Sounds like a cable television mini series, doesn't it? Chagrin Falls, about 30 miles east of where we live, was incorporated about 1840. It is as sweet as a movie set of Small Town USA. There is a small waterfall and a larger waterfall right in the heart of the village. Click on the image to see the full picture.
The entire town was full of hanging pots of flowers, blooming beds of flowers and patriotic flags and bunting.
The bunting was made in the USA.
Have you heard that one of our congressmen has introduced a bill to have all American flags that fly over government buildings be made in the US and not China?
The town is small, but, oh so quaint. We decided to take a drive over there today for a little day-vacation to explore and have lunch. We had such a lovely day strolling from shop to shop. My very favorite was a small shop called "Chic Stash". It was full of antiques, vintage goods and treasures. One wall is covered with yellowing pages of old books while another has woven player piano music on it. Some display cases were covered in sheet music and just everything was displayed in a very inviting way.
There was even a tiny little bakery in the front corner of the shop with creative and delicious (we were offered samples) cakes, cookies and cupcakes.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you live in the area be sure to check this little gem out.
I am sighing over the photos they look so wonnnnnderful! The falls especially, how fun would it be to sit there with a coffee and a pastry from that bake shop and watch the water run? I'm betting a lot of fun. :) I also clicked on the shot of inside the store so I could lust over the shelf of doodads and knickknacks. How come I can never find stores like that? Hmmm perhaps it's like the winning the lottery ticket thing, if you never buy a ticket you can't win....if you never go poking about all the independent little stores and explore nearby neighborhoods you can't ever find a treasure like that shop.
Hey I wonder if the falls are called Chagrin cause they wanted to be bigger, like Niagra but just couldn't manage it...hahaha...poor embarrassed falls, they look fine to me.
Posted by: TACE | Tuesday, 22 July 2008 at 11:56 PM
We lived in Shaker Heights for a time back in 1980, 1981, and it is fun to hear of familiar places.
Thanks for the photos.
Robin
Posted by: Robin Gasser | Wednesday, 23 July 2008 at 01:41 AM
chic stash looks awesome! i could see spending an entire day and a purseful of $ there!
Posted by: NotSoccer Mom | Wednesday, 23 July 2008 at 12:24 PM
Sounds like a great t.v. show!
Chagrin Falls 44022 (or 44023) would be a good title. Not very original, am I? What yummy looking baked goods. Your pictures make me want to take a day trip up there!
Posted by: Randi | Wednesday, 23 July 2008 at 02:08 PM
Mmmmm those lil' cupcakes look almost too pretty to eat. Sounds like a fun shop you found! Thanks for the comment on my blog..(we bought our new fridge today, it's a Kitchen Aid, bottom freezer!!!). *fingers crossed* We hope this one will last us more than 2 years!!!!
Posted by: Kimberly | Wednesday, 23 July 2008 at 08:29 PM
Holy Toledo! Whoa ... am I dreaming or what? Couldn't sleep, got up and hopped on the computer and found your site on Linda Cain's post. When I saw Chagrin Falls, my heart skipped a beat. You see, much like you, my husband and I dated in junior high, went on with our lives, reunited and married in 1992 at The Inn at Chagrin Falls on a blustery and freezing December 23 afternoon. We're both from Wickliffe but now live smack-dab between Dallas and Fort Worth (nearly on one of the DFW runways!) You just took me on a delightful memory trip to all the places I've haunted over the years: Canal Fulton, Vermillion, Toledo, Shaker Heights, Sandusky, Lorain, Kidron, Avon, and Perry (neighbor to where we lived in Painesville!) We used to bike all along the Erie Ohio Canal, have been to the Yankie Peddlar Fair and the Great Lakes Science Center, Cedar Point and Lehmann's Store. AND, I have even been in your former store. Lordy Me! Today's a good day already! Thank you!
Posted by: Sue | Thursday, 24 July 2008 at 07:11 AM
Came here by way of Tim Holtz..
and was shocked to find pics of my old hunting grounds! I am probably the only person in San Jose,CA who has the Avon Lake High School fight song on her iPod! Born in Bay Village and grew-up right on shores of Lake Erie...and Buckeye and official member of 'The Dog Pound.' I left Kent State and my home town in the early 70's to attend school here and never moved back. Although I live HERE, my home (and heart) will always be THERE!
Great post!!
Posted by: Stephanie T. | Friday, 25 July 2008 at 02:08 AM
forgot to say that my mom was one of the original Bay Crafters!
Posted by: Stephanie T. | Friday, 25 July 2008 at 02:09 AM