I went to Lakewood this past Saturday and it was really windy and freezing cold. That's Ohio weather for you. I hope it doesn't snow soon in November.
Anyways, I love how small and tight-knit the Lakewood community is. Every time I come here, the employees are always so kind. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants, and places to shop. You can buy vintage clothing, croissants, and even games and videos at a low price at Exchange. Whenever I would want to write in my journal or meet a friend, then these places are where I'd go.
I love coming to Lakewood in the day because the shops are so close together and you can walk and exercise while figuring out where to go next!
1. The Root Cafe
The first cafe that introduced me to baked vegan and gluten free delicacies. I absolutely love the artsy vibe here. On their website, they always have people performing here and it is beautiful to hear. I also interviewed someone for the first time here for a Lakewood article I contributed to a couple of years ago for the Vindicator. Ever since then, I've been hooked on coming here.
I bought a vegan cinnamon roll and it smelled so delicious. It was tasty yet a bit too sweet for my taste but I still ate it like a champ. If I could, I would buy a baked good everyday for the next morning.
2. Blackbird Baking Company
On the side of the building, you shall see a picture of a blackbird on a white brick, rustic wall. When you walk in, there are many tables that are taken by customers. It was crowded on a Saturday but smelled the aroma of coffee. This bakery sells European pastry and artisan bread and lately, I've been loving breads more than anything.
Seeing the different kinds of bread on the counter makes my mouth water and wished I could sample them all.
3. Addicted Coffee
Addicted coffee also features local Lakewood artists on the right side on the wall. Last time I came here, there were pictures of owls but now there were pictures of hands. Next to the photos, there were various cereals then ice cream you could consume.
The cereals were for the dragon breath. You can choose which cereal you would like, you can even mix cereals and give it to the employee. The employee will mix it up in liquid nitrogen and gives the illusion of smoke so when you eat it, you puff it out like a dragon's breath.
When I first tried it, I used coco puffs and took a spoonful in my mouth, it was really cold and the puff reminded me of when I would breathe in the cold air of winter.
I drank pumpkin chai and the employee asked if I wanted more spice and I said yes. The cinnamon was overpowering and when I drank it, the warmth of the drink filled my soul. During the fall, I would try various coffee shop's pumpkin chai but this place has to be my favorite. If I could, I would make pumpkin chai every day before I had to work or go to school.
4. Insomnia Cookies
I normally don't eat cookies because they are so sweet but these cookies aren't too sugary. Which helps my sweet tooth even more. When I think of Insomnia cookies, I would think they are open all night but they close at 3 a.m. Just imagine if you were to sleep but wanted a snack, you can call your nearest Insomnia Cookies store and they shall deliver to your home.
When they do, you will be provided a warm cookie and it's even better with milk. I had the snickerdoodle cookie and it is simple yet sweet. It was warm and the scent was filled with cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps I should try the other flavors.
These places are not only good to eat but they make a great photo opportunity. Turn the store into your photoshoot, at least that is what I did with my friend. I enjoy visiting new places and coming back to some favorite places.
At Blackbird, I shall come back to the smell of bread and would love to try different kinds of bread. At Addicted, hopefully I can try the affogato, ice cream topped with espresso. It makes this treat even sweeter. If you can, come to the Root and grab a treat while listening to musicians, you never know when you'll talk to them and even make a friend! At Insomnia cookies, it's no doubt I need to buy a box of cookies! I used to be addicted to cheesecakes and pies but perhaps, cookies are more my speed. It depends on the place.
There's still so many places to explore and perhaps my next article might be a restaurant review. The possibilities are endless.
