Cleveland

Andrew Regan asked:


Celebrated annually across the globe on March 17, St Patrick’s Day is one of the world’s most popular celebrations. Its significance originates in Ireland as a Catholic feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. However, in more recent times, St Patrick’s Day has taken on an altogether more global and secular significance, with St Patrick’s Day celebrations being held around the world in various forms.

In the United States, people traditionally celebrate St Patrick’s Day by wearing green garments, drinking alcohol that’s been dyed green or indulging in other Irish themed activities. Many American cities put on St Patrick’s Day parades, including Cleveland, Boston and Kansas City; however the largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in the United States – and the world – is held in New York City and is said to be watched by over two million people.

The first St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City was held in 1766, when Irish soldiers marched through the city, and in 2006, more than 150,000 people marched in the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Among those participating in the event were bands, members of the fire department, social and cultural clubs in the city, emigrant societies and military and police groups. Furthermore, prominent New York politicians, and those planning to run for office frequently appear in the St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Organised by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the St Patrick’s Day Parade has attracted more than a little controversy in its time. For instance, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has often opted to appoint controversial Irish Republican figures as its Grand Marshall; what’s more, the group recently banned gay and lesbian groups from participating in the parade. As a result of this, alternative St Patrick’s Day parades, such as The Queens parade, have been organised by opposing groups; the Queens parade, for instance, is open to all groups who wish to march on St Patrick’s Day.

But whatever parade you choose to go and see, New York City is truly the place to be on St Patrick’s Day. With green bagels, green flowers, green hats and clothes a frequent sight on the day of the St Patrick’s Day Parade, New Yorkers tend to frequent local Irish pubs and drink Irish beers and liquors in celebration of the festival, which now takes on both religious and secular significance. And with plenty of affordable hotels in New York City to choose from, you won’t be stuck for accommodation in the city if you choose to visit on St Patrick’s Day. After all, how could you possibly resist the unique opportunity to eat a green New York bagel and drink a glass of dyed-green Guinness while basking in the emerald glow of the Empire State Building?

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.



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Carolyn McFann asked:


Formerly being a airline travel enthousiast, I never considered driving across the United States until an infortunate incident forced my ex-fiance and I to change our travel plans. We had flown out to Las Vegas, to attend a business convention late one night. The next morning, I turned on the television, only to find that planes had flown into the World Trade Centers in New York. It was 9/11, which devastated us and everyone around us. At Caesar’s Palace, all the tvs were tuned to the tragedy, instead of the usual horse racing or other sporting events. You could hear a pin drop as everyone watched the tragedy unfold, live. The convention closed early due to the horrible tragedy. We were given t-shirts as we left the convention center, in memory to the people who perished in New York and Pennsylvania. Fortunately for us, my ex had already rented a van to get around with, as rental cars sold out quickly when all the planes were grounded. In Las Vegas, the airport is right in the city limits, very close to the Strip. With the planes all down, all we saw was an occaisional military jet fighter circling the city now and then. It was eerie and a reminder of the possible danger to the area. We left and drove over to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, our spirits lifted as we visited the coastline, stopping at lovely places like Balboa Island for lunch, Laguna Beach (full of interesting boutiques and restaurants) and Dana Point, where we stayed in a beautiful oceanfront hotel. Later, we went over to Burbank, and attended the second taping of the Tonight Show, with Jay Leno. The experience was surreal, nobody felt like comedy, so the show was subdued. Jay wheeled out a motorcycle that he was going to auction off for charity, and Arnold Schwartzenegger, Tom Cruise and others came to sign it. Being in the studio was fascinating, the temperature in the large room was cold, to keep the many hot stage lights from bursting, one of the producers told us. We had front row seats, because we got in line very early. If you go, make sure to go much earlier than told to, because it takes a lot of time to park, and the line to get in is very long.

