CLEVELAND, Nov. 8, 2011 – Ohio City and Cleveland Heights are making the season merry and bright with holiday tours of local retailers and restaurants. Presented by NEO Food Tours, these guided walking tours allow attendees to do some holiday shopping while exploring the neighborhood and enjoying festive food and drinks.
The Ohio City Holiday Hop will feature Campbell’s Sweets Factory, Bar Cento, Room Service, SOHO Kitchen & Bar,Salty Not Sweet, Dragonfly, Something Different, andBonBon Pastry & Cafe. Ohio City has grown as an exciting shopping and dining destination over the past few years – building on the popularity of the neighborhood’s culinary cornerstones. On Dec. 1 from 6-9:30pm, guests will discover Ohio City’s hidden gems while learning about the neighborhood’s storied past.
Ohio City Incorporated’s Director of Marketing and Development, Virginia Houston, has been very excited to see the growth in the neighborhood. “Crop Bistro, Market Garden Brewery and Campbell’s Popcorn shop have opened up next to longtime neighborhood establishments such as Great Lakes Brewing Company and the Flying Fig,” said Houston. “Ohio City remains one of the most complete and connected neighborhoods in Cleveland.”
The Cleveland Heights Holiday Hop on Dec. 8 will include stops at Heights Art Gallery,Abrash Gallerie, Lopez on Lee, Taste, Revive, The Wine Spot, and SweetieFry. Special Guest – Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelley – will lead attendees from 6:30-10pm on a guided walking tour of Cedar Lee’s popular retailers and restaurants. The Cleveland Heights and Ohio City tours will feature food and drink at each stop.
Kelley Robinson, Director of Cedar Lee Special Improvement District, is eager to show off “Restaurant Row” during the Cleveland Heights Holiday Hop. “Lee Road has endless dining options to please any palate, is home to the regionally-recognized Cedar Lee Theatre, offers unique retail destinations as well as everyday essential services,” Robinson commented. “From artisan breads, to hand-dipped chocolates…guests will enjoy the Main Street vibe and quality customer service offered by these dedicated local businesses.”
Tickets for both tours can be purchased at http://neofoodtours.eventbrite.com.
Early bird tickets cost $85; general admission is $95. $5 from each ticket sold for the Cleveland Heights and Ohio City Holiday Hops will be donated to the Heights Emergency Food Center and Ohio City Incorporated, respectively. Tickets are all inclusive.
NEO Food Tours is a Northeast Ohio-based organization dedicated to spreading the gospel of the region’s dynamic culinary industry as a viable and sustainable economic engine. Founded in Spring 2011 and headquartered in Cleveland, we are a majority-women-owned small business. Through a wide variety of guided food tours and events, we achieve our mission of engaging and promoting the relationship between Northeast Ohio’s neighborhoods and restaurants. Connect with NEO Food Tours on Twitter @NEOFoodTours and like NEO Food Tours on Facebook.