Cleveland, Ohio
“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.”
I’m fairly certain the aforementioned quote from esteemed playwright Tennessee Williams was meant to be a jab, but my most recent visit to the 216 showed me he’s quite incorrect.
Commonly insulted as the ‘mistake on the lake’, Cleveland is anything but. It’s a truly vibrant city rich in history, diverse culture, and thriving arts. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, this guide will help you explore the best activities, places to stay, and fun facts about this dynamic city.
See the Sites
1. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Perhaps Cleveland's most iconic attractions, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a must-visit for music lovers, dare I say a mecca of sorts? Designed by I.M. Pei, the museum stands out as a lovely quirk in the Cleveland skyline. The museum showcases the history of rock music and its influential artists through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia displays. Something to love about the hall of fame is that it doesn’t ascribe to one set idea of rock and roll—it celebrates everything from hip hop to rockabilly as instrumental in making rock what it is today. Marvel at the guitars of Jimi Hendrix, say a prayer in front of Elvis’ church piano, or just soak up the endless collection of set pieces and outfits from some of history’s most iconic concerts.
2. Cleveland Museum of Art
This world-renowned museum boasts an impressive collection of over 61,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural destination for all visitors. Just when you thought Cleveland was but a sad midwestern afterthought, devoid of rich culture—the Cleveland Museum of Art is home to a truly breathtaking Monet panel; Caravaggio’s crucifixion of St. Andrew, and more works by Picasso, Rousseau and van Gogh.
3. West Side Market
For a taste of Cleveland's culinary scene, head to the West Side Market. This historic market, established in 1912, features over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and ethnic foods. It's a great spot to sample local flavors and pick up unique souvenirs. Speaking of fun markets, Heinen’s Grocery Store on Euclid Avenue (Cleveland’s first downtown supermarket) is housed in the Ameritrust Tower and its associated buildings, which include the beautiful Cleveland Trust Rotunda.
4. Cleveland Metroparks
Known as the "Emerald Necklace," the Cleveland Metroparks system encircles the city with over 23,000 acres of parks, trails, and nature reserves. Popular spots include the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the scenic Edgewater Park with its stunning lake views, and the picturesque Rocky River Reservation.
5. Playhouse Square
Cleveland's theater district, Playhouse Square, is the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. It hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and more across its nine theaters. Be sure to catch a performance or take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.
6. Great Lakes Science Center
Perfect for families, the Great Lakes Science Center offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The center also includes the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater.
Accommodations
Cleveland offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
For a luxurious stay, The Ritz-Carlton in downtown Cleveland offers elegant rooms with stunning city and lake views, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service. The hotel features a fitness center, spa, and fine dining at TURN Bar + Kitchen.
2. Kimpton Schofield Hotel
Located in a beautifully restored historic building, the Kimpton Schofield Hotel combines modern style with classic charm. Guests can expect spacious rooms, complimentary evening wine hours, and a pet-friendly policy. The hotel is conveniently located near Playhouse Square and other downtown attractions. Unlike other hotels in the area, the Kimpton offers an impressive array of room varieties and price-points, making it a more customizable experience for any class of traveler.
3. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
Housed in the former Cleveland Board of Education building, the Drury Plaza Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with unique architectural details. Guests appreciate the complimentary hot breakfast, evening snacks, and drinks, as well as the indoor pool and fitness center.
4. The Glidden House
For a more intimate experience, consider The Glidden House, a boutique hotel located on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. This historic mansion offers charming rooms, beautiful gardens, and a complimentary European-style breakfast. It's within walking distance of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
5. Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
Set in the historic Cleveland Arcade, the Hyatt Regency offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The stunning architecture features a glass skylight, ornate ironwork, and marble details. The hotel is centrally located near major attractions and shopping districts.
Dining
1.Martha On the Fly. Sweet heavenly lord, I love Martha On the Fly. I found this spot by happy accident when searching for breakfast on my last spontaneous trip to Cleveland. A cute little shop serving up morning neo-classics like breakfast sandwiches, homemade pie, and cornmeal fries. There’s something oddly nostalgic about both the food and the shop you’ll feel like you’re coming home.
2. Marble Room is quite impressive. It’s a solid steakhouse housed in a truly gorgeous building. It can be tough to get reservations but it’s worth a gamble.
3. For those seeking a different flavor Zhug offers Mediterranean small plates. Amazing flavor profiles and a great vibe. Reservations are not accepted and it’s a more casual option.
4. Salt is another small plates restaurant with great cocktails and an ever-evolving menu. The flavors are so satisfying, just be prepared for some pretty small plates.
Fun Facts
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Fun Facts 〰️
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Cleveland is often credited as the birthplace of rock and roll. In 1951, local disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term "rock and roll" to describe the new genre of music he was playing on his radio show.
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The world's first electric traffic light was installed in Cleveland on August 5, 1914, at the corner of East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue. This innovation helped improve traffic flow and safety in the bustling city.
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Superman, the iconic comic book superhero, was created in Cleveland by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1933. The city celebrates this connection with various tributes, including a Superman exhibit at the Cleveland Public Library.
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The Cuyahoga River, which flows through Cleveland, infamously caught fire multiple times in the 20th century due to industrial pollution. The most notable fire in 1969 spurred environmental reforms, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Water Act.
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Cleveland boasts a passionate sports culture with dedicated fan bases for its professional teams. Despite long championship droughts, the city's resilience and loyalty were rewarded when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship in 2016, bringing home the city's first major sports title in 52 years.
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The Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the world. Founded in 1921, it is renowned for its cutting-edge medical research and high-quality patient care, particularly in cardiology and medical mysteries.
Conclusion
Cleveland is a city full of surprises and is well worth a trip. From its rich musical heritage and world-class museums to its scenic parks and vibrant sports scene, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sampling local delicacies at the West Side Market, or staying in one of the city's charming hotels, Cleveland offers an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to discover all that "The Land" has to offer. Safe travels!
