Crocker Park, The Family Destination

Some people may think that Crocker Park in Westlake is only an outdoor mall.  I was one of those people until last year.

Before I realized that Crocker Park was much more than just a retail location, I shopped at the Gap, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, and my favorite store, Trader Joe's.  Before Dudo came along, the Husband and I would go to movies and eat at Bruegger's Bagels (technically the Promenade, but it's close enough to all be one establishment.)  Now Crocker Park has expanded and become a family destination.

Before our recent home purchase, we lived in an apartment.  Yes, Me, the Husband, Dudo, and our dog Payton all lived in a 1100 sq ft. apartment on the west side of Cleveland.  I wanted to try out the longer commute before committing to a permanent residence.  The Husband and I lived in Westlake when I was in law school.  Crocker Park was just being built when we lived there.  Now, it is so much more than I ever could have imagined.

It started on the 4th of July.  The Husband's wonderful aunt and uncle live in Westlake and invited us to watch the fireworks at Crocker Park.  I instinctly parked the car at a building across the street and walked into the square.  There were thousands of people packed in that square listening to the Orchestra before the fireworks.  It was pretty neat to see all those people and to listen to patriotic music.  Then, the fireworks started...right over our heads!  They set off the display from the rooftop of the buildings.  I grabbed Dudo and ran back out toward our car.  We sat in the lawn watching the rest of the fireworks without incident.  Dudo was a little freaked out though.  How was I supposed to know that they would set off the fireworks right over my 1 year old's head?  I'm sure he'll get over it next year.  The fireworks were beautiful though.

Now eastsiders may be thinking, "Well, is Crocker Park just like Legacy Village?"  To me at least, the answer is no.  I have been to Legacy Village a handful of times and each time I felt that I needed to drive to a place I wanted to shop and then walk in the middle a bit.  The restaurants were on the outskirts.  At Crocker Park, I ditch my car in a parking garage and walk it.  The restaurants are mixed right in with the shopping establishments.  I also like the variety: B-Spot (yes, I am a Michael Symon junkie), Dave's Cosmic Subs, Cheesecake Factory, Champps, Bravo, Liquid Planet, Casa Vella Pizza, Aladdin's Eatery, Karl's Corned Beef, and many others.

Chef Michael Symon, Dudo, and I at the B-Spot Westlake opening day 2011.  All rights  reserved JMB.

Shops continually spring up in Crocker Park as well.  Along with the few I previously listed, small boutiques like Marcell and Francesca's Collections moved in along with Ann Taylor Loft, Danny Vegh's, Apple, Learning Express Toys, Barnes and Noble, and tons others.

This summer, Dudo and I had to kill a few hours before the Husband came home.  I took him to Crocker Park to walk around for a bit.  To my surprise, I see a fountain with jumping water for children to play in.  The sign said it was sponsored by Kalahari Water Park Resort.  I let Dudo run around in the foutain and have some fun.  Several other kids were permitted to get soaked right along with Dudo.

 
All rights reserved JMB 2012.  Do not use without permission.

Crocker Park was quite busy this holiday season. It was beautifully decorated with lights, decorations, and a 50 foot tree. The tree lighting ceremony was an entire family affair. A rock band entertained the thousands of people before Santa took center stage and flipped the switch on the Holiday Season. Then there were fireworks to top off the evening.

Crocker Park continues the fun year round with many events such as Casino Nights, Art Fests, a weekly farmer's market in the summer.  Check the events section of http://www.crockerpark.com/.  To learn more about the farmer's market that occurs from April to November, check out this link http://www.northunionfarmersmarket.org/markets/crocker.html. 

There's even an urban gardening program on a rooftop and they are looking for people to get involved.

I look forward to the many family gatherings, lunch, dinners, and of course super bargains I'll get at Crocker Park in the years to come.