The Westside Buzz
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☕ 20 Miles and 10K. Your Vote Counts.

☕ 20 Miles and 10K. Your Vote Counts.

Something New, Something Hidden, Something Local

August 26, 2025

Good morning, Buzz Nation.

Sunday morning, Jodie and I woke up craving adventure (and carbs). So we gassed up and drove to Blue Door Café in Cuyahoga Falls, which is a spot that keeps landing on “best brunch in America” lists.

The Verdict? Believe the hype. But the wait looked like Steel Vengeance on the first nice Saturday of summer. Advice if you don’t have a reservation… jump on the online waitlist before you even start the drive.

After stuffing ourselves, we needed to walk it off. That’s when we found a hidden gem: the Overlook Observation Deck. A short walk into the woods and you’re staring at some of the best views of the Cuyahoga River Valley. Peaceful, underrated, the kind of spot you could spend hours listening to water rushing over the rocks.

We capped the day at my Dad’s in Strongsville, playing with Rusty the mini Dachshund.

Today we’re buzzing on:

✅ Vote for which charity we will Walk the Westside for
🌳 The newest Avon Park
✂ Local makers are having a moment

See you out there.

—The Briggses

WALK THE WESTSIDE

Here’s the rough game plan: Jodie and I will trek 20 miles—from the Rock Hall to Avon Point—making a few pit stops along the way.

📈 The mission: raise $10,000 for a Westside charity. We’ll publish the route ahead of time so you can join us for a leg (or the whole crazy thing), and we’ll have a live donation tracker so you can cheer us on from your couch.

📅 Target date: First Saturday in October

🚨Vote for your favorite Westside charity below🚨

Jodie and I are Walking the Westside with a goal to raise $10,000 for charity. Which charity should the money go to?

Voting ends Friday 8.29

FEEL GOOD

From Cancer Battle To Firehouse Hero 📍 Parma Heights

Courtesy Jarrett Sadler

Six-year-old Vito Sadler just had the birthday of a lifetime. He was sworn in as an honorary firefighter by the Parma Heights Fire Department.

With the help of A Special Wish Northeast Ohio, Vito (a leukemia survivor now in remission) got the full firehouse experience: badges, gear, and even putting out a real blaze alongside his brother Max.

For one day, the Sadler boys weren’t thinking about hospitals or treatments—they were just kids living out their dream. And according to his mom, she’s never seen them smile so much.

And hey—if there are any kids out there whose dream is to run a fun, community-driven email newsletter, let us know. We’d be happy to make someone’s day and show them the ropes!

COMMUNITY BLEND

More Westside Greenspace is Always a Good Thing 📍 Avon

The trail leading to an unfinished bridge | Courtesy Richard Perrins

Avon just turned a hidden 38-acre family property into its newest public park that will be known as the Traxler Family Arboretum.

Once home to trucking, topsoil, and even Christmas tree sales, the land has been in the Traxler family for nearly 60 years and is now open with wooded trails leading to French Creek.

Thanks to city funds and a $1.2 million state grant, this local landmark is preserved for generations to enjoy.

These Westside High Schools Do Their Homework

Westside school systems are well represented in the US News top-ranked schools report. Rocky River came in as the #2-ranked high school in Cleveland (and #5 in Ohio), with Bay, Avon Lake, and Westlake also ranking in the top 10. Many of the other Westside schools weren’t too far behind.

U.S. News ranks high schools using six weighted factors: college readiness (30%), college curriculum breadth (10%), state test proficiency (20%), state test performance vs. expectations (20%), underserved student performance (10%), and graduation rate (10%). Together, these measure both academic achievement and equity.

SUPPORT LOCAL

Local Makers Are Having a Moment

Photo by Adonyi Gábor

One of the coolest trends we’re seeing right now? Arts and crafts shops that double as treasure chests for local goodies — from fresh sourdough bread and raw honey to handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts. These shops give independent makers a place to create, sell, and share their talents without the heavy lift of running a storefront. And when small businesses win, whole communities thrive.

Here are a few spots worth adding to your weekend plans:

-Creative Curiosities (Lagrange) — Browse local honey, sourdough bread, jewelry, and more. They’ve been open since July, but are celebrating their Grand Opening on Saturday, Sept. 6.

