Olmsted Falls, OH Area Guide

Olmsted Falls started out primarily as a farming community. While North Olmsted built up into a city early on, Olmsted Falls remained "the country." Although it has developed into a residential community, it still remains small and quiet compared to North Olmsted.

The Olmsted Historical Society is a local history museum located in North Olmsted; however, since the history of Olmsted Falls and North Olmsted overlaps, the museum covers the historical significance of both areas.

Grand Pacific Junction is also historically significant to the area in that it repurposed many of the original buildings. Grand Pacific Junction also hosts an annual community festival, and many of the shops within Grand Pacific Junction feature works from local artists.

There are many locally owned restaurants in Olmsted Falls; both family restaurants and bar and grill restaurants. Most of the restaurants are located in Pacific Junction; an area at the corner of Bagley Road and Columbia Road.

Located in the old Olmsted Falls Fire Department, Moosehead Hoof and Ladder offers three dining rooms and two patio seating areas. Visitors can eat inside to enjoy the rustic decor or eat outside for a taste of the scenic views of the Rocky River. While there, try their homemade chil, or any of their specialty sandwiches like the Pierogi Melt.

Le Bistro du Beaujolais is a locally owned French Restaurant. When the owners, Georges and Claudie, were looking for a location to open their restaurant, they fell in love with the historic homes in Olmsted Falls. They made the decision to open their restaurant in a historic home because they believed it provided the ambiance and "antique-like" culture of France that they wished to share with their visitors. Le Bistro du Beaujolais features two dining rooms and an outdoor patio. It offers a fixed three-course meal or patrons can order a la carte. Everything Le Bistro du Beaujolais offers is completely homemade authentic French cuisine.

As for nightlife, while Olmsted Falls doesn't have many businesses that are open late, just a small trip north on Columbia Road will take you to the Great Northern Mall Area. Here you will find a wide variety of bars that maintain later hours. If you are a beer enthusiast, go to the Fat Head Brewery. They offer a full line of Fat Head beers brewed on-site and a menu full of oversized burgers and homemade potato chips.

There aren't any public transportation options in Olmsted Falls. There are taxi services in surrounding areas, but Uber is unavailable in Olmsted Falls. Most residents get around town in a personal vehicle. There are free parking lots and street side parking in public areas. Most areas in Olmsted Falls have sidewalks to make it easy for pedestrians to get around. Although there are no bike lanes, the low-traffic residential areas make getting around via bike easy.

If you are interested in going into Cleveland for a game or to the airport, bus services in North Olmsted can take you there.

Village Green Park is located at the corner of Columbia Road and Water Street. This area has a picnic area, a large playground and a large kiddie pool. The kiddie pool, open seasonally, is approximately 12 inches deep with a large fountain in the middle. There is also a basketball court, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

Just past Village Green Park is Fortier Park. Officially part of the Cleveland Metroparks, Fortier Park offers over 5 acres of hiking trails, green spaces, fishing, picnicking, scenic waterfalls and views of the Rocky River. Locals often go to this park to enjoy the natural setting and scenic views.

Located on Lewis Road, East River Park offers multiple play areas for kids, open areas and walking trails. East River Park is a very inviting place for picnickers with multiple pavilions, picnic tables, fountains and restrooms. The main pavilion even has a fireplace to enjoy in the cooler weather.

Tyndall Falls Park is a relatively small park that offers a playground and swingset for children. Mills Field park offers residents baseball fields and basketball courts, and Bradford Gate Park, located in the Bradford Gates housing development, also offers a basketball court and a playing field.

Gas prices in Olmsted Falls are approximately 8 percent lower than the national average. The average rent in Olmsted Falls is $686. Because public transportation is not an option, transportation costs vary based on the vehicle you own. The average price of beer in Olmsted Falls is approximately 7 percent lower than the national average.

Grand Pacific Junction Historic Shopping District is the major shopping area in Olmsted Falls. This area has recreated a historic feel by repurposing historic homes and buildings for stores and restaurants. There are green spaces, beautiful landscape and walkways connecting all the stores so shoppers feel welcome to park their vehicles and walk around. There are dozens of businesses located in Grand Pacific Junction that range from locally owned boutiques to art galleries to speciality stores.

For example, the Pink Bicycle Boutique sells comfort gifts for those battling cancer, including wigs, scarves, lotions and inspirational gifts. The Artist Colony, located in the former Carriage House, sells soaps, candles, specialty gifts for babies, clothes for American Girl Dolls and framed art.

Shamrock & Rose Creations, located in the Granary, carries a range of Celtic-inspired gifts including reproduction art and handmade gifts. Abigayle's Quiltery carries everything a quilter or quilt lover could need, as well as a wide range of fabrics, sewing machines, supplies, finished quilts, quilted covers and pillow cases.

There are no grocery stores or farmer's markets in Olmsted Falls, but there are several in the surrounding towns including two seasonal markets in North Olmsted.