Sat 12/19
The Cuyahoga Valley is one of our favorite places. And Peninsula is where nature and art and creativity intersect. If you haven’t been to Peninsula in a while, you might want to take advantage of the festivities on this, the last weekend before Christmas.
On Sat 12/19, the entire family can relax and get into the holiday spirit by visiting the galleries and shops in downtown Peninsula. Two restaurants anchor the center of town on Main Street — the Winking Lizard and Fisher’s Café & Pub. Shops and galleries line the street (Rt. 303) and spread northward behind the Winking Lizard near the railroad tracks.
The Grinch is the main attraction at G.A.R. Hall, west of town center, from 1-3pm. He’s looking for donations of socks —after all, the Grinch now has a heart. Throughout the village, socks for the needy will be collected, and raffle tickets can be bought to win the Grinch’s special basket of Peninsula goodies.
At Trail Mix Peninsula, Santa will receive Christmas wishes and accept letters to be sent directly to the North Pole. At Yellow Creek Trading Company, unique and local wool blankets and throws made from Spicy Lamb Farm’s lambs are being sold, and children can pet live lambs.
Jon Mosey performs at Elements Gallery from 2-4pm and sixteen-year-old jazz pianist Kofi R. Boakye shares his music at River Light Gallery from 1-3pm. Don’t miss refreshments at the Brown Rabbit or the opportunity to purchase handcrafted gifts at Peninsula Art Academy. When the munchies hit, head over to Terry Lumber for popcorn from its vintage popcorn machine.
One of the more unusual places in Peninsula is up a private driveway off Main Street near Yellow Creek Trading Company. There you’ll find Diane Seske’s Log Cabin Gallery, open from 11am-5pm. The authentic 1850s log cabin was dismantled and reassembled at its current location on a bluff overlooking the Cuyahoga River. The place is magical, and it takes you right back to the mid-1800s. Frosty the Snowman will chill the air at the Gallery from 1-2pm, and you can take photos with Frosty. Here you’ll find locally crafted and unique gifts during the final weekend of the Twinkle of Light exhibit.
After an afternoon in Peninsula, history enthusiasts can enjoy the historic holiday lantern tours will be conducted at Hale Farm and Village at 6pm. Call 330-666-3711, ext. 1720 to make a reservation. Or if you haven’t acquired a Christmas tree, you can pick out a fresh one at nearby Heritage Tree Farm, which stays open until 7m.
Happy holidays to all you Cool Cleveland readers. May you find art, nature and creativity during this season of peace and joy.
Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller has written four books and leads creativity and spiritual retreats, including Word Lovers Weekends, through her Igniting Possibilities business. Find her at claudiajtaller.com/.