-Funktiniland (Lakewood) — A gallery-style gift shop packed with local art and unique finds, located right next to Merry Arts in the heart of Lakewood.

-Ellie’s Shoppe & Event Center (Fairview Park) — Housed in a gorgeous historic home, Ellie’s offers baked goods, custom coasters, picture frames, and thoughtful gifts with plenty of charm.

-Cleveland Craft Nook (North Royalton) — This handcrafted marketplace brings small craft store vibes to a larger footprint space. The perfect place to grab some decor or handmade pieces for Halloween.

Support these shops to continue to fuel creativity, community, and Cleveland pride.

Do you frequent any shops that we missed? Send us an email!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Some Upcoming Events to Keep Your Eye on

🚒 Bay Village: Touch a Truck Event | September 6th, 12 - 3 PM
Bring the kids to touch all of the very cool vehicles they see on the streets every day. Sit in a fire truck, turn on the police lights, and stand inside a front-end loader.
📍Bay Village Police and Fire Station

🎉 Lakewood: Lakewood Community Festival | September 6th, 11 AM - 5 PM
The 37th annual celebration of community, cultural heritage, and family is a day of fun and activities for everyone.
📍 Madison Park

🦨 North Ridgeville: Skunkfest | September 13, 10 AM - 4 PM
Yes, you read that correctly. Get up close to Skunks and learn about these curious creatures that are actually quite sweet.
📍 South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Road

WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦=Family Friendly

Multi-Day Events
Cleveland Taco Fest (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1) Jacob’s Pavilion, The Flats Four days of tacos on the waterfront? Yes, please. From classic carne asada to creative twists, plus tequila, music, and riverside views, Cleveland Taco Fest is a long weekend built for flavor. Taco ‘bout a party
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Air Show (Saturday, Aug. 30 - Monday, Sept. 1) Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland The skies above Lake Erie roar back to life as the Air Show returns to Burke Lakefront. With military jets, stunt pilots, and gravity-defying tricks, it’s one of Cleveland’s most thrilling Labor Day traditions. Look up
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cleveland Oktoberfest (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1) Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea Steins, schnitzel, and nonstop polka! The region’s biggest Oktoberfest takes over the fairgrounds with beer tents, live music, and Bavarian traditions. If you can’t make it this weekend, the party keeps going next weekend too.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 St. Rocco Festival (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1) St. Rocco Parish, Clark-Fulton A Cleveland tradition for generations, the St. Rocco Festival brings Italian food, carnival rides, and community spirit to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. From sausage sandwiches to parish games, it’s a Labor Day weekend staple.
Cleveland Wing Week (Now til Sunday, August 31st) Participating Restaurants Get your napkins ready! Cleveland Wing Week means seven days of saucy specials from restaurants across the city. Everything from classic buffalo, dry rubs, to creative flavors, all wing lover’s can unite. Wing it

Wednesday, August 27th
GrooveRyde x Glamper Cycle Pop-Up Glamper, The Flats \| 6 - 8 PM GrooveRyde brings the beats to the rooftop with a live DJ-led cycle class overlooking The Flats. Ride to the rhythm, then cool down with a drink and DJ happy hour featuring APT345.

Thursday, August 28th
Tote-ally Awesome BFF Night Brushin' & Blushin' Boutique, Avon \| 7 PM / 8 PM The 90s called, and they want you to bring your bestie. Decorate custom totes, snack, and dance along to Britney, TLC, and more in a throwback night made for friendship and neon nostalgia. As if!
Paint Your Pet Terrestrial Brewing Co, Battery Park \| 6 - 8 PM Bring your furry (or feathered) friend’s photo and leave with a hand-painted portrait. With pre-sketched canvases, step-by-step guidance, and a beer in hand, it’s the ultimate mix of pets, pints, and painting fun.
Ice Cream & Beer Pairing with Mason’s Creamery Great Lake Brewpub, Ohio City \| 7 - 8:30 PM Scoop meets sip at this Hop College class with GLBC and Mason’s Creamery. Four ice cream and beer pairings, expert tips, and maybe even a beer float make it the sweetest way to spend a summer night. Spoon it up
Candle Making: the art of your aura Table 4 2, Ohio City \| 5 - 9 PM Start with meditation and an aura photo reading, then use those insights to craft a custom candle that reflects your energy. It’s a workshop that glows from the inside out. RSVP

