Tea Time
The English have gotten some things right in their rough and tumble history, including tea time. Usually observed after lunch but before dinner, it's the time of day when people kick back a couple cups of warming, antioxidant-rich tea, nosh on a scone and generally find respite from their tiresome workday. Thankfully, Ritz-Carlton Cleveland (1515 West Third St.) offers an afternoon tea right in the heart of downtown from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on varying days of the week. As expected, this charming tea service includes sandwiches without the crusts, beautifully shaped sweets and, of course, a selection of seasonal warming teas. The tea is $48 for adults and $22 for kids under 10. Reservations, which are required, can be made at 216-902-5254. Sipping from your cup with your pinky finger raised is not required, but it is sure to make you feel fancy.
Go to ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Winter Feet Be Gone
The wet cold of winter metes out terrifying punishment to Ohio feet. Stuffing them into boots doesn't help matters any, either. That's why places like Marengo Luxury Spa in the Cleveland Arcade offer treatments to help quiet your barking dogs this winter — yes, for women and men alike. This isn't some in-and-out pedicure spot (although they do offer that if you'd like); instead we recommend booking a whole hour appointment. Get your feet soaked in warm, aromatic water, followed by a foot massage and nail treatment and nail polish of your choice if you want, for an added $5 to the $45 cost. Your feet, and everyone who has to look at your feet in the summer months, will thank you.
Find out more at marengospa.com.
Get Salty
Prayer, meditation, deep thinking or falling asleep. Whatever you call it, saying fewer words out loud can be helpful for everyone from time to time. And with flotation therapy, where one floats alone in perfect silence, in a small tank filled with hyper-salty water, a person gets the chance to be in tune with their thoughts, for better or worse. True Rest Spa, which has locations throughout Ohio, including a recently opened location in Rocky River (21643 Center Ridge Rd., 216-815-4231), offers people the chance to try out the newish fad for $59 for a first-time, one-hour session. Similarly, the Mentor Salt Cave (7501 Mentor Ave., 440-942-8228) uses salt in its treatment, without the use of water. Instead, folks lay back on zero-gravity chairs in a darkly but warmly lit room full of salt, while listening to soothing music. One 45-minute session costs $25. For those who always dream of getting away from it all during the winter, these spots could serve as an oasis.
Find out more at truerest.com and mentorsaltcave.com.
Find an Axe to Grind
Cleveland Axe Throwing, which sits in a nondescript office building (9000 Bank St., Valley View) not far from Cinemark at Valley View theaters, aims to bring the thrill of tossing a weapon in a controlled and safe environment to anyone looking to work off a little steam. In other words, with this place, open since 2017, you don't have to be a lumberjack to like the way it feels to slice through a wooden target with a sharp axe. The spot is quite popular for date nights, family outings, team building events and bachelorette parties, along with serious league play. While the other suggestions on this list are about relaxation and rejuvenation, Cleveland Axe Throwing ($32 per session) offers a way to learn a new skill while getting out any built-up tensions during the long winter months.
Find out more, or reserve a spot, at clevelandaxethrowing.com.
