Willoughby Hills, OH Area Guide

Willoughby Hills, like most of Ohio, has a rich Native American history. Founded in 1815, the town was originally named Chagrin Township for its position along the Chagrin River. The name was changed in honor of Dr. Westal Willoughby in 1834 in honor of his numerous contributions to the city. Close access to major highways, as well as the river, spurred the town's growth into the richly diverse, profitable service economy seen today.

Cleveland's world renowned museums, located just 20 minutes west along I-271, mix the past with the present, while providing access to the area's diverse art scene. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers a beautiful blend of interactive galleries related to history. Art combined with the mysteries of the natural world come to life here, and are displayed together with numerous life-size dinosaur relics.

Willoughby Hills is home to a number of upscale restaurants, as well as some charming down home favorites. Whether your tastes lean toward ethnic or good old American favorites, 10 minute proximity to action packed surrounding towns means you can find it all here.

Mario Fazio's is a local favorite that serves authentic Italian Cuisine, prepared from scratch, using a unique blend of vegetables and spices. Start your dinner off right with Lisa's Salad, named after one of the owners; this tasty signature favorite includes candied walnuts with grapes, combined with deliciously grilled or breaded chicken, and topped with gorgonzola cheese. The lemon chicken served with cavatelli marinara or the chicken marsala entrées are sure to delight any chicken lover. Home to the best pizza pie in the county, add all of your favorite ingredients to taste pizza the way it was meant to be. Friendly, prompt service along with beautiful decor characterize this enchanting establishment that caters to groups of any size.

Most Ohioans love their corned beef sandwiches heaping with meaty goodness. That's just what you will find at Dynamic Duo Beverage & Deli. Easily one of the best sandwiches you will ever taste, this local favorite also offers a vast wine selection. If they don't have your brand in stock, they will order it for you. A great place to get party subs, plus an expansive deli menu, will keep you coming back for more.

Firehouse Grill & Pub on Stark Avenue is a tucked away little gem hidden right behind another restaurant. A great selection of beers on tap, plus a variety of mixed drinks and wine choices make this a great place to drink or dine. The barbecue chicken pizza is a must try. The ribs are scrumptious. Offering reasonable prices, this place can compete with any upscale restaurant's menu without the high prices.

Nightlife in Willoughby Hills offers a nice selection of sports bars or local pubs to choose from, but close access to Downtown Willoughby's bar scene provides all the variety one could want. Numerous pubs, and its own Willoughby Brewing Company, are located in the heart of Willoughby's historic downtown area. Walk along the strip to experience the varied atmospheres of the bars here. 1899 Pub offers a great rock scene with a lovely patio, plus beer pong upstairs. The beer selection is expansive at prices that can't be beat. Mullarkey’s Irish Pub is another little gem you will find along the strip that offers all the fun of a sports bar with a little taste of Ireland. Brimming with character, this pub has a great vibe with live music.

The Woodroom Martini and Wine Bar on Chardon Road might just be one of the best kept secrets in Willoughby Hills. The cozy, warm ambiance will put you at ease while you choose from an expansive wine list. Choose anyone of their appetizers that are served hot, prompt, and guaranteed to make your mouth water. Be sure to try the signature martinis that draw in thirsty visitors from miles around.

Close access to S.R. 91 and I-271 makes automobile travel a popular option among residents. Public transportation offered by RTA at affordable rates, provides another way to get around town. Numerous pickup stops or times are available throughout the city, or you can call ahead to schedule a ride. Dialing 411 from your home phone is an excellent method for Lake County residents to get information about RTA, as well as other services offered by the city. Public parking options are plentiful, plus free of charge.

Uber is a very popular choice here. Many bars are located within 10 minutes of residential areas, making travel by taxi or Uber an inexpensive option to go out for a fun-filled night on the town without needing a designated driver. Numerous taxi services, as well as limo services, operate within the town giving residents plenty of options to choose from, just be sure to call ahead to make arrangements. Located just over 20 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, long distance travel is also a breeze. A1 Airport Shuttle LLC offers reasonable rates, along with impeccable service and front door drop off to the airport.

