Looking for something fun to do in Northeast Ohio? You don’t always need a grand plan, sometimes all it takes is a hand-painted sign, a shared craving, or a small-town detour to turn an ordinary Saturday into something memorable. When Karl and I set off to track down a few Christmas decorations for our ever-growing holiday tradition, we had no idea how many delightful surprises the day had in store.
This post captures a single day that stretched far beyond its original plan: from vintage estate treasures to vibrant local art, cozy vegetarian eats to Polaroid-perfect photo moments, and yes—a custard stand that may have been the epitome of our summer dessert tour.
Join us as we share, “Christmas, Custard, and a Change of Plans: Discovering the Unexpected in Northeast Ohio
- Christmas in Painesville
- A fork in the road
- Art walks to amazing lunches
- Lakeview Cemetery and the Beauty of Photography
- Our just desserts
- Those who wander
Christmas in Painesville
At our house, Christmas isn’t just a season, it’s a full-blown lifestyle. Honestly, I think Karl starts planning for it as early as January. So, it was no surprise when he discovered a Christmas-themed yard sale happening this past weekend in Painesville, Ohio. His goal? Find the perfect decorations for what will be our newest holiday addition: a bedroom Christmas tree. Yes, that brings the total to five trees—and four of them are Christmas trees.
Each tree in our home has a distinct personality. There’s the feature tree in our dining room, the main tree in our living room (reserved for presents), a Krampus-themed tree that lives on the stair landing, and now, a cozy bedroom tree to complete the collection. Every ornament we hang tells a story—souvenirs from our travels, local finds, or sentimental treasures we’ve picked up over time. Until we find just the right ones, we often use filler ornaments that match the color theme or vibe we’re going for.
We pulled up to the house hosting the Christmas yard sale, and right away, we realized it was… petite. And by petite, I mean the entire display could’ve comfortably fit into the trunk of an old Ford Pinto. Still, we surveyed the scene with the attention of seasoned holiday hunters, carefully inspecting each item and asking ourselves the ultimate question: “Would this work on the new tree?”
While nothing quite fit our vision for the bedroom Christmas tree, we did uncover a few quirky vintage pieces—each one sparking a bit of nostalgic joy. Even though the selection was smaller than expected, the experience still had heart. We chatted with a few of the locals, exchanged stories, and were reminded of one of the best parts of treasure hunting: the people you meet along the way.
A fork in the road
Slightly disappointed but still determined, we decided to keep the day going. After all, yard sale season in Northeast Ohio is a magical thing. As we drove around looking for signs of another sale, fate threw us a bone: a hand-painted sign for the Lake County Historical Society Rummage Sale.
Pulling into the parking area, we spotted a few outdoor booths and several signs pointing to rooms inside nearby buildings. We poked around and found a couple of vintage Christmas decorations, including some charming, slightly worn pieces with that perfect level of retro kitsch.
Wandering the grounds, we were struck by how many of the items on display were close to a century old—reminders of another era. Still, nothing truly stood out for the tree. So we pressed on, spirits still high.
And then… another sign. Another chance. An estate sale just minutes away.
Estate sales always leave me with complicated feelings. You walk into someone’s home—often filled with a lifetime of carefully collected memories—and strangers rummage through their belongings, searching for meaning or value. It’s intimate. It’s intrusive. It’s fascinating. And, yeah, a little cringey.
But when we arrived at this particular house, any discomfort gave way to admiration. This place had character. From the moment we pulled up, you could tell this home belonged to someone who took pride in the space they built. The garage was a treasure trove all its own, housing three beautifully preserved early-model Ford vehicles that looked like they had been maintained with love and care.
Inside, the house was packed with a mix of collectibles—from Happy Meal toys and antique furniture to vintage silver and kitchenware. And then I saw it: an old Kodak Brownie 8mm projector. I fell for it instantly.
Karl and I have been curating a small collection of unique items that reflect our passions—film, photography, storytelling—and this piece felt like it had been waiting for us. We imagined it as part of a future home display that celebrates our love of cinema and retro design.
As we were preparing to check out, Karl spotted a gem of his own: a pristine Kodak Spectra System camera—one of the best instant cameras Polaroid ever released. (Trust me, this beauty deserves a full post of its own.)
Both of these items made their way home with us—objects rich with stories we’ll never fully know, but ones that now intertwine with ours.
Art walks to amazing lunches
One of the things we cherish most about Northeast Ohio, especially Cleveland, is how much there is to explore. It honestly floors us when people say, “There’s nothing to do around here.” That couldn’t be further from the truth—if you’re open to it, this region is bursting with creativity, flavor, and stories.
After leaving the estate sale, we made our way to Downtown Willoughby to catch the monthly Art Walk—a vibrant local event that celebrates artists, makers, and small businesses. As an LGBTQ couple, we love supporting creatives who pour their heart into their craft. These events give us a chance to honor the city that brought us together while also investing in people who are building something beautiful in it.
