We’ve picked out five upcoming events that are FREE to attend and will guarantee you a good time this summer. Whether you like food, music, the arts or just enjoying the Cleveland community, these are some sure things to mark on your calendar:

Duck Tape Festival
June 14-16, Avon

Yes, you read that right. This is a festival devoted to all things Duck Tape – and it’s more amazing than you think!

Over in Avon, which hosts the makers of Duck Tape (ShurTech Brands), a festival is held each year with zany happenings such as a duct tape fashion shows, duct tape arts and crafts, a duct tape parade, and more.

Yes, we’re serious. There is also plenty of food, live music, and more, so even if you don’t have a thing for that gray sticky stuff, you’ll likely have a good time there. And you can enjoy most of it for free!

Larchmere Porchfest
June 16, Larchmere

Cleveland has an amazing music scene, and there are few better ways to discover it than the quirky Larchmere Porchfest. And believe us, it’s a pretty unique event.

Residents throughout Larchmere open up their front porches and turn them into stages for musicians, performers and local bands, allowing you to stroll around town, find a spot, and relax in someone’s front yard checking out cool indie music from Cleveland. Some 30 acts are featured. 

Waterloo Arts Festival
June 30, Collinwood

Over on Waterloo Rd. east of Downtown you’ll find Collinwood, an arts district on the rise. On June 30, you’ll dig their annual outdoor arts festival that has just about everything you could want from this sort of thing: food, music, free art projects, cool sights and sounds, and lots more.

Their neighborhood is filled with great ethnic food, record shops and more, making it worth a day trip, festival or not.

Taste of Tremont
July 15, Tremont

If you love food, you probably already know about this one. It’s a foodie paradise. This whole neighborhood is known for hosting some of the best restaurants in the city, so dropping by for a day will be a good time – just bring your appetite!

Booths will be set up all along Professor St. where you can get samples of all this amazing local food and meet the people who make it. Come hungry, because you’ll want room to try it all!

Feast of the Assumption
Aug. 15-18, Little Italy

Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is a good place to visit for traditional food, and the four-day Feast of the Assumption is especially good time to pay it a visit. Locals call it “The Feast” because it boasts so much amazing food from local ethnic restaurants and delis along Mayfield Rd.

If you love Italian delicacies, this is an event you need to have on your schedule. It’s one of Cleveland’s most popular summer events for good reason.

The post 5 Amazing FREE Things to do in Cleveland this Summer appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Thankfully, there are plenty of off-leash parks in the area that will give you and your dog a place to escape.

Here are 10 of our favorites, all within the greater Cleveland area:

Cleveland Field Dog Park

Located in South Tremont at Clark Field, this gravel, off-leash park features plenty of benches for weary masters and ample play room for your furry friend. There are even fountains set at dog height perfect for four-legged drinking!

Lakewood Dog Park

With a seasonal water fountain and lots of shade trees, this dog park in Lakewood offers plenty of room for your dog to run around and socialize. It’s located right next door to Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation, too, giving you and your companion access to loads of great trails to explore.

South Euclid Dog Park

Featuring lots of grass and sand, this leash-free park in South Euclid will let your dog play the way he or she naturally wants to – free, wild, and having fun. Easy to access from Monticello Blvd and S Belvoir Blvd, and just minutes from the heart of the city.

Quarry Dog Park

This off-leash park is one of the most clean and well-maintained in the area, with plenty of water available depending on the season. Located in South Euclid, this is a nice spot to bring your canine companion for an afternoon of romping around in the sun!

Euclid Dog Park

Located adjacent to the RTA Park-n-Ride, this is a relatively new park in Euclid is free of charge and features all the amenities you’d expect from a new dog park. Give it a visit this spring!

Ohio & Erie Canal – Cuyahoga Valley NRA

This sprawling multi-use trail in Brecksville is dog-friendly, making it ideal for dog owners who want to spend their outdoor time someplace a little closer to nature. Your canine companion will love romping around these trails!

Liberty Dog Park

Located near Pond Brook Conservation, your dog can run around off his or her leash in this simple, fenced in park in Twinsburg. You’ll find it at Liberty Rd and Abrams Dr.

Bay Village Dog Beach

Does your dog like the water? Then head over to Bay Village and enjoy this off-leash beach and swimming area open to well behaved dogs. They’ll have a great time! “Well behaved” are key words, though, because the park is not fenced in and is near traffic.

Bike & Hike Trail

Running through Northfield, this epic rail trail is dog-friendly and offers a fantastic place to explore nature with your canine friend. Easy parking and lots to explore, this is an obvious stop for you this spring.