After leaving downtown L.A. we drove around Beverly Hills and Hollywood. I liked Beverly Hills, seeing the beautiful homes was my favorite. Signs were posted everywhere saying that forest fires can happen and gave a daily rating to how much of a chance there was of having one. Interesting. Some movie stars’ homes were on regular streets like yours and mine. Others were high up in the mountains, shielded by gates, high walls and ominous “keep out” signs. I don’t blame them, with all the crazy people in the world. All the posh shops were nice, but a shopping spree there was out of the question unless we won the lottery and were rich like the Hilton family – one piece of clothing could be the cost of a new car or even, house in downtown Beverly Hills. Wow. We drove all over, taking pictures, stopping at fast food places like In and Out Hamburgers and Krispy Kreme Donuts. We also stopped in lovely ethnic restaurants to eat Mexican, Thai and Indian food. The Mexican restaurants were my favorites, most were authentic and gave large portions.

We drove through the desert, going back east, saw Hoover Dam, which was immense. Because of the tragedy going on in New York, everyone there was on edge, so we weren’t allowed to stop on the bridge, just drive past it and park elsewhere. It was very scenic to see the dam, built long ago, with Art Deco influence on the well-built bridge and buildings. It was incredibly hot but the heat was dry, not humid. We drank gallons of soft drinks and bottled water to keep from being dehydrated. The vistas of tall mountains and large amounts of water being pumped by this powerful dam were really fascinating for this midwestern girl.

Our next state to visit was Utah, land of amazing rock formations and mountains. We only saw the southern part but what we saw was breathtaking. Bright red rocks jutting out of the ground, tall mountains and an endless night sky full of stars. We parked on the side of the road and watched the sky for an hour, deep in the desolate parts of the mountains. Without city lights (or any other civilization, for that matter) we could see everything, including the Milky Way. It was both beautiful and surreal at the same time. Utah is loaded with natural wonders and incredibly scenic.

Next, we drove to Colorado. It was so scenic driving up and down the mountain roads of this colorful, beautiful state. The whole state is a photographer’s dream, especially with all the colors of the fall.The aspen trees were turning yellow, since it was now autumn, and the huge mountains all around us took my breath away. It felt and looked like the Old West to me. We stopped at an old mining town, even got to eat buffalo burgers (made of yes, real buffalo meat, which was good). If we’d had more time I would’ve spent a week there, but my ex had to get back to his job so time was limited.

Just east of Denver, everything got amazingly flat. Prairies are desolate and finding signs of life off the highway were few and far between. When we saw a gas station, we’d stop at it, because who knew how long it would be until the next one came along. People there were very friendly. We stayed overnight in a lovely old-fashioned hotel, and ate at the family restaurant next door. True Americana at its best.

We started seeing hills again in parts of Iowa, which we weren’t in for long. Next came Illinois, where we stopped in Chicago. Having been there many times in my past, we stopped at places I liked, like WaterTower Place, the theater and the art museum downtown. There is a lot to do and see in this impressive city, just do it during the summer, because the winters there are cold and brutal. Chicago is a big city, with a long skyline as you drive past it. Much bigger than my hometown of Cleveland.

Late at night, we arrived at my home, in the outer suburbs of Cleveland. The trip was a success, even if it was marred by tragedy, we made the most of the situation. It took us a week to get home, and someday I plan to do it again, but this time with more time on my hands. If you want to see what America is really like, rent a car (try not to use your own, due to the major wear and tear this kind of travel does to a car) and plan places to see before you go. We did this trip without planning and it was still a success. We’d driven through lovely state parks, past amazing scenery and met wonderful people. Next time I do this, I’ll go get a triptych at AAA and plan it to see more of the off-the-beaten-path places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley.



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Andrew Regan asked:


If you’re planning a summer vacation this year, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed by the number of destination choices that you face. Should you head to the Great Lakes, the bright light of the Big Apple or the golden beaches of California? It can be difficult to make a choice between a variety of spectacular US locations; but with careful planning and by figuring out your holiday priorities, it’s possible to make the right vacation decision quickly and easily.

