Cleveland
Photography
Food
Excursions
Transportation
Do you think you’re tough? Think again, because odds are you are probably not as tough as the folks that live in Cleveland, Ohio. This stout urban metropolis has found a way to plant itself like a massive boulder on the gusty banks of Lake Erie. Its deep ties to the steel industry boosted its economy at the beginning of the 20th century. This attracted flocks of immigrants from all stretches of the globe, each one with the dream of making it from rags to riches. Although this was a vital part of the history that shaped Cleveland, it is still a vital aspect of the culture today. One thing is for sure, the locals that live in this city are built on steel, rock and roll, and sports.
Photography
Cleveland Museum of Art
(41.509258, -81.612049)
The Cleveland Museum of Art was founded in 1913, at the height of the city’s industrialization. The magnificent building was crafted with massive stone pillars and blocks. It makes for a great esthetic backdrop. However, the real treasure trove resides in the stunning views put off by the lake that harbors the museum. On a clear summer evening this magical spot transforms into a canvas of fine architect and color.
Prayers for Maria
(41.466914, -82.000689)
This spot consists of so much more than just physical beauty. It is the legacy of an incredible little girl named Maria. It was started as a children’s fundraiser by the McNamara family who tragically lost their daughter at age 7. Its bright yellow flowers burst onto the scene like little balls of joy. The colors here are enough to liven up anyone’s insta feed, but more importantly you have the opportunity to help in the fight against cancer.
Squires Castle
(41.580185, -81.419260)
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to be a dazzling knight, or radiant princess. If you have, then Squires Castle is the place where fantasy meets reality. This medieval looking structure was constructed by local oil executive, Feargus Squire. Its bold cobblestone structure can be clearly recognized amongst the fields of green where it sits. The unique angles and large windows make the lighting here perfect for a photo shoot that takes you back in time.
Cleveland Arcade
(41.500181, -81.690284)
The Cleveland Arcade is one of those magical places that fills you with nostalgia and brings back all the great memories of the past. It was erected in 1890 as a way to collect a passive income from the families of the local steel mills. Since then, it has been renovated into a shopping center, and is believed to be one of the earliest indoor shopping malls. The whole building is illuminated by a 300 foot skylight that spans the length of the ceiling. Its Victorian era design is the perfect spot to do your Christmas shopping and snap a unique pic in the process.
Food
The Melt
Now just imagine for a moment, a world where everything was covered in oooey goooeey cheese. I don’t know about you but that would be our paradise. The Melt is a small piece of the fantasy come to life. This is a classic bar and grill with a unique twist. All of the food they make is stuck in-between two slices of buttery toasted bread and covered in melty creamy cheese. Simply put, they make the world’s best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Since beginning in 2006, this unknown startup bar and grill has become quite mainstream and attracted a lot of attention on the way. They have even been featured on a couple national tv shows like Man vs. Food, and Drive-Ins and Dives. So what is our favorite meal? For sure the Mighty Macaroni, which is mouthwatering. But don’t take our word for it. They have a little bit of something for everyone here.
Transportation
Walking, biking, renting a car, or taking a bus are all conventional ways to get around city. Cleveland however is not a conventional city. Sure, you could use all these ways to move about, but wouldn’t you rather do something a little more exciting? A little more daring? We thought you might… That’s why we concluded the best way to get around the downtown area is by boat. A kayak to be more specific.
Now we know what you might be thinking. Why take a boat when you can just get uber? Here is a list of just some of the few reasons we like to use this alternative form of transportation.
1.) It’s awesome seeing the city from the perspective of the water.
2.) No paying for parking.
3.) Easy access to waterside bars and restaurants.
4.) No stopping at one of the billion traffic lights downtown.
5.) Waiting in traffic is nonexistent.
6.) Once in a lifetime experience.
7.) If you get hot, just take a dip.
8.) You can discover new spots. (Hidden Beaches)
9.) Get your tan on.
10.) Fish are friendlier than people.
Although you probably could kayak in the middle of winter, we would highly suggest not to do this as you may get frost bite and die. So where are the best places to go and rent a yak? The following are our two favorite rental spots based on affordability, convenience, and location: Great Lakes Watersports and 41 North Kayak Adventures.
Excursions
West Side Market
(41.484603, -81.703053)
If there is one thing that every visitor remembers from Cleveland it is the West Side Market. It is an explosion of different foods, cultures, people, and recipes. It is one of the few places in this world where you can buy a fresh pigs head and gourmet cupcake across the aisle from each other. With so many different vendors you are bound to find something you like. One of our all-time favorites is the lady locks that are the size of a ruler. There is something here for everyone, so make sure you come hungry.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
(41.508559, -81.695330)
Maybe you’re an old rock fan reliving the glory days of the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Maybe you’re a young rock fan and love to hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers shred the guitar. Or maybe you’re a new rock fan because you just listened to Sweet Sweet Victory played at the bubble bowl for the first time. The point is Rock & Roll is in all of us in one way or another. Visiting the Hall of Fame is a way to harness that nostalgia and visit some of the men and women that molded and shaped our culture to what it is today.
Metroparks
(41.389782, -81.689769)
The metroparks are a world outside of the world. They are a place where you can stop for a minute, take a deep breath in, and just enjoy nature for what it has to offer. Its lush green trails can keep you walking for hours while constantly seeing new things. Sometimes you will find yourself walking down to a little hidden beach where the warm air just wraps you up like a blanket. It’s a place to escape the constant hustle and bustle of city life. These parks will forever be on our favorite things to visit because no matter where you look you will be reminded of just how beautiful the world really is.
Progressive Field
(41.495988, -81.685305)
Baseball will forever be the great game of America’s past time. But for the fans that live in Cleveland, sports are more than just a game. They are a way of life. Since the team started in 1915, they have drawn in millions of spectators over the past century, and after going to game it is easy to see why. It’s the roar of the crowds, the beating drum coming from centerfield, or a ballpark dog that you just can’t get anywhere else. If you want the perfect way to enjoy a warm afternoon, grab your buddies, a couple beers and head down to Progressive Field.