CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — As we continue into the holiday season, 3News is celebrating all the things we love about our hometowns in our "Home" Coming series. Although 'What's Now' anchor Christi Paul grew up in Bellevue near Sandusky, since she moved back to Northeast Ohio from Atlanta, she's been taking the opportunity to get out and about with her family to rediscover some of our region's special places and towns.
One of the towns Christi says she has really enjoyed getting to know (again) is Chagrin Falls. So what better place to meet up with her co-anchor Carmen Blackwell, as she too spends some time exploring during her first year here in Northeast Ohio.
Normally, Chagrin Falls' quaint streets and shops make it a perfect destination to leisurely stroll around, shop, eat, and of course, take in their namesake falls. Unfortunately, the day Christi and Carmen visited happened to be a rainy one. But that didn't stop the fun - the duo started their day off at The Spice & Tea Exchange - the perfect first stop to warm up with a delicious hot tea from their Tea Bar. Carmen was particularly excited to see that they carry bourbon honey - the perfect reminder of her own New Orleans hometown.
After a quick stop to check out the falls, Christi brought Carmen to the village's iconic Popcorn Shop. A local favorite since 1949, Proprietor Dewey Forward shared what makes the shop and their signature popcorn so special. Naturally Carmen picked out their Cajun variety, another nod to her own roots.
Next up, both Christi and Carmen were excited to check out The Glass Asylum - a glass-blowing studio and gallery where you can help create your own stunning works of art.
Operations Manager Jodie Jacobson, Gallery Host Kailee Barile and Hot Shop Manger Dean Wehernberg were all on hand to help walk Christi and Carmen through the entire process - from picking out their projects to the actual glassblowing process itself. Carmen chose to make an ornament for her son Cairo, while Christi picked out a special drink glass perfect for her husband Peter. All in all, it was the perfect way to kick of the holiday season here in Northeast Ohio.