Celebrate the “Kernel” on National Popcorn Day!
This year’s National Popcorn Day is January 19, 2024.
My Ohio Fun is always looking for ways to keep exploring Ohio, and what better way than to take a #MyOhioFun Popcorn Road Trip around Northern Ohio.
Things to know before you go.
- Confirm each shops days/hours open. Most of the shops do not open until 11 AM.
- Our road trip starts in Downtown Cleveland, then heads west, south, southeast and finishes in Chagrin Falls. You can start the tour really from any point.
- At the end of our article, we have rated our top 3 flavors, of all the flavors we tasted.
- Tag us at @MyOhioFun on Instagram. We would love to see your photos.
MY OHIO FUN DRIVING POPCORN ROAD TRIP:
STOP #1
KERNELS BY CHRISSIE
ADDRESS: 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
TELE: 216-664-0638
WEBSITE: kbcpopcorn.com
You will find hand-crafted gourmet and kettle corn at Kernels by Chrissie in Downtown Cleveland. They offer seasonal flavors like Cherry Cordial. Traditional flavors like Theater Style Buttery and Kettle Corn. Their Savory flavors include Cheddar Popcorn, Barbeque Popcorn, Pizza Popcorn, and one that was suggested to me by staff, the Cheers for Beers! Popcorn. If you like sweet flavors, they offer Carmel and Cheddar Corn, (216) Mix, Carmel Apple, Blueberry & Sage, and others. Their premium flavors include Birthday Cake Carmel Corn, Dark Chocolate Drizzle and Tuxedo Chocolate Carmel to name a few.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Not sure if you want to deal with parking downtown Cleveland? The staff at Kernels by Chrissie make it super easy. I checked their website ahead of time. I placed my order over the phone for easy curbside pick-up. Please note they are closed on Sundays.
We sampled their Theater Style Buttery, Toasty Cinnamon Kettle Corn and the staff favorite, Cheers for Beers!
STOP #2
b.a. Sweetie Candy Company
ADDRESS: 6770 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44129
TELE: 216-739-2244
WEBSITE: sweetiescandy.com
Go for a bag or tin of their Campbell’s Gourmet Popcorn, leave with a cart full of your candy favorites, including your favorite retro candies. Allow time to enjoy a treat from their in-store Soda Shoppe.
The HUMPHREY POPCORN COMPANY is also owned by the b.a. Sweetie Candy Company.
WEBSITE: humphreycompany.com
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
When visiting this candy warehouse, we like to stock-up on those retro candies and then pass them out to family and friends. Don’t forget to grab a few of their retro soda bottles to enjoy with your popcorn.
We sampled: Dichotomy Corn, Caramel Corn and the Beer Cheddar Popcorn. You can order any of their popcorn flavors online.
STOP #3
GRAND PACIFIC POPCORN COMPANY
ADDRESS: 8064 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
TELE: 440-235-2886
WEBSITE: grandpacificpopcorn.com
This family run shop is located within the Grand Pacific Junction historical shopping district. This popcorn shop offers 35 flavors of popcorn.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Online ordering for store/curbside pickup is available. Make sure to take a minute and check out the other shops located within the historical district. Some of our favorites are Clementine’s, Emerald Winds Honey Shoppe, and Second Thyme Around. To learn more about the historical district click here: https://www.grandpacificjunction.com/
We sampled Birthday Cake, Depot Delight, and Cheddar Cheese.
STOP #4
THE CLEVELAND CARAMEL CORN CO.
ADDRESS: 7541 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Hts. OH 44130
TELE: 440-234-2676
WEBSITE: theclecaramelcornco.com
I just loved learning about the family history that is wrapped around each bag of The Cleveland Caramel Corn Company’s popcorn. I also learned about the type of popcorn they pop, as well as their special process that each batch of popped popcorn goes through before it is coated and packaged for the consumer.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
FYI. The Cleveland Caramel Corn Co. has a loyalty card. If you would like a sample of any of their flavors, they are happy to accommodate.
We sampled: Gourmet Playoff Mix, the Middleburg Hts. Blend and their famous Gourmet Caramel Corn.
