
Shopping is as much of an activity as it is a necessity, but unfortunately, we don't always have the opportunity to head out to our favorite Cleveland shops. Thankfully, we can still support our local small businesses just as fervently by shopping online. We encourage you to support these great boutique stores from home by purchasing a gift card for later use.
12620 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
View this post on Instagram
Have you been learning a new skill or picking up an old hobby while lounging around the house? Let Fine Points Inc. help you hone your knitting talents! Owned by a talented knitwear designer, Fine Points Inc. boasts a staff and selection that will guide you through your project without — ahem — spinning a yarn. A variety of knits, yarns, patterns, and guidebooks are available in-store and online, as well as stunning jewelry and clothing. Consider using a gift card for a future class or event hosted in this cozy boutique shop.
17025 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111
View this post on Instagram
In case you didn't know, the customized apparel and wall designs at Only in Clev can be found only in Cleveland. Their collections hit right at home, featuring garb and goodies designed for the neighborhoods, nationalities, sports, and schools that make the city of Cleveland unlike any other. Show your local pride by purchasing a gift card, or shopping online, and representing Lakewood, Ascension, Irish Heritage, and everything in between.
400 Park Ave. Ste. 174, Orange Village, OH 44122
View this post on Instagram
Stand out and celebrate your individuality with handmade, one-of-a-kind products from Blackbird Fly Boutique. Carefully and creatively curated footwear, apparel, accessories, and housewares are brought in from around the world in limited quantities to ensure that your style is unique in Cleveland. Not only can you grab a few outfits that look absolutely amazing, but you're also supporting a local business that's women and minority-owned.
4164 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
View this post on Instagram
While you're stocking up on supplies, gifts, and items for your family, don't forget about your furry friends too! Lake Erie Pet Food Co. provides locally-made pet food delivered fresh to your home. All food is produced in Northeast Ohio and is AAFCO approved for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Best of all, they offer free local delivery Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as curbside pickup at the shop.
30179 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
View this post on Instagram
Cara's curated cache is yours to browse at Cara's Boutique. A staple of Westlake since the early 1990s, Cara's brings the best gifts, accessories, and clothing to the area for women of all styles. Shoppers will delight in their selection of high-quality merchandise at exceptional prices. Shop online or buy gift card so you can scoop up their latest arrivals or get your hands on a bell seller like their socks, handbags, tumblers, and cozy cardigans.
19275 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
View this post on Instagram
Now is the perfect time to purchase a gift card or shop online for "Stay Home" items from by Lovely Paperie. In addition to apparel and accessories, Lovely Paperie also offers holiday items, bags, home-entertaining supplies, unique Cleveland gifts, baby and toddler clothing, and, of course, a wide collection of paperie. If you're looking for a gift for someone special later this year, let Lovely Paperie and Gifts give you a few suggestions.
Market Hall, 3441 Tuttle Rd. #403, Shaker Heights, OH 44122
View this post on Instagram
Add a little Luster to your gifting experience. Located in Market Hall, Luster is the go-to spot for finding the perfect gift for the person who seems to have everything. Even if you're not sure what to get a coworker or acquaintance, Luster has you covered. Fun and functional items for girlfriends, hosts and hostesses, in-laws, and best friends at practical price points. No matter the occasion, you can count on Luster to help you pick a memorable, meaningful gift for anyone on your list. While the shop is closed for now, you can still shop via Instagram, Facebook, and FaceTime.
Do you have a favorite boutique store in Cleveland that you can't wait to visit? Let us know in the comments!

Let's be honest — these last few weeks have been tough on everyone.
To say that COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has disrupted life around the world is an understatement. Within a matter of weeks, our everyday lifestyles were completely altered in unprecedented ways — so much so that the CDC recommends that all men, women, and children wear protective masks over their mouth and nose when leaving the house. This is, understandably, a scary reality for all of us, but it's an especially frightening way of life that our essential workers have to adopt.
