Cuyahoga Falls has the feel of a small town with all the amenities of a roomier metropolitan city. Thanks to nearby Blossom Music Center and the Cuyahoga River, the Summit County suburb has been bustling with energy and culture for years. But a recent renovation of downtown’s Front Street has given the city a major boost in confidence. Whether it’s spots that have been around for years, such as Clifford Mini Auto Museum, or new restaurants and boutiques popping up, downtown reflects both tradition and modernity in one bustling street. “We’re just the right size,” says Mayor Don Walters. “We want everyone to know everyone and a lot of people have stayed their whole life.”
1. All Put Together Vintage Designs: Old or unwanted clothing gets a new home at this mother-daughter owned vintage shop, where sweaters are turned into handbags or parts of coats into quirky hats. 2204 Front St., 330-907-5546, beallputtogether.com
2. Celia’s Boutique: This trinket treasure trove carries everything from Brighton Jewelry to one-of-a kind rings and necklaces from local artists. 2210 Front St., 330-633-2432,
facebook.com/celias.boutique.cuyahogafalls
3. Clifford Mini Auto Museum: Considered a cornerstone of culture in Cuyahoga Falls, the museum features a personal collection of vintage cars, bicycles and other gadgets, such as a 1904 Oldsmobile and retro pedal cars. 1950 Front St., 330-928-2147
4. Crave Cantina: This small, yellow-painted taco haven has an affordable, internationally inspired menu that won’t leave you disappointed. You’ll find 11 types of tacos including chorizo ($5.50) and green curry shrimp ($6). 2097 Front St., 330-940-2000, cravecantina.com
5. Falls Music Shop: Located in the Falls Music School, this expansive guitar repair shop provides instrument re-stringing ($15), electronic rewiring ($75) and other services. The store also offers guitar-building workshops and replacement guitar necks from Ohio Guitar Co. 2160 Front St., 330-754-2920, facebook.com/fallsmusicshop
6. Flury’s Cafe: This hidden gem of a diner makes you feel like you’re visiting grandma’s house for brunch with its cozy atmosphere and filling dishes, such as the pesto tomato omelet ($9.95). 2202 Front St., 330-929-1315, fluryscafe.com
7. Good Co. Salon: Step into this modern, white-walled salon and let this local team of talented stylists make you look Instagram-worthy with balayage highlights, keratin treatments or special bridal updos. 2146 Front St., 330-470-6677, goodcosalon.com
8. Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium: Weave yourself around a community of local crocheters and knitters here. With 34 brands of yarn and a host of skill-building classes from which to choose, you’re bound to stay warm all winter. 129 Portage Trail, 234-208-9482, harpsandthistles.com
9. HiHo Brewing: Ali and Jon Hovan opened this seven-barrel microbrewery in 2017 with a rotating selection ranging from crisp Pilsners to chocolate-infused coffee ale. Pair one with a cheese and meat board ($18), or other bar snacks for a tasty date night. 1727 Front St., 234-334-7564, hihobrewingco.com
10. Metropolis Popcorn: This shop is devoted to helping you find your perfect popcorn flavor. But with more than 50 flavors, including caramel butter ($6, medium), white chocolate peanut butter ($8, medium) and Rice Krispy Treat ($7.50, medium), the search is part of the fun. 2164 Front St., 330-928-6446, metropolisohio.com
11. The Social Dept.: Show off your Ohio and Midwestern pride at this shop where slogans such as “Great Lakes Great Beer” ($25) and “Made in Ohio” ($25) adorn T-shirts, sweatshirts, posters and more. 1707 Front St., 234-206-0186, thesocialdept.com
12. Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop: Every community needs a good sweet-tooth hub, and this shop fits that criteria. With 4,000 types of candy and 90 kinds of soda and treats that range from Dippin’ Dots to freshly made cotton candy, this sugar-coated heaven has become a go-to spot downtown. 2156 Front St., 330-920-0900, grandpajoes.com
