Steve Burgess
Posts from December 2018
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December
11
11
Everything You Need to Know About Cleveland's Famous "A Christmas Story" House
"Fragile… Must be Italian." "Naddafinga." "You'll shoot your eye out!"
Since its release in 1983, "A Christmas Story" has been a seasonal classic. It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching Ralphie Parker sulk in his bubblegum pink bunny pajamas and wish desperately for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.
While "A Christmas Story" is a movie that is close to pretty much every American's heart, for Clevelanders — it's so much more. The famous home where the Parker's story takes place is located just outside of downtown Cleveland in the Tremont neighborhood. A Christmas Story House has become a Cleveland landmark and is now open to the public year-round as a museum.
The History Behind the "A Christmas Story" House
Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
While a lot of "A Christmas Story" was shot in Toronto, Canada, the exterior shots of the Parker residence were of a modest 19th-century Victorian home in Cleveland. The creators of the movie scoured Cleveland neighborhoods to find the perfect place that would resemble story creator Jean Shepard's childhood home. They finally found it at 3159 West 11th Street. Bob Clark, director of the film, ultimately chose this specific home because it gave off a classic-American feel while also having features that they were looking for such as steel mills in the backyard, a wrap around porch and an empty lot next door — perfect for the crew to set up camp. In December of 2004, Brian Jones, a San Diego entrepreneur, bought the house on eBay for $150,000. He had been a massive fan of the movie since childhood and had even founded his own business based off of the film; the Red Rider Leg Company, which manufactures replicas of the "major award" Ralphie's father wins. The previous owners of the home had remodeled the house, installing new windows and covering the original wood siding with blue vinyl. Jones watched "A Christmas Story" frame by frame to draw detailed plans of the interior and spent $204,000 to gut the structure and reconfigure it into the floor plan we know and love. Today, the house sits as a near-replica of the set.The "A Christmas Story" House Today
A Christmas Story House is open year-round, seven days a week excluding major holidays. When you visit, you'll be able to tour the home and have an incredibly interactive experience. Take photos next to the famous leg lamp or even under the sink, act out your favorite movie scenes, and more! You can even stay in the house overnight in the private third floor with up to five of your friends or family members. Or, for a more eclectic experience — you can stay next door at the Bumpus House, the fictional home to Ralphie's hillbilly neighbors and their 785 smelly hound dogs. The interior of the Bumpus House is decorated in a 1940's style with a slight redneck flair, while still providing all the modern amenities you could want. You can see the inside of the suites available here.
Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
The neighborhood is also home to two more "A Christmas Story" inspired buildings — the museum and gift shop! At the museum, you can see behind the scenes photos, props, costumes and memorabilia. While you're there, be sure to check out the Higbee's Department Store holiday toys, Randy's snowsuit and zeppelin he receives for Christmas and even the family car! After spending a day immersed in the Ralphie's world, you'll definitely want to pick up a souvenir, which you can do at the A Christmas Story Gift Shop. There, you can purchase your own leg-lamp in any size you please as well as apparel, miniature figurines and more. If you can't make it to the gift shop in person, visit their website where you can purchase memorabilia from "A Christmas Story", "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone" and many more classic holiday movies.Local Holiday Festivities
The lovely neighborhood of Tremont has fully embraced the holiday attraction and is filled with festive events all season!
Walkabout Tremont: Light Up Your Holidays
When: December 14th, 5-10 p.m. Soak up some art this holiday season at Walkabout Tremont! Art galleries and retail shops will have extended hours, with special art installations displayed around town. Several bars and restaurants will host live music and special menus. Get a little holiday shopping done while supporting local artists and businesses! You can see a full itinerary and list of the featured art on display here.Tremont Light Displays
Throughout the Christmas season, Tremont homes are adorned with beautiful lights and decorations. Make sure to visit this suburb after dark to take in the breathtaking displays! Also, make sure to drive by A Christmas Story House while you're at it — the festive lights and perfectly backlit leg-lamp in the window make for a stunning sight.Holiday Spirits
The Rowley Inn
1104 Rowley Avenue
Photo courtesy of The Rowley Inn
This holiday season, The Rowley Inn, the restaurant right across the street from A Christmas Story House, will be serving up several "A Christmas Story" themed cocktails and dishes! Make sure to check out this special spot and see where the cast and crew of the movie hung out after filming.Miracle at the Spotted Owl Pop-Up
710 Jefferson Avenue
Photo courtesy of The Spotted Owl
Join the Spotted Owl during their special Christmas cocktail popup this season! They'll be hosting this special event until December 30th in their vintage 1850's bar space. The bar will be decorated head-to-toe in Christmas decor and they'll be serving up original Christmas cocktails every day!I Triple-Dog-Dare You
…to have a fantastic Christmas! For other local holiday events, check out our Complete Guide to 28 Holiday Events in the Akron and Canton Area or Where to See Santa in Cleveland This Year.
December
5
5
9 Holiday Arts + Craft Shows in Cincinnati Happening This Year
With the holidays fast approaching, it's easy to run into the nearest department store for last minute holiday shopping or to get free two-day shipping from Amazon Prime. But what if we told you there was a way you could spend the day at a fun event, eat great food, all while perusing art and handmade gifts from local artisans in one central location? This season, Cincinnati will play host to several fantastic holiday arts and craft shows where you can not only check off everyone on your shopping list — you can also support local artists! We've curated a list of the winter-themed arts and craft shows that we are the most excited for this year. Grab your bags and get ready to #ShopLocal!