For example, if sun and sand are your priorities on holiday, take a trip to the Californian coast. Drive a little further south of San Francisco and you’ll find the charming beach towns of Monterey and Carmel. Carmel-by-the-sea, for instance, is a well-known aesthetic arts town by the sea, famous for having actor Clint Eastwood as its mayor from 1986 to 1988. Monterey, a little further north, is similarly famed for its artistic heritage; but it’s also historically famed for its fishery and is home to one of the largest aquariums in North America – the Monterey Bay Aquarium. With craggy rocks, roaring waves and a plethora of memorable seafood restaurants, the charming towns of the Californian Coast are sure to delight on your summer vacation.

Alternatively, if you want to take a city break for your summer holiday, visit Chicago, Illinois. One of the USA’s most unique cities, Chicago boasts an eclectic architectural skyline and a sophisticated restaurant culture. So if you’re looking to explore some of America’s most stunning buildings, Chicago is sure to please you. From the Art Institute to the Sears Tower and the Buckingham Fountain, Chicago is replete with attractions in which the summer holidaymaker can revel. What’s more, Chicago’s status as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country means that there are a variety of eateries that you can frequent. And with an opera scene that’s unparalleled in any city west of New York, Chicago is sure to offer you a truly exceptional cultural experience.

Or why not visit Cleveland, Ohio, to pay homage to one of America’s greatest centres of rock music this summer. In Cleveland, you’ll be able to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, explore the city’s best art galleries and museums and dine in the most romantic restaurants. What’s more, Cleveland’s location on the southern shore of Lake Erie means that you’ll be able to drive around the Great Lakes at ease and enjoy some breathtaking lakeside views.

Wherever you decide to spend your vacation, make sure you choose your accommodation carefully. Whether it’s a cozy motel with a fantastic beach view or a five-star luxury hotel break, your summer vacation is sure to be all the more enjoyable if you’re able to get a good night’s sleep!

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who travels extensively.



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R. Ritchie asked:


Your Miami Beach vacation would be incomplete without a visit to the glitzy Art Deco District at South Beach. SoBe, as it is called, has the largest stretch of surviving Art Deco architecture in the world. Built between 1923 and 1943, the hundreds of apartment blocks, hotels, restaurants, and shops are impressive by day, but at night the neon signs on Ocean Drive and surrounding streets signal a very active club and bar scene. With over 150 hotspots to choose from, a night on the town can become expensive unless you are very selective. And access to nightclubs is sometimes difficult for non-locals without connections, especially in the high season from mid-November to April.

Many SoBe clubs are celebrity hotspots, and the competition from the stars, the ultra chic, and the wannabes can make entry to the coolest places difficult. Bring plenty of money, too, since entry to the more popular nightspots will cost you anything up to $60. You’ll need to spend time, too, since entry to the top places often comes with a wait of several hours. One of the secrets to gaining admittance is to dress fit to kill, since entry is often declined if you fail the visual evaluation of the discerning door staff. But take your time, since most nightspots are open until 5 am, you can look around before you decide. Most tourists flock to Ocean Drive, but Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue are really the best places to go for interesting places that will lead to an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and gawking.

As well as nightclubs, the area offers great shopping, contemporary galleries with top art on show, cutting-edge theatre, a variety of music venues and an awesome selection of restaurants. The Jackie Gleeson Theater of the Performing Arts, in Washington Avenue, hosts the South Beach Comedy Festival in January, plus a full range of arts events – from ballet and Flamenco dance to theatre. The revitalized Lincoln Road Mall is great for clothing, books and souvenirs. Many shops and galleries trade into the night.

A night on the town

Plan your evening in advance. Regulars understand that club nightlife here doesn’t kick off until 11 pm. It is difficult to list the most popular clubs, because the dynamic and ever-changing nature of venues, means that clubs constantly change owner, decor, and even name. The average club is only open for about a season or less, but on Ocean Drive, bars like the Clevelander and the Deuce have remained popular for years. Another long-termer, Opium, is an Asian-themed club attracting an A-list crowd, where you can enjoy mixed music and a Friday night fashion show. But be aware that they have a tough door.

