Welcome to Historic Tremont

If you're looking for delicious cuisine, unique shops, and trendy bars in the same vicinity, Tremont is just the place for you.

Less than ten minutes from campus, this west side Cleveland neighborhood is in the midst of urban renewal. The result thus far - fine dining, local pubs, and quaint coffee houses.

Back in 1851, Tremont was home to Cleveland University. Although it only lasted until 1853, the university left its mark in Tremont with street names including Professor, College, University, and Literary.

With its spectacular architecture, including over 25 churches within a one-square mile area and historic landmarks, it is no wonder college students and growing artists are flocking to the Tremont community.

Tremont is possibly most well known for its monthly art walks. The art walks, held the second Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., are an excellent time to visit the neighborhood. Many galleries that aren't normally open except by appointment open their doors and welcome the crowds that flock to Tremont for the event. Some galleries also open the following day.

In addition, many local businesses and restaurants take part in the art walk by displaying featured artwork. Participating galleries include, The Brandt Gallery, Asterisk Gallery, Doubting Thomas, Hybrid, Exit Gallery, and the Kelly- Randall Gallery. The event is free and more information can be found at tremontartwalk.org.

Quick Bites:

Located just on the edge of Lincoln Park is Civilization, a coffee shop and café. Civilization features locally roasted coffee, tea, and a small menu of lunch items. Prices are surprisingly cheap and free wi-fi is available. The structure, once the Flandermyer Drug building, was built in 1881. The interior still has antique woodwork surrounding the small area with tables and the exterior still says "drugs and medicines" near the roof. Civilization also offers gift baskets of their coffee.
2366 W. 11 St., (216) 621-3838, cityroastcoffee.com/civil.html

Located at the corner of Tremont and Jefferson, La Bodega is known for its sandwiches, soups, and salads. The bright colors of the dining room compliment the hardwood floor along with the textile artwork displayed on the wall. Sit and relax for a quick bite while people watching at the counter facing the window.

The extensive menu includes 12 salads with 12 dressing options, 26 sandwiches, seven subs and fourteen vegetarian friendly items.

To view the full menu, visit labodega-tremont.com.
869 Jefferson Ave., (216) 621- 7075

Shopping:

Centrally located in the Professor St. retail district is Banyan Tree. The first thing that strikes you as you walk in the boutique is the friendly barking from the tiny and adorable resident poodle, named Chai. The second thing is the vast array of house wares, greeting cards, jewelry and décor. Banyan Tree's merchandise is very modern with an artsy feel to it such as salt and peppershakers that interlock to form an oval.

A second room contains unique fashion forward clothing, boots, and scarves. Their most popular items are jewelry, however.

"We have great jewelry and it's moderately priced," says saleswoman Jan Novak.

Banyan Tree currently has a 40 percent off sale on select Christmas merchandise to make space for the new things the owners will bring back from their next buying trip to a variety of cities across the U.S. The store also offers services such as free gift-wrap, a gift and bridal registry, and wine and cheese parties for special occasions.
2242 Professor St., (216)-241- 1209, shopbanyantree.com

Mixing vintage pieces with local designers, gingko boutique is a trendy boutique with affordable prices. Magazine tear-outs hang above noteworthy items including ME! Bath Ice Cream, bath bombs in the shape of ice cream scoops, and vintage beads, recently sported by dozens of celebrities.

Look for handmade wool scarves, $10 vintage scarves, and jewelry, including pieces made by owner Melanie Harlan.
2403 Professor Ave., (216) 357- 4085

A recent addition to gingko boutique, robin's egg paperie specializes in lovely paper goods including handmade note cards and stationary.

Upon entering the shop, it is nearly impossible to miss the lit tree branch hanging from the skylight. The beige walls accented by light pink décor add a feminine feel to this cozy paperie, which features cards by owner Erin Stack.

Make note of the strategically placed refrigerator in the shop, decked out with vintage magnets for sale.
2403 Professor Ave., (440) 930- 0410

Hair Care:

Studio Le Beau, "a salon for the beautiful," is a small, yet quaint salon specializing in hair design, color enhancing, curl enhancing, and hand and foot treatments.

The Hairworks starts at $35 and the Men's Cut starts at $20, both of which include a shampoo and blow dry. Waving, Texturizing, Body, or Relaxing begin at $60.
2360 W. 11 St., (216) 621-3638

Catering to Canines:

Located in South Tremont at Clark Field, the Tremont/Clark Field Dog Park is a fenced in gravel lot where dogs can have full reign. The park features water fountains for canines and eight benches for humans. Poop bags are provided to clean up Fido's mess.