An Excursion Through This Polish Village Will Make You Feel Thousands Of Miles Away From Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published February 17, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
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.
One of the loveliest aspects of city life is the ability to interact with a plethora of cultures at once. Big cities like Cleveland attract immigrants from all around the world, allowing residents a unique opportunity to “travel” without leaving the region. In Cleveland, Little Italy and AsiaTown are beloved destinations for tourists, but Parma has Polish Village. This charming shopping district is an absolute must-see, and photos don’t quite do it justice.
Polish Village is an economic district that runs along Ridge Rd. from Pearl Rd. to Thornton Ave.
In Parma's Polish Village, heritage is celebrated in so many ways. You'll find a variety of ethnic surprises during your visit, but the prevalence of live polka music is one of the most energetic happens that you may discover.
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This district is always celebratory, whether it is Polish Constitution Day, Paczki Day, Dyngus Day, or any other day of the year.
Culture is the name of the game in this pleasant shopping district, but it's played up even more on traditional Polish days of celebration. Clevelanders celebrate with a particular flair, making their celebrations a distinct hybrid of Euro-American traditions.
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In this community are several landmarks that will make you feel 5,000 miles away - as if you are actually in Poland.
Krakow Deli, located at 5842 Ridge Rd., is truly a treat. This grocery store provides specialty products, many of which are imported directly from Europe. People come here for quality Polish foods and meats, and nobody ever leaves disappointed.
Traditional and modern eateries thrive in this community, offering diverse dining options to visitors. Indian, Lebanese, and Italian foods await in this community as well, so one could easily travel the world right in Parma.
This cultural corridor of a community is truly a haven for tradition, which you can find reflected in both murals and the architecture of St. Charles Borromeo Church.
St. Charles Borromeo Church is a gorgeous American Romanesque edifice that popped up in 1954. Around that time, St. Charles Borromeo Parish grew to be the largest parish in the state, and the church's beauty is unquestionable to this day.
And, of course, locals are prepping to flock to this location on Paczki Day.
Every bakery in this community becomes a Polish dream on Paczki Day. Looking to road trip for some of the best desserts in town? Check out our epic paczki day trip itinerary.
Polish-American culture and traditions are alive and well here, and you'll doubtlessly learn a lot during your visit.
All sorts of people of Eastern European descent have settled in this area, and they flock to Polish Village for its familiar atmosphere. Artwork, bakeries, salons, and restaurants will offer you a glimpse into the heritage, which residents are more than happy to share with you.
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Prepare for a good time and some polka music, because this is one cultural community you'll want to visit again and again.
You'll want to experience this community on both an average day and a day of celebration at least once a year, as Polish Village has an unbeatable atmosphere. It's friendly and walkable, and you're sure to fall in love with its charms.
Can’t wait for your visit? Experience the energy of Polish Village through this fun video by Dan Hanson:
Polish Village is a cultural gem hiding in Greater Cleveland. Which business in this Parma community is your favorite?
