Mentor: Best Things to Do

Photo from - linkedin.com

As a city in Lake County, Ohio, United States, Mentor is known as being home of President James A. Garfield and for its parks and greenhouses.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site – Lawnfield is a former house you need to visit to know more about the 20th President of the United States.

Be sure to visit some of the most iconic spots in the city, such as The Holden Arboretum, Wildwood Cultural Center & Park, and Squire's Castle.

Chagrin River Park is a great spot for relaxing while collecting stunning Instagram pictures.

Beach lovers can’t miss Headlands Beach State Park. Get ready to explore the best beach in the Ohio.

For comfortable resting, Best Western Plus Lawnfield Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Cleveland Northeast – Mentor are two of the best hotel recommendations for you.

SHARE

SIGHTSEEING

The Holden Arboretum is the perfect place to start your trip to Mentor city. With more than 3,600 acres, this place is known as one of the largest arboretum and botanical gardens in the United States. It was also named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. More than 20 miles of hiking trail, this arboretum is a haven for bird watchers, hikers, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts. Prepare your camera to take some stunning shots. The coloration of the plantations around will definitely be the best objects for your camera. Treat your eyes with the stunning views of the city.

The Holden Arboretum

The Holden Arboretum is the perfect place to start your trip in Mentor city.

This place is known as one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States.

Amazing sights and great trails for easy hiking.

Definitely worth the trip.

Address : 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094, United States

DOWNTOWN

While you’re in the downtown area, make sure to visit the longest beach in Ohio called Headlands Beach State Park. Not only known as the longest beach, it also ranked as the best beach in Ohio. It attracts two million visitors a year from the US and Canada. This is actually an iconic spot for you to visit. With all the titles that's been given, this beach is a perfect choice to spend the holiday in the Mentor downtown area.

Headlands Beach State Park

It is the longest beach in Ohio.

There is plenty of parking and a concession stand.

It is the best local spot to watch a romantic sunset.

This is actually an iconic spot for you to visit.

Address : 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

SHOPPING

Great Lakes Mall is a good choice for all shopaholics out there. It has many interesting stores, 130 stores in total. Including Macy’s, JCPenny, Dillard’s, and many more. You’ll see clothing chain with trendy apparel, shoes, and accessories. If you need something to eat, there is a food court available. Place for a relaxation is also there in case you need some rest. Come at Mentor Farmers Market to blend in with the locals and see their offer. Mentor Farmers Market is giving a great selection of farm and fresh produce and other fare. Shop under the trees and enjoy farm-fresh produce and related items from over 30 vendors. Visiting this market means you’re participating in supporting the local farmers. See it yourself why this spot is the best.

Great Lakes Mall

Great Lakes Mall is a good choice for all shopaholics out there.

Mall has a nice selection of things and is generally kept pretty clean.

There are lots of places to eat and shop.

It has various types of stores, brands.

It is overall a decent place to spend your weekends.

Address : 7850 Mentor Ave Ste 250, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Mentor Farmers Market

Mentor Farmers Market to blend in with the locals and see their offer.

Mentor Farmers Market is giving a great selection of farm.

It also provides fresh produce and other fare.

Visiting this market means you’re participating in supporting the local farmers.

Address : 7967 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

FOOD & DRINK

With the influence of the Italian culture, Mentor has quite many popular Italian dishes in various restaurants or eateries. Pizza and pasta are some of them. Apart from that, quesadilla is definitely one of the most popular dishes is Mentor city. Restaurant like Yours Truly Restaurant provides this delicious menu. Wine and cocktail are some of the best drinks in the city. Pair it with pasta or quesadilla, the taste of Mentor is right in front of your eyes.

CULTURE

Mentor hosts several cultural groups. These groups offer opportunities to explore the cultures of other countries with natives of these country, which are German, Italian, and Hungarian. The group hold monthly meetings and occasional special events that’s open to public. Even though Mentor’s culture is related to other countries, 95% of the population speak English.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Based on the average temperature and humidity from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the best time to visit Mentor would be between April 30th to October 14th.