For an outrageous time, try B.E.D. , a sexy club that serves up entertainment and drinks on luxurious beds. Set in an Art Deco movie theater, Crobar has a huge dance room and a catwalk around the second floor perimeter for easy star spotting. Washington Avenue’s Mansion, a current hotspot, has three rooms playing hip hop, house, and progressive, and features a chic VIP area. The late-night venue, Prive, offers four bars and intimate alcoves lining the dance floor. Be sure to arrive early, at 11 pm, to avoid a prolonged wait for entry. Then there’s Rokbar, in Collins Avenue, where the DJ’s spin 80’s rock, classic rock, new age, funk and hip hop.

You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in South Beach, including budget hostels, apartments, resorts, and hotels of all classifications. But be sure to book well ahead and be aware that many places require 3- to 5-day stays. From May to November you can often save 60 per cent and more with special off-season rates.



Cleveland Hotels

David H. Urmann asked:


Ohio, located in the Midwest area of the US, is a great place to escape to.

Ohio, with its wealth of traditional arts, crafts, colorful lifestyle and wonderful ambience is the place to be. There are also lots of wonderful accommodations you will find in Ohio. Here is a list of some of their amazing hotels:

The Westin Columbus

310 South High Street, Columbus, OH, US, 43215

Westin Columbus Hotel is located right in the center of the Columbus downtown area. It is also a landmark of hospitality. The hotel is located several minutes away from the Columbus Convention Center. It is also close to the Ohio theatres, German Village, the majestic “Palace” and the amazingly renovated “Southern Theatre”.

Embassy Suites Hotel Columbus

2700 Corporate Exchange, Columbus, OH, US, 43231

Embassy Suites Hotel Columbus was just recently renovated. It is situated three miles away from the Polaris Fashion Place, then six miles away from the Easton Towne Center, and just 11 miles away from Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). They provide guests with upscale services.

This hotel is also located near famous Ohio attractions such as:

• Ohio State Capitol

• Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds

• Ohio State University

• Nationwide Arena

• COSI Science Museum

• Zoombezi Bay Waterpark

• And the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Center

127 Public Square, Cleveland, OH, US, 44114

This hotel is located in the center of the business district of Cleveland. The Marriot Cleveland Downtown Hotel is situated near the Quicken Loans Arena and the Cleveland Browns stadium. With 25 stories, you will truly enjoy the spectacular views of Cleveland from this hotel, especially its famous skyline and Lake Erie.

Events and Highlights

Uncle Buck’s Dance Barn & Riding Stable (VINTON County)

Trail rides are on offer at Uncle Buck’s Dance Barn & Riding Stable. This is how they offer an exciting way to discover the vast Zaleski State Forest. It also has a 10,000 square feet party barn which acts as a perfect venue for any social event.

The Wilds (GUERNSEY County)

This conservation center is home to numerous endangered species. Its main goal is to increase the population of selected endangered species for the next generation.

Piqua Heritage Festival (MIAMI County)

Johnston Farm, Piqua (513) 778-0441

Labor Day Week-end, September

Ohio, located in the Midwestern area of the US has Lake Erie to its north. On its south is Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky states along with the famous Ohio River. Aside from this, Ohio shares borders with Ontario, Canada through Lake Erie. As for its terrain, it is known to be mainly flat along its northwestern portion because of its ancient glaciers.

As the terrain heads towards the east as well as southeast, going to Allegheny and Appalachian mountain ranges, it becomes hillier. Hence, aside from the Great Lake of Erie and the Ohio River, this state also has a state forest situated in Wayne, a state park located in Cuyahoga Valley, National Wildlife Refuges, as well as islands located on Lake Erie. Its capital is Columbus which is situated near the state’s center.