Many of the neighborhoods in Willoughby Hills are walkable, with shopping plazas conveniently close by. Sidewalks are available on almost all streets, as are bike lanes so you can travel safely in any manner you choose.

Willoughby Hills is home to a number of local parks that provide fun, recreational opportunities for the whole family. Most are equipped with pavilions for picnics in the summer, along with beautifully kept entertaining play areas for the kids.

North Chagrin Reservation provides a special combination of outdoor recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Perhaps best known for being home to Squire's Castle, often referred to as such by the locals, the castle was never fully completed leaving only the foundation of what was to be the gate house. A popular place for weddings, people love to visit this site for its renaissance feel and lengthy hiking trails that provide great exercise opportunities. Furry friends are also welcome here. The area has large fields to romp or picnic in while taking in the lovely, scenic area. Sunset Pond has an exceptionally beautiful view of many of the areas waterfowl. The reservation includes a nature center plus a nature education building, making it a great experience for the whole family.

Pleasant Valley Park covers nearly 80 acres of land along the Chagrin River. A hot spot for fishing, it offers access to 2,000 feet of fishable stream with a scenic view of the densely forested area that surrounds it. Bald Eagles have claimed this area as a home providing a chance to catch a glimpse of America's majestic national symbol. Over half a mile of hikable trails offer a scenic escape from city life.

If you are in town during the summer months, be sure to stay for Willoughby Hills Cornfest. This is an annual treat that offers great eats from local vendors plus a variety of entertainment that changes yearly. Numerous vendors rent space here to sell one of a kind hand made or unique treasures. A petting zoo keeps the little ones amused along with several bounce houses. Live entertainment, plus a variety of carnival games, including gambling for grownups, makes this a highly anticipated local favorite.

The cost of living in Willoughby Hill is moderate, with many high-end housing options available. The homes here are beautiful cape cod to colonial style, with many other options to choose from as well. The median rent for a one bedroom residence is about $750.00 per month. Overall cost of living standards sit at 6.2% greater than the national average.

Public transportation provides affordable travel options to the public at $1.50 per fare with discounts available for seniors or the disabled. Taxi service to local pubs averages about $20.00, with a ride into the greater Cleveland area costing around $50.00. Gas prices sit right at or slightly below national averages at a rate of.20%. Beer prices in pubs are reasonable; expect to pay $3.00 - $6.00 for your favorite ale.

Numerous shopping options are available within a 5 mile drive of Willoughby Hills. Plazas in town offer plenty of variety, from farmers markets to favored grocers and clothing shops. The nearby Great Lakes Mall offers high-end options, along with an expansive food court and tons of variety. Chardon Bishop Plaza in town is home to a number of local favorites including Marc's, everyone's favorite place to find a bargain. Vanity Fair Outlet, a hit among the whole family, offers top of the line, unique clothing options for all ages. Giant Eagle, a favorite grocery store in the area, provides Grade-A Angus Beef along with fresh produce plus all of your favorite brand names. Stop in to grab some tools at Sears Hardware while you are here. This health conscious little town would not be complete without its year-round farmers market located right on the corner of Route 6 and I-91. Sun Plum Market offers a large selection of the finest organic produce. This open air farmers market also offers a great deli selection. Fresh baked goods, and a variety of specialty items make this a frequent stop for the locals. Located right next door, Gales Garden Center will be the go to place for all of your gardening needs. Specialty stores are found nestled in just about every corner of the city or neighboring towns. Alesci's is an authentic Italian Deli loved by locals that offers an extensive selection of Italian imports. Scooters Soda Fountain & Candy Shoppe, located in Willoughby, provides a treat for any sweet tooth. This old-fashioned little shop has a charming atmosphere, as well as a great selection to choose from. The HoneyBaked Ham Company has the finest hams, offering great variety. You can place an order to meet your specifications. This is a definite hit for the holidays. No matter what your shopping needs might be, you will not have far to travel to meet them in Willoughby Hills.