At Cutler Real Estate, we want to support our family members, friends, neighbors, and service workers in the communities throughout Northeast Ohio in any way we can. One way that we can unite and proactively slow the spread of coronavirus is to make, wear, and donate homemade masks. You can make these masks from many items that you already have in your home. Let's go over a few ways that you can make these masks at home, why you can protect yourself by wearing them in public, and how do donate these masks and other vital medical supplies to facilities around Northeast Ohio.
View this post on Instagram
Sadly, there are thousands of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ohio. Until widespread accessibility to testing, more effective treatment options, and a better understanding of the virus itself become a reality, we need to take every opportunity we can to slow the spread. This means practicing social distancing by staying in our homes as much as possible and always wearing a protective mask whenever we leave home.
Although the virus itself is microscopic and can pass through most face coverings, the virus often attaches itself to water molecules that come out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze or cough. Many types of fabric can effectively contain most of these molecules, which means any type of face covering is better than none at all.
While officials ask that all non-medical personnel refrain from purchasing the N95 surgical masks and procedure masks so that our healthcare workers who come in contact with this virus on a daily basis have access to them, the CDC encourages all individuals to make their own face masks. Currently, JOANN fabric and craft stores across the nation have free tools, supplies, and guidance available for anyone wanting to make masks. Many other businesses and organizations around Northeast Ohio are also providing supplies to those who want to join the effort and support the community.
View this post on Instagram
There are two ways that you can make a homemade mask, the first of which is to sew one. Here are the abridged UH-approved steps to make your own (full directions and materials needed available at this link).
An alternative way that you can make a mask is with a simple pair of scissors. While you can use any fabric on-hand, it's suggested that you use at least two layers of cotton. A bandana, old shirt, or pillowcase are good options. You can fold and tie these fabrics around your face, with or without a filter inserted into the center. You can also cut out ear holes or use ties, rubber bands, or other straps to secure it around your face.
Ideally, this fabric will completely cover your face from the bridge of your nose down underneath your chin. It shouldn't restrict your breathing or speaking, but it must be thick enough to prevent water molecules from passing through the fabric. Please also remember to refrain from touching the front of your mask as that could place your hands in contact with the virus, which you could potentially spread to other parts of your face or to others you come in contact with.
View this post on Instagram
You have the option of either disposing of your mask or washing it in the washing machine for safe reuse. If you're social distancing, you'll ideally only need to wear your mask a limited number of times throughout our quarantine. Unfortunately, our healthcare workers are constantly exposed to potentially infected patients which means their supply usage is drastically higher.
Believe it or not, healthcare workers in Ohio will use 13 N95 face masks, 14 protective gowns, and 36 pairs of medical gloves while caring for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit over a 24-hour period. As potential new coronavirus cases continue to rise, as well as the daily need for medical care not associated with the virus, our healthcare workers will need more masks than ever before.
View this post on Instagram
There are dozens of medical facilities around the area that desperately need masks. Here are a few that you can send homemade masks and other supplies to right now:
If you know of any other healthcare or frontline facilities that need masks or other vital medical supplies for their essential workers, please tell us in the comments below.

With many businesses in Northeast Ohio shut down, and "social distancing" in full effect, it's time to start getting creative about finding things to do. Productive hobbies are becoming more popular, and taking up knitting is a great choice.
If this appeals to you, then you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can learn to knit online. Once you're ready, you can support the local area knitting shops that so desperately need your business right now. Here are some tips for getting started and a few of our favorite stores in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
There are plenty of online resources where you can learn to knit. Start by checking out some YouTube channels, like AllFreeKnitting or Craftsy Knitting. If you prefer a more structured class style, you may want to take a look at the classes on websites like SkillShare or Instructables.
Once you've got the basics down, you'll want to visit the websites for some of the area's best knitting stores. Here are a few of our favorite Ohio stores where you can shop for all of your knitting needs.
