Things to do in Cleveland?

[indimom]

In August, DH and I will be dropping our daughter off at College in the Cleveland area. It happens to be our anniversary weekend, and since we'll be spending at least one night (it's a lengthy drive to DD's school from our home and her name makes her a late in the day drop off), we thought we might stay a little longer and enjoy the weekend in Cleveland.
Obviously, the school has a lot of activities planned for the students, so it's going to be just DH and I. We figure we'll be able to pick up anything DD may have forgotten/waited to purchase, and we'll make a short good-bye visit, but otherwise we'll have a day or two just for sightseeing.
We've only been in the area once before for a wedding, but we only had time to visit the lake's edge and see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
So, any suggestions for things to do? places to eat? hotel to stay at? or anything to avoid? during a short weekend trip for two??

Thanks so much!

 

[teller80]

My DD's school had a parent orientation for a day and a half, double check there isn't one for you that weekend.

otherwise, are you Cedar Point people? It's about an hour drive. I like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or visiting Amish country. Put in Bay is an island where everyone rents a golf cart and drinks wine at wineries, although it gets pretty rowdy on weekends.

 

[indimom]

No parent orientation that weekend, we've got a two-day orientation in June. During our last visit, we were told straight up to drop her off, and leave that weekend. (A simple comment indicating we planned to stay a day or two seemed to imply we might be "those parents" and they needed to reign us in. )

Thanks for the suggestions!!!

 

[Pawpsicle]

I'm a local Clevelander! Check out the museums in University Circle. The art museum is really gorgeous and free! Indians games are always a lot of fun if they're playing while you're in town. Our theater district, Playhouse Square is my favorite area in town. Check out the "worlds largest outdoor chandelier" and try to see a show! My favorite restaurant, Cowell and Hubbard, is also located here. Just down the street is our downtown grocery store, Heinen's. I know a grocery store doesn't sound like a tourist attraction, but it's in an old rotunda and is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, they have what are essentially wine vending machines. We have so many awesome restaurants. E 4th street is probably your best bet to eat. Lola (and as of Monday Mabel's BBQ) are Michael Symon's restaurants. I personally think Lola is overrated, but many love it. My favorite restaurant here is Greenhouse Tavern (definitely try the wings!). For something more casual, we love Barrio, a build your own taco place with several locations around town. I think that's about all I can think of this early haha! Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Kellykins1218]

University Circle, casinos, Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay, the zoo, Great Lakes Science Center, Playhouse Square, West Side Market

 

[Shutterbug]

My fave places to visit in Cleveland area:

Crawford Auto Aviation Museum:
https://www.wrhs.org/research/crawford/
The Cleveland Botanical Garden:
http://www.cbgarden.org/
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park ( Brandywine Falls is a fav spot for many to visit)
https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/half-day-visit.htm

For places to eat:
Melt Bar and Grill: (bring your appetite)
http://meltbarandgrilled.com/
Fat Heads Brewery and Saloon (good food and sample their beers)
http://fatheadscleveland.com/

 

[Laz]

I grew up in Greater Cleveland and always thought the area has a fantastic park system. It use to be called the Emerald Necklace because it surrounded the city. Found memories of picnic lunches, hikes and Saturday afternoons waxing cars in the shade. Great sledding in the winter too!

 

[soccerdad72]

I guess it depends on what you're interested in - indoor or outdoor, excitement or laid back.

Most of what comes to mind to me has been mentioned so far, though.

 

[TifffanyD]

I grew up in Cleveland and just got back from a trip to Cleveland. I stayed at the Westin and really liked it. My room had a great view of the lake, rock and roll hall of fame, and the Browns stadium. As for things to do, you could go see a show at Playhouse Square, hang out at the restaurants on 4th street, check out the arcade, go to the casino, go to a baseball game, go to tower city, check out the nearby parks. There is a free trolley that goes around the downtown area but a lot of it is also walking distance. You could also visit Little Italy, museums, the flats, ohio city. There's just a lot to do there.

 

[TifffanyD]

This was my view from the Westin

 

[dizluvah]

We love to eat at Great Lakes Brewery when we visit relatives near Cleveland. I second the West End Market recommendation and baseball game at the Jake (Jacobs field) - which I think is renamed now to something else (progressive field)...always fun!

 

[indimom]

Thanks so much for the suggestions so far!!

Good point regarding the type of trip we had in mind...
I was thinking more laid back/romantic. Gardens, parks, museums, nice restaurants.
We'll be getting some excitement during our family vacation in June.

I appreciate all your tips and advice. You've given me a lot to consider and it's so nice to hear from locals who know some of the more unique options and ideas!

 

[soccerdad72]

I would look at one of the boutique or B&B type places near University Circle (Tudor Arms, Washington Park Bistro, Glidden House) and spend the weekend walking around the different museums and restaurants around Univ. Circle as well as Little Italy, which isn't too far away. You could always head into downtown from there as well - like others have said, the strip of restaurants on E. 4th street are excellent.

 

[RedAngie]

Cleveland Indians game last May on a Thursday afternoon. Not many people decided to play hooky from work or school that day.

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

Amish country is not far from Cleveland, and it is full of yummy restaurants. It is very relaxing there also.

 

[indimom]

Thanks everyone!!! Knew I could count on the Dis.

 

[ibelieveinmagic]

Slymans restaurant,best corned beef in Cleveland, Crop restaurant set in an old bank,beautful setting inside, Labatross french restaraunt, the harp Irish rest..,Stokolowskis, a great Polish restaurant open only on weekends for dinner,Cuyahoga Valley train ride with lunch stops

 

[ibelieveinmagic]

also a dinner cruise on the Nautica Queen or the good time 2, there may be some music festivals and fairs to visit at that time, mentor headlands park is a nice beach, stop in at scooters for the best hot dogs and fries you'll ever eat! I'ts very easy to miss, just a few blocks from the beach but you'll enjoy it!

 

[low-key]

I have nothing to add, everyone covered well, plus Im from Akron and most seem to know Cleve a little better then me, but wanted to add it makes me feel good when people want to see and spend a little bit of time in the Land

 

[pittypat]

Does your family watch "A Christmas Story" at holiday time? The Christmas Story house is in Cleveland.