The Smart Solutions Team

There are plenty of holiday events in Northeast Ohio to enjoy with friends and family this month, so we here at The Smart Solutions Team thought we would share a few of our favorites with you!

Nela Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio  will feature holiday lighting that has been a tradition since Stacey’s grandmother was growing up in Cleveland Hts. A big hit with the kids and just a short drive away, you can pick up a few of the best Italian pastries and donuts at Presti’s .  Try the Cannoli.  If it’s more than a snack you need, there are several great eateries in the neighborhood that shouldn’t be missed.  For pizza, your kids may enjoy Mama Santa’s (not to be confused with Mrs. Claus).  If it’s more of a date night, try Guarino’s  for some old world charm and excellent authentic Italina cuisine.

The Summit County Historical Society  invites you to tour the Perkins Home  at 465 South Portage Path in Akron to view department store windows of yesteryear.    The Perkins Home is decorated  in a theme each year, with this one being “The Day After Christmas.” Tickets are $5 each at the door and benefit the historical society.  After touring, stop by a true Akron landmark for a bite at Luigi’s .

Perhaps you are up for a little outdoor fun, and three top spots come to mind for all things snow & ice.  Ski, snowboard or tube at one of our two local slopes, Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort .  Special packages are offered for the holiday including passes for gift giving!  If ice skating is on your list, try Lock 3 in Akron or the  Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Rink .  Both have state-of-the-art rinks and offer skate rental if you don’t have your own.  For indoor skating and activities over the holiday break, try the Kent State Ice Arena . Now if you are ready to try something a little bit different with the kids, you need to take a trip to the  The Chalet at Mill Stream Run in Strongsville where you can slide down frozen chutes & drink warm hot chocolate all in a beautiful, wooded setting in the Cleveland Metroparks.

If you are thinking of a great date night with that someone special, try the new “Guys on Ice — an Ice Fishing Musical”  at the Actor’s Summit in Hudson .  It’s a comedy about two men, Marvin and Lloyd who are spending the day in an  ice fishing shanty telling bad jokes, singing about life, love and Leinenkugel beer . Tickets are $28 and benefit the Hudson High School Scholarship Fund.  To purchase tickets, call Barbara Behling at 330-650-5529.

With all there is to do, let’s not forget the giving part of the holidays.

Several local businesses are joining the community in collecting a variety of items for distribution to those in need.  Lucia’s, The Salon on Main  (and these are truly some of my favorite local business people) is collecting new/used hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and jackets to be given to homeless men, women and children through December 31st.  For every item donated, you receive a $3 gift card good toward any service through 7/10.  For more information, call 330-342-5400.  They are located at 214 North Main Street  in Hudson .  The Toys for Tots campaign is being sponsored locally by Hershey’s, located at 50 W. Streetsboro Street in Hudson . Now through December 20th, drop off any NEW, UNWRAPPED toy and the Marines will be distributing the gifts to local children.  Great Clips  and WJW Fox 8 and WMMS are having a holiday food drive from now until December 31.  Bring in food items and receive $5 any haircut between now and the end of January.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate your time with loved ones this holiday season, we at the Smart Solutions Team wish you all the best throughout the coming New Year.

Bill, Anita & Stacey

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