For some reason I've been kind of fascinated with this area lately.  Next week I think I'm going to take a leisurely drive through the area, and I'd like to have some points of interest to focus on, maybe get some pictures of.  So far I'm thinking of checking out historic downtown Willoughby, downtown Wickliffe, Kirtland Mormon temple, and Gates Mills (yes I know that's Cuyahoga County!).  Anything else?  Anything by the lakefront area?  I want to go exploring a bit, but I also want to have a little direction, so any advice would be helpful!  Thanks...

I really only visit that area for the parks.  However, we're kinda between seasons at the moment so if you don't really enjoy walking around the woods/nature it might not be the time for you.  Especially since you have to pay to get into Holden.

 

North Chagrin Reservation - (http://www.clemetparks.com/visit/index.asp?action=rdetails&reservations_id=1002)

Hach-Otis - (http://www.ohiodnr.com/location/dnap/hach_otis/tabid/891/Default.aspx)

Holden Arboretum - (http://www.holdenarb.org/home/)

Thanks for the information!  I know there are some great parks in that area, but I didn't know about Hach-Otis.  I'll have to check it out some time.  On this bit of exploration I want to see some of the more "urban" parts of the area, so I'll set aside another time to see the parks.

Then you'll probably like downtown Willoughby. Though I wouldn't call Gates Mills urban.

 

You might also like the James A. Garfield home in Mentor.

Gate's Mills isn't urban, but the little village area around the bridge is very attractive.  I believe there is a small village arboretum there as well.

There are some nice scenes around where the Chagrin River empties into Lake Erie.  Eastlake I believe.

 

Lake County Captains Stadium is a really nice venue for a Single A team.

 

This is Geauga County, but in the vicinity - one of my favorite houses in the entire Metro is on Brigham Road just east of the Chagrin River.  I believe it was once owned by Bob Feller.  Google Maps doesn't really have any good street views unfortunately

Downtown Willoughby is a must, Garfield's home is pretty interesting and just a few miles up the road from there and makes a nice way to spend an hour or so. There are a handful of old buildings that at one point made up a downtown to Mentor near the intersection of Menter ave and Center St. and then there's downtown Painesville which is quite nice, but getting a little past "Western Lake County".

 

Parks wise, I like Chagrin River Park in Willoughby (or is it Eastlake). The river is pretty, plenty of wildlife. (I've never been in the park and not seen deer.) http://www.lakemetroparks.com/select-park/chagrin-river.shtml

 

 

Downtown Willoughby is a must, Garfield's home is pretty interesting and just a few miles up the road from there and makes a nice way to spend an hour or so. There are a handful of old buildings that at one point made up a downtown to Mentor near the intersection of Menter ave and Center St. and then there's downtown Painesville which is quite nice, but getting a little past "Western Lake County".

 

Parks wise, I like Chagrin River Park in Willoughby (or is it Eastlake). The river is pretty, plenty of wildlife. (I've never been in the park and not seen deer.) http://www.lakemetroparks.com/select-park/chagrin-river.shtml

 

 

Walking tour of Painesville--just remember to bring along your bulletproof vest & welcome to Da 'Ville! LOL:

http://www.painesvilleoh.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B66FDE066-2B9A-43E2-8DFC-2129003D50A7%7D/uploads/%7B432437B6-246E-4479-A4DF-E27E23D2FBAD%7D.PDF

 

this area is my home turf

 

wickliffe:

city hall at the corner of ridge and bishop is a nice specimen. it's at coulby park.

el charrito in wickliffe has solid mexican food

sussex for fish and chips (geriatric crowd, if that matters)

gabriel brothers discount shopping mecca (although i've been finding better things at the mentor store)

two golf courses on ridge

 

willowick:

lakefront park (small but ok enough, no beach tho)

unique thrift

 

there's a cool little area north of lakeshore just east of lloyd in euclid (yes i know not lake co), a street called Wondergrove (street view it), a pleasant stroll.

 

downtown willoughby seems to have new restaurants/establishments opening frequently.

 

the north chagrin reservation of the metroparks reaches into willoughby hills.

 

this is probably the first time i've heard of someone being interested in the area.

this is probably the first time i've heard of someone being interested in the area.

 

I just think there might be some interesting stuff there.  I drive around eastern Cuyahoga County for my job quite frequently, but I've never really roamed around that part of Lake County, I'm looking to see a different part of our area and I can get there in 20 minutes or so.  I'd also like to explore the historic/scenic areas of Medina and Lorain counties one day, but that's on the other side of town.

There is a great park right off of rt 306, very close to the Kirtland Mormon temple, called Chapin Forest. This park overlooks an old quarry, and offers spectacular views of downtown Cleve. If you like skyline pics from 20+ miles away this is definitely a must see!

There is a great park right off of rt 306, very close to the Kirtland Mormon temple, called Chapin Forest. This park overlooks an old quarry, and offers spectacular views of downtown Cleve. If you like skyline pics from 20+ miles away this is definitely a must see!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gildersleeve_Mountain