Shop and stroll in Shaker Heights’ Van Aken District, where a modern take on Main Street includes a variety of indie shops mixed with national brands, along with a selection of stops for sips and bites.
“We really want it to be a place where people can gather,” says Jesse Rathner, the district’s general manager. “We’ve really leaned into a family-friendly focus, curating programming that welcomes individuals who want to enjoy live music, have an opportunity to drink, dine and shop in a one-stop destination.”
That free-range spirit is built into the DORA program, which means you can grab a beverage at one of the district’s venues, then wander the walkable mix of patios, plazas and storefronts. Or, simply settle into a common area and stay awhile.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to spend a lot of time here,” Rathner says.
Claim a table at Jason’s Park, post up on the turf or make your own loop between stops like Well Stocked for clean-lined kitchen and home goods, Luster, A Gift Boutique for cards, games and gifts, newly opened Océanne for jewelry and arch. for menswear.
Hungry? Fuel up along the way at The Beet Jar, Le Stand or Banter. Save the date July 10 for the annual block party. Rathner puts it simply: “There is a little something for everyone.”
Local Love
At Locally Spruced in Legacy Village, you can shop small and find a wide selection of gifts, from candles and soaps to accessories and art. The Ohio collective brings together emerging makers and growing brands under one roof, giving local businesses a polished platform — and shoppers plenty of reasons to linger.
Opened last June, the boutique was created by co-owners Randi Gilmore and Carl DeScott after seeing room for an east-side concept built around Cleveland and Ohio makers, including their health-conscious dog product brand, Basil & Rex, which offers chef-created treats, hypoallergenic shampoo and safe toys.
“A lot of people walk in knowing who they need a gift for,” Gilmore says. “But we also want people to treat themselves.”
This community spirit will extend to the outdoors this season with market-style events planned throughout the year, including back-to-school dates in August, a Halloween dog costume contest and holiday markets in December.
“We’re really proud to raise up Cleveland and Ohio products and support local businesses,” Gilmore says.
Booked Solid
At Visible Voice Books, the latest chapter comes with coffee, conversation and a soundtrack. The longtime independent bookstore relocated last November to a larger Lorain Avenue home in Ohio City, where books now share the spotlight with a full café and performance stage.
Owner Dave Ferrante says the move allowed the shop to grow from 1,200 square feet to 6,000 square feet with room to breathe — and room to browse. Inventory tripled to roughly 15,000 to 17,000 titles, spanning new and used books with price points all over the map.
What sets it apart is range and discovery. Fiction goes deeper than the bestseller table. Local history, current events, poetry, art and music all get real shelf space.
“We’ll have what you’re looking for and get you interested in things you weren’t thinking about,” Ferrante says.
The building’s own story helps, too. Dating to the 1920s and once a movie theater, it now blends Cleveland history with a fresh look that invites lingering. “The serendipity of the store is what it’s all about,” he says.
>>Take your time: Order a coffee or sandwich, head to the mezzanine to settle in, then browse downstairs. There’s free live music on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., with evening shows and more performances on the horizon.
Coffee Talk
At Goodkind Coffee, the vibe is cozy, the drinks are dialed in and the beans are house made. The Lakewood café roasts all of its coffee in-house at a separate roastery in the Screw Factory, giving co-owner Gabriel Miller and team control over sourcing, roast profiles and flavor from start to finish.
This hands-on approach carries into a menu that includes seasonal specials. Right now, the carrot cake latte is the breakout hit, topped with a vegan cream cheese cold foam, Miller says. Also moving fast: strawberry fields latte and matcha, plus a banana bread latte that sounds exactly like the right call. House syrups are made from scratch with whole ingredients.
The shop recently doubled in size, adding more seating and room to linger. Original architectural details remain, now layered with art deco touches and an all-day neighborhood buzz. “It’s a relaxing local spot,” says Miller, adding that warm weather allows for outdoor seating, too.
Goodkind beans are sold in-store and online, and poured at nearby Rood, Gingham Market and Sarita. That neighborhood support runs both ways: Miller sources some ingredients from Urban Bulk Foods and points to fellow small businesses as part of what makes Lakewood’s local scene click.
“It’s an incredibly cooperative community,” he says.
Chris Allen has found the same in Gordon Square, where he operates Ready Set! Coffee with his sister Molly, mother Margaret and business partner Jeff Dangremond.
What began as coffee roasting out of Allen’s garage in 2019 grew into a full-service café that opened in October 2022 on the corner of West 73rd and Detroit. Today, the family-run spot roasts specialty coffee just a few doors down and serves as a daily gathering place. “It has turned into an amazing community hub here in Gordon Square,” Allen says.
The menu goes beyond a quick cup. House-made bagels anchor breakfast, with the lox bagel sandwich among the top sellers. Rounding out the case are Roaming biscuits, croissants and baked goods from local makers, including vegan and gluten-free treats from Filomena’s.
Inside, natural light and neighborhood energy set the tone. “Any given day there are people from all walks of life,” Allen says, from business meetings and artists to families and regulars who walk over from nearby blocks. Running groups meet here, too, including the shop’s own Ready, Set! Run crew on Wednesday mornings.
That cooperative spirit runs through the neighborhood. Ready, Set, Coffee supplies beans to Terrestrial Brewing Company, partners with The Harp and works with nearby Roaming Candle Bakery / Roaming Biscuit. “The community here just seems to grow and grow,” he says.