1 | Lion and Blue: Prayer flags flutter overhead as a stone pig surveys the scene from a high shelf. A wall displaying the latest Birkenstocks cements the happy-hippie atmosphere at this little shop chock full of clothing, jewelry and trinkets devoted to the exotic and ephemeral. 15106 Detroit Ave., 216-529-2328
2 | The Root Cafe: A multigenerational cross-section of Lakewood frequents this sunny, chaotic cafe, where offerings range from a wet burrito with house-made enchilada sauce to vegan whoopee pies. 15118 Detroit Ave., 216-226-4401, theroot-cafe.com
3 | Rozi's Wine House: A new covered porch offers the perfect spot to people-watch while sipping a freshly uncorked vino or one of the eight brews on tap. Then, take something home from the store's collection of approximately 800 wines and 400 bottled beers. 14900 Detroit Ave., 216-221-1119, rozis.com
4 | Deagan's Kitchen & Bar: Chalk boards at the entrance trumpet the day's brews at this foodie-focused gastropub. Servers are quick with suggestions when it comes to pairing beer with the menu of upscale classics and funky combos, from spicy shrimp tacos to duck confit mac & cheese. 14810 Detroit Ave., 216-767-5775, deagans.com
5 | Souper Market: The Lakewood outpost of this local chain is a perfect pit stop for quick and healthy takeout options, which always include a slice of crusty bread. 14809 Detroit Ave., 216-712-7292, thesoupermarket.com
6 | Melt Bar & Grilled: Sure, the grilled cheese is good, and it's hard to escape the allure of instant classics such as the Parmageddon and Municipal Stadium Magic. But did you know the burgers here are just as big and tasty? Surprise your fellow diners and go with the El Diablo burger ($12.50). 14718 Detroit Ave., 216-226-3699, meltbarandgrilled.com
7 | Geiger's Clothing & Sports: Who knew they made Vibram shoes for kids? You'll find an adorable selection of them, alongside sports gear from snowboards to skates and a generous range of men's and women's trekking-and-traveling clothing. 14710 Detroit Ave., 216-521-1771, shopgeigers.com
8 | Green Smart Gifts: The items sold here are local, environmentally friendly or recycled (and sometimes all three at once). Offerings include recycled glass coasters ($25) and jewelry from local artist Jeanetta Ho. 14534 Detroit Ave., 216-712-7980, greensmartgifts.com
9 | Cosmic Collectibles: Letters of all shapes and sizes pop up throughout this cluttered little store, which effortlessly mixes vintage with reproductions and whatever else owner Robin Sweeney discovers in her hunts. 14532 Detroit Ave., 216-221-1085
10 | Paisley Monkey: Cloth diapers, Aden & Anais receiving blankets and Sophie the Giraffe, oh my! Cool baby stuff you can usually find only online is swaddled in this darling store. 14417 Detroit Ave., 216-221-1091, paisleymonkey.com
11 | Tess' Tender Touch: Locally crafted cards anchor this gift store, and the best part is that almost everything can be personalized. 14419 Detroit Ave., 216-539-2208, tesstendertouch.com
12 | Plantation Home: From the ivory, crackle-glazed seated Buddha ($295) to the smart, navy-and-cream wingtip chairs, this home furnishings store oozes high-end and good taste. 14401 Detroit Ave., 216-227-4663, joesofa.com
Quick Picks
Here are some favorites we uncovered in downtown Lakewood.
Gazpacho ($6 for a 16-ounce container), Souper Market: It's vegan, it's spicy, it's filled with summery shots of corn and cucumber, and best of all, it's cold.
Baby board shorts with built-in cloth swim diaper ($19.99), Paisley Monkey: Striped in bold primary colors, these infant board shorts could hardly stay hanging on the rack with all the pool-time anticipation.
Vintage pink dresser with marble top ($150), Cosmic Collectibles: A miniature dressing table that sums up the whimsical, feminine influences in this trove of treasures.
MORE INFO downtownlakewood.org
