to see wild animals very close up.   Outside, they have trails and animals galore:  turkey vultures, a bald eagle, wild turkeys, deer, a red fox, rabbits, owls, and much more.  Inside, they have turtles that the kids can almost touch, fish, snakes, lizards, and spiders.  One word describes this place—WOW.

 

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.  2600 South Park Rd., Shaker Heights.  Outstanding children’s programming.

 

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  A very short drive from downtown.  Be sure to check out the primates and the Rainforest building.  The zoo is free to Cuyahoga County residents on Mondays, but it tends to be crowded.

 

Beaches.  Edgewater Park, Headlands Beach State Park, Fairport Harbor.

 

 

RECREATION

 

For the best source of information on things to do in and around Cleveland with your family, see Jennifer Stoffel’s book, “Cleveland Family Fun:  Great Places to Go and Things to do with Kids of all Ages.  There are also a lot of other books related to Ohio recreation generally.  See your local library for more information.

 

Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad.  Offers scenic rides through Cuyahoga Valley.  The most popular routes that sell out quickly are the fall color train in October and the Polar Express in November/December.

 

Lolly the Trolley.  (216) 771-4484.  Tours of Cleveland.

 

FARMS/ORCHARDS

 

Farms and orchards are only a short drive away from Cleveland and offer the family a unique opportunity to see how food is harvested and made.  Fall is a great time to go, when most of the farms have pumpkin patches, hay rides, and hay/corn mazes in operation.

 

Hale Farm and Village.  This is a working farm and village, depicting life in the mid 1800’s.  Open June through October.

 

Lake Farmpark.  8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland.  Open year round.  This is a great outing for the family to see animals and experience life on a farm.

 

Patterson Fruit Farm.  11414 Caves Road, Chesterland.  Pick your own strawberries, apples, and pumpkins.  They have a great kids area in October, with a maze, hay to jump in, apples, and toy tractors.  It gets crowded on the weekends, so try to plan a weekday trip.

 

MUSEUMS/GARDENS

 

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland.  10703 Euclid Avenue, University Circle.  The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and has a wide variety of activities for the kids. 

 

Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  University Circle.  This is a wonderful place to just sit, relax and enjoy nature’s serenity.  During the spring, summer and fall, the outdoor gardens are ripe with vegetation.  The Children’s Garden is a hit with the kids, with its treehouse, play house, sand pit, water fountain, and water spigots.  Open all year, and a great place to ward off the winter cold, is the Glass House, featuring the spiny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica (with a waterfall and plenty of butterflies).  If you have kids, be sure to catch the annual Halloween party and Easter Egg hunt.

 

The Cleveland Museum of Art.  University Circle.  This museum is internationally known and offers a rich array of masterpieces from all cultures and periods.  FREE.

 

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  University Circle.  Features the history of mankind and the natural world.

 

The Great Lakes Science Center.  601 Erieside Avenue, downtown.  This is a great place to take the kids.  It is an interactive science museum and has an indoor play area for younger kids on the second floor.   It also has an OMNIMAX theater.

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  Downtown Cleveland, at 9^th and Erieside. 

 

LIBRARIES

 

There are many, many libraries in and around Cleveland.  There are two main library systems:  The individual city libraries and the Cuyahoga County libraries.  Each has its own programming and events for children and adults.  A few notable libraries are listed below.

 

Shaker Heights Public Library.  This is a great library for kids.  It has a huge outdoor play area and toys and puppets inside.  It also has a program called Play and Learn that offers literacy based play.  http://www.shakerlibrary.org

 

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Libraries.  These libraries, combined, offer a wealth of programming for adults and children.  www.heightslibrary.org.  The main library offers a program twice a week called Little Heights, that teaches literacy through play.

 

The South Euclid/Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. 4645 Mayfield Road, South Euclid.  This library has a great children’s area, with different rooms to explore.  It also has coffee!

 

CHILDREN/FAMILY

 

Heights Parent’s Center.  http://www.heightsparentcenter.org.  This is a great resource for parents.  It has many program offerings during the week, a playroom, a toy lending library and an indoor gym. 

 

Shaker Family Center.  Shaker Heights.  www.shakerfamilycenter.org.  This is another great resource for families.  It has an outdoor playground, an indoor gym that is opened at different times during the week, and an indoor play area.  It also has scheduled events and programs for children.

