Cleveland is one of those off-the-radar cities that offers a little something for everyone: great public parks, excellent dining and many creative independent businesses. While it may not top the media's lists of "coolest cities in the U.S.," there's a subdued sense of cool that pervades throughout the city--an independent spirit in the face of economic adversity and a creative sense of know-how that lends itself to the entrepreneurial mindset of Cleveland's artists, musicians and business owners. You'll find great museums, multicultural communities and many fun things to do indoors and out.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is one of Cleveland's most famous tourist attractions. The museum portion is especially interesting, especially for musicians or those who love music. One can find original amplifiers and recording gear used by some of the most famous bands, and even bits of well-known song lyrics scrawled out by their writers on bar napkins, hotel stationery and brown paper bags. The Rock Hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm, and until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd.
(East Ninth Street at Lake Erie)
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-7625
rockhall.com
The Cleveland Metroparks system offers more than 60 miles of paved hiking and biking trails throughout its series of natural parks. The parks feature everything from woodlands to wetlands, lakes and golf courses. It's the oldest park district in Ohio, formed in 1917. The parks are especially beautiful in autumn. Year-round, the Metroparks calendar is filled with plenty of activities: hay rides in the autumn, bird-watching sessions in spring and classes on steelhead fishing or the Underground Railroad.
Cleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144
216-635-3200
clemetparks.com
The West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest public market, starting out as an open-air marketplace in 1840. The market features more than 100 shops that show the true ethnic diversity of the city. Walking through the market is quite an experience and almost feels like a trip back in time. Vendors offer nearly every kind of food one can think of, prepared or raw. One can find spices, fresh-cut meats, organic produce, smoothies, nuts and Mediterranean delicacies. The market is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
West Side Market
1979 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-664-3387
westsidemarket.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art features more than 40,000 pieces of art, with superb collections of Asian, Medieval European and pre-Columbian artwork. The museum also has pieces by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. The museum is well worth a visit, especially since admission is free. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-421-7350
clevelandart.org
The cult-classic movie, "A Christmas Story," was largely filmed in Cleveland. It seems that everyone in town can quote the movie or knows people who were extras in the film. Ralphie's house from the movie has been restored and is open for visits, and there's a museum dedicated to the film directly across the street. This place is worth a visit for anyone who loved the movie or has a quirky sense of humor. The house is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
"A Christmas Story" House
3159 W. 11th St.
Cleveland, OH 44109
216-298-4919
achristmasstoryhouse.com
Empress Taytu is one of Cleveland's most exotic restaurants. The inside is designed like an Ethiopian village, with thatched huts covering the dining areas. Food is served at basket-style tables and no utensils are used with the meal. Instead, diners pull hunks from the gigantic Injeri bread served at their table and use it to sop up the tasty delicacies. Also worth trying is the coffee ceremony, a unique ritual offered at the end of the meal and led by one of the servers. This restaurant is a great place for the adventurous. The food is wonderful as well. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Empress Taytu
6125 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-391-9400