1387 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
View this post on Instagram
River Colors Studio carries a huge selection of gorgeous yarn. They also have all the materials you'll need to start your knitting projects including needles, hooks, accessories.
Check out their selection of patterns, including some great free ones that are perfect for beginners. You may also want to order a few publications, like Pom Pom Quarterly and Mason-Dixon Field Guides. These are a great way to learn more about your new hobby.
100 North Main St. Suite 230, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
View this post on Instagram
A fun, boutique-style shop, The Artful Yarn carries an internationally-curated selection of yarns. They currently offer curbside pick-up, limited-distance delivery, and 2-day USPS shipping. You can order over the phone and even video chat via FaceTime. They have some inventory online and will be expanding their online offerings very soon.
On March 30th, they're starting a "Magical Mystery Knit" that you can join right from the comfort of your home. Sign up for their email list or follow them on social media so you can keep up on all the latest news and updates.
129 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
View this post on Instagram
Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium carries an eclectic selection of yarns and prides itself in offering reasonable prices. You'll love browsing through their gorgeous yarns, and you can also find all of the needles, hooks, bags, and accessories you need.
If you're a beginner, check out the "Yharma's Basement Clearance" section. This is a great way to stock up on supplies without breaking the bank.
12620 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
View this post on Instagram
You'll find everything you need to get creative with your knitting projects at Fine Points. They specialize in unique yarns and offer kits that have all the materials you need to make a specific project. They also carry needles and accessories, patterns, books, jewelry, and more.
15708 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
View this post on Instagram
Destination Yarn is an independent shop that hand-dyes their yarn onsite. It's easy to lose yourself in their website, where you can shop by yarn type, dye technique, or collection. They also sell lots of great kits for sweaters, shawls, and pullovers and fun gifts for other knitting-lovers in your life.
13572 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072
View this post on Instagram
Fiber Addiction carries a wide variety of brand-name yarns including Euro, Berroco, and Cascade. They also offer products from indie dyer Cornbread & Honey. In response to recent events, they're offering individual appointments for those who want to come shop in person, or you can shop online. In addition to yarn, they also carry a fun selection of bags, books, notions, needles, and hooks.
You can get some great deals right now, including free shipping through April 15th. They also offer pick-up orders for those who live nearby.
Other shops around Ohio worth checking out online:
1200 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
View this post on Instagram
Do you want to make a truly luxurious knitting project? If so, then you'll want to pay a visit to Alpaca Meadows' website. These Ohio residents have a happy herd of alpacas that provide a limited amount of fiber each year. It's either processed on-site or by a local mill. Alpaca yarn is incredibly soft. It's also warm, comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic.
If you see something you like, make sure to stock up, because once it's gone, it's gone. Not sure what to do with alpaca yarn? Take a look at some of their beautiful patterns as well!
1 N. Main St., Mt Vernon, OH 43050
View this post on Instagram
The Makery also carries a wide selection of hand-dyed, hand-spun yarns and fair trade fiber. You can choose from a variety of materials, including alpaca, cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, wool, and more. They also carry needles, hooks, and notions.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of their super-cool books with many interesting ideas. They also carry fun craft kits designed especially for kids, so if you're home-schooling right you, you'll definitely want to check this out as well.
35 S. High Street in Dublin, Ohio 43017
View this post on Instagram
For a wide selection of yarn at a variety of price points, as well as needles, buttons, and books, you'll definitely want to take a look at Knitting Temptations' website. They carry many popular brands and you can keep yourself on-budget by shopping by price range.
Don't have a ton of money to spend right now? Create an account and build a wish list! This way, when you're ready to move on to future projects, you'll already have your shopping list ready!
217 South B St., Hamilton, OH 45013
View this post on Instagram
Lambikin's Hideaway is a local yarn store that prides itself on offering amazing customer service, fair prices, and a huge selection of yarn. Here you'll find a variety of options including lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, and super bulky yarn. While you're on the website, don't forget to subscribe to their newsletter to stay in the loop about their latest classes, promotions, and specials.
