Brunswick, OH

Explore this town's rich heritage at the Brunswick Area Historical Society. Founded in 1815, Brunswick was built by hardworking pioneers who cleared the land through back-breaking labor and dedication in search of better lives. The humble residents of this hearty town still take pride in such traits today.

Brunswick Art Works (BAW), a locally operated group dedicated to promoting the arts in the Brunswick area, helps keep the area beautiful. Throughout the city, this organization displays lovely works of fine art, helping to enhance the area's cultural environment. Dedicated to providing a venue for local artists to display their works while encouraging participation in the local arts scene, the BAW features a free presentation by a local artist right at City Hall the first Wednesday of each month.

The restaurants and nightlife in Brunswick absolutely buzz with fine dining or drinking opportunities. Whether you prefer the comfort of a number of nationally renowned chain restaurants or the down-home feel of unique locally owned eateries, this town proffers something for everyone.

For a taste of Italy, stop in at Fatbob's award-winning pizza shop. Known as one of the best pizza joints in Ohio for its authentic homemade crust topped with the freshest ingredients, this locally owned favorite draws attention from cities away. Be sure to try the Fatbob Pizza, uniquely topped with red skin mashed potatoes, onion and red pepper. This garlic-buttered marvel gives pizza a whole new meaning.

The Brunswick Family Restaurant located on Pearl Road shines like a little gem in the heart of the city. This mom-and-pop franchise transports you back to grandma's kitchen, with all your favorite home-cooked meals plus a few extras. With a variety of over-sized perfectly cooked burgers well worth their weight in cholesterol, The Brunswick Melt ranks as a favored choice among locals. Don't miss out on the seared-to-perfection gyros or the colossal Reuben's stuffed with only the leanest corned beef around.

Add a little ethnicity to your life with Wild Fusion's expansive selection of both Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Featuring the best sushi in town along with a number fresh, tasty seafood options, this establishment's prices, service and quality make it a local takeout or eat-in favorite. While here, try the General Tso's chicken, which comes breaded to perfection, ideally spiced and served in extra generous portions.

For a finer dining option, try Bianca's Ristorante Italiano located on Beverly Hills Drive. Featuring a delightful outdoor patio along with a full lounge, Bianca's provides diners with authentic Italian food made fresh to order with only the finest ingredients. You can also reserve this establishment's banquet facilities for upscale parties and business meetings. Whether you crave a romantic rendezvous with that special someone or happy hour cocktails at the bar, this restaurant delivers. Known for its exquisite pasta dishes, the out-of-this-world veal scallopini stands a favorite with locals.

Plentiful night-life options in Brunswick prove locals here know how to have a good time. A favorite spot, The Winking Lizard features an unrivaled selection of beers. Don't miss out on the very popular World of Beers Tour hosted in this lovely tavern setting. The bar food here also gets high praise from the regulars. Manzo's Sports and Spirits serves as the place to go for live entertainment, with loud music providing a great taste of the rock-n-roll scene. More than just a sports bar though it plays games on the big screen, this bar keeps you here with its impeccable selection on tap and unbeatable atmosphere.

Located 20 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and situated right along I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike, Brunswick provides residents with cars easy access to major routes. Plentiful public transportation options such as bus routes, taxis and ride share give locals a convenient alternative to getting around the town. Many of the shopping centers lie within walking or biking distance of residential neighborhoods along well-kept biking lanes and sidewalks present on almost every street. Free, plentiful public parking alleviates worries of finding a spot for your vehicle.

Brunswick Transit Alternative (BTA) serves as a popular option among residents, with rides costing just 50 cents a trip. BTA provides numerous stops throughout the city that can be accessed at scheduled pickup times or by simply hailing the driver from any location as the transport passes. Equipped with wheelchair lifts, these buses provide easy accessibility to the disabled.

Another option rapidly growing in popularity, Uber ride share services the area with reasonably priced drivers, requiring only a cell phone or computer to arrange a pickup. Plentiful taxi services operate here as well, just be sure to call ahead to arrange a ride.

Nestled among the trees, the Susan Hambley Nature Center located at scenic Brunswick Lake features beautiful trails to walk or jog along while admiring the heavily wooded area. The trails wind around the lake, allowing visitors to take in breathtaking sites that include the wildlife present in the area. The rustically designed nature center at the heart of the park provides fun, educational activities for the whole family year-round.

Bow Wow Beach Dog Park located just outside the city on Stow Road provides the perfect place to go romp with your favorite furry friend. Also located just outside the city, Lakewood Park hosts bike and running tracks for the exercise enthusiasts, with a stunning view of Lake Erie. Also equipped with a volleyball court and a well kept-baseball diamond, this park proffers plenty of activities for an active day of sight-seeing and fun.

A highly anticipated annual event, Brunswick Old Fashioned Days brings all the excitement of an amusement park right to residents' front doors. Events include live musical acts as well as other entertainment, and the end of this six-day festival comes with a magnificent fireworks display.

The cost of living in Brunswick sits at about 2.8 percent lower than national averages, with gas tending to run about 1.6 percent higher. A one-bedroom residence here starts averages $650 per month. Find beer priced 7.1 percent less than national averages here, with costs ranging between $5 and $8 at local pubs.

Public transportation provided by BTA comes with inexpensive fares of just $.50 per ride, with free route exchanges, and seniors and disabled persons ride for just a quarter. A ride into downtown Cleveland via taxi costs roughly $50.

Home to over 20 shopping plazas and numerous trusted favorites, Brunswick shopping provides a little something for everyone. From specialty foods to unique boutiques, you won't need to travel far to meet all your shopping needs.

The European Specialty Food Mart gives residents a taste of all their European favorites with its numerous quality imports. From fresh-baked European breads to hard-to-find beverages, including a large assortment of alcohol, this store promises to delight. In the deli, discover the freshest cold cuts along with a large assortment of imported cured meats or sausages. Be sure to check out the candy aisle and delight the little ones with a unique taste from abroad.

For your stationery needs, head to Hollo's Papercraft Store. Hollo's carries everything from greeting cards to party supplies in the massive warehouse. Be prepared to spend a few hours getting acquainted with the store layout if you're a first-timer. If you prefer online shopping, check out Hollo's frequently updated online catalog.

A variety of consignment shops available in Brunswick also provide many unique clothing options, with higher-end shopping available at the SouthPark Mall located just outside of Brunswick in Strongsville.

Access to ten different grocery stores all within a mile's drive provide convenience as well as variety. Ohio's favored grocer, Giant Eagle, sits conveniently located on Center Road, always ready to supply the freshest meats and produce. Buehler's Fresh Foods stands as a local chain favored by the residents. Call ahead to place an order to make your shopping trip a breeze, or go in to experience the best pizza and subs from Oven Fresh, located within. Loved by locals for many reasons, this store ranks highly with residents for its super-fresh produce section as well as an entire aisle dedicated to items at a dollar for those shopping on a budget. The in-house bakery provides fresh-baked treats daily.