A view of Chagrin Falls from above

A sweet spot called Chagrin Falls – Travel Photo Mondays

I love little towns that exude so much character and natural charm throughout the state of Ohio. Chagrin falls is one of those stunning little places that when you visit, you can easily see yourself living this idealized lifestyle.  And why not, it seems like everything is perfect here, a picturesque town with a gorgeous river and waterfall running through the middle of town.

Summer annuals at Chagrin Falls, Ohio

This vibrant community combines nature with a dose of ‘pretty’ perfection. Flowers can be found hanging almost everywhere on window boxes, light fixtures and even the bridges crossing the main falls. It looks like a phony postcard, but it is the real deal! I love that the locals at Chagrin seem to have a pride of community with their small town – making it immaculate and almost postcard perfect and why not, it’s really a very attractive little village to explore and spend some time discovering the downtown area or walk along the riverfront and photograph the waterfalls.

The downtown area Chagrin Falls, Ohio

You will find the town offers a sophisticated palate of dining and al fresco restaurants, antique stores and galleries along with design shops and other specialty stores. The central town square or actually a triangular park in the center is lined with historic brick buildings built in the mid to late 1800s. The main focal point in the park is a vintage gazebo made with grapevines created by a local community member.  The local arts community is also active with the local performing arts, art and coop galleries and public art on display throughout the town.

Central plaza and park in downtown Chagrin Falls

History of Chagrin Falls

The town is named for beautiful waterfalls and river that runs through the middle of town. The town grew quickly utilizing the river to grow new industries in wool, flour, paper mills, saw mills and foundry throughout the Chagrin river and became a busy industrial town. Many of the industrialized buildings have been repurposed into small businesses, retail shops, restaurants and service focused industries.  Established from travelers from West Connecticut in the early 19th century, the religious settlers set up a variety of Christian churches, many of the iconic churches are still present and easy to visit. The area is now an affluent community which is tied to the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan area.

Bridge crossing the other side of Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Old school patrol cars of Chagrin Falls

Police car in Chagrin Falls, Ohio

 Elaborate brick homes in Chagrin Falls

Walking down the quiet streets of Chagrin Falls, Ohio

You can actually get up close to the waterfalls like the photograph below. A set of staircases on the left side of the bridge allows for access and views of the waterfalls. You can climb all the way down to the river banks to explore the area along the lower part of the waterfalls.

Close up views at Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Thanks for stopping by today for a visit to Chagrin Falls. If you enjoyed the post, please share it with any of the social media buttons listed around the post, thank you.  Today is also Travel Photo Mondays, so go ahead and check out the other bloggers linking today below, I’m sure they would appreciate your visit too!

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