Keeping it Real

While mass merchants in retail plazas are busy trying to fabricate charm, Grand Pacific Junction in Olmsted Falls features the real deal—every day.

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 05/13/2008
The mainstream shopping experience of today is an orchestrated event, with everything arranged to maximize sales.

Color schemes are coordinated to accentuate the buying experience and benches have been strategically placed to ensure that weary patrons are never far from the view of another storefront. The primary goal is to lose no opportunity to make a sale. It’s not about you...it’s about how much money you have to spend.
You might have noticed that malls are quickly becoming a thing of the past, replaced by village-style venues that attempt to mimic the warmth of a small-town shopping experience.

It’s an elaborate marketing suggestion.

And it’s fake.

It’s still just a mall, cleverly disguised as a little town, with none of the genuine warmth and personality of the real thing.

But that’s exactly what makes a trip to the 100-year-old historic Grand Pacific Junction so special. As soon you arrive in front of the shops facing the street, or pull into one of the lots in back that have been wonderfully concealed by the magnificent historic buildings, the air seems to change.
It’s different here, darling. And it’s real.

You might notice that you’re actually excited to begin your excursion, eager to delve into every nook and cranny of the unique shops and restaurants it houses. When’s the last time you felt excited about going shopping?

“We’re in a definite upswing,” proclaims Clint Williams, owner of the Olmsted Falls landmark that currently boasts more than 25 unique businesses. “In the 20 years that I’ve owned The Junction, we’ve never experienced such an exciting re-birth.”

“There’s something here for everyone,” adds Kim Roslan, owner of the Mountain Grove Aroma Shoppe. “It’s all about change. We’re not the same country-type destination that most people remember. We’ve got stores that appeal to every visitor. You can feel the renewed energy.”

You can also feel the connection to actual people. There aren’t commissioned sales people—backed by a corporate boardroom and an annual report—behind the counters in these shops. “We care very deeply about the businesses we own and about the people who shop with us,” Kim says. “We’re involved in our community and the events we host are designed to bring people together. This is about relationships.”

And while Grand Pacific Junction features a wide range of merchants, housed within the walls of its 100-year-old buildings, one thing remains constant.

Affordable prices.

Lora Banks, who along with friend Carolyn Carson, owns The Beaded Spirit says, “Many of our merchants feature locally produced items and unique pieces from artisans you just can’t find anyplace else.”

Another thing you won’t find anyplace else? Trains. “We’re known as Train Junction, USA,” Clint says. “More than 100 trains pass through The Junction every day.” It’s a charming bonus that makes the trip even more worthwhile for families looking for an affordable weekday excursion.

Combine your sightseeing with a stop for lunch before continuing on to a leisurely afternoon spent scouring the shops, and you’ve managed to amuse yourselves for the entire day—at a fraction of the cost of an adventure park. They’ve even got an ice cream shop for a sweet treat before the ride home.

“The ice cream shop has later evening hours this year,” Kim comments. Which makes enjoying any of The Junction’s warm-weather activities even more delicious.

New to The Junction is Quince, an absolutely fabulous American-style comfort food restaurant featuring new twists on old favorites. You’ve never had grilled cheese until you’ve had a Quince Grilled Cheese, which combines house-made marmalade and brie and bacon stuffed between two pieces of toasted bread. It’s served with a cup of tomato soup and is just $8 on the lunch menu.

And coming soon...Moosehead Hook and Ladder #3. “It will be located in the garage that used to house the fire trucks,” Clint explains. The new restaurant will offer traditional pub fare, with beer and wine to wash it all down.

Want to make it personal? For the guys, a trip to the old-fashioned Depot Barbershop located on the Boardwalk. For the ladies, a luxurious full-service day spa called A Time To Spa—because anytime is a good time.

Planning a wedding? The Junction is a virtual one-stop-shop for your big day. “Couples can take care of just about every detail for any wedding, from the shower and favors to attendant gifts and hair do’s,” Clint insists.