In addition, Ohio is known to rank 35 amongst the largest states of the United States. It also ranks 7th according to its population. The nickname of the state is “The Heart of It All”. This is due to the shape of the state which is similar to a heart.

It is also located within the heavily inhabited part of the United States, comprising of large commercial cities, industries, small towns as well farmlands. This is why it is also noted as “America’s Heartland,” referring to its agricultural sector situated in its Midwest portion, as well as its industrial base along the Great Lakes.



Cleveland Hotels

Dave Text asked:


Ohio, some of you know it as a around the year travel destination and that’s correct. Ohio is a Iroquoian (they are the first native American group which was made of six tribes) word for “Good River”. The name refers to the Ohio River which forms the southern border of the state. This place can be called as a blend of its rich history and the mammoth developments takings place in the form of commerce, technology, service sector, education, industries etc.

This place has preserved its rich past which you will acknowledge around the corner of this land. It has a rich tradition of preserving and honoring its historical landmarks and experiences. There are sites that date back to prehistoric man through to Native Americans to slaves making it to freedom, this place offers visitors a chance to connect with those that endured the struggles and engaged in the triumphs that shaped us as a community.

With the changing tides it has never let itself get stuck in the past. Places such as Cleveland and Cincinnati harped on the industrial revolution, but when the industries hit hard times, they managed a turnaround from rusting factories to gleaming city centers. And with the ongoing boom in the computers, Columbus has created some of the first rate technologies in the country.

That is why you will find a blend of its past with the future ready. It’s a combination which is hard to find and even harder to retain. This place, with its historic backgrounds reflecting through every bend in the road, gives a refreshing experience to its visitors of remembering the past and moving forward towards the future.

And it’s exciting, as well: The new and old make matchless travel attractions. You can go from serene countryside, traditional crafts and the decidedly unmodern Amish to trendy entertainment zones and interactive museums. Or you can enjoy places like the Lake Erie Islands, whose beaches and waters are appealing no matter which century you’re feeling more inclined to.

Some of the must travel attractions in this region are Amish, Appalachia, Civil War Monuments, Historic Downtowns, Historic Sites, Native American, Presidential, Black History, Museums, Aviation, National Parks, Educational & Research Institutes.

There are a large number of hotels and lodges in Ohio which you will find unified with the characteristic of Ohio. The hotels offer a warm welcome and a pleasant staying experience and the best part is you can easily find one which suits your budget. With the increased traffic of visitors getting on the spot reservations is difficult that is why it is recommended to make prior reservations by visiting the hotels website or calling on the helpline number of the hotel.

The hotels, lodges and resorts exhibit many facilities like air conditioning, room service, rental cars, shuttle service, restaurants, pub area, spas, health clubs and most of all a serene ambience to take you to the next level of fulfillment.

So pack your bags and get ready to meet the past on the shoulders of the future. That is all for now, by and regards.



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John Thompson asked:


Getting annoyed or paranoid about cases to be packed for the next trip need not be a mandatory part of your every holiday. Though it might seem tedious, adhering to particular tips in packing can make the errand quick, easy, and efficient!

For a more effortless packing experience, remember:

Lists, lists, lists: All destinations require different things to be packed. Once the territory is fixed, make a list of things you and the family will require. You might want to make separate list for each family member to avoid missing anything essential.

Lists expedite packing and assist you fill up baggage claims in the occurence of lost luggage! However, beware of too numerous lists. They could confuse you and make life difficult. Also, keep the final list in your hand baggage or wallet where you can refer to it in the event you need it.

bags type: On the surface it appears like a unimportant discussion but could make a considerable impact on your holiday! Consider packing fragile crystal in soft-sided luggage, not a great idea, is it? If the trip is going to be a long and rugged one, perhaps a hard-sided luggage will be a better companion. Choose according to requirements not only on fashion dictates! When buying bags for a trip, look for in-built features like:

a. hanger rods

b. Reverse-fold designs

c. Packing fixtures

d. extra pockets

e. Wetpacks

f. Retractable wheels

g. locks that do not dangle too much

f. Size that allows the baggage to be carried for its intended use. For instance, if it is a handbag then it should fit the flight overhead baggage location.

