chilis250With over 300 retailers and 170 eateries, it’s no secret that the City of Mentor is a great place to shop and dine.  But you may not know about all the out of the way places in our town with unique offerings. Everyone has that one person on their list that is impossible to shop for, right? Here are some great unique gifts you can find right here in Mentor.

  1. LumTec watches are known the world over for their style and quality…and they’re made right here in Mentor.
  2. Chili’s Fire Pit offers over 900 hot sauces. You can buy one of their 11 national award winners for under $10. They even have Caldera; at 16 million SHUs, it is the HOTTEST sauce on the planet. Don’t forget the plastic because Caldera will set you back a cool $3,500.
  3. If you’re looking for something less fiery, the Olive and the Grape offers a great selection of oils, vinegars and specialty foods.
  4. If your loved one is a fan of home decorating shows, City Salvage offers an ever-changing selection of re-purposed treasures.
  5. History buffs will appreciate presidential swag including books, busts and replica items from the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. The Mentor Barnes and Noble store carries a selection of history books devoted to days-gone-by in Mentor and Lake County.
  6. While you’re shopping, why not enjoy a Mentor Avenue Crunch at East Coast Custard?
  7. Looking for a vintage Les Paul? How about an electric kazoo? You’ll find those and a whole lot new and used gear at Arrowhead Music.
  8. Comics and Friends sells classic and contemporary comics, graphic novels, action figures, t-shirts, manga and more!
  9. Love vinyl? Customers travel from as far away as Baltimore to shop at the Record Den. You’ll find over 10,000 albums with everything from Sinatra to Metallica. They also sell t-shirts, posters and other memorabilia.
  10. We all know an aquarium aficionado who has got it all, right? Well, you can blow their mind with a Japanese Dragon Eel for a cool $1,800 at Reef Oasis. You’ll also find other exotics, live reefs, anemones, octopi and more.
  11. Nothing is more personal than hand-crafted jewelry. Flux Metal Arts offers a great selection made by local artisans. Jewelry making classes and workshops available.
  12. The Brew Mentor has everything you need to make your own beer or wine…including guidance! Kits start at $55.
  13. Red, Wine & Brew and World Wines offer a terrific selection of beers and wines from around the world.
  14. Authentic oriental rugs in a variety of styles can be had online or by appointment at Knot by Knot. Quality pieces range from $250 to over $43,000+
  15. Buy local, burn local! Hand pour a candle and mix & match over 145 scents for a one-of-a-kind gift from the Cleveland Candle Company.  Starting at $15.
  16. Cigars lovers appreciate a good smoke and you’re sure to find it at Old Mentor Cigar Shop. Enjoy a Padron 1926 Anniversary for $47. Other quality cigars from $6 to $12.
  17. Is your loved one crazy about crepes? Kickstart their creperie at Alamarra.
  18. Brunner’s offers a Touch of Life where you can turn a fingerprint, footprint or your pets nose or paw print into a variety of sentimental keepsakes.
  19. Art enthusiasts will always find something to love from Gallery One which carries thousands of pieces including favorites by Thomas Kinkade, Robert Bateman and Dean Morrisey as well as a number of local artists. Prices range from $25 to $35,000+.

For a complete listing of what you can find in Mentor, visit www.shopinmentor.com and download a FREE copy of the City of Mentor Visitor’s Guide.

Did we miss something? Email us with your unique finds at logarusic@cityofmentor.com.