Eastlake Dog Park

Located on Lake Shore Blvd and an easy drive from the city, this park has a double-gated entry for safety, plenty of dog toys for play time, benches and tables for weary owners, and more. When the weather gets warm, it’s a nice place to let your dog play.

The post 10 Dog-Friendly Parks in NE Ohio to Enjoy This Summer appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Thankfully there are a lot of places in the region surrounding Newbury to get outdoors this spring! Here are 9 of our favorites:

Horseshoe Lake Park

Horseshoe Lake Park in Shaker Heights isn’t huge, but with a U-shaped trail sweeping around the horseshoe-shaped lake it’s a nice place for a short hike.

South Chagrin Reservation

With a forest full of places to explore, a river running through it, and more, this huge park offers a perfect spring outing for adventurous residents.

Acacia Reservation

Located in Lyndhurst, Acacia Reservation boasts looping trails perfect for a walk on a sunny day or a walk with your dog, plus gazebos, gentle hills, and more. It’s a gem hidden in the city!

Forest Ridge Preserve

This is an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors, with a wealth of trails, fishing ponds, and endless swaths of green. Plus it connects with the South Chagrin Reservation, allowing for much longer, more challenging hikes.

Preston’s Hope

This playground in Beachwood is a great place for kids. Fake buildings for them to play in, climbing equipment, and more make it an ideal place for young people to get active!

Viaduct Park

Over in Bedford you’ll find Viaduct Park, perfect for a good hike. The roaring of the falls is wonderful, especially on a nice spring or summer day.

River Road Park

With a large playground, trails for hikers and joggers, sports fields, and full bathrooms, this is one of the Chagrin Falls region’s most overlooked spots. Great place to spend a spring afternoon!

The West Woods

A short drive to Novelty will bring you to the West Woods, a park with well-maintained trails that is an excellent location for horseback riding.

Beachwood City Park West

With a little under two miles of trails ideal for cycling and jogging, along with gravel trails, boardwalk paths through wetlands, and more, Beachwood City Park West is a nice place to enjoy the spring weather.

Any hidden gems in our region we didn’t mention? Tell us about them in the comments!

The post 9 Great Places Near Newbury to get Outdoors this Spring appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

 Also amazing has been their long history of ups and downs. Here are 12 cool tidbits from their past you may not know:

1. When Cleveland great Bob Feller set the record for strikeouts in a game with 17 in 1936, he was just 17 years old. After the season was over, he still had to finish his senior year in high school! 

2. For manager Lou Boudreau, 1948 was a very good year. He not only managed the Indians to 97 wins and the World Series title, he also played shortstop and hit .355, drove in 106 runs, and slammed 18 home runs. That’s a very good year! 

3. The year 1948 was also a good year for Larry Doby. He became the first black player in history to hit a home run in the World Series. In fact, he was Cleveland’s best hitter in the series, batting .318 overall. 

4. For a time, no team was more popular than the Cleveland Indians. Between 1995 and 2001, they sold out 455 straight games.

5. Cleveland’s Joe Sewell didn’t swing and miss that often. In over 7,100 plate appearances, he struck out only 114 times. Countless players strike out more in a single season! He averaged just one strikeout every 17 games.

6. The Cleveland Indians’ story begins all the way back in 1894. Back then they were the Grand Rapids Rustlers of the Western League. They moved to Cleveland and became known as the Lake Birds, then became the Bluebirds in 1901 when the American League formed.

 7. The Bluebirds were briefly called the Naps, named after Cleveland great Nap Lajoie. For a time, he was one of the top 5 players in the league.

8. Cleveland had one of the first concrete and steel stadiums in the country, built in 1910, called League Park.

9. In 1920, League Park added a 40-feet tall wall in right field, taller than the famous Green Monster.

10. In 1925, Tris Speaker was one of the oldest players on the Indians at 37, but that didn’t prevent him from hitting .389, a record for someone that age.

11. For a 21-year stretch between 1969 and 1989, Cleveland was one of the worst teams in all of sports, finishing last or second to last in 16 of those 21 years. 

12. No one wanted the team for a while, too. Between 1962 and 1978, the team changed ownership six different times.

The Tribe has been a hard-luck team, but have also been winners. So maybe this year will be their year…?

The post 12 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know About the Cleveland Indians appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Thankfully, depending on the condition of your roof, it might be possible to put it off even if you have existing roof damage. 

Keep in mind that these tips are intended only to be SHORT-TERM fixes, and are not suitable for major structural issues with your roof. If you have a serious roof issues, it’s best to have them addressed as soon as possible.

