Why Cleveland Ohio is a Must Visit
You drop everything to head to the beach, the mountains, the famous historical sites, but….Cleveland? This mid-western town holds a secret treasure trove of sights and activities – whether you are looking for a shopaholic excursion, family fun weekend, or a foodie tour. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be scrambling to pull out your road map.
Stay and Shop
For an unforgettable shopping experience, book a downtown Cleveland hotel like the Residence Inn near The Arcade shops. This three-building complex opened in 1890, boasting the title of America’s first indoor shopping area. A few blocks down Euclid Avenue, you’ll find the Wyndham at Playhouse Square surrounded by 10 theaters, numerous shops, and restaurants. Find a great deal on downtown Cleveland hotels at Hipmunk.
Head just outside the city for a day full of bargain shopping at the 70 stores in Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, including names like: Ann Taylor, Nike and Gymboree. The 75-acre Crocker Park in Westlake maintains a small town feel with its cobblestone walkways and town square. As you walk the streets, you’ll find Coach, Talbots, and Aurhaus mixed in with chain restaurants like Brio’s, Five Guys, and Aladdin’s Eatery. On the opposite side of the city, the suburb of Beachwood holds three high-end shopping plazas: Beachwood Place, Legacy Village, and La Place in Beachwood.
Museums
As the “Rock and Roll Capitol of the World,” Cleveland provides a multimedia experience in the six-floor Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along Lake Erie’s shores. Stop by the museum for a glimpse of John Lennon’s guitar and Jimi Hendrix’s manuscript of “Purple Haze.”
Kids of all ages will love the Great Lakes Science Center and William G. Mathers steamship. You can easily spend an entire day perusing the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and interactive Science Phenomena exhibits.
Along University Circle you’ll find 10 museums, from the Civil War-era Cozad-Bates House to the Cleveland Museum of Art, which attracts half a million visitors each year. Bonus: The Cleveland Art Museum is free!
Food Adventures
When you think of a foodie vacation, Cleveland may not rank up there with New York City, but this town is breaking into the national food scene with its passion for modern twists on all-American fare. Plus, how can you pass up the hometown of an Iron Chef and Food Truck Great Race competitor?
Start your day at the West Side Market – an indoor food extravaganza to rival famous Chelsea Market in New York City. Eat your way through historic Little Italy on the east side. In the neighborhood of Tremont, you’ll find two of Iron Chef Michael Symon’s restaurants, Lola and Lolita. If you are a burger aficionado, head straight to his burger joint, B Spot. Making the Top 21 Sandwiches in America list, the Parmageddon sandwich at Melt Bar and Grilled woos customers with its gooey sharp cheddar with pierogies, sauerkraut and onions. Somewhere in your food wanderings, check out Let There Be Bacon Food Truck, a 2014 Great Food Truck Race competitor.
Next time you’re hankering for a weekend of shopping, sightseeing, and eating, look no further than Cleveland.
About the Author
Laura Roberts is a freelance travel writer who has worked with clients such as Hipmunk. She loves the thrill of exploring a new place, whether it requires crossing a county line or another hemisphere.
