A summer tradition in Cleveland is taking a ride and strolling around the historic village of Chagrin Falls, located on the curiously-named Chagrin River. One story is that early settlers were aiming for the Cuyahoga, the next big river over, and were ‘chagrined’ when they discovered their error; more likely, the name derives from an Indian word.
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The Lower Falls
The principal feature of the town is the falls, which once provided power for mills and other industry. Main Street divides the Upper and Lower Falls, and once provided with ice cream, you can walk in Chagrin Falls Park on the one side, or cross the street and descend stone steps to the Lower Falls.
Upper Falls and pool alongside the park.
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Main Street is lined with old Victorian commercial buildings, which now host an array of clothing, book and antique shops, as well as restaurants.
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| Perhaps carrying the high-toned theme a bit too far... |
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| Don't speed, or you might catch sight of this in your rear-view mirror. |
My favorite part of Chagrin Falls is its large collection of 19th-Century houses. The ones depicted here are mostly Victorian—these are perhaps outnumbered by Greek Revival and other early wooden clapboard houses, but I didn’t seem to be in the right part of town that day.
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Although CF is famous for earlier architecture, these beautiful Italianates also abound.
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| The Police Department is located in this beautifully-restored brick house. |
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| An old hitching post and flagstone walk are reminders of earlier times. |
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A mallard duck adds an appropriate accent to this preppy enclave.
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Enjoyed the stroll with you around Chagrin Falls. Particularly liked seeing the architectural details. The houses with their elaborate eaves overhanging from the roof. It would be wonderful to be able to look inside the last but one property and see the effect that wonderful glass cupola/lantern, has on the interior.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary, Yes, that oblong lantern does have the appearance of a skylight. While that house I believe is still private, a number of the more elaborate houses (including three of the brick ones pictured here) are now offices or shops and can be visited.
DeleteWhat a wondferful spot for a day trip. One has to like a town that employs an antique police car! It looks as though a good bit of money was made there in the mill days, with such elegant houses. I'd want my house to be the one with the widow's walk, just so I could climb those curved steps to the front door!
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, Ohio has lots of towns like this, but Chagrin Falls is one of the best preserved. I have some pieces of ironwork with the name Chagrin Falls cast into the metal as a testament to their industry.
DeleteI agree with you about that house, but as a transplanted Ohioan, I can also see that those charming steps and steep drive wouldn't be so much fun to negotiate covered with ice in the winter!
Yes, I've lived long enough in Florida to have overlooked that!
DeleteLiving in tropical climes has made us soft.
DeleteWhat a switch from Taiwan, eh? There are a number of places in Japan where one can see period western buildings. Is there such a place in Taiwan? I didn't see anything like it while I was there...
ReplyDeleteHello Kionon, There are a few assorted Western buildings in Taiwan, but as far as I know nothing like a whole neighborhood. What can be found here are lots of elegant wooden Japanese buildings, although these are being torn down at a prodigious rate.
DeleteI do like the "Italianate" house you show. And the name of the place too..!
ReplyDeleteI guess I am revealing my personal preferences here-- there are lots of other house styles here, but I seemed to feature mostly the Italianate ones.
ReplyDeleteNot only the town bears the name of the Chagrin River--the entire Chagrin Valley is scenic and historic.
I think I need to go to Ohio! Thanks for dropping by Hf,K. It's nice to hear from you. It's interesting your referance to Clarence Lauglin. I am a big fan of his work. I have two copies of his book and one of his photos. Although someday, I will have to tell the story of who really took the photo. Thanks for the comparsion. K
ReplyDeleteHello Kevin, Now I can't wait for that Laughlin story. And yes, you should visit Ohio. It's outstanding charm is in evidence everywhere you go.
DeleteAbsolutely charming! Perhaps I will make the drive out to visit....have never been to Ohio. I love visiting historic towns, and think the homes you've shown are beautiful. Enjoyed this post and the one on Stan Hywet Hall.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
Hello Loi, I think you would really enjoy Ohio. So many interesting towns, houses and scenic places. I hope you'll check out my upcoming post on Painesville.
DeleteI'm poking around your blog now--love the pictures of this town, and the name--Chagrin!
ReplyDeleteHello Jen, Chagrin Falls is really a delightful place, as is the entire valley. As remarked on my Painesville post, you become so used to these funny place names that you forget their other meanings.
DeleteI am a fellow blogger (just for fun kind of blogger, not serious, running a business kind of blogger) that lives in the Chagrin area. I often see your comments on my favorite blogs. Hello to you!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Cindy
Hello Cindy, I'm glad that you found my blog. As you know from personal experience, this is a very inadequate introduction to the Chagrin Valley, but my time last summer in Ohio was so limited. By the way, I lived for years across the border in Moreland Hills, so we were almost neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThe little duck swimming in the water is adorable.
ReplyDeleteHello Mike, The ducks really were the perfect finishing touch to that little park with its river and small waterfall.
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