The Arcade Cleveland is a beautiful historic space that's really cool to walk through. The…read morearchitecture, atmosphere, and unique charm make it worth exploring.

As far as architecture and aesthetics go, The Arcade is an easy five stars. The interior is…read morestunning, truly worth a walkthrough to appreciate the arched ceiling, the beautiful atrium that greets you as soon as you walk in. But form didn't bring function along; as a venue, this place is deserted. A few restaurants and shops dot the halls, but it feels like a ghost town. It's a shame this place doesn't have more traffic, it should play a more central role in city life here.

Cute gifts at reasonable prices with some unique items not seen elsewhere. An oddly large number of…read morecorn-themed items, which doesn't really match the Cleveland theme, but who doesn't love corn? If you're going to the Rock Hall, science center, etc. it's a great place to browse and pick up something extra.

Here's a few items I found at Token, Cleveland's Gift Shop, when I was walking around the Rock…read moreHall. It looked fairly new, there was Cleveland-branded merch throughout. Since I'm from out of town I wasn't going to buy any clothing, but I was ready to buy stuff! I wanted to buy more, but the store looked fairly new, and they didn't have a lot by way of souvenir-type stuff. Very friendly though, I wish you luck!

The staff are kind and the selection is great! They have library goods and also local shop gifts!…read moreCheck it out if you're in the area, especially as it's right across the street from Main CPL!

Nice selection of books and gifts. It's a small space, but they make the most of it. The staff was…read morefriendly, and there were quite a few interesting books at great prices.

Love, love, LOVE! This cocktail specialty shop is so amazing it's almost rude…read more Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, passive wine drinker (like me), or just need a beautiful gift for someone, you should be shopping in Happy Hour Collection. This store is a literal visual feast that is expertly curated with incredible modern and vintage inspired bar ware, locally-made mixtures, tinctures and creative and classy gifts. You'll want to touch and explore everything. You'll also find yourself constantly thinking, "Do I REALLY need a hand-made, gorgeous hammered copper moscow mule mug? Of course, I do!" You win, Happy Hour. Today, I stopped in to purchase a few gifts for friend-colleagues. I was actually feeling rather stumped on this lately, but Happy Hour saved the day. Marie, the owner, greeted me immediately and was very chatty and helpful. Her associate, Melissa (I think that was her name), also offered me a sample of a delicious ginger beer mixer, which I ended up purchasing for myself because I have zero self-control. For my friend-colleagues, I picked up a fun bitters bottle made locally by Full Measure, two sassy Sugarfina candy samplers (Sugarfina is a luxe candy boutique from Germany/USA), and a Carry On Cocktail Kit for flying (see my photos). Okay, but truly, you should be shopping here. The staff was really invested in helping me find the right things. Also, Marie mentioned they are going to be hosting cocktail classes with The 9, catering to beginners. I'm looking forward to attending one! Yay Happy Hour Collection.

This place has an intriguing look to it that has drawn me from the arcade hall on several…read moreoccasions. It's a small shop with just one circular "aisle" so it always feels pretty busy, at least with browsers. When I have stopped in to browse before the lady working, who I found out is the owner, always greets me and thanks me for coming in and offers to answer any questions that I have. The first purchase I made after several visits of just browsing was for a gift. I went in not really knowing what to get, just knowing the person I was shopping for liked their drinks. I told the lady the preferred drink and liquor of the person I was buying a gift for and she walked me around the store and pointed out three or four specific items that I could buy. She then noted some typical barware items that would make good gifts too, and then let me alone to read the packages and decide on my own. Since I had been shopping for a gift and had browsed elsewhere and online as well I can say that the prices in this store, on at least the few items I bought, are equal to or cheaper than even Amazon. Another neat thing is that after 5 purchases you get 10% off. Note no returns on bitters/mixers.

