Strongsville, OH

Rich in history, Strongsville blossomed from rural town to village and then became a city in 1961. Namesake John Strong constructed many of the primary structures himself. More citizens came to the community with the addition of interstates. These additional travel routes earned Strongsville its current nickname, "Crossroads of the Nation." This title reflects the north-south I- 71 intersection with I-80 that runs east-west. The Pomeroy House earned the area a stop on the Underground Railroad where many runaway slaves ended up residing.

The Strongsville Historical Society works to preserve the past by restoring original landmarks and providing tours of Strongsville Historical Village. The recreated village includes buildings that span 1822 through the mid-20th century.

Neighborhood events such as art fairs, a rib burn-off and fair take place in the city green near the police station. The Arts in Strongsville also hosts events in parks and at the recreation center.

Hungry neighbors gather at a range of restaurants in Strongsville. Seafood establishments or Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, BBQ and Italian options provide something to fit almost any food fancy. Familiar chains serve average fare, so opt for hometown meal choices.

Goldie's Deli & Restaurant remains busy for breakfast and lunch. Daily specials or the breakfast buffet keep stomachs full at little cost. Try Sweet Mango Thai Cuisine, a two-year Cleveland Hot List winner for dinner. Don't miss the shumai, tom yum goong soup or pad Thai. Old Carolina Barbeque Company satisfies cravings for comfort food. The pulled pork and ribs maintain a healthy customer base both in house and to-go. A gluten-free menu helps those with food sensitivities.

Strongsville's date night destination remains Don's Pomeroy House. Originally called "The Homestead," Don's Pomeroy House has a rich history and an upscale atmosphere. Order steak or lobster served with careful presentation for an indulgent meal. More casual alternatives exist on the pub and patio menu. Voodoo shrimp, deviled eggs, fried calamari and pizza comprise some of the other savory selections. The DC Pasta Company serves mouth-watering Italian fare. Inexpensive gourmet burgers paired with homemade milkshakes keep tables busy at B Spot. Another area favorite, The Brew Kettle, lets guests sample craft beers or create their own. Quality food complements delectable drafts.

Strongsville supports more evening entertainment than some adjacent suburbs. Night owls discover bars sprinkled along Pearl and Royalton Roads. Check out The Strongsville Café for local live music and karaoke.

Nights out often include stops at Slim and Chubby's and Molly McGhee's to mingle. Slim and Chubby's on Prospect Road makes you feel like you slipped into an episode of "Cheers." Friendly bartenders, a casual cozy atmosphere and daily food and beverage specials make this Strongsville hot spot a must-stop weekly unwinding venue. Molly McGhee's, also on Prospect, hosts a fun-natured late-night crowd. Live bands, daily specials and interesting regulars make this a popular destination for the early-30s crowd. Check out the weekend brunch menu at Molly McGhee's for town favorites such as the loaded breakfast pizza or the fiesta breakfast burrito. All host fundraisers, weekend entertainment and daily specials.

Neighbors young and old toast good times at Mulligan's Strongsville, which hosts trivia night. When late cravings for pizza or overstuffed sandwiches strike, head to Strongsville Panini's Bar and Grill.

Residents in Strongsville primarily travel by personal vehicle. Plan for traffic around shopping complexes, especially during rush hour. Parking near local businesses remains plentiful as well as free. Direct connection to Interstates 71 and 80 provide rapid commute options. If driving proves problematic, call Uber, ride an inexpensive RTA bus or reserve a taxi in advance. While Pearl and Royalton Roads stay congested, streets in developments have little traffic for cyclists to stress. Bike lanes are also available within the Cleveland Metroparks. Pedestrians delight in neighborhood sidewalks or the surplus of paths at the park.

Parks are plentiful in Strongsville. Visit the outdoor amp theater at the Backyard Preserve or Castletown Pavilion for lunch. Volunteer Park on Lunn Road presents horse-shoe pits, batting cages, little league fields and baseball fields. Other key areas to take in nature include Foltz Park, Surrarer Park and Nichols Field.

The leading attraction, Mill Stream Run Reservation follows Rocky River. As part of the Cleveland Metroparks opportunities for exercise and enrichment continually arise. Spend an afternoon exploring paths with your pet or trails on horseback. Other options for active citizens include tobogganing, fishing, swimming, archery, picnic areas and playgrounds. Family-friendly events also take place in the park system. Snowshoe demonstrations, ice carving, hayrides, bird watching and survival presentations should keep little ones busy. While certain special events may charge admission, the Cleveland Metroparks are always free. A short trip to neighboring Columbia Station supplies both Hickory Nut Golf Course as well as Emerald Woods.

Community activity centers on the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Fitness equipment, indoor lap, activity and competition pools, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, track and multipurpose gyms all provide healthy ways residents can relax. The tot room conveniently gives children a place to play while parents workout. Strongsville residents along with nonresidents may apply for membership with a fee. Baseball fields, a playground and the Backyard Preserve sit behind the Ehrnfelt Center.

Strongsville prides in being an elite suburb. The cost of living is higher than in Cleveland, and sizable homes come with high price tags. Rentals are limited but reasonable. A single bedroom apartment averages $650. Individual membership to the city recreation center averages $22. Typical draft prices sit around $7. With gas prices in Strongsville 13 percent lower than the national average working outside the community continues to be affordable. Public transportation to Cleveland stays $5 round trip with an all-day RTA pass.

People flock from several neighboring communities to Strongsville for the robust retail. Shopping centers and SouthPark Mall provide residents with local and national selections. Best Buy, Ulta Beauty, Dick's Sporting Goods, Audio Visions and PetPeople exemplify a few popular stores. Nearly every need can be fulfilled by businesses on Pearl or Royalton Roads. Luxury stores such as Shieban Jewelers and Catan Fashions cater to competitive customers. Affordable clothing can be found at Plato's Closet. Gently used pieces for every style and occasion are available daily. Ground Zero Comics and Black Metal Tattoo Company may entertain the creative. Family-owned Petitti Garden Center keeps Strongsville properties charming. Since 1971, the Petitti brothers have cultivated their small landscaping business into the leading horticulture destination in the area. The size and selection of the plants at Petitti's continue to be unmatched. Several grocers in the area mean convenient meal shopping as well. Choose from Heinen's Fine Foods, Giant Eagle, Marc's Stores, Aldi or Walmart. Wellness oriented individuals should try Healthy By Choice health food store. The Ehrnfelt Recreation Center also frequently features farmer's market events.