EDITOR’S NOTE: Guest article written by influencer Louie Loop, Everly Heights’s third-biggest YouTuber.
Welcome to Everly Heights! You might know us for our quaint Ohio small-town charm, our former (and arguably, reclaimable) reputation as the “Home of the Arts,” or our local punk scene. Whatever brought you here, as a local YouTuber who’s seen it all – from theatrical nights to quiet Koffee Shop mornings – I’m here to give you the real inside scoop on how to enjoy the beloved, delightfully creative town of Everly Heights like a local.
Okie-doke. Ready for a listicle? Let’s listicle!
The Walking Bridge
To start, take a stroll across The Walking Bridge. It’s more than just a shortcut; it offers the most picturesque views of the Everly River, especially at dusk. You might even catch a local artist setting up an easel. And let’s just say what happens on the Walking Bridge at night stays on the walking bridge. Trivia: Local kids back in the 90s thought they could do anything they wanted on the bridge, legal or unlegal. The rumor was the cops couldn’t touch them since the walking bridge technically wasn’t part of the city proper. Obviously, they were wrong. Just ask Nate Postal, who got busted there the night of Punkfest for being, well, Nate Postal.
The Old Chi-Chi’s
For a taste of overcooked nostalgia, swing by the spot where Chi-Chi’s once served up burritos with a touch of 90s ambiance—a true classic landmark for anyone who grew up here, even if it’s now just a memory… a structurally unsound, rapidly deteriorating memory. Seriously, watch out for falling debris! I’ve been telling the city for years. Somebody is going to kill themselves, and then what?
PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for our own middle-aged former kid detective, Danny Chance, still sitting on a lawn chair in his dad’s driveway in the neighborhood on the other side of the highway, waiting for a case that will finally make people take him seriously. Fat chance, Danny.
Franklin W. Dixon Memorial Library
Latch onto learning at the Franklin W. Dixon Memorial Library, a cornerstone of our community for generations, aptly named after the fictional author who filled our childhoods with Hardy Boys mysteries. Not a lot of murder in these hallowed walls. Only knowledge, including 80 years worth of Everly Heights headlines on the microfiche. The library also features a state-of-the-art podcast studio.
Wet Your Whistle
If you’re looking for a bit of local flavor (or maybe to investigate a weird rumor about the stairs out back that just might be true), Leroy’s Pub is a must-visit. Its sticky floors and well-worn barstools are testaments to decades of drama, and legend has it the basement holds secrets far deeper than just a good pint. Ol’ Leroy is pretty nice, but honestly, he ain’t looking so hot lately…
For your daily pick-me-up, a casual chat, or even a life-changing adventure, The Koffee Shop is where many of us start – or restart – our day. Heck, I even started my yo-yo career there, practicing tricks on those very sidewalks! My dad says back in the 90s this place was less about lattes and more about anarchy; The Koffee Shop was a bona fide staging ground for the local punk scene. Let’s just say anyone who grew up here has clocked a lot of hours at The Koffee Shop debating everything from the barista’s love life to the merits of green hair dye. Speaking of music…
Pancake: A Breeding Ground for Indie and Punk Rock
Everly Heights offers a variety of experiences for every taste. Music lovers, especially those who appreciate a raw, authentic punk sound, should definitely check out Pancake music club. This local institution has seen its fair share of indie and punk rock acts, from humble garage bands to dark troll wizard-themed rockers. The acoustics are… unique, to put it politely, but the energy? Absolutely undeniable.
Gaston’s Diner
For a hearty meal that tastes exactly like your grandma’s cooking (if your grandma was a no-nonsense old dude with a penchant for bottomless coffee), Gaston’s Diner serves up classic comfort food that’s been satisfying local appetites for decades. Just don’t expect small talk from the staff; they’re masters of efficiency, but anything beyond a coffee top-up or a quick order of kettle chips might be asking too much.
Dixon Park
If you’re seeking some green space and a breath of fresh air, Dixon Park provides a peaceful escape right in the heart of town. It’s perfect for a picnic, a quiet read, or just watching the clouds roll by. Just watch out for rain, though; if the sky opens up, you’ll be completely exposed- no grand pavilions in this reality, just good old-fashioned nature.
Cornerstone Theater
And finally, for a glimpse into our town’s artistic soul, make sure to visit Cornerstone Theater. I always say my yo-yo YouTube videos owe a lot to some improv classes I took with Mr. Special here last summer, which, by the way, explains everything. This historic venue, with its own dramatic past and a stage that has seen both triumphs and tragedies, remains a vital part of Everly Heights’ identity. Rumors are stirring that it might be in financial trouble, so please, do yourself and the Arts a favor: take in a show. You might just save a piece of history from a fire sale, or from becoming the next “Old Chi-Chi’s.”
Another way you can help Everly Heights reclaim our title as the “Home of the Arts” is by taking advantage of the “Patron of the Arts” support program! Thanks to Senator Smith’s defunding over the years, we need all the help we can get!
Every Patron gets:
- Your name listed on the website as a Patron of the Arts
- A customized printable Arts Board membership card (seen above)
Higher tiers get merch in the mail:
- A personalized letter from Mr. Matheson
- A physical membership card
- An Everly Heights sticker pack
With three different donation levels, becoming a Patron of the Arts is a total no-brainer! If you’d rather just pick up some merch and skip the fun stuff, here’s a link.
And with that, dear readers, we conclude my rundown of things to see and sights to do in Everly Heights. If you want to see me perform more epic yo-yo tricks around our fair city, mash that subscribe button on YouTube and hit the notification bell. I use my yo-yo to ring the bell for creators I like, naturally.
Signing off,
Louie Loop
P.S. Ask me to see the WITCH’S WALLOP!