10PM studio is steampunk chic…read more What is steampunk? Don't worry, I didn't know either. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction/fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery (Wikipedia). Nestled in the 5th Street Arcades, 10PM Studio is one of the many fab local stores inside Cleveland's own literal Platform 9 ¾. I am always shocked by the people who walk by 5th Street Arcades every day, and never know what is inside...and 10PM Studio is a true gem worth stopping in for. Patty, the gallery owner, is a breath of fresh air. She's designed for over 20 years using clocks and pocket watches which she disassembles and couples with found objects like keys, spoons, etc. She has cases upon cases of necklaces, rings, brooches, bracelets, and boxes--and every single piece in her studio is completely unique. I went into Patty's shop looking for a birthday present for a friend--and instead walked out with two pieces for myself. That's how good she is. You can spend an hour getting lost in the observation of her cases. It's a great way to spend a lunch break. If you're looking for an owl wearing a top-hat on a vintage chain, this is your place. Even if you're not looking for an owl in a top-hat, it might be everything you never knew you needed. Each piece comes with a story, which Patty will be quick to tell you about. Her jewelry is both tough and dainty, and her passion for her craft radiates profoundly. She will work with you until you find something you love, or custom make it for you. She also designs custom cuff-links for men, and her creativity seems to show no bounds. The entire gallery is wall-to-wall covered with purchasable pieces from local artists, ranging from refurbished signs, to metal sculptures and wood paintings. If you love that item on the wall, you can have it. Not sure where to find 10PM? Just enter 5th Street, and look for her official greeter, Punky. Her rescue puppy will be waiting for you promptly in the doorway, and follow you around throughout your visit. Continued reasons to shop brilliant small businesses: puppies. Need I say more?

From the owner: Our shop features the art work of various Cleveland artists in the steampunk genre. The owner,…read morePatty, has been making steampunk jewelry for over 24 years and has been one of the top sellers at the Cleveland Museum of Art's gift shop. Unique, quirky, one of a kind necklaces, brooches, bracelets, rings,boxes, and hats. Other artists such as Jerry Schmidt, Hy Snell, Rich Hrobat, make unique sculptures, lamps with edison bulbs, shelves, steel artwork, fantasy guns, and more! We also sell a lot of CLE art graphically designed by the ART BOX, and most recently offer custom framing. As an ole' hippie, I love the tye dye, hippie look, and feature very cool clothes mostly made by women in Nepal on a fair trade basis. These women are not in a sweat shop but rather commune and have a blast making our designed clothes. Do come in and look for unique gifts and just for your own steampunk self!!

A place where your imagination can ru. Wild. Cocos allows for you to step behind the looking glass…read moreand embrace your inner child or live the path you decided not to go down. Whether you wanted to be a Baller or a Safari guide there is something there for you. From disco to sky diving something will make you jump or shake a tail feather. I definitely think this worth a stop from taking your girlfriends or bringing the family down for an awesome play daye.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Coco's Selfie Space, but my daughter wanted to visit and how…read morecould I be a good dad without taking her?! Even I had fun as we navigated the huge space with many different selfie stations. Coco greeted us when we arrived, and she first gave us a tour of the facility then set us on our way to take our selfies. We spent about 45 minutes in the facility and left with hundreds of cool photos. The admission fee is a bit high, but with the philanthropy work Coco does, I looked at it as a donation to help Coco's mission of giving back to the community. Looking for a fun activity with the family? Coco's is it.

I was invited to join some friends and their children to experience Mr. Kringle's Inventionnasium…read moreand I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a wonderful surprise. The whimsical blend of Dr. Seuss and Willy Wonka made the whole experience feel magical. The children were fully engaged, and the interactive learning elements were impressive. The cast members were well developed and genuinely talented, and the staff was welcoming and enthusiastic from the moment we walked in. I can easily see Mr. Kringle's Inventionasium becoming one of Cleveland's cherished holiday traditions, much like Mr. Jingeling. I left grinning from ear to ear.

"You're late" .... I shouted as we left the house to go to the event. The directions clearly stated…read morethat you need to be there 25 minutes before your appointment time to ensure check in. Well, we were late, however the team was very accommodating and we were able to get in. Now I'm not advocating that you be late and we got lucky with them getting us in ... so fair warning. In the end, the experience was well worth the expense and the kids enjoyed it .... Especially the Sno Bro! Give it a shot. Ciao!

The Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum is a true hidden gem inside the Galleria building on the…read moremain floor. It's within walking distance from many hotels in the downtown area. They have really done a fantastic job of taking you through the history of Hungary including the vast number of beautiful castles, skilled porcelain factories, the culture of the people. Also pre-WWI and the break offs from Hungary that created Yugoslavia, Slovakia, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Austria in 1920. They have many artifacts including an Hungarian library. Videos, music and architecture are all covered as well. The gift shop has numerous items all from Hungary and crafts made from local Hungarians. Mary Jane & Bev were delightful to meet and are very well versed in Hungarian History. I'm so glad I visited and have Hungary on my trip list now. So much rich culture that makes you want to see it on foot!

Quaint little free museum inside the mall. Donation box is past the gift shop area. The volunteers…read morewere speaking Hungarian when we popped in for a visit. I left with some playing cards (a family member collects) and a lovely coffee table / recipe book. They have quite a few little goodies for sale. Paid street parking is close by.