For the short term, here are 4 budget-conscious ways to get another few seasons out of your roof before having it replaced:

1) Use Tar Paper

Also called roofing felt, this is a material designed to offer temporary protection to your roof. The tar paper is affixed in a series of layers using plastic cement and offers similar protection to traditional shingles. This is a good option if you want to squeeze a few more seasons out of your roof before investing in a full replacement.

2) Use Adhesive Patches

Designed especially for roofs, these are intended for small problem areas. Adhesive patches are best used for smaller areas of damage that may result in leaks and similar issues.

 3) Use Heavy Plastic

This method can help temporarily prevent water damage until you seek out a more permanent fix to your roof damage. The heavy plastic is affixed with roofing nails or weighed down using sandbags, covering up damaged areas of your roof. This method is unsightly, but if done correctly it will for a time address some (but not all) leaking problems. 

4) Use Waterproof Tarps

When you have a larger roof area that needs protecting, this is a preferable option to heavy plastic. These tarps can be held in place with the same methods you use with heavy plastic, but will protect more roof surface. However, it’s again important to understand that this is only a temporary solution. 

Remember, don’t allow problems with your roof to linger. Leaks can attract pests and cause mold, holes in your roof can allow bigger pests to enter your home, and rot can set into your home’s framing, causing bigger problems than you want to think about. 

And remember to keep your homeowner’s insurance in mind! Check with your agent to find out if your roof damage falls under your policy.

The post 4 Ways to Delay Replacing Your Roof Another Year appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

And there are a LOT of them. To help you decide what to do, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites.

Circlefest, University Circle

The first Sunday of each December, University Circle welcomes Circlefest in and around Wade Oval. You’ll enjoy music, food, exhibits, activities and more museum (free!) tours than you’ll be able to take in. They even have free transportation to shuttle you around the area!

Santa Express, Ohio Station Outlets

A holiday themed train ride that weaves through dozens of outlets and shopping opportunities is a great way to combine Christmas fun with holiday shopping, so consider dropping by the Ohio Station Outlets on weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas for a chance to do just that. They even have pictures with Santa!

Country Lights, Lake Farmpark

With horse drawn wagons, decorated trees, Santa’s workshop (complete with Santa), and more, Lake Farmpark’s Country Lights celebration sells out early for a good reason: it’s a lot of fun for the entire family! Grab your tickets now, because availability is limited.

The A Christmas Story House

You didn’t think we could make a list of cool Christmas attractions without the A Christmas Story Museum, did you? Located at 3159 W. 11th Ave. in Cleveland, this is the actual house used in the classic holiday film. It has been transformed into a quirky museum devoted to the movie, recreating the look of the film and even containing real props. It’s awesome!

Little Italy Holiday Art Walk

If you haven’t been to Little Italy in a while, head out there on the first weekend of December and you’ll fall in love with it all over again. The Little Italy Holiday Art Walk features over two dozen galleries opening their doors to visitors, some that do so only for this event. There will also be good, drink, and a tree lighting.

Winter Waterland, Cleveland Aquarium

They might now sing songs about Winter Waterlands, but maybe they should! The Cleveland Aquarium is proof that a Waterland is just as good as a Wonderland, with the holiday theme taking over the entire facility. This is a great escape for the entire family and makes for a fantastic day trip. Give it a try!

Lolly the Trolley, Public Light tours

If you love Christmas lights – and who doesn’t? – taking a ride on Lolly the Trolley is the perfect way to see the best Cleveland has to offer. Tickets are limited, so scoop some up fast, because this ride takes you past the best light displays in the area. It’s a great way to brighten your Christmas!

The post 7 Awesome Ohio Christmas Events appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Northeast Ohio has a wealth of excellent charitable organizations you can support this November. Here are four of our favorites.

Sanctuary for Senior Dogs

There are many dog shelters in the area, and we are thankful for every one of them, but the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs deserves a special mention due to their singular focus: providing care and homes for older dogs.

They target dogs that are seven and older who have been abandoned, giving them care and placing them in new homes. It’s been one of the top rated nonprofits in the area three years in a row for a reason!

The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs welcomes donations and could use your help. To find out more information on them, visit http://www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/.

Mission4Maureen

The cost of brain cancer treatments can be financially ruinous, bringing families to their knees. That’s why Mission4Maureen exists. To assist families with this burden during their time of need.

Based in South Euclid and serving all 50 states, Mission4Maureen provides help with mortgage payments or rent, utility bills, or even just providing some much-needed groceries. These seemingly small things can make a huge difference.

Mission4Maureen relies on contributions from donors. If you want to become one or want more information on the organization, visit http://mission4maureen.org/.

