9 Fascinating Spots Near Cleveland That Are Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale
Northeast Ohio is covered in locations that seem to have been treated with a dollup of pixie dust. You know the type—lush gardens, impressive architecture, and an overall feeling of peace adorn such places. On the flip side, there are some locations that could desperately use a bit of magic, places where dark and foreboding shadows linger menacingly. Both such destinations could easily set the scene for a fairy tail, thanks in part to the undeniable feeling of magic that makes the Cleveland area so distinctive.
1. Stan Hywet Hall And Gardens, 71 North Portage Path, Akron
Is that an English manor home of yore in the distance, hidden amongst the trees? Well, yes, actually. Stan Hywet Hall &
Gardens was built in 1915 for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Co-Founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. This historic site saw the founding of Alcoholic Anonymous, as well as several other milestones in community service.
2. Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, 3649 East 65th Street, Cleveland
This Catholic parish church is awe-inspiring! Located in the Warszawa Neighborhood District, this beautiful building celebrates a rich history that dates back to the height of the Catholic Polish immigration. The church was completed in 1891, utilizing distinctive locally-produced red bricks.
3. Franklin Castle, 4308 Franklin Boulevard, Cleveland
If there is one place in Cleveland that's creepy enough to house a wicked witch, it's this castle from the 1880's. The grand Victorian house has been surrounded by rumors of ghostly activity for years, thanks in part to a tumultuous past.
This distinctive castle in Loudonville is actually a modern edifice that was completed as recently as 15 years ago. You can spend the night in Medieval-themed rooms and write your very own fairy tale.
5. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is the most magical destination in the city. With beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens and a vast collection of butterflies, you will be enamored with the charm of this amazing destination.
6. Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
What's a fairy tale without a creepy forest or haunted cemetery? Lake View Cemetery, the final resting place of well over 100,000 people, is deeply rooted in local lore. The Angel of Death Victorious (pictured) is one of its more famous attractions, as she seems to cry black tears.
7. Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse, 750 East 88th Street, Cleveland
This spectacular public park connects Cleveland's eastern suburbs with the lakefront via a chain of beautifully landscaped cultural gardens. With amazing architecture, lush flowers, and a greenhouse that ensures year-rouund beauty, you are guaranteed to find this park enchanting.
Within the confines of University Circle is a lovely little lagoon that dazzles year round. Its glimmering waters sit just outside of the Cleveland Museum of Art, and some of their dreamy exhibits seem to have spilled out and mingled with the perfectly manicured grounds.
With 20 acres of alluring beauty, this is one spot that awaits your exploration. The most spectacular feature of the park is Historic Lakeview Park Rose Garden, a collection of 2,500 roses that dates back to 1932.
With such a dreamy environment, it is easy to imagine many locations around Cleveland as the backdrop for a Brothers Grimm tale or two. How many of these destinations have you visited?
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
