Home is where the heart is, right? If you're lucky enough to call Cleveland home, you know that there are many special nooks and crannies that make our city so unique. Of course, Little Italy, Tremont and Ohio City have their perks, but no neighborhood adequately compares to that of West Park, and if you live here, you know it. We may not be as trendy as Shaker Square or as quaint as University Circle, but here are 18 surefire signs that you are undoubtedly from the WP!
1.You're either Irish, Catholic or both
Let's face it — These clearly are the basic requirements to inhabit this small corner of Cleveland.
2. You went to one of the "big 4" schools
Without a doubt, you were either an SJA Jaguar, an Ed's Eagle, a Wildcat, or a *Bluestreak.
*I still don't know what a bluestreak even is.
3. Your night out on the town consists of hitting up the bars on Lorain Road
You have your pick of PJ McIntyre's, West Park Station, Public House, Kamms Cafe, Backstage and more!
4. You think highly of Kamms' Corner as it is our neighborhood's defining landmark
It's pretty much all we've got.
Pictured below: Kamm's original corner.
5. You know that the best way to get downtown is by taking the rapid
It makes us feel like we're fancy New Yorkers or Chicagoians or something.
6. You've gone to the Hooley and/or OLA Fest
Both of these events were cool to go to when you were in sixth grade, but you wouldn't be caught dead there now? Or would you?!
7. You say, "No, I'm from West Park."
OK, so you are technically from Cleveland, but...
8. You have at least one friend who has worked at Marc's
And the defining characteristic of your friendship was that little orange paid sticker that was stuck on all of their worldly possessions.
9. You have exercised in the Metroparks (a.k.a. the valley)
Who needs to gym membership when nature is free?
10. You know that everyone knows everything about everyone
"I heard from my sister's best friend's cousin's neighbor's hair dresser's boss that you and Mike are dating."
11. Your cookout/BBQ wouldn't be complete with burgers from K&K Portage Market
There's just something about a good old fashioned butcher shop that makes you feel all tingly inside.
12. You prefer East Coast Custard over other frozen treats
Fear not! Their new location is reopening soon!
13. You've lost count of how many bonfires you have attended
And then you had to come home and immediately wash your clothes your mom didn't get suspicious.
14. You've eaten food from Sokolowski's or Italian Creations at least once
Following eating, you've then had to nurse yourself out of your food coma.
15. You mom will always put Malley's chocolates in your Easter basket
No matter how old you are, there will always be a chocolate bunny and a pretzel crunch waiting for you on Easter Sunday.
16. You realize that the Holy War is a big deal
No, I'm not talking about the crusades, but blood might be shed...
17. You know what store saves you the run around
*Breaks out into song.* "Discount Drug Mart saves you the run around. You'll find every thing you need!"
18. You know there's no other place you'd rather call home
Because CLE is the land that we love!
From every bike ride through the valley to every Friday night spent at WPS, we have made memories to last a lifetime. So what if our neighborhood's cornerstone is a shopping plaza or that everyone is always up in your business? WP is where our hearts are. No matter how far we may roam, West Park will always be our home!