Dogs Unlimited Rescue

Yes, we’re listing another dog rescue. We think it’s well deserved. Animals need someone to look out for them! Dogs Unlimited is an all-volunteer organization that helps save abused animals, rescues dogs from high-kill shelters, helps educate the public on animal care, and most importantly, finds homes for dogs in need.

Their efforts have helped them become a top rated non-profit for three years running.

Donors, volunteers and foster homes for dogs are all welcome, so it’s easy for you to get involved in some way. To find out more about how you can help, visit https://www.dogsunlimitedrescue.org/.

Lighthouse Inc.

Breaking the cycle of poverty and building lasting relationships in poor neighborhoods is an important goal, especially in struggling city neighborhoods. That’s why the work of Lighthouse Inc., which is part of HeavenTrain, is so important.

Focused on Central Cleveland, they offer food distribution programs, mentoring, youth services, and more, all with the goal of enhancing the life of at-risk young people in Cleveland.

Lighthouse Inc. does rely on the generosity of donors and volunteers, so your help would be welcome. To find out how you can assist, visit http://www.urbanlighthouse.org/.

The post 4 Charitable Organizations in N/E Ohio That Deserve Your Support appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Northeast Ohio is a fantastic area if you like to see weird stuff. Here are 10 places you’ve got to visit if you’d like to see the weirder side of our region:

10) The Cleveland Toynbee Tile

Toynbee Tiles are mysterious sidewalk tiles began appearing in the 1980s, tiles with cryptic messages of an unusual nature.

Cleveland joined the list some years back when the unknown tile-maker put one at W. Prospect and W. 3rd. Another appears at East 14th and Prospect, though it’s suspected that one is a fake. It’s very weird and worth seeing.

9) The Haserot Angel, Lake View Cemetery

Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery is filled with unusual statues, stones and sites, but the Haserot Angel is probably the most famous. Its real name is The Angel of Death Victorious, and it looks like it is weeping black tears. You can see it at section 9 on lot 14.

8) The Sidaway Avenue Footbridge

You’ve probably never seen it, yet this is Cleveland’s only suspension bridge! Erected in 1931, this pedestrian bridge was in use until 1966, until it was set on fire in a war between neighborhoods. What’s left of the still-standing bridge can be found near E. 65th Street and Kinsman Road.

7) Chippewa Lake Park

This used to be an amusement park about 20 miles outside of Cleveland, but it’s been abandoned since the late 1970s. This is private property, so don’t go exploring, but if you can get official access you’ll see decaying rides, ancient coasters, a Ferris wheel covered with trees, and more. It’s a weird place!

6) Helltown, Ohio

Human sacrifices, Satanists, mutant snakes, ghosts, and more. Supposedly, that’s Helltown, located a short drive out of Cleveland inside Boston Township. This is an abandoned village that is more than a little creepy to visit (even if the stories about it ARE just tall tales).

5) The “A Christmas Story” Museum

A museum devoted to the modern Christmas classic is a little offbeat but definitely worth seeing. It’s even located in the actual house featured in the movie! Located at 3159 W. 11th Ave. in Cleveland, the inside is a perfect replica of the film set. Go see it!

4) Cleveland Coast Guard Station #219

Head to Whiskey Island in Cleveland to get a look at this abandoned location. It’s only accessible by boat, so you won’t be visiting it, but you can still get great views of this old Coast Guard station, which is now claimed to be haunted.

3) Dittrick Medical History Center

This is a strange museum filled with creepy old medical equipment. It’s supposed to be educational, though, and it’s that, too. Located at 11000 Euclid Ave, this place is packed with relics that will make you love modern medicine once you see how scary old medicine used to be!

2) Johnnycake Lock

Take a trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to visit Lock 27, also known as Johnnycake Lock. The name originates in 1828, when a major storm filled the canal with mud. A boat got stuck inside for days withno food except for Johnnycakes. The rest, as they say, is history. Oh, and it’s haunted!

1) The Percy Skuy Collection on the History of Contraception

Part of the Dittrick Medical History Center, the Percy Skuy Collection warrants being mentioned on its own. This is a collection of over 1,000 strange and sometimes scary contraceptive devices from throughout history. It’s weirder than you imagine, including cat bones, spider carcasses, and other oddness. Really!

The post 10 Unusual Spots in Northeast Ohio Worth Visiting appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

Thankfully, there are plenty of off-leash parks in the area that will give you and your dog a place to escape.

Here are 10 of our favorites, all within the greater Cleveland area:

Cleveland Field Dog Park

Located in South Tremont at Clark Field, this gravel, off-leash park features plenty of benches for weary masters and ample play room for your furry friend. There are even fountains set at dog height perfect for four-legged drinking!

