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Village is buzzing with business
(by Barbara Christian - May 12, 2010)
WINDOW ON MAIN STREET, BY BARBARA CHRISTIAN
Village is buzzing with business
Grab your hat, and let's take a walk. No need for the sensible shoes, because this is a virtual walk. We are going to find out how downtown Chagrin Falls fared after this winter of discontent.
The old place looks pretty good. Look over there. Chessie's salon has already planted its door-side container with pansies. You watch, by Blossom Time, that army of volunteer gardeners will have the rest of the planters, baskets, window boxes and poles decked out too.
See the old Hunting Bank building? The activity has workmen readying the place for First Federal Bank of Lakewood opening June 2. What an addition. First Federal already has signed on as one of the Blossom Time Run sponsors.
Advent of the bank means more jobs and revenue for the village. You know they say you can judge the economic health of a community by the number of banks it has. Our town has five in its two-block downtown. Not too shabby.
There are new stores around too. The former Realty One building at River and West streets is home to the charming new dress shop tagged Lizzy and Jane, and right next door, Pepper Tree Capital Management private-equity fund is set to hang its shingle. More new revenue for our town.
Across River Street is good old Dave's Cosmic Subs, where Dave Lombardy continues to rock and roll. We should be proud. The Chagrin shop is the flagship of a dozen sub-eries in Ohio, including the newest in Bowling Green.
While we're in the neighborhood, check out the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. It's been busy with not one but two productions on its River Street main stage and annex theaters. "A Life in the Theater" is just getting started at the tiny playhouse, while the main stage just closed its nostalgic "Forever Plaid," a tribute to music of our youth. Well, some of our youths anyway.
What's that you hear? Complaints about no parking. Ah, music to our ears. What would this place be without someone having a real or perceived parking crisis. All it really means is we are a destination, a bona fide hit.
Back on Main Street, the good weather brought out the bikers, "the latte boys," as they are called because of their penchant for Starbucks. Aren't their gleaming, expensive machines simply awe making?
These motorcycle masterpieces stretch all the way south past the Popcorn Shop, which also is buzzing with patrons. Adults, kids and dogs lounge at the sidewalk tables, lick their cones, watch each other and, of course, our famous falls and river views.
Those not engaged in bike and people watching may be over at Fireside Book Shop trying on the best seller or simply appreciating this endangered species known as the independent bookstore.
As we walk, notice how all of the eateries have begun getting their sidewalk and outdoor dining spots ready for the al-fresco season. They are welcome spots for people from near and away who have already begun to rediscover springtime in Chagrin Falls.
Try the license-plate game. Someday check the curbs and count how many out-of-state cars you see.
There is more to see of everything, but my virtual feet are virtually aching. Besides, we are out of space. So let's call it a day but promise to meet again. There is so much more to experience. We haven't even scratched the surface of the wonder that is our town.
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