The Observer, September 21, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 4
The Observer's Guide to shopping in Cleveland
Like all incoming freshmen, I felt lost my first year here in Cleveland. I have unfortunate memories of running out of shampoo and not knowing where to go, or getting hungry at midnight with no place to deliver. Some may say that it takes experience to discover what you like and need, and I am indeed an advocate for exploration and experimentation in finding great places to go in Cleveland. However, why not cut to the chase? Now, a year later, I hope to pass on some information to the new freshmen (and maybe some not-so-bright upperclassmen) of which stores are worth checking out.
Unless you have a car, or a friend who is willing to drive, transportation does prove to be a little difficult. As Case students, the free RTA passes that you can pick up in the basement of Crawford are crucial to car-less college students. If you go with a friend, the long bus wait won't be so bad, and yes, the greenies may be somewhat unpredictable, but they're great for traveling to Northside, Southside, and Coventry.
Speaking of Coventry, it holds great places to eat and has unique shops. Tommy's has an extensive menu that appeals to everyone, with lots of vegetarian options. Down the road is Pacific East, a sushi restaurant ideal for a Friday night out with friends. If sushi isn't your thing, they have delicious dumplings and teriyaki. These places are superior eating alternatives to late-night pizza or Leutner.
Besides restaurants, Coventry has many shops that appeal to just about everyone. If hip clothing is your thing, check out American Apparel, where you can find a T-shirt or sweatshirt in every single color imaginable. And the clothes fit fantastically! There are also quaint little shops, such as Passport to Peru or City Buddha, both of which hold unique cultural items for all occasions.
Just a bit down Cedar Road, a little past the top of the hill dorms, lies Dave's Market, formerly Giant Eagle. Dave's is the best grocery store for Case students for one simple reason: they take CaseCash. Dave's has all the essentials of a grocery store, including a fresh produce section, a bakery, and even a deli where fresh sushi is sold. What more can you ask for?
Farther down Cedar is the one and only Target. Target is the one-stop shop for all of a college student's needs, stocking everything from food to school supplies. The best part about this Target, though, is that it has two stories, complete with a cart escalator.
We all love Target, but next door is a new Whole Foods market. Whole Foods is famous for being a little on the pricey side, but they have an extensive organic food selection and fresh produce. They also have a great hot food buffet. Once in a while, when you want a delicious meal with ingredients from around the world, go to Whole Foods. It's definitely worth the trip.
Lastly, for all you mall rats out there, Tower City is the place for you. Boasting multiple shops (including Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe), a massive food court, and a multiplex movie theater, Tower City is one of Cleveland's premiere shopping centers. And the best part? The RTA goes right to it, as there is an underground rapid station in Tower City.
Not nearly every important location has been listed in this article, but you can use this as a guide to your shopping in the wonderful metropolis of Cleveland. Just don't forget other locales, such as nearby Little Italy, Severance Town Center, Legacy Villate, and Beachwood Mall. There is more to Cleveland than just cold winters and Lake Erie; you just have to do a little searching!