The business of packing: the quickest steps to packing are:

a. Clear a flat surface for packing and open your packing cases on it, one at a time.

b. Stack all the material to be packed next to the bag. Make separate stacks for separate bags.

c. Place heavy objects like shoes, toiletries, and hair dryers at the bottom of the case. You can call up the hotel you are staying at to confirm if they provide things like hairdryers and avoid tugging too much.

d. Next, use wrinkle free clothing like jeans and underwear to cushion heavy belongings.

e. Now, start with the heavy clothing-suits and dresses. Keep the shoulders of the suits straight, next to the hinge of the bag. Fold clothes over each other to avoid creasing and wrinkling.

Fold all clothes on their natural creases to minimize the space they take. (Note: check with the hotel if they provide laundry service, if they do you can reduce the number of things you have to carry.)

Packing the hand luggage: It is imperative that you are equally or more cautious about what you carry on your person.

A checklist is supplied below:

a. your PASSPORT and TICKETS.

b. Wallet and ID like drivers license or other identification.

c. Insurance papers.

d. Travelers checks, money, and any other valuables.

e. Itinerary with confirmation numbers and required telephone numbers.

f. Your medication.

g. Film rolls that you can ask to be hand checked to avoid damaging them with x-rays! Its best practice to get the rolls developed wherever you are before traveling, even though it might be more costly to do so but at least you are assured that they are not getting spoilt!

Lastly, travel light. Coordinate outfits to avoid lugging too many clothes. Dont be too flashy so that you dont draw too much attention to yourself and your luggage. Mark your luggage well to avoid it being mixed up and to recognize it quickly on luggage conveyors.

Hello Traveler! Visit our site for great golf travel destinations as well as golf travel case packages to enable you to have fun in style!



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EuclidRehabilitation asked:

Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Center at Euclid Hospital welcomes you to the place where thousands of people come each year to heal. From our own community and from across the country, patients choose our campus as their best chance to rehabilitate and recover—and not just physically. We work together to treat the body, mind and spirit of every patient…to help them return to life…and to living.

To learn more about Euclid Hospital, visit us online at www.euclidhospital.org.

Create a video blog…instantly.

Carolyn McFann asked:


From downtown to its outer suburbs, Cleveland, Ohio has much to offer. The city is a dynamic mix of cultures, situated on Lake Erie. Having grown up here, these are a few of my favorite places to visit if you’re going to be in town. The best time to visit if you want to avoid very cold weather is late spring or early fall. You won’t be disappointed.

Public Square and Tower City

In the heart of Cleveland is a beautiful old skyscraper called the Terminal Tower. Built in the late 1920’s, its lower interior was remodeled in the 80’s to have a large, fully enclosed mall called Tower City. It is impressive, to say the least, with its fountains, marble floors and elegant, multi-leveled structure. It’s where Clevelanders meet to eat, shop and go to ball games. Nearby are the sports stadiums for baseball, basketball and football. This is a city who loves their sports. In the basement of Tower City, you can catch the subway, called the Rapid Transit or RTA, to the east or west side. The Rapid is fast, and convenient. Many businesspeople use it everyday to get to work. It also goes out to the airport. Tower City is a hub of most activity for Clevelanders.

The Flats

If you like to go out for a good meal, the Flats is a picturesque place to go. Many restaurants are on both the east and west banks of the Cuyahoga River, that runs next to Terminal Tower. This river is where immense ore barges and other ships come and go. The waterway is heavily used in the summer for both business and personal use by everyone. On the scenic west bank is Shooters, a popular restaurant that I used to go to, the view of the water is spectacular from there. There are concerts on there in the summer by famous bands of many genres. The historic Power House nearby is another popular place. It is a fully renovated old electric power building with TGIFridays, Howl at the Moon Saloon, the Improv comedy club and more. My friends and I used to go there frequently to meet after work.