STOP #5
SOMETHING’S POPPING
ADDRESS: 47 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
TELE: 330-722-3088
WEBSITE: somethingspopping.com
You are just going to want to visit this store! First, they make a gourmet popcorn treat that consists of chocolate and peanut butter – A bag you are going to want to definitely hide from the family. Second, it is located on the Historic Square of Medina; a perfect spot to grab a little extra shopping. You can even enjoy your popcorn on the steps of the charming Square Gazebo. Make sure you snap a photo and TAG us on Instagram @MyOhioFun.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Right next door is One Lucky Dog Bakery if you want to grab something for your four-legged friend.
We sampled: PB Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Medina Popcorn Blend, and Movie Butter.
STOP #6
POPPED! Kent
ADDRESS: 138 E. Main St., Suite 101, Kent, OH 44240
TELE: 330-678-1893
WEBSITE: shoppopped.com
Popped! has two locations. The Kent
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Popped! use Ohio grown, Non- GMO popcorn, and other local ingredients. The shop is closed on Mondays.
We sampled: White Cheddar Cheese, the Buttered Popcorn with real butter, and their Firehouse Caramel.
STOP #7
CHAGRIN FALLS POPCORN SHOP
ADDRESS: 53 N. Main Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022
TELE: 440-247-6577
WEBSITE: chagrinfallspopcorn.com
For over 70 years, the Chagrin Falls Popcorn shop has been bringing popcorn smiles to northern Ohio. I remember finding this shop about 10 years ago. The bright red, white, and blue storefront just begs you to come in and smell what the hype is all about. The popcorn shop uses only Ohio Grown Popcorn. You can also find additional treats in this historic spot just above the Chagrin Falls.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Take time and enjoy the falls and just down the street is the Fireside Book Shop. The perfect place if you are looking for your next good novel.
We sampled: Chagrin Style Popcorn, Hometown Orange and Brown, and the Sunny Pop.
OUR TOP THREE (3) FAVORITE POPCORN FLAVORS TESTED:
This was not an easy task.
- GOURMET CARAMEL CORN – The Cleveland Caramel Corn Co.
It was the flavor and the way the corn melts in your mouth. - WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE – Popped! Kent
The slight smokiness makes you just want to continue eating more. - PB & CHOCOLATE – Something’s Popping
For sweet, this popcorn flavor gets our vote.
HONARABLE MENTIONS:
Dichotomy – CAMPBELL’S SWEETS FACTORY
Chagrin Style Popcorn – CHAGRIN FALLS POPCORN SHOP
OTHER NOTABLE NORTHERN OHIO POPCORN SHOPS:
Although the following popcorn shops did not make our current road trip due to their locations, they still are great places to stop and they offer a wonderful selection of gourmet popcorns that are delicious and unique to their shops. Please feel free to add them to your road trip.
METROPOLIS POPCORN
ADDRESS: 2164 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
TELE: 330-928-6446
WEBSITE: metropolisohio.com
NORTHCOAST CORN CREATIONS
ADDRESS: 38765 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby, OH 44094
TELE: 440-571-4005
WEBSITE: northcoastcorn.com
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
What we love about Northcoast Creations is this business provides opportunities for those with autism. That gives them a triple-star. Please note they are closed on Mondays & Sundays.
POPP-A-RAZZI
ADDRESS: 1800 S. Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041
TELE: 440-361-3887
WEBSITE: popparazzigourmetpopcorn.com
SUNRISE DELIGHTS
ADDRESS: 6121 South Ave., Boardman, OH 44512
(located in The Amish Market)
TELE: 330-770-2246
WEBSITE: theamishmarket.net
THE CROOKED KETTLE POPCORN CO.
ADDRESS: 1595 Main Street, Peninsula, OH 44264
TELE: 440.821.8115
WEBSITE: crookedkettlepopcorn.com
(Seasonal and only open weekends.)
My Ohio Fun Road Trip note:
Located in the small town of Peninsula, this popcorn shop is a short walk to the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Peninsula Depot. Great place to stretch your legs while you enjoy your popcorn. 2024 will be the final year for this location. The Crooked Kettle Popcorn Co. will still be in business, just without a store front.
We sampled: Cheddar Pretzel Ale, Caramel Apple, and the Peninsula Mix.
Know of a popcorn shop we missed? Please drop us a line and let us know.
Article and photos by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun does not receive compensation from the any of the above listings. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