HOTEL

Enjoy living in classic-vibes hotel yet has modern feelings attached to it at Best Western Plus Lawnfield Inn & Suites. This hotel has rooms that comes with everyone’s favorite, classy rooms. From the type of curtain, to the placement of the table and the chair. This kind of settings will definitely leave a good impact on your stay. A hot breakfast buffet will be your company every morning. After your tired day, spend some time at their cozy restaurant with a pub and a porch. This will make your energy back again for the next activity, which is pampering yourself with an outdoor pool. Not to forget the 24-hour fitness center to keep your body in shape. Other good recommendation would be Holiday Inn Cleveland Northeast – Mentor. This hotel is ready to give you the best modern rooms with its modern accommodations. Guests are provided with well-appointed ballrooms and meeting rooms for large or small meetings, events, or special occasions. Their restaurant is a good spot to enjoy a casual dining while its bar is ready for night entertainment. Indoor pool and fitness center are also available to please guests.

Best Western Plus Lawnfield Inn & Suites

Enjoy living in classic-vibes hotel yet has modern feelings attached to it at Best Western Plus Lawnfield Inn & Suites.

This hotel has rooms that comes with everyone’s favorite, classy rooms.

This property is a gem and very well maintained with a boutique feel.

Their staff are friendly and knowledgable.

They always offer good breakfast too.

Address : 8434 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Holiday Inn Cleveland Northeast – Mentor

This hotel is ready to give you the best modern rooms with its modern accommodations.

The front desk staff is absolutely amazing.

Room is kept clean and staff is fantastic.

They always provides an excellent breakfast.

Address : 7701 Reynolds Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

RESTAURANT

One of the best-known restaurants in Mentor in TJ’s on the Avenue. This restaurant has been operated since 1992 carrying its signature Italian tastes. It’s specializing homemade pasta, bread, and sauces that are made freshly every day. Their menu consists of many different chicken and veal dishes. The entrees are served with your choice of unlimited salad or homemade soup. Make sure to try their pizzas or calzones for the finest quality. Yours Truly Restaurant come to your presence with the best taste and presentation. Every day, this restaurant is guided by its mission; to exceed your expectation with great food and service at an unbeatable price. What makes this restaurant still stand is they listen and respond to their customers. In fact, the menu items are inspired by guests’ suggestions and ideas. They always serve original hospitality with fresh and delicious food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

TJ's On The Avenue

One of the best-known restaurants in Mentor in TJ’s on the Avenue.

It's has a cozy interior, wonderful service, and delicious food.

It’s specializing homemade pasta, bread, and sauces that are made freshly every day.

Fast and excellent service with excellent quality food.

Address : 7485 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Yours Truly Restaurant

A decent little spot to grab a bite to eat.

They always serve original hospitality with fresh and delicious food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The servers are great and friendly

The food is good and tastes very good and the prices are all very reasonable.

Address : 7280 Center St, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

CAFE

Spending the morning isn’t complete without a coffee. Gloria Jeans Coffees offers a full-line of iced, blended, and hot coffee-based drinks using the best premium roasted coffee in the industry. A wide variety of coffee is ready to start you morning with a smile. Tea and pastries are also available for another selection. Spats Cafe is also a good recommendation for a lovely day in Mentor. This local’s favorite is serving burgers, pizzas, and other American basics. The cafe is a good spot for an informal hangout. Sit on the gorgeous patio for a chill vibe while enjoying the delicious pizza and beer.

Gloria Jeans Coffees

This coffee shop is really cute in the good location.

This place has so many unique and delicious flavors.

They have vegan cookies that are very good and their black coffee options are good.

The staff is always kind.

Address : 7850 Mentor Ave #1375, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Spats Cafe

Spats Cafe is a good recommendation for a lovely day in Mentor.

This local’s favorite is serving burgers, pizzas, and other American basics.