 

Jewish Community Center (JCC).  26001 S Woodland Road, Beachwood.  This is a terrific place for community support, and you don't have to be Jewish!  There are many activities for the whole family, available to both members and non-members.  The membership fee is steep, but discounted for UH employees (around $700 per year for the whole family).   Membership entitles the family to unlimited use of the athletic facilities and pool, extensive athletic programming, children’s programming and play space, and a spectacular outdoor playground.  Membership is also necessary if you wish to enroll your children in the daycare program.  The JCC also has a terrific summer camp experience for preschool and school-aged children.

 

YMCA.  Various locations offering adult and child programming, recreation and sports.

 

The Little Gym, Gymboree.

 

CHABAM (Children Have Active Bodies and Minds).  http://www.chabam.com.  The educational play center.  Provides educational programming for children and offers hourly, drop-in daycare.

 

 

 

PLAYGROUNDS

 

Turtle Park.  Euclid Heights Blvd., just west of Coventry.  This is a playground dedicated to the child 5 and under.  It is a small fenced-in area with play equipment, swings, and a sand box.  It is unshaded, though, and can get quite hot in the summer.

 

Beachwood.  On Fairmount Road, just before Richmond Road.  This park hosts several play structures for children of different ages. 

 

Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground.  www.prestonshope.com/  HUGE playground and fully handicap-accessible.  Located on the property of the Jewish Community Center.  Free and open to the public.  26001 South Woodland Rd.  Beachwood, Ohio 44122.

 

CHILDREN’S FUN

 

Amazone.  Family Entertainment Center.  www.myamazone.com/  2789 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio Large indoor playground for the kids to burn off lots of energy.  They also have laser tag and arcade games.

 

Firefly Miniature Golf.  Strongsville , OH.  www.fireflysminigolf.com/ Glow-in-the dark indoor miniature golf for the whole family!

 

Winterhurst Ice Rink.  14740 Lakewood Heights BLVD, Lakewood, OH.  Huge, double-size ice rink, offering lessons for kids of all ages.  This is a great family activity.

 

American Bouncers.  http://www.americanbouncers.net/.  A bouncy good time!

 

RESTAURANTS

 

Delivery.  Delivermefood.com provides a long list of restaurants that provide food to your home for a small fee. 

 

Asian.  Hunan One.  7901 Euclid Avenue, in Church Square.  This is a small, cheap, awesome take-out Chinese restaurant.  Hunan on Coventry; Thai Orchid; Mint Café (Best Thai aound, per a HOWA member); Sushi Rock; Bangkok Thai Cuisine (take-out or eat-in with plastic forks); Pearl of the Orient; Lemon Grass.

 

Pizza.  Guy's Pizza (Coventry), Donato's (Lee Road), Dewey's Pizza (Lee Road), Pizza Pan; California Pizza Kitchen; Vincinato Pizza (cash only); Rascals.

 

Breakfast.  The Inn on Coventry.

 

Coffee.  Arabica; Starbucks; Caribou; Phoenix Coffee.

 

Ice Cream/Dessert/Sweets.  Cheesecake Factory; Cold Stone Creamery.

 

Italian.  Little Italy; Buca; Dino’s Family Restaurant (small, cheap, friendly service); Geraci’s on Warrensville Center Road (don’t order the pizza, though!  Cash only).

 

Mexican.  El Rodeo; Luchita’s; Don Ramon's, Lopez, Abuelo’s.

 

Ethnic.  Aladdin’s (Middle Eastern); Café Tandoor (Indian); Falafel Café; The Mad Greek; Taza: A Lebanese Grill; Balaton (Hungarian); The Uptown Grille; Saffron Patch (Indian); Anatolia Café (Turkish); The Harp (Irish); Qdoba Mexican Grill (Euclid, by the UH); La Tortilla Feliz in Tremont (Guatemalen); Udupi in Parma (worth the drive for the best Indian food in town); Seoul Hot Pot (authentic Korean on 42^nd and Payne).

 

Sandwiches/Deli.  Corky & Lenny’s; Panini’s; J. Pistone Market; Winking Lizard.

 

Expensive.  Fire; Blue Point Grille; The Melting Pot; Mallorca (Spanish and Portuguese).

 

CHILDCARE

 

For those of you with children, finding the right daycare might be the most challenging part of your move; particularly for those with children under 18 months, since most centers do not accept infants.  Step Up to Quality is a new program, initiated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services:  http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/stepUpQuality.stm  This is a voluntary, quality rating system designed to facilitate the search for a quality childcare facility.   Be sure to check it out!