We picked up a couple of handmade art pieces that’ll look perfect in our ongoing remodel. But soon enough, our hunger made itself known—and Cleveland has never let us down in that department.
If you’re vegetarian (or just love incredible food), Algebra Tea House in the Murray Hill area—better known as Little Italy—is a must-visit. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience.
Opened by Ayman Alkayali in August 2001, Algebra started as a coffee shop but quickly evolved into a cozy, eclectic tea house known for its unique, soulful menu. Every time we visit, it feels like returning to an old friend—warm, welcoming, and deliciously comforting.
We ordered our usual “try-something-new” dishes and grabbed a seat outside next to the floral garden. Karl chose an eggplant dish, while I went for Yafa Oh Yafa—a flatbread layered with walnuts, tahini, cheese, and a heavenly blend of spices. The balance of textures and flavors was unforgettable, the kind of dish that makes your whole body pause in gratitude after the first bite.
Lakeview Cemetery and the Beauty of Photography
After our delicious meal at Algebra Tea House, we made our way to one of our favorite peaceful spots in the city: Lakeview Cemetery. Known for its sweeping views, historic gravestones, and lush walking paths, Lakeview is a place where reflection and artistry meet. It’s not only a quiet retreat—it’s also a visual playground for photographers like me.
For this particular outing, I brought along two of my favorite cameras: the Polaroid SX-70 and my Canon M50 paired with an 18–200mm f/3.5 lens. There’s something grounding about capturing a moment on film or through a viewfinder, especially in a place like Lakeview. It reminds you that time passes, stories fade, and yet… something beautiful always remains.
Shooting with the SX-70 is always an adventure. The newer film from the revived Polaroid company has a personality all its own. Getting a 50-year-old camera to work with modern chemistry is no small feat—but when it does, the result feels like magic. Each photo becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake, a fragment of a moment you can hold in your hands.
While the Canon gave me crisp shots of the landscape and intricate mausoleums, the SX-70 gave me feeling—softened light, ghosted edges, and that instant emotional hit that only Polaroid can deliver. There’s a tactile joy to analog photography, especially when paired with Cleveland’s moody skies and rich architectural history.
Our just desserts
There’s something truly magical about spending a day with someone who complements your pace, your quirks, and your way of experiencing the world. For me, that person is Karl. He has this beautiful habit of turning even the simplest idea into something meaningful. So it was no surprise when he suggested we end our adventure with something sweet—ice cream at Biggie’s Custard.
Now, this wasn’t just a spontaneous stop. It was part of a plan we dreamed up a year ago: to create our own Ice Cream Summer Tour, hitting up local ice cream shoppes throughout Northeast Ohio. We never quite got it off the ground last year, but this year? We’re making it happen.
During a recent drive, we’d passed a cute little stand tucked along Andrews Road—a pastel-painted time capsule glowing with neon, lines curling from both windows. Biggie’s Custard felt like a piece of a bygone era, the kind of spot that could’ve starred in a 1980s teen movie.
We pulled up, browsed the menu, and instantly knew this place had something special. I ordered the Gooey Butter Cake sundae, while Karl opted for a Fudgy Monkey. And let me just say—it was divine. Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and just feel joy.
As we sat and ate, we couldn’t help but reflect on how full the day had been—not just in terms of activities, but in experience, in connection. And as the sun dipped low, it became clear: life is made up of moments like this. Big or small, planned or spontaneous, they all add up to something beautiful.
(Keep an eye out for our full Ice Cream Summer Tour review next month—we’ve got a lot more scoops to share.)
Those who wander
There’s a famous line that’s often misquoted but still hits home: “Not all those who wander are lost.” For Karl and me, that quote feels like a life motto.
At the beginning of this story, I mentioned that we often plan things in advance. Every weekend, there’s some kind of loose framework—a holiday market, a local event, a hidden bookstore—but rarely do we follow it exactly. And that’s the beauty of it. Our plans are simply launchpads for discovery.
This weekend reminded us just how magical that kind of openness can be. What started as a small Christmas-themed yard sale in Painesville evolved into a day filled with stories, vintage finds, emotional connection, artistic discovery, and delicious food. It wasn’t the day we expected—it was better.
People often say there’s “nothing to do” in Cleveland or Lake County, but the truth is: adventure is everywhere if you’re willing to look. Whether it’s wandering into an estate sale and finding a forgotten film projector or discovering your new favorite sundae at a roadside custard stand, life rewards curiosity.
Someday, someone might spot the Kodak Brownie projector in our home and ask about its story. Or we might catch a whiff of walnuts and tahini and be taken right back to Algebra Tea House. These moments are the threads that stitch together a life well lived.
You don’t have to cross the globe to find wonder—you just need a good pair of eyes, an open heart, and someone beside you who’s down to chase the magic.
Gay in the CLE 