A Christmas Tradition: A Visit To The Christmas Story House

CLEVELAND, OH -- Down a nondescript side street off of Clark Avenue, just above the city's steel valley, lies the Christmas Story House & Museum. It's become a "must-see" for many out-of-towners who love the 1983 film, "A Christmas Story." They come from all over the world. It's also become a Cleveland landmark in the southern section of Tremont.

The wood-framed house at 3159 W. 11th Street was immortalized as the home of the Parker Family in the holiday classic. Across the street is an even bigger gift shop where you can buy anything and everything made famous in the film -- a pink bunny pajama outfit, Red Ryder BB gun and, of course, the now retro-cool Leg Lamp. The house, museum and gift shop are open all year round, and according to the curators, they're up to 85,000 visitors annually.

Now in its 11th year, the Christmas Story House & Museum has also been a catalyst for economic and housing development on W. 11th Street. The Rowley Inn, a 1906 tavern, has enjoyed a brisk business as a result of being just across the street. Homes along W. 11th Street have been bought and renovated with help from the city and the Tremont West Development Corporation.

The Christmas Story House 5K & 10K Run, held on the first Saturday in December, has drawn 6,000-7,000 runners a year since it began five years ago. For more information about the Christmas Story House & Museum, visit achristmasstoryhouse.com

Photo By Christmas Story House & Museum