 

The following centers are listed by member recommendation or NAEYC Accreditation:

Fundamentals Children’s Center.  (216) 831-6500

McMillian Preschool and Day Care.  (216) 932-9497

Fairmount Church Cooperative Nursery School.  (216) 321-5800

Jewish Community Center.  Three locations:  Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and Solon (the Solon location accepts infants).  (216) 382-4000 [HIGHLY recommended by a HOWA member].

Millikin School (only open to Cleveland Heights/University Heights residents).  (216) 371-7318

Up with Kids (infants to 3 years).  (216) 382-1802 (HIGHLY recommended by several people).

The Kiddie Company Day Care Center.  5443 Rae Road, Lyndhurst, OH.  (440) 473-0424.  Highly recommended by several HOWA members.  Infants accepted!

Carol Nursery.  (216) 991-3449

Early Childhood Enrichment Center (216) 991-9761

South Euclid Cooperative Preschool.  216-373-1439 [Recommended by a HOWA member].

Cleveland Music School Settlement.  www.thecmss.org/  Call early because there is a huge waiting list. 

Erin’s Nannies.  www.erinsnannies.com/home.htm  This service comes highly recommended by a UH staff member.  Full and part-time nannies are available, who have been fully interviewed and pre-screened.  This is also a great service for people who need last-minute babysitting or daycare.

The Montessori School at Holy Rosary.  www.montessori-holyrosary.org/ , (216) 421-0700. Located in Little Italy.  This is an excellent private school, offering full-day Montessori instruction for children, preschool through 8^th grade. 

CHABAM (Children Have Active Bodies and Minds).  http://www.chabam.com.  The educational play center.  Provides educational programming for children and offers hourly, drop-in daycare.  It also offers Sensational Saturday Nights:  Pizza dinner and three hours of entertainment for the kids (5:30-8:30 p.m.), while you get out of the house and relax (there are a host of adult activities right across the street at Eton).  Cost is $30 for first child, $15 for siblings.

 

Go to this website to find more NAEYC accredited programs: http://www.naeyc.org/academy/web_ready/search/distance.asp

FITNESS

 

1-2-1 Fitness.  Offers Case & UH employee discounts.

Fitworks.

Bally Total Fitness.

YMCA and YWCA

The Jewish Community Center of Cleveland. (JCC). 26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood. (216) 831-0700.  www.clevejcc.org  Indoor/outdoor swimming pools, and extensive exercise facilities and programming available.  Discounts offered to UH and CCF staff.  Low-cost babysitting also available].

Curves

 

ANNUAL EVENTS

 

Feast of the Assumption.  Little Italy every August—all kinds of fantastic food and you don’t have to be Catholic to participate.

Parade the Circle.  University Circle each June—local and international artists; human-powered floats; ethnic foods; street performers; dancing puppets.

Cleveland National Air Show.  Burke Lakefront Airport every Labor Day weekend.

The Cleveland International Film Festival.  Tower City, Cleveland.  March.

Wade Oval Wednesdays.  Wade Park, University Circle.  Free music concert series every Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 in the summer (June through August).

University Circle Events.  http://www.universitycircle.org/content/events.asp

Coventry Street Fair.  www.coventryvillage.org/events.html  Outdoor farmers market, street vendors, music, and live entertainment. 

 

MOVIE THEATERS

 

Cedar-Lee.  www.clevelandcinemas.com  Artsy, indie films.  Movie Mondays!!  $5 movie and free popcorn on Mondays.  Very nice selection of beer and food (be sure to try the cheese-stuffed pretzels).

Shaker Square.  Stadium seating.  Discounts on Mondays.

Loews Richmond Town Square.  Stadium seating; 14 theaters.

Regal Severance Town Center.  14 theaters.

Omnimax Theater.  Great Lakes Science Center.

Tower City.  Validated parking in the rear, right by the movie theater.

Cinemark Theaters in Valley View with plenty of restaurants surrounding the theater.

 

SPORTS

 

Cleveland Indians Baseball.  (216) 420-4200

Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball.  (216) 420-2000

Cleveland Browns Football.  (216) 891-5000

 

 

 

 

THEATER & MUSIC

 

Cleveland Institute of Music.  (216) 791-5000.

Cleveland Music School Settlement.  (216) 421-5806

Cleveland Orchestra.  (216) 231-1111

Cleveland Pops Orchestra.  (216) 765-7677

Ohio Ballet.  (330) 972-7900

Cleveland Play House.  (216) 795-7000

Playhouse Square Center.  (216) 771-4444

Cain Park.  (216) 291-5792

Karamu House. (216) 795-7070