By Patricia Measer
When you think of Lakewood, what comes to mind? Wegmans, the big box stores, and Starbucks? Or perhaps you recall some of the local businesses and restaurants that line Fairmount Avenue. There is no doubt that Lakewood provides a plethora of shopping, dining and services options.
Photos/Cara Birrittieri
What about the Historic District? This seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the area, but Lakewood Historic District along Chautauqua Avenue is also a great place to shop and dine. Most of the businesses are open year-round and offer quite the variety, all while keeping a small-town vibe.
For example, you can enjoy a casual fine dining experience at Stella: A Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant has an eclectic menu ranging from small plates like tuna crisps to heartier meals like jaeger schnitzel and chicken marsala. Or you can go across the street for an even more relaxed atmosphere at Group Ther-Happy, with a menu featuring items like stuffed peppers appetizer, personal pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. If you want lighter fare, you can go to Ryders Cup Coffee. Grab a specialty coffee, smoothie or hot cocoa with your pastries, sit back and enjoy.
and is an enjoyable walk throughout your time in the village.
Shopping options abound. Need some gift ideas for a special occasion, or just want to add something to your home décor? Pea Pod & Juniper has it all. They are a full-service florist and gift store with specially curated items from both local and national vendors. Are you looking for something for family game night? Head on over to 6 Baers Toy & Gift Shoppe. They have boardgames, old fashioned toys and candy, puzzles, outdoor activities, DIY kits and more. What about a book to read on a snowy night? Good Neighbor Book Store has you covered. The store carries a wide range of books for all ages and interests. If you can’t find what you are looking for, the owner can order it for you. The store also ships books to you if needed. Need a nice glass of wine to go with that great book? Bag & String Wine Merchants carries wines from all over the world. Come on in and browse, or chat with the owner for recommendations if you are not sure what you like. You can also order online and have the wine delivered to you. Delivery is free around Chautauqua Lake.
Other shops include several hair salons, a watch shop and an apothecary. The apothecary provides vitamins and other supplements, homeopathic remedies, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Many of these businesses have been open longer than average, even surviving through Covid lockdown. Conventional wisdom says that more than 60% of new businesses do not survive the first year, and over 80% fail before year five. The average business age in the Historic district is 7.3 years, with the apothecary being open at the longest at 17 years. This is a good indicator that the businesses here have something special to offer that keeps customers coming back for more. So, next time you are looking for a unique gift or great meal, check out the Lakewood Historic District. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what you find! And stay tuned here…each shop and restaurant on Chautauqua Avenue will be spotlighted in this newspaper as part of an ongoing series on the Historic District.