Ohio's Thriving Cleveland Neighborhood Is A Walkable Gem With Victorian Charm And Tasty Cuisine

If you are looking for a trip that mixes historic architecture with a tasty food scene, you might consider a neighborhood just a short drive from Cleveland, one of the most affordable travel destinations in America. You will find this community, Tremont, just south of downtown and separated from the city by the Cuyahoga River, located about a 10-mile drive from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). The physical separation, a product of the river valley and the later construction of interstate highways, was instrumental in preserving Tremont's collection of historic buildings that add to the neighborhood's charm. It helped the neighborhood maintain a walkable environment that you can still stroll through today.

In the neighborhood, you'll likely see many folks exploring the area on foot or by bike. Your walk will take you down streets lined with trees that feature a blend of Victorian-style houses and more recent apartment buildings. This collection of homes is a key part of the area's visual appeal. The community is also a destination for its food scene, which includes many well-regarded restaurants. These dining options, combined with the 19th-century architecture, help set Tremont apart from other Cleveland neighborhoods. As a bonus, its layout makes it possible for you to walk from homes to parks and restaurants with ease. One popular recreational section is the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath trail that runs through the community.

The Victorian essence of the neighborhood can certainly be seen in the Tremont Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its designation points to its architectural background, and a large proportion of the neighborhood's houses were constructed before 1900. A popular spot is Lincoln Park (not to be confused with Chicago's sought-after Lincoln Park neighborhood), an 8-acre area established in 1880 that has 19th- and early 20th-century homes along the streets. When you walk through the area, you will likely see building styles from the era, like Late Victorian, Carpenter Gothic, and Stick style. This concentration of older homes creates a quaint streetscape that feels different from Downtown Cleveland just across the river.

Tremont also has 26 historical churches inside a single square mile, the highest concentration of historic churches in the United States. Many of these were built by the immigrant communities that settled there in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Several of these buildings, like the St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Pilgrim Congregational Church, are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Your visit can include other points of interest, too, like the house that was used for exterior shots in the movie "A Christmas Story." It is now a museum open for tours and overnight stays. You might also recognize Lemko Hall as the filming site for the wedding reception scene in the film "The Deer Hunter." Community events are also held in Lincoln Park, including Arts in August, which has free performances, and the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival in September. The monthly Walkabout Tremont is another regular event where you can enjoy this walkable neighborhood and find fun spots to visit.

The foodie scene in Tremont includes a mix of different cuisines and dining styles that you can nom on. The Taste of Tremont is a summer street festival that brings in local food. If your trip doesn't align with the annual event, focus instead on the neighborhood's restaurants. For Eastern European and tavern-style entrees, go to Prosperity Social Club, which has a menu with Polish items. The Rowley Inn, across from the "A Christmas Story" house, also serves Polish-American dishes. If you're looking for modern American and Italian food, try Dante. Alternatively, The South Side has a menu of burgers, tacos, and more.

For a taste of the South, Bourbon Street Barrel Room serves New Orleans-style Creole and Cajun food. Fat Cats is another spot in the area that has an eclectic, globally influenced menu and views of the city skyline. The area also has several coffee shops and cafes for you to check out like Grumpy's Cafe, which is a known staple in the area for breakfast and comfort food. Nirvana Coffee Company is a boutique roaster that focuses on single-origin beans. Other local choices include Civilization Coffee Shop and a Tremont location of Rising Star Coffee Roasters. For the adults in the crew, you can pop into Edison's Pub or the Irish pub The Treehouse.

When you are planning your visit, the options for staying within Tremont are mainly vacation rentals and guesthouses. Regular hotels are not found directly in the neighborhood but are available in Downtown Cleveland, which is about 4 miles away.