Celebrating Sweetest Day in Cleveland - Cleveland Article

While we can jest about its popularity, the truth is that Sweetest Day is a real holiday – one that’s been celebrated for almost a century.

Even more interesting is that the holiday was created right here in Northeast Ohio.

Back in 1922, a Cleveland candymaker by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston decided to brighten the lives of those less fortunate. His solution? Distribute candy and other small gifts to orphans, the homeless population and people confined to their homes.

With the help of his fellow candymakers, Kingston’s big idea grew and grew.

Today, the holiday is celebrated across the country and is a reminder to spread joy to those you love.

And, what better way to celebrate the sweetest of days than a trip to the home of this unique holiday. In honor of its sugary roots, it’s only appropriate to enjoy some decadence this October 15, 2016.

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A Cookie & A Cupcake: Located in Tremont, A Cookie & A Cupcake is a Cleveland treasure serving up mile-high cupcakes crowned with copious amounts of buttercream frostings, fruit toppings and even cookies.

Churned Ice Cream Shop: With ice cream flavors like Wasabi Ginger and Rosemary Garlic, you know you’ve uncovered a totally unique gem of an ice cream shop. Located in Tremont, this artisanal ice cream operation will blow you away.

Corbo’s Bakery: Located in Little Italy, Corbo’s is known for its decadent strawberry cassata cake featuring layer after layer of homemade custard, fresh strawberries, light sponge cake and loads of whipped cream.

Lilly Handmade Chocolates: If ever there were a pairing made for heaven, it would be beer and chocolate. And, that’s precisely the name of the game at Lilly Handmade Chocolates in Tremont where the gorgeously, designed artisanal chocolates are perfectly paired with an extensive array of craft brews.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream: What happens when two brothers from Northeast Ohio get together to create hand-crafted, small-batch ice cream? An ice cream empire is born. With eight locations across Cleveland, Mitchell’s is a local favorite with delectable flavors like carmel fudge brownie, banana cream pie and bing cherry chocolate crunch.

Presti’s: A mainstay of the Little Italy neighborhood, Presti’s Bakery offers famous post-dinner treats like filled cannoli, sticky pecan rolls, homemade Italian-style cookies, heavenly pastries and, of course, gelato.

Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop: On Sweetest Day, treat your sweetie to the ultimate ice cream challenge: The Terminal Tower. This beyond-the-norm sundae features 10 scoops of ice cream topped with five toppings, almonds, pecans, sprinkles and more. Not your style? Skip the ice cream and split a rootbeer float at the exquisite, 16-foot bar of restored Tennessee marble.