Friday, August 29th
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pop Ups in the Parks Davinwood Park, West Park \| 5:30 - 7:30 PM Bounce houses, arts activities, games, and ice cream turn the park into a family playground. With crafts, performances, and even school supplies, it’s an easy weeknight outing for kids and parents alike. Pop over!
Funky Flea Goodnight John Boy, The Flats \| 5 - 9 PM Support small businesses while browsing local vendors inside Cleveland’s disco throwback bar. With drinks, DJs, and plenty to shop, it’s part market/part night out/100% groovy.
Dueling Pianos with The Cleveland Keys Music Box Supper Club, The Flats \| 7:30 PM Greg Coffey and The Cleveland Keys bring an all-request dueling piano show where the crowd drives the setlist. Expect sing-alongs, creative covers, and a night that only gets louder as it goes. Call the tune
Emo Night Old 86, Gordon Square \| 9 PM Cleveland’s favorite emo dance party returns to Old 86’s garage bar patio. From pop-punk to alt anthems, it’s a night built for singing until your voice cracks and dancing until last call.
Rock Hall Live: St. Vincent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Downtown \| 8 PM Grammy-winning powerhouse St. Vincent brings her genre-bending sound to the Rock Hall stage. Equal parts art rock and spectacle, all on the lakefront.
Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour Rocket Arena, Cleveland \| 7 PM Pop sensation Tate McRae brings the Miss Possessive Tour to Cleveland with the powerhouse vocals and choreography that made her a breakout star. Radio hits, viral tracks, and a high-energy show built for screaming along.

Saturday, August 30th
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 State Farm Customer Appreciation Event 5634 State Road, Parma \| 12 PM - 3 PM Bring the family out to Steve McIntosh State Farm for an Ice Cream truck, dunk tank, kids’ games, and more.
All-Levels Rooftop Yoga at Canopy Market Garden Rooftop, Ohio City \| 10 - 11 AM Kick off your morning with a rooftop flow on Market Garden’s new rooftop patio. Stretch out with views of the West Side Market and W. 25th Street, then head downstairs for a post-class brew. Reserve
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Westside Flea Great Northern Mall Parking Lot, North Olmsted \| 10 AM - 4 PM Shop 100+ vendors offering everything from handmade goods to vintage finds, with food trucks, live music, and family fun all day.
August Thrifts: Summer Vintage Sale The Screw Factory Studio 1270, Lakewood \| 11 AM - 4 PM Refresh your closet with curated vintage finds at August Thrifts’ summer sale. From $5 bins to racks of statement pieces, plus snacks and sips while you shop, it’s the perfect weekend treasure hunt. Find your fit
Hingetown Jazz Festival 2025 Hingetown, Ohio City \| 3 – 9:30 PM Cleveland’s neighborhood jazz fest returns with live music across Hingetown spots like The Bop Stop, Jukebox, and Saucy Brew Works. From classic swing to modern sounds, it’s an all-day block party of music, food, and community. All that jazz!

Sunday, August 31st
Summer Sip & Shop John Christ Winery, Avon Lake \| 10 AM - 3 PM Sip, stroll, and shop among the vines at John Christ’s first summer market, featuring handmade goods, fresh-cut flowers, and more. Brunch runs 10–2, with lunch specials to follow. PS: Seating is first come, first served.
Sunday Yappy Hour with City Dogs The W Sports Bar, Gordon Square \| 11 AM - 1 PM Chef-made dog treats, watermelon pup refreshers, and drink specials for the humans make this Sunday Funday patio perfect. Plus, City Dogs Cleveland will be there with adoptable pups ready for forever homes. Raise a paw

Weather

Tuesday

68 🌡️ 54 | 🌧 | 40% | 💨 NW 9-14 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet

Wednesday

71 🌡️ 57 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 W 7-10 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

Thursday

71 🌡️ 56 | 🌩 | 60% | 💨 SW 9-14 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet

💧^{🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF}

That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who makes homemade apple cider.

Until Friday,

—The Briggses