What kind of knitting project are you looking forward to trying first?

Who says you need to leave the house to immerse yourself in the wonderful art, history, and culture that Northeast Ohio has to offer? As our country enters a time of public space shutdowns and social distancing, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the virtual tours hosted by many museums around Cleveland, Canton, and beyond. Settle into your favorite chair and take a journey into the wonders of these digital domains.
1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702
View this post on Instagram
While most museums give you a glimpse into the past, the Canton Museum of Art allows digital visitors to take a look into their past by showcasing previous permanent exhibitions on their website. Over 30 of these diverse exhibits are available for online-viewing, including Crowns: Crossing into Motherhood, Scrimmage: Football in American Art from the Civil War to the Present, and Continuum: Art of the Cleveland School and Beyond, which was created in partnership with ARTneo.
View this post on Instagram
Explore the Historic Zoar Village without ever going outside. As one of the most successful communal settlements in U.S. history, Zoar Village continues to be the home of dozens of families. Their virtual tour allows you to select various homes and buildings from the village to learn more about their history.
1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113
View this post on Instagram
One of the only public law enforcement museums in the country, the Cleveland Police Museum features 13 online exhibits showcasing Cleveland's police force over the years. This includes fascinating information about their Mounted Unit, 19th Century Policing, Prohibition, and a Fallen Officers exhibit.
11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
View this post on Instagram
An interesting museum located in the Allen Memorial Medical Library of the Case Western Reserve University, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History offers online exhibits for students and nonstudents alike. These photo collections, some featuring audio archives of lecture recordings, include exhibits such as Photographing Dermatology: The Collections of Dr. William Thomas Corlett.
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
View this post on Instagram
Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland Starts Here campaign, the Digital Cleveland Starts Here virtual library and museum features over 150 years of Cleveland history as told and donated by residents over countless generations.
21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
View this post on Instagram
While the NASA station in Florida receives rave reviews, many Ohio natives forget that we have the amazing Glenn Research Center right in our backyard. This facility designs and develops innovative technology that fuels our nation's space exploration. Their convenient virtual tours are out of this world, offering a look into 10 facilities with accompanying photographs and videos of the testing labs.
Northeast Ohio contains only a small fraction of the many museums the Buckeye State has to offer. Here are a few other Ohio-based museums offering free virtual tours:
1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431
View this post on Instagram
Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest and oldest military aviation museum on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to go all the way to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see it up close — you can take a virtual tour of the entire museum on your computer. Each of the icons displayed in the galleries allows you to read, watch, and listen to information about each exhibit.
1665 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
The Ohio Craft Museum, in collaboration with the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, is a special space showcasing exhibits and offering workshops for art lovers of all ages. They've made all of the current, past, and permanent galleries available online for crafters to browse. The current exhibit is the Found Again Quilt Exhibit, which showcases gorgeous quilt art from local Ohio quilters. Their permanent collection includes clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, wood, and mixed media pieces. You can also look at all past exhibits featured in the Ohio Craft Museum dating back to 2008.
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
The Cincinnati Art Museum has digitalized its permanent collection to share with the world. So far, over 67,000 works of art are featured in their virtual museum. This is an exciting tour for art lovers because, although not every item on display in the physical museum has been uploaded online, many of the pieces on the website are no longer available to view inside the museum.
For a trip around the country without leaving your couch, check out virtual tours of these famous United States museums:
10 St. & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
View this post on Instagram
Dive into the National Museum of Natural History and go room-to-room, viewing current and past exhibits like Last American Dinosaurs, Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, and the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems.
1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028
View this post on Instagram
The Met is world-famous, and you don't have to leave home to see why. Experience the museum online via their Open Access initiative, which allows you to explore over 400,000 images created over the last 5,000 years.