Cleveland Metroparks System

Cleveland is surrounded by a very large ring of public parks, that are well maintained and offer spectacular natural beauty. There are places to cook, shelters and picnic tables, jogging trails, horseback riding stables and more. This ring extends for many miles all over the Cleveland suburbs. My favorite is the Chagrin Reservation in the autumn, when the trees are all changing their colors. Fall is spectacular if you like nature, the trees’ vivid colors really stand out. There are events like horse shows, dog shows and others throughout the year. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a popular place, too, on the near west side.

University Circle

This is a highly cultural area on the east side of Cleveland, full of students since many colleges are in this area, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, to name a few. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a stately building with many varied exhibits from the suit of armor room to Egyptian mummies and tombs. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a favorite of mine, showing in detail dinosaur skeletons, the history of the area, the beauty of nature and how the world works through exhibits, lectures and a planetarium. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is next door, and a must for plant lovers, it even has a rainforest. The Crawford Auto Museum is elegant, and the site of many weddings and parties. There you can see cars from all ages in perfect condition. Great for old car buffs.

Little Italy

This ethnic part of University Circle is a wonderful place to go to a cafe, or festival. They have yearly traditional festivals like the Feast of the Assumption, where the streets are closed off and people jam in there like sardines. Little Italy is chock full of galleries. An old elementary school there was turned into a building full of shops and galleries, and the surrounding shops are artistic as well. It is an artist’s paradise. There are art walks and shows frequently. Stop at Presti’s Bakery for the most amazing pastries, ever. If you are there at the crack of dawn, Presti’s has a small donut shop a few doors down from their bakery, but it closes early. If you’re lucky enough to catch it while it’s open, the donuts are warm and fresh. It has been a tradition for area residents for many, many years.

Chagrin Falls

An outer suburb of Cleveland, this is my home town. With seven waterfalls throughout its territory, this charming, New England-flavor town has the homey atmosphere that occaisionally attracts movie producers, and is the site of a few past motion pictures. Go to Chagrin Falls on Memorial Day, when there is a parade and festival (Blossom Time) in the downtown park. This is Americana at its best. Stop at the Popcorn Shop, across the street from the downtown park, where you can get ice cream, popcorn and other snacks. It is a very old, historic building full of history built right on top of a waterfall. There is a public staircase to go beneath it and see the falls from down below. If you go to Chagrin in the summertime, this is a must. In the heart of town, there is also an old gazebo that used to be where old-time bands would play music. This is a quaint old town you don’t want to miss.

The West Side Market

If you love to buy fruit, meat and other food items directly from vendors themselves, the West Side Market is the place to go and dicker with them. There are long-established family vendors selling fresh chickens, old world pastries, meats, chocolates and every fruit and vegetable imaginable. There are Polish, Italian, Irish, Slavic, Mexican, German and other foods there. It’s a melting pot full of fresh food with a loyal following of people who come from all over to shop.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Science Center next door

If you love rock and roll, visit this museum or be square! It is a lively modern building, built on Lake Erie, with exhibits, shows, and souvenirs galore. Next door is the science center, with its own IMAX theater. These are wonderful family venues, so make sure to take your kids and walk around both places. Frequently when I’ve been there, boat shows can be seen outside, so check out on the water when you’re there. The lake is a center of activity all in itself.

If you have the chance to visit Cleveland, remember to bring your camera. It is a diverse place with much to explore. Go to the art shows, plays, museums and visit the many top-notch restaurants. This city is growing, and improving daily. Go see a game or two, ride the train. On St.Patrick’s Day, there is a huge parade worth attending, whether or not you’re Irish. If you get really adventurous, drive out to Cedar Point or Amish country (about an hour or so from downtown Cleveland). If you need maps while there, stop at the Chamber of Commerce or AAA. Whatever you do, go to Tower City, downtown Cleveland is well worth visiting. Once you go, you will see what all the fuss is about, this great city has it all. Cleveland really does rock.



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