Things to do

Check out the gift shops at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Then navigate to Little Italy for an eclectic assortment of boutiques from handmade jewelry to imported Italian dinnerware. ...

Need an excuse to ramble outdoors when the weather is cold and blustery? Grab a birding guide, a pair of binoculars and head out to one of NEO's premier birding spots. From the shores of Lake Erie to the cornfields of Geauga County, we're in the catbird seat, so to speak, for winter birding. Read on to learn what birds to see and where to see them. ...

One display that you won’t want to miss is the Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights in Strongsville. Drive or walk through the displays (they’re free) and enjoy the moving decorations, over-the-top lights and a visit from Santa (Fridays and Saturdays). The display is open Thanksgiving night through Jan. 1. ...

Each year, we're always amazed by the ways Boomers find to volunteer. The opportunities open to them are almost unlimited. If you're looking for ways to use your time and talents, we have a list of great places to start. Maybe this is the year to step into the volunteer pool. ...

Yes, technically it's too early for Christmas but not if you're buying a pre-decorated tree for charity like the ones on display in Akron through Thanksgiving weekend. This free event (plan to pay for parking) features lots of elaborately decorated trees and wreaths, all created by folks who want to wow visitors this season. Don't miss it. ...

If this is your first 3-Gen holiday, think carefully about how much of your own space you will want, especially if the grandchildren are very young and things could get hectic and noisy. Will you enjoy being in the thick of it or prefer to dip in and out and have your own space to retreat to? ...

Veterans, thanks for your service. And pull up a seat for free meals and other discounts on Veterans Day this year. You've earned it. ...

The fire pit is the place to relax and warm up with refreshments from the Gingerbread Bakeshop, and the Salty Reindeer: hot gingerbread cookies, cocoa, popcorn, beer, wine, Bavarian pretzels and more. Molly's Shop is fully stocked for holiday shopping and the Café is a place to enjoy more substantial fare and holiday treats. ...