And that includes the bride’s gown, alterations, photos, the ceremony and reception. The Grand Pacific Wedding Chapel is the perfect backdrop for your nuptials, followed by a reception at the Grand Pacific Historic Hotel.

But should your trip require nothing more involved than a stop at Master Cleaners to pick up the dry cleaning, take a moment to admire the authentic beauty that surrounds you.
It is a rare gift to have such a stunning assemblage of historic buildings—full of people who make them real.

Grand Pacific Junction is located at Columbia Road (Route 252) and Mill Street in Olmsted Falls. The website is www.GrandPacificJunction.com.

Merchants:
Abigayle’s Quiltery
8096 Columbia Rd. 440-235-7446
Antiques Down Under
8088 Columbia Rd. 440-235-9958
A Time To Spa
25556 Mill St. 440-427-8629
The Artists’ Colony
8090 Columbia Rd. 440-235-0270
The Beaded Spirit
8078 Columbia Rd. 440-427-0094
Clementine’s Garden Room
8092 Columbia Rd. 440-235-1223
Depot Barber Shop
8076 Columbia Rd. 440-427-9773
Evergreen Title Agency
8153 Orchard 440-427-2270
Falls Ice Cream
8094 Columbia Rd. 440-427-9040
Grand Pacific Hotel
8112 Columbia Rd. 440-234-3883
Grand Pacific Wedding Chapel
7970 Columbia Rd. 440-235-9840
Images Photography
8020 Columbia Rd. 440-427-8333
Jorgensen’s Apiary
25546 Mill St. 440-235-5233
Julianne’s Bridal Shop
8070 Columbia Rd. 440-235-7774
Mary’s Hair Salon
8086 Columbia Rd. 440-235-6279
Master Cleaners
7994 Columbia Rd. 440-235-3064
Moosehead Hook & Ladder #3
7989 Columbia Rd. 440-235-5511
Monin Insurance & Financial
25630 Bagley Rd. 440-235-1441
The Music Box
8062 Columbia Rd. 440-235-1625
Mountain Grove Candle & Aroma Shop
8080 Columbia Rd. 440-427-1917
The Olde Wine Cellar
7990 Columbia Rd. 440-427-1222
Parker Wealth Management
8022 Columbia Rd. 440-235-3035
Quince Restaurant
8074 Columbia Rd. 440-427-8100
Roberts Law Firm
7987 Columbia Rd. 440-793-6255
Simple Expressions
8154 Columbia Rd. 440-427-1501


Grand Pacific Junction
Events Calendar 2008

June 12 – July 10 Art Walk
Selected pieces will be on display in the windows of the GPJ shops at all times. Remaining artist pieces will be displayed in the Gallery at Simple Expressions for viewing during Gallery Hours. For information call Frances at 440-427-1501.

June 21 NEW EVENT! Summer Solstice
Come join us and celebrate the longest day of the year. Music performances throughout the evening from 5-11 p.m. usher in the first day of summer. For information call Kim at 440-427-1917.

July 17 & 18 What’s the Buzz
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn all about honey and honey bees. Honey products, food, Arts & Crafts Show, face painting and more family activities. Bee Beard demonstration on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. For information call Walt or Linda at 440-235-5233.

August 7 – 28 Art Walk

August 14, 15, 16 & 17 Heritage Days
Old Fashioned Home Town Festival. Craft Booths. City-wide Garage Sale. Music. Magicians. Family Activities. Food. Kick-off Parade Thursday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Activities 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. For information call Lora at 440-427-0094.

October 2 – November 6 Art Walk

October 3, 4 & 5 Fall Harvest Apple Festival
Johnny Appleseed. Harvest Activities. Art on the Bridge. Falls Day in the Park. For information call Carolyn at 440-427-0094.

November 22 & 23 Christmas Open House
Christmas Specials. Christmas Activities. Santa Claus. Father Christmas. Sleigh Rides.

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