Where to go antiquing in Greater Cleveland

Antique furniture and collectibles add drama, history and interest to any room. Plus, it's environmentally responsible to re-use household items rather than buying new pieces. Greater Cleveland offers a plethora of well-stocked antique emporiums, whether you're looking for a chest of drawers, architectural items (like doors or leaded-glass windows), or something to hang on your wall. Below are a few (but by no means all) places to start your search.

Larchmere Boulevard

Located just north of Shaker Square on Cleveland's East Side, this five-block stretch is home to an interesting collection of antique stores, restaurants and other interesting shops. Highlights include Marc Goodman Antiques for a wide selection of art, furniture and collectibles; Shaker Square Antiques for high-end English and American furniture; and Conservation Studios, a smattering of light fixtures, restored furniture and collectibles. While in the neighborhood, stop for a burger at the Academy Tavern & Restaurant and browse at Loganberry Books, one of Cleveland's best independent book stores.

Lorain Avenue

Cleveland's West Side antique strip extends from Ohio City to Kamm's Corners on Lorain Avenue, although the majority of the stores are located between West 41th Street and West 71st Street. Among the stores found here are Suite Lorain, home to an exhaustive selection of all things art deco to mid-20th century, like chrome furniture, vintage clothing and Bakelite jewelry. Another favorite is Century Antiques and its dozens of doors, windows and other architectural details salvaged from Cleveland homes. End your excursion at the nearby West Side Market, Cleveland's food emporium.

Avon's French Creek District

Western Cleveland's Avon boasts an interesting antiques district. The city's French Creek neighborhood is home to more than a dozen antique and collectible dealers. Highlights include Country Side Antiques, a quaint cottage filled with furniture, glass, linens and unique accents from multiple vendors, and Long, Long Ago Antiques, which has a selection of toys, glassware and collectibles from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. After shopping, reward yourself with a cup of tea and something sweet at the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room, located in a restored 19th-century cottage.

Geneva and Geneva on the Lake

Located about one hour's drive east of downtown Cleveland, Geneva and the resort town of Geneva on the Lake are home to a smattering of interesting antique stores. The prices tend to be better outside of Cleveland and the selection here is diverse. Stop at Broadway Antiques in downtown Geneva for an eclectic display of glassware, furniture and paper collectibles. Old on New Antiques on New Street in Geneva on the Lake features a good selection of restored lamps as well as 19th- and 20th-century furniture and collectible pottery. Also of interest is Cindy's Consignments on Route 534 between Geneva and Geneva on the Lake. This collection of vintage clothing, wine country collectibles and housewares is worth the stop. While in the area, enjoy a hot dog at Eddie's Grill in Geneva on the Lake. It's a summer tradition.

Medina Antique Mall
2797 Medina Road in Medina, Ohio
330-722-0017
Medina.AntiqueLandUSA.com

About an hour's drive south of Cleveland just off of Route 18, you'll find the 52,000-square-foot Medina Antique Mall, which houses more than 500 dealers. If it's antique, you'll find it here. Individual stands offer books, furniture, artwork, glass and china, textiles, and more. You can even grab a sandwich or dessert at the snack bar here; there's no need to leave until you've explored every corner.