Lakewood Dog Park

With a seasonal water fountain and lots of shade trees, this dog park in Lakewood offers plenty of room for your dog to run around and socialize. It’s located right next door to Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation, too, giving you and your companion access to loads of great trails to explore.

South Euclid Dog Park

Featuring lots of grass and sand, this leash-free park in South Euclid will let your dog play the way he or she naturally wants to – free, wild, and having fun. Easy to access from Monticello Blvd and S Belvoir Blvd, and just minutes from the heart of the city.

Quarry Dog Park

This off-leash park is one of the most clean and well-maintained in the area, with plenty of water available depending on the season. Located in South Euclid, this is a nice spot to bring your canine companion for an afternoon of romping around in the sun!

Euclid Dog Park

Located adjacent to the RTA Park-n-Ride, this is a relatively new park in Euclid is free of charge and features all the amenities you’d expect from a new dog park. Give it a visit this spring!

Ohio & Erie Canal – Cuyahoga Valley NRA

This sprawling multi-use trail in Brecksville is dog-friendly, making it ideal for dog owners who want to spend their outdoor time someplace a little closer to nature. Your canine companion will love romping around these trails!

Liberty Dog Park

Located near Pond Brook Conservation, your dog can run around off his or her leash in this simple, fenced in park in Twinsburg. You’ll find it at Liberty Rd and Abrams Dr.

Bay Village Dog Beach

Does your dog like the water? Then head over to Bay Village and enjoy this off-leash beach and swimming area open to well behaved dogs. They’ll have a great time! “Well behaved” are key words, though, because the park is not fenced in and is near traffic.

Bike & Hike Trail

Running through Northfield, this epic rail trail is dog-friendly and offers a fantastic place to explore nature with your canine friend. Easy parking and lots to explore, this is an obvious stop for you this spring.

Eastlake Dog Park

Located on Lake Shore Blvd and an easy drive from the city, this park has a double-gated entry for safety, plenty of dog toys for play time, benches and tables for weary owners, and more. When the weather gets warm, it’s a nice place to let your dog play.

The post 10 Dog-Friendly Parks in NE Ohio to Visit Before Summer Ends appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.

We’ve picked out five upcoming events that are FREE to attend and will guarantee you a good time this summer. Whether you like food, music, the arts or just enjoying the Cleveland community, these are some sure things to mark on your calendar:

Duck Tape Festival
June 16-18, Avon

Yes, you read that right. This is a festival devoted to all things Duck Tape – and it’s more amazing than you think!

Over in Avon, which hosts the makers of Duck Tape (ShurTech Brands), a festival is held each year with zany happenings such as a duct tape fashion shows, duct tape arts and crafts, a duct tape parade, and more.

Yes, we’re serious. There is also plenty of food, live music, and more, so even if you don’t have a thing for that gray sticky stuff, you’ll likely have a good time there. And you can enjoy most of it for free!

Larchmere Porchfest
June 17, Larchmere

Cleveland has an amazing music scene, and there are few better ways to discover it than the quirky Larchmere Porchfest. And believe us, it’s a pretty unique event.

Residents throughout Larchmere open up their front porches and turn them into stages for musicians, performers and local bands, allowing you to stroll around town, find a spot, and relax in someone’s front yard checking out cool indie music from Cleveland. Some 30 acts are featured. 

Waterloo Arts Festival
June 24, Collinwood

Over on Waterloo Rd. east of Downtown you’ll find Collinwood, an arts district on the rise. On June 24, you’ll dig their annual outdoor arts festival that has just about everything you could want from this sort of thing: food, music, free art projects, cool sights and sounds, and lots more.

Their neighborhood is filled with great ethnic food, record shops and more, making it worth a day trip, festival or not.

Taste of Tremont
July 16, Tremont

If you love food, you probably already know about this one. It’s a foodie paradise. This whole neighborhood is known for hosting some of the best restaurants in the city, so dropping by for a day will be a good time – just bring your appetite!

Booths will be set up all along Professor St. where you can get samples of all this amazing local food and meet the people who make it. Come hungry, because you’ll want room to try it all!

Feast of the Assumption
Aug. 12-15, Little Italy

Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is a good place to visit for traditional food, and the four-day Feast of the Assumption is especially good time to pay it a visit. Locals call it “The Feast” because it boasts so much amazing food from local ethnic restaurants and delis along Mayfield Rd.

If you love Italian delicacies, this is an event you need to have on your schedule. It’s one of Cleveland’s most popular summer events for good reason.

The post 5 Absolutely FREE Things to do in Cleveland this Summer appeared first on A. R. Davis Insurance.