They also have daily specials that are awesome as well as drink specials.

It's totally worth checking out.

Address : 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

Billy's - A Cappelli Martini Bar is a perfect way to escape and to get away from the daily grind. With its well-designed room, Billy’s offers a comfortable and contemporary atmosphere that has something for everyone. Billy’s comes with an elaborate drink menu, tapped beers, delectable bites, and events & private parties. Pair their martini with an item from their inviting menu and you’re guaranteed to have the best night. This next recommendation has to be the best sports bar in Northeast Ohio, it’s called Happy Moose Bar & Grill. This restaurant/bar provides flavorful food and drinks in a friendly, neighborhood sports bar atmosphere. It offers 70-inch HD TVs, delicious American fare, 18 original wing sauces, and a wide selection of beer and specialty drinks. This place has been known as the best place to watch the big game. They also accommodate parties and group gatherings.

Billy's - A Cappelli Martini Bar

Billy's - A Cappelli Martini Bar is a perfect way to escape and to get away from the daily grind.

With its well-designed room.

Billy’s offers a comfortable and contemporary atmosphere that has something for everyone.

Excellent atmosphere, great food & drinks, and fantastic service.

Address : 7338 Industrial Park Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Happy Moose Bar and Grill

Happy Moose Bar and Grill is the best sports bar in Northeast Ohio.

This restaurant/bar provides flavorful food and drinks.

This place has been known as the best place to watch the big game.

There is seating inside, an outside bar and a patio.

Address : 7693 Reynolds Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

INTERESTING PLACE

James A. Garfield National Historic Site – Lawnfield would be an interesting place to visit. It is a site that preserves the property associated with the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield. As an American history researcher, this house is the right place for you to know the specialty of the 20th President of the United States. The first presidential library is also in this building. Explore this house to find more about James A. Garfield. As one of the best-known greenhouses in Mentor city, Wildwood Cultural Center & Park is a great place to enjoy locals’ special events like concert, train exhibition, Halloween, Santa Workshop, and many other events. This place is known as a great tribute to Mentor and its culture center. Visiting this place means getting close with Mentor’s culture and blending in with the locals. The building itself sets very beautifully and visually attractive.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site – Lawnfield

James A. Garfield National Historic Site – Lawnfield would be an interesting place to visit.

The first presidential library is also in this presidential home.

The guide is very knowledgeable and the site rich in history.

People are dressed in clothing of the era and would act and roleplay as such.

Recommend this place to all that enjoy history.

Address : 8095 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

Wildwood Cultural Center & Park

Wildwood Cultural Center & Park is a great place to enjoy locals’ special events.

Nice place for little concerts in the summer, train exhibition on Christmas, and beautiful relaxing walks.

Always quality crafts,friendly artisans in a beautiful setting.

Great place to visit in the sunny day.

Address : 7645 Little Mountain Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, United States

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

Make Squire's Castle as one of your must-see destinations while you’re in Mentor city. This classic gatehouse from 1890s is modeled after the German and English baronial castles. It’s popularly known as a destination for picnics, spot for weddings, and other photography purposes. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, you’d totally get what you want here. Chagrin River Park is another good spot to capture the most beautiful landscape. It offers seasonal wetlands, a pedestrian bridge, and a network of trails that highlight this rich wild life park. The serenity of this place is definitely the kind of vibe your camera needs. Capture the stunning Chagrin River while standing on the bridge amid the calm breeze.

Squire's Castle

Squire's Castle as one of your must-see destinations while you’re in Mentor city.

Cool place to visit with lots of history an interesting building.

Amazingly wonderful area if you want to hike, picnic, or fly a kite/drone really anything.

It's great to lay on during the winter and watch the snowflakes fall.

Address : 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, United States

Chagrin River Park

Chagrin River Park is good spot to capture the most beautiful landscape.

They have a variety of trails of different lengths.

They also have nice clean playground and picnic areas.

Plenty of wildlife too.

Address : 3100 Reeves Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, United States