Avon, OH

Native Americans occupied the land comprising Avon for centuries before European settlers made their way to North America. Local tribes gave up control of the area in 1805 as part of the Treaty of Fort Industry, and the first permanent settlers arrived in 1814. Avon remained a rural village on the outskirts of Cleveland until it incorporated as a city in 1961.

Modern residents can learn about Avon's past at the nearby Hickories Museum, which sits just south of the city. The Huntington Playhouse and the Lorain Palace Theatre, which are located to the east and west of Avon, put on a series of plays, musicals and concerts. In the autumn, celebrate the season with the Fall into Avon Festival.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic American feast or a Turkish snack, Avon has a restaurant to suit your tastes. Detroit Road and Avon Belden Road serve as the central restaurant locations in Avon; in 10 minutes, you can drive past most of the city's eateries.

The falafel at Istanbul Mediterranean Grill draws rave reviews from local diners, who love the crisp exterior and soft interior. Carnivores love the mixed grill, and vegetarians dive into dishes such as the stuffed grape leaves and okra saute. If you prefer to eat in the comfort of home, the restaurant offers food to go.

The upscale atmosphere at Strip creates the perfect setting for birthdays and first dates. Under the guidance of Chef Ron Larsen, this American steakhouse serves perfectly cooked cuts of meat, including the butter-basted top sirloin and seared veal chops. Diners also rave about the lobster pasta and the Gruyere mac and cheese.

When you're in the mood for Chinese food, look no further than Mandarin, with its inexpensive prices and quick service. Avon diners love the Szechuan chicken. The restaurant provides both take-out and delivery.

Nightlife in Avon stays true to the neighborhood's family-oriented style; most bars also have restaurants attached, and don't expect to find a wild dance club for miles around. At the beautiful Bar 145, sip a glass of artisan bourbon while you listen to live music by Cleveland's best local bands. For a sophisticated evening, enjoy a wine tasting at The Wine Room on Chester Road.

Most residents of Avon depend heavily on their cars to get around the neighborhood and the city. The city has a walk score of just 59, largely due to its large size and non-centralized layout. Local cyclists also face difficulties getting around safely, as most streets do not feature bike lanes. Avon does not provide public transportation services, but you can call for a ride from cab companies that serve the city. Uber also provides service in Avon and the surrounding communities.

Local drivers take advantage of the free parking on many of Avon's streets. Take care to move your car at night; the city prohibits street parking from 2 to 6 a.m. When you need to get to points north and south, take Highway 83, which runs directly through the center of town. In the northern section of the neighborhood, Interstate 90 provides easy access to destinations to the east or west.

The city of Avon maintains several free parks, including Northgate Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Schwartz Road Park and Little League Park. Each park is carefully designed to make maximum use of the space and to support multiple amenities.

Make the most of warm summer days with a walk on the nature trails at Schwartz Road Park, and bring the kids to watch soccer or play on the large playground. The fitness track at Northgate Park attracts local runners and walkers, while the park's fishing pond brings in local sportsmen. In the winter, enjoy sledding and outdoor ice skating. In June, stop by Veterans Memorial Park to check out the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival that celebrates duct tape in its many forms, including as art and fashion. All parks in Avon welcome dogs on leashes.

The good life in Avon doesn't come cheap. The overall cost of living is higher than the Cleveland average, and residents pay more for everything except transportation and utilities. If you're searching for a rental in the neighborhood, expect to pay on average $958.57 for a one-bedroom apartment.

The high-end atmosphere of Avon Lake translates to higher daily prices. A beer at a local pub costs about $6, and cocktails often go for $11 or more at the neighborhood's finer restaurants. When you go to fill up your tank, expect gas prices that are typically 9 percent lower than the national average.

With a mix of local boutiques and national chain stores, Avon provides a variety of shopping options for all tastes. The Avon Commons Shopping Center and the Olde Avon Village feature large collections of stores, while other options are located along both sides of Detroit Road. Don't expect many true high-end stores in Avon, but recognizable names such as Costco and Men's Wearhouse abound.

When you have a free hour, head to Country Store on Stoney Ridge Road. This small antiques store features winding hallways and large rooms, all brimming with unique pieces. Don't miss a chat with the friendly staff, who have a wealth of information about the furniture and decor items on display.

Prepare yourself for the cold Ohio winter with boots from Avon Boot Store, a family-owned business that carries work boots, motorcycle boots and Western wear. The store, located on Chester Road, also sells accessories.

If you're looking for a retro-style dress or high-end consignment items, stop by Vintage Love on Detroit Road. With its reasonable prices and on-trend looks, the store brings in local fashionistas.

Several large grocery stores serve Avon, including Wal-Mart, Marc's and Giant Eagle. Residents love the high-end Heinen's for its organic foods, fresh bakery and excellent selection of craft beer. When you need fresh vegetables and locally made products, stop by the farmers market at Nagel Farms.