The Cedar Fairmount district is Cleveland Heights’ eclectic gateway. A 15-minute cruise from downtown or any major highway, the neighborhood is a picturesque island of restaurants and shops surrounded by a sea of grand, classic housing and winding streets. Some favorites, such as Appletree Books and Zoss, the Swiss Baker, have called the intersection home for decades while others, like Barrio, just joined the bunch. “It’s safe, offers walkability and has a tremendous neighborhood feel,” says Lynn Quintrell, owner of Appletree Books. “You can park here. You can walk to get a drink, walk to the market, and you can go out for lunch and dinner. Short of a drugstore, we have everything that you really need.”
1. Abstract — A Hair Salon: The staff of Paul Mitchell professionals provides a one-stop shop for pampering with cuts, colors, pedicures and more. 2450 Fairmount Blvd., No. 1, 216-229-2222, abstractahairsalon.com
2. Appletree Books: The 40-year-old, two-story independent bookstore expanded to 2,100 square feet in 2016, growing its lifestyle and children’s sections. It also hosts weekly storytelling events and monthly book clubs. 12419 Cedar Road, 216-791-2665, appletree-books.com
3. Cube Workspace: Freelancer on a deadline? Entrepreneur on the brink? Snag a cubicle ($25 per day) or private office ($55 per day) at this 24/7 cowork space that offers high-speed connectivity, quiet call rooms and a stocked break room. 2460 Fairmount Blvd., No. 202, 216-245-9629, cubecleveland.com
4. The Fairmount: Take the edge off a long day with a New York Sour ($10), a frothy cocktail made with bourbon, egg whites and red wine foam, near the fireplace of this lively neighborhood staple. 2448 Fairmount Blvd., 216-229-9463, thefairmount.net
5. Fawaky Burst Smoothie and Juice Cafe: This expansive health cafe offers nearly 50 choices of juices and smoothies designed to boost your brain, immune system and more. Plus, fresh salads and sandwiches prove eating out doesn’t always set you back. 12413 Cedar Road, 216-438-3289, fawakyburst.com
6. Green Tara Yoga & Healing Arts: Practicing the teachings of legendary yogi B.K.S Iyengar, who emphasized precise movement and mental clarity, the studio offers daily classes that range in difficulty and special sessions, such as children’s and gentle chair yoga. 2450 Fairmount Blvd., 216-382-0592, greentarayoga.com
7. Luna Bakery & Cafe: Despite taking the cake — and the crepes and croissants — Luna Bakery doesn’t stop there. Its hearty menu features breakfast and lunch favorites such as the nest egg ($5.50), a sunny egg tucked into Siciliano or multigrain toast. 2482 Fairmount Blvd., 216-231-8585, lunabakerycafe.com
8. Nighttown: Music takes center stage at this 53-year-old jazz-era nightclub. But with six dining rooms and three bars adorned with stained glass and low lights, a James-Joyce-sized adventure waits around every corner. 12387 Cedar Road, 216-795-0550,
nighttowncleveland.com
9. Still Point Gallery: With a focus on stunning landscape photography from Geoff Baker, this carefully curated boutique also displays jewelry, home goods, paintings and more from local and national artists. 12427 Cedar Road, 216-721-4992, stillpoint-gallery.com
10. Wanderlust Jewelers: Husband and wife Wes and Heather Airgood draw inspiration from baroque and Byzantine jewelry to create custom, one-of-a-kind designs. 12429 Cedar Road, No. 25, 216-505-0551, wanderlustjewelers.com
11. White Cloud Studios: You are the priority at this Pilates studio. About time, right? Start with three private consultations ($120) that teach the fundamentals of balancing mind and body, then continue in private or group sessions. 2450 Fairmount Blvd., 216-229-3232, whitecloudstudios.com
12. Zoss, the Swiss Baker: After 20 years of daily service, this storefront bakery knows how to satisfy a savory or a sweet tooth. Its diverse offerings of fresh, Old World treats include Bavarian pretzels ($1.50) and chocolate papillons ($3) — large twisted
sugar-coated pastries filled with chocolate chunks. 12397 Cedar Road, 216-368-4055
Quick Picks:
“End Is Nigh” Birthday Card ($4.95), Appletree Book: Say happy birthday with a morbid reminder of the end from local greeting card designer Oddball Press. Just be sure Grandpa has a sense of humor.
Children’s Yoga Series (three classes for $39), Green Tara Yoga: Start your little yogi with this course that teaches Iyengar Yoga’s principle philosophy, poses and history to children ages 7-12.
Pepperoni Bread ($4), Zoss, the Swiss Baker: Fresh bread is braided with oregano and pepperoni each morning to create the pizza slice’s foot-long cousin.