205 S. Whiting St. Suite 254, Alexandria, VA 22304
View this post on Instagram
The National Women's History Museum offers nearly 30 interactive online exhibits charting the great moments in the history of women in the United States.
Which is your favorite national or international museum to tour virtually? Let us know in the comments below!

Whether you're Irish or just Irish for a day, St. Patrick's Day is a huge holiday in Northeast Ohio. You'll find one of the country's largest St. Paddy's Day parades here, as well as pub crawls and even a sober gathering.
If you're planning to celebrate the holiday with some green beer or other adult beverages, make sure you've planned ahead for a safe ride home. Install Lyft and Uber apps on your phone in advance, and also consider public transportation. Cleveland's RTA, for example, typically offers all-day passes for St. Patrick's Day that you can buy on your smartphone.
Get in on the fun and celebrate the luck o' the Irish around Northeast Ohio. Check out the following events.
Starts on Superior Ave. at E. 18th St. and ends at the intersection of Rockwell Ave. and Ontario St.
March 17, 1:04 p.m. kickoff
View this post on Instagram
Cleveland has hosted a St. Patrick's Day Parade for 175 years, and the tradition continues in 2020. This year's theme is Ireland's Scenic Coastlines, so you'll see that some of the floats have incorporated this theme. Line up early so you can get a good view of the bands, floats, dancing groups, and much more as they wind their way through downtown Cleveland in one of the country's largest parades.
Brennan's Party Center, 1300 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH
March 17, shuttle leaves Brennan's at noon
Make transportation to the parade easy on yourself by taking a shuttle from Brennan's and then keep the fun going by returning on the shuttle at 3:30. You'll be able to enjoy Irish dancers, DJ, and an open bar while you treat yourself to a corned beef buffet — a perfect way to celebrate the day! A children's buffet is also available at a reduced price for kids under age 12.
Check in at Dive Bar, 1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH
March 14, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.

Pub crawls are a popular St. Patrick's Day activity, so gather some friends and try the Crawl with Us Public Crawl. You'll be able to visit eight popular venues, enjoy exclusive drink specials and two complimentary drinks/items, and try some food deals along the way. Save some energy for the after-party starting at 10 p.m. and make sure you're dressed up for St. Paddy's Day to compete in a costume contest with a $500 prize.
Starts on W. 6 th St., Cleveland, OH
March 7, 5 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Get your Irish on early and get some exercise by running a 5K. You'll head through some of Cleveland's trendiest areas, including the Historic Warehouse District and over the Detroit-Superior Bridge. And since it's a St. Patrick's Day race, you'll also have some special perks! You'll get one Jameson shot or one Coors Light, drink specials at designated West 6th Street bars and be able to participate in a costume content throughout the event. Post-race food and refreshments are also offered.
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, OH
March 17, 5 p.m.

Many St. Patrick's Day events feature opportunities to drink alcohol, but some are alcohol-free if you'd like to celebrate while enjoying a sober environment. Sober Seventeenth features Irish music, dance, and heritage in a family-friendly, alcohol-free setting.
Ancient Order of Hibernians, 2000 Brown St., Akron, OH
March 8, starting at noon
View this post on Instagram
The AOH hosts a day of Irish-themed fun, complete with dancers and other entertainment. And if you think you may have some talent of your own, two open mic sessions are open during the day if you'd like to try to sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" or another favorite.
Flats East Bank & Warehouse District, Cleveland, OH
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Get your green on, grab some friends, and enjoy some special perks throughout your pub crawl. A ticket gets you a free color-changing cup, entry to 5+ top venues, up to 50% off drink specials, and up to 25% off food specials. You'll also be able to party the day away with a kick-off, half-time, and after-party.
Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH
March 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Treat the kids to an afternoon at the zoo, where you'll also be able to enjoy a St. Patrick's Day-themed event. The zoo will feature food, music, crafts, and more fun that's related to the holiday.
Where will you be having fun in Northeast Ohio for St. Patrick's Day this year?