By Meraris Acosta
A short train ride away lies a completely different world. The minute you step off the train, you are hit with a wave of culture. The west side of Cleveland is composed mainly of a Hispanic population and includes many cultural restaurants and shops that reflect the west side attitude. One of the main attractions of the west side is the West Side market. There are also many Puerto Rican restaurants and shops in the west side. If you drive on I 90 west, you will reach Crocker Park. If you take I 71 south, you will reach Southpark Mall. The area of Lakewood is also a very culturally diverse area with a lively beach community. Even though the west side is quite a car ride away, it should still be experienced.
*The West Side Market - The West Side Market is an open air market that also has a year round inside place with meats and deli. It is at the West 25th/Ohio City rapid stop on the redline, right after Tower City. It is a wonderful experience to be able to walk with the locals and see the bargaining that goes on. For more information, contact the West Side Market website.
*Ohio City - The West Side Market is in Ohio City. This part of the city has many quaint shops and lots of thrift stores. It also is home to one of the city's most prestigious catholic high schools and to on e of the cities hospitals. Ohio City also houses most of the city's Puerto Rican population. Many of their delies and bakeries and restaurants are in the area.
*Tremont - Tremont lies practically next to Ohio City. It is an up and coming area that is being commercialized and renovated for more comfortable living with condos and apartments. Lots of shops and coffee shops are also in the area and a lot of thrift stores as well.
*Crocker Park - Just a 30 min car ride away on I 90 lies Crocker Park, the Legacy of the west side. It has many of the same shops that Legacy has and more. It also has a movie theatre and a variety of restaurants.
*Southpark - For those of you traveling along the I 71 corridor, you can make a quick stop at the Southpark Mall in Strongsville, Ohio, the Royalton Rd exit. It has many shops both in the mall and in its surroundings that suit anyone and everyone's tastes. Many restaurants encircle it as well.
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