Polar Bear Club new at Castle Noel

MEDINA — Patrons of the Polar Bear Club in Castle Noel embark on an arctic adventure. One of Medina's newest bars opened three weeks ago at 260 S. Court St. Originally, it opened in February but closed the following month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's all about being interactive and fun," co-owner Dana Klaus said. "It's been getting rave reviews. People have loved it. It's really cool." She's not kidding. The temperature is chilled in the bar, which includes several polar bears and theme music, and of course cocktails, as there are 16 drinks on the menu as well as beer and wine. Of course, Christmas ale is offered. The Polar Bear Club was a creation of Mark Klaus. "It's all Mark," wife Dana said. "I'm a supporter of his for life. This is all him." The specialty drink is the Castle Noel, which includes vanilla vodka, Godiva liquor, Creme de Cocoa and whipping cream for $14. If you order the Heat Miser for $10, the bartender comes out and sings a little song, and the drink features 1792 Bourbon, jalapeno maple syrup and lemon and is served hot or cold. The bartender is quite unique, too. Stephanie Kennelly was married in Castle Noel in July and has tattoos of the Grinch and Castle Noel. The bar is open from 1-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. The mimosas are quite popular in the morning, Klaus said. Patrons can walk in off the street to the Polar Bear Club, but reservations are required to tour the museum at Castle Noel. Dana Klaus was working the bar Friday afternoon before Kennelly arrived on scene. Co-owner with husband Mark, she said she wears many hats at "America's Largest Indoor Christmas Attraction." "I go from one thing to the other," she said. There are several other ventures in the works in the next year or so, including Cousin Eddy's Pub and a Tiki Bar. There are COVID-19 protocols all over the museum, including sanitation stations. "People are responding," Dana Klaus said. "They appreciate we are here." Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.