Shaker Heights
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Shaker Heights is an upscale suburb of Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. The town was one of America's first planned suburban communities and has served as the home of many of the region's corporate, legal and health care leaders. It previously served as an enclave for the North Union Shaker Community.
Understand
Shaker Heights was originally established in 1822 as the North Union Settlement of the Shaker community, a religious group that established several communities throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. This group was responsible for damming Doan Brook and creating the Shaker Lakes, but the group's strict practice of celibacy eventually led to their demise in the late 1800s.
In 1912 the village of Shaker Heights was incorporated by the Van Sweringen brothers who envisioned a garden community for commuters to Cleveland. The brothers set aside land for churches and schools, laid out curving streets, planted trees, and established a streetcar system (today's RTA) that led directly from the city to downtown Cleveland. The town's strict building codes led to a distinctive architectural identity, and today many of the mansions and other buildings found in the city are featured in architectural texts.
Over the years the town's residents have included a variety of famous business and entertainment personalities including actor Paul Newman, comedian Molly Shannon, and football player Nate Clements.
Books and Guides
- Images of America - Shaker Heights (OH) by Bruce T. Marshall, Arcadia Publishing. Describes the history of Shaker Heights with photographs.
Get in
By train
The Blue Line and Green Line provide services to Shaker Heights from Cleveland.By bus
Also, the bus lines 14, 40 and 41 drive through Shaker Heights.Get around
By bicycle
If getting around in Shaker Heights by bike, note that bikes must be registered, and wearing a helmet is obligatory.By car
Cars can be rented at the following companies:- Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 3596 Lee Rd, +1 216 921-9805
- Hertz, 15809 Chagrin Boulevard, +1 216 752-1282
See
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phone: +1 216 921-1201address: 16740 South Park BlvdA small museum about the Quaker sect that settled in the area in the 19th century.
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Shaker Heights Community Rose Garden
address: Located on Woodbury Road, between Woodbury and Onaway elementary schools -
Malcolm Brown Gallery
phone: +1 216 751-2955address: 20100 Chagrin Blvd
Do
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phone: +1 216 321-5935address: 2600 South Park BlvdHiking trails, including one wheel-chair accessible boardwalk trail, as well nature programs and exhibits inside the center.
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phone: +1 216 491-1295address: 3301 Warrensville CenterThis park offers an ice skating rink, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard park, batting cages, and a large outdoor swimming pool.
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Shaker Heights Country Club - Pool
address: 3300 Courtland Blvd
Buy
Shaker SquareWhile technically located in the city of Cleveland, Shaker Square is a historic shopping district with independent stores and unique restaurants located just north of the city border.
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Shaker Plaza and Van Aken Center
address: 20119 Van Aken BlvdHome to several restaurants and a number of boutique shops. -
Shaker Town Center
address: 16722 Chagrin BlvdThis shopping center offers a range of fast food options, groceries, a book store, and other shopping options.
Eat
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Pearl of the Orient Restaurant
phone: +1 216 751-8181address: 20121 Van Aken Blvd -
SASAmatsu Japanese Izakaya Asian Bistro
phone: +1 216 767-1111address: 13120 Shaker SquareThis restaurant is located at the border between Shaker Heights and Cleveland. -
China Star Restaurant
phone: +1 216 991-4828address: 20166 Van Aken Blvd -
Los Habaneros Authentic Mexican Restaurant
phone: +1 216 991-4522address: 20255 Van Aken Blvd -
Saffron Patch Authentic Indian cuisine
phone: +1 216 295-0400address: 20600 Chagrin Blvd -
The Metropolitan Brownie
phone: +1 216 295-1498address: 3682 Traynham Rd
Drink
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phone: +1 216 752-9280address: 20110 Van Aken BlvdOffering pub food as well as drinks, with happy hour appetizers starting at $1 (Monday - Saturday from 4PM - 7PM).
Sleep
Connect
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phone: +1 216-991-2030address: 16500 Van Aken BlvdHoused in a large former school building, the main Shaker library offers books, multimedia, and computers. A second branch is located at 20600 Fayette Road near the Middle School.
Go next
- Beachwood - A neighboring suburb that is home to Beachwood Place Mall and numerous other shopping and dining options.
- Cleveland - The major city that dominates the region, Cleveland has experienced a revival in recent years and offers numerous food, lodging and entertainment options.
- Cleveland Heights - A neighboring suburb that is home to the Coventry District, a funky neighborhood with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.