Kindervelt Krafts
Where:
December
4
4
Santa Sightings in the Columbus Area This Year
Santa Claus is coming to town! Visiting Father Christmas is one of our favorite holiday traditions and, luckily, he can be found all over the Columbus area this season. With his reindeer in tow, he will be hosting photo shoots, tree lightings, storytime sessions and so much more!
We've rounded up the best places to see Santa this year, from the Columbus Zoo to a historical village, you'll be able to make family memories you won't soon forget!
Santa will have his workshop set up at Tuttle Crossing Mall until Christmas Eve! As he prepares for his trip around the world, his hours might be more limited, so be sure to check his schedule before your planned visit.
Caring Santa will also be paying a visit on December 2 for children that may have sensory, physical or other developmental needs. Reserve your appointment here!
Bring the family together to experience Christmas in Downtown Delaware! The festivities start off with the Home for the Holidays Weekend. On Friday, watch the tree lighting before visiting with Santa and some of his reindeer. On Saturday there will be a Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, where you and your family can scour downtown and follow Santa's clues to find Dasher. Then, finally, on Sunday come out and watch the Holiday Parade!
Santa will also be available at The Strand from December 1-21 on Fridays and Saturdays to visit and take photos. There will also be free gifts for each child while supplies last!
It's Santa Photo Time
Where: The Mall at Tuttle Crossing When: November 9-December 24, Times Vary
Santa will have his workshop set up at Tuttle Crossing Mall until Christmas Eve! As he prepares for his trip around the world, his hours might be more limited, so be sure to check his schedule before your planned visit.
Caring Santa will also be paying a visit on December 2 for children that may have sensory, physical or other developmental needs. Reserve your appointment here!
Cabela's Wonderland
Where: Columbus Cabela's When: November 11-December 24, Times Vary The annual Santa's Wonderland at the Columbus Cabela's is a not-to-be-missed holiday event. Not only will you get a free photo with Santa, but you can take home a free craft, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and participate in fun family-friendly games and activities! See all the available activities here.Santa at the Easton Town Center
Where: Easton Town Center When: November 16-December 24, Times Vary Come one come all to visit Santa at the Easton Town Center this holiday season! The first 5x7 photo is only$5 and candid photos with your phone are encouraged and free! This year you don't even have to wait in line — you can reserve your spot online!Wild Lights
Where: The Columbus Zoo When: November 16-January 6, Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of The Columbus Zoo
Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo continues for its 30th year! Find Santa settled in his Holiday Home located in North America at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost. He can't wait to meet the children and hear what is on their holiday wish list! There will be professional photos available for an additional fee. Afterward, check out one of the other incredible features going on at Wild Lights including the 1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel, camel rides and so much more!Visit with Santa at Worthington Place
Where: The Shops at Worthington Place When: November 23-December 24, Times Vary Until Christmas Eve you can also visit with Santa at Worthington Place! Santa's schedule varies, so make sure to check out his schedule before you go. If you can't wait until after Thanksgiving to celebrate Christmas, The Shops at Worthington Place will also be hosting a Sparkle Night where you can watch the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and afterward visit with Santa, get your face painted and listen to live music!Experience the Season
Where: All Oakland Nurseries Locations When: November 24-December 16, Saturdays and Sundays 12-3:30 p.m. Come out and experience the season at Oakland Nurseries. At the Columbus and Delaware locations, after visiting with the jolly man himself, check out the unique Santa Wonderland and experience lights, music and plush characters!Swim with Santa
Where: Westerville Community Center When: November 25, 6-7:15 p.m. Get your photo with Santa as he swims in the pool with the lifeguard elves! This unique holiday experience will provide you with a fun and unusual holiday photo to display throughout the years! Registration is required.Santa's Village at Partners Park
Where: Partner's Park When: November 26-December 20, Excluding December 1 and 8, Thursdays 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Experience a hometown holiday for the whole family! Santa's Village is set amidst festive lights and decorations with merry music filling the air. Children can visit with Santa for free before participating in other activities! They can also leave their letters to Santa in a special mailbox. There are a ton of other Santa-related events going on at Partners Park this year, including free ice-skating December 15 through January 1, 2019! Check out this schedule for more information.Christmas in Downtown Delaware
Where: The Strand When: November 30-December 21, Times Vary
Bring the family together to experience Christmas in Downtown Delaware! The festivities start off with the Home for the Holidays Weekend. On Friday, watch the tree lighting before visiting with Santa and some of his reindeer. On Saturday there will be a Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, where you and your family can scour downtown and follow Santa's clues to find Dasher. Then, finally, on Sunday come out and watch the Holiday Parade!
Santa will also be available at The Strand from December 1-21 on Fridays and Saturdays to visit and take photos. There will also be free gifts for each child while supplies last!
Santa Visit at the Grandview Heights Library
Where: Grandview Heights Library When: December 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. For a more relaxed holiday celebration — visit Santa at the Grandview Heights Library! Take a photo with Santa and participate in fun holiday activities. Then, children will be able to make a craft and visit with Rosie the Comfort Dog from Atonement Lutheran Church. Tickets can be picked up from the Youth Services Desk.Santa in the Caboose
Where: Hillard Historical Village When: December 9, 3-6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hillard Historical Village
Get your photo taken with Santa from the 1800's! This kid-friendly holiday event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, refreshments, and beautiful lights. This historical take on Christmas will provide your family with endless fun and memories.Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!
If you are interested in other festive events going on in the area this season — check out our list of 21 Essential Columbus Holiday Events You Should Mark on Your Calendar.
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