Visit The Friendliest Town Near Cleveland The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up
Solon, a suburb of Greater Cleveland, is ranked as one of the top five suburbs in Ohio due to its excellent public schools, family-friendliness, and community activities.
What is the loveliest Greater Cleveland suburb to live in? Everyone certainly has their own opinions, but you can't argue with facts. Today, we're going to take a look at what just may be the friendliest town near Cleveland. Niche, a website dedicated to helping people discover the best communities, schools, and colleges for them, ranked the best suburbs in Ohio... and, according to their data scientists, Solon is one of the nicest communities in the state. Let's dig into this:
On this list, Solon ranks alongside suburbs of Toledo, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Other Cleveland communities appear further down the list, but Solon is the only Greater Cleveland city to appear in the top five.
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The town has an A+ report card, which considers factors like the quality of public schools, family-friendliness, outdoor activities, crime rate, and more.
The only place where their report card suffered is in the weather category, where Solon scored a C-... which is admittedly just an occupational hazard of being a Cuyahoga County resident.
One of the most notable statistics is the burglary rate, which is calculated at average crimes per every 100,000 residents. The national average sits at around 500:1, but Solon ranks at
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83:2.
And the community is truly laid back and happy, which might be due to a comfortable median household income of $107,286.
The Solon Spins program is the best way for Solon residents to get to know the city. For just $2, residents are able to rent a bike from the Solon Community Center. This rental allows them two full hours of excursion time! What a fun community-building program.
Just don't eat too much of their delicious food... it's truly addicting!
There are nearly a dozen local pizza joints to choose from in Solon! However, there's also quite a bit of dining diversity. In fact, the town scores an A- in the diversity category... so there's quite a bit of culture to dig into in this friendly place.
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Perhaps good food is a legacy in Solon... and a trip to the local historical society could certainly shine some light on that.
The Solon Historical Society preserves the story of the people that built this town. It has been frequented some unusual and notable people over the years, including suffrage activist Elizabeth Lowe Watson and James A. Garfield, who preached at the Disciple Church in Solon.
You'll see blue skies and smiling faces in Solon, Ohio.
Never paid this town a visit? Well, now you know to add it to your Greater Cleveland bucket list!
So there you have it: Solon is an awesome place to call home. Are there any other communities that you might consider to be the friendliest town near Cleveland? Tell us about your favorite Greater Cleveland cities, towns, and villages in the comments!
Believe it or not, Cleveland itself has been recognized as one of America's friendliest cities. Check out our linked article to find out why Travel + Leisure ranked Cleveland as one of the nation's favorite cities.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Our great city of Cleveland was established in 1796 and it has a lengthy and fascinating history. Inventions, notable people, and rich lore stem from this region, yet many of these wonderful stories aren’t well known to some of us locals. Listed below are 12 Cleveland inventions that you might not be familiar with. In fact, some of these things Cleveland did first might even blow your mind - they did mine! Read on for more fun facts about Cleveland that might even help your next trivia game.
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1. The alligator clip was first seen in Cleveland.
Ralph S. Mueller aimed to build a simple metal clip with spring-loaded jaws for product testing, which would find some prominence in the upcoming telephone industry. However, he would come to find that there were actually many practical uses for his clip, and today they are most commonly encountered in jumper cables.
2. The famed "Tommy Gun" of the 1920s and World War II was originally designed and constructed right here in Cleveland.
When General John Thompson conceived the idea for a handheld machine gun, he recruited Theodore Eickhoff to design it. Eickhoff came to Cleveland to do so, as the local Warner & Swasey Company was to produce the parts for the gun. On Euclid Avenue, in a small machine shop, the gun that was favored by gangsters such as "Machine Gun" Kelly and "Pretty Boy" Floyd was born. It was initially sold to the Marine Corps and police units, but it would become especially well known when, in 1938, the U.S. military recruited the gun for use in combat.
3. In Akron, the first commercial oatmeal manufacturer in the United States would go on to become the Quaker Mills Company, and they would register the nation's first trademark for a breakfast cereal.
The German Mills American Oatmeal Company, which began in 1854, quickly rose to acclaim as an influx of German and Irish immigrants boosted sales. The Quaker Oats brand name would follow the evolution of oatmeal to cereal in 1877 as the company began to market oats and eventually puffed rice and wheat. Their trademark smiling Quaker man still graces their packaging today.
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4. Clevelander Bill Wambsganss hit the first and only unassisted triple play in the World Series.
The Cleveland Indians were facing the Brooklyn Robins in the 1920 World Series, and, by game 5, tensions couldn't be higher. The game was being held at Dunn Field in Cleveland, and in New York, fans crowded eagerly around radios for updates. When "Wamby" carried out the unassisted triple play, it was only the second in MLB history, and the only such play in the World Series. The teams would face off two more times before the Cleveland Indians won the 1920 World Series.
5. The first successful separation of conjoined twins had Cleveland as a backdrop.
According to the Guiness World Records, the first successful separation of conjoined twins was achieved in 1952 by Dr. Jack Geller. The twins were xiphopagus, or joined at the sternum, and were separated on December 14 at Mount Sinai Hospital.
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6. The first car to be sold in the United States was manufactured here in Cleveland.
Alexander Winton owned a bicycle factory, and by 1897, he began applying his engineering skills to produce cars. In 1898, he sold a car to a man in Pennsylvania, and the sale would go down as the first automobile sale in the U.S. In that first year, Winton would sell 21 additional cars, but he would ultimately cease production in 1924.
7. Cleveland was the first city to experience Garrett Morgan's stop light, gas mask, and hair straightening oil.
Morgan truly was an innovative genius. Born in Kentucky, he would move to Ohio at the age of 16, and eventually to Cleveland two years later. During his life in Cleveland, he invented a belt fastener for sewing machines, a "smoke hood" gas mask, hair straightening cream, and a 3-way traffic signal that differed dramatically from the traditional "stop/go" type signals.
8. Breakthroughs in the invention of the modern golf ball were pioneered by Northeast Ohioans.
Coburn Haskell of Cleveland, and the Superintendent of the B.F. Goodrich Company, Bertram Work, met up for a golf date in 1898. Haskell had wrapped rubber thread around the ball, whether out of curiosity or boredom, and found that it bounced quite dramatically. Work suggested coating the ball with some sort of cover, and the end result is a modern golf ball that behaved quite differently from traditional wooden or featherie balls.
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9. Clevelanders were the first people to meet Superman.
Cleveland-born high school students Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster dreamed up Superman. They would later sell the rights to the company that would become DC Comics in 1938. Their character would go on to make his debut in Action Comics #1, and the Man of Steel went on to become an American icon.
10. The frosted light bulb was also born in Cleveland.
In light bulbs, frosted glass helps disperse the light from the filament more evenly across the bulb's surface area, an idea which was thought to be impossible to execute when electricity was in its infancy. However, in the 1920s, some supervisors thought it would be hilarious to convince newbies at the General Electric Nela Park Cleveland laboratory to try to create a process to frost lamp bulbs. They were taken by surprise when, in 1925, Marvin Pipkin successfully frosted the interior of a lamp bulb with the use of acid in a two-step process.
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11. Wind turbines were also invented by Euclid-born Charles Brush.
Brush truly had a vision of the future, and he worked tirelessly to bring it to life. In 1884, he built a mansion/personal laboratory on Euclid Avenue. And by 1888, he had constructed a wind turbine generator to power it. His home was actually the first in Cleveland to have electricity, and the wind turbine kept it continuously powered for more than two decades. His legacy has influenced the Ohio landscape, dotting it with expanses of giant fans.
12. Cleveland was the first city to be fully lit by arched streetlights, which were designed by Cleveland-born inventor Charles F. Brush.
Brush was fascinated by electricity at an early age, and by the age of 27, he had designed a simple and maintainable design for a generator that powered arc lights. Thanks to his invention, in 1879, the streets of Public Square in Cleveland became the first to be fully illuminated by electric light. He would go on to redesign and perfect the design of arc lights, adding automatic functions and longevity before his company was ultimately absorbed by General Electric in 1891.
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Were you already familiar with these 12 things we did first? Did any of them really surprise you? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
