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Fact: Cleveland rocks. It’s true, and it’s why they built the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum here on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. The city that gave us Arsenio Hall, Drew Carey, and Superman has a grand tradition of theater, music, folk festivals, and culture. Here’s our guide to help you make the most of your time here. Fun FactsCleveland’s elevation ranges from 600 to 1,100 feet above sea level.
The average winter temperature in Cleveland is 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Annual rainfall in Cleveland is 37 inches. | Your Itinerary If You Have Two Hours
Tool around town, seven days a week, in a bright red reconditioned trolley car when you book a ride on Lolly. The narrated sightseeing trips hosted by Trolley Tours of Cleveland cover 20 miles in 120 minute, swinging past the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the West Side Market, and Severance Hall, (pictured above) through the industrial landscape of the Flats, and along the shores of Lake Erie. 216.771.4484, lollytrolley.com
If You Have 2 Days
The wooded, countryside setting of Chardon’s Bass Lake Taverne and Inn, offers a great little getaway. Have steaks, seafood or wild game for dinner in the main dining room of the restaurant, housed in a building that dates back to 1832, or out in the tree-shaded courtyard. No driving after drinking because you’re staying next door where you can finish up the night with a soak in your jacuzzi tub. The next day laze around on the deck or pull out your putter for a round at Chardon Lakes Golf Course, 18 holes located just outside your window. 440.285.3100, basslaketaverne.com
If You Have a Long Weekend
Got three nights? Then you can go out on the town three different ways. For elegance, live jazz, and classic cocktails made with only the finest, from-scratch ingredients, there’s the Velvet Tango Room in Ohio City. Conde Nast Traveler included it on their latest list of hot clubs. 216.241.8869, velvettangoroom.com. Play’s the thing at Corner Alley, a hip, stylish downtown destination for bowlers. The only place in Cleveland with 6 lanes and a martini bar. 216.298.4070, thecorneralley.com. Trade in balls for bottles at D’Vine Wine Bar in the Warehouse District. The menu features 60 wines by the glass, 16 flights, more than a hundred bottles, and a tapas menu available until late. 216.241.8463, dvinewinebar.com | Convention & Visitor's BureauPositively Cleveland and Visitor Information Center
Higbee Building
100 Public Square
Suite 100
Cleveland, OH 44113
800.321.1004
positivelycleveland.com
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Local FlavorNuevo Latino and traditional South American food, cool tropical cocktails, and slick, sexy decor make Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar a popular night spot. This newish suburban restaurant in the Eton Collection, an upscale eastside shopping mall, has live music out on the patio on Thursdays and dishes up spicy Spanish-speaking barbecue for dinner Sundays and Mondays. 20601 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere, 216.896.9020, paladarlatinkitchen.com
Knotty pine paneling and a casual, cozy feel are the only visible reminders that Grovewood Tavern was a shot and a beer joint nine years ago. Located in an old working class Cleveland neighborhood, this has become an off-the-beaten path destination for in-the-know diners and drinkers. The wine and boutique beer list are superb and the food is fun and creative- deconstructed smoked Gouda grilled cheese with fire roasted tomatoes, cornmeal crusted oysters, and zinfindel short ribs. 17105 Grovewood Ave., 216.531.4900, grovewoodtavern.com
Sans Souci is a beautiful restaurant in the historic Renaissance Hotel downtown that’s been around since 1992. The house bouillabaisse is near legendary. It’s still served along with other French and Italian dishes that have their own fan club. But a new chef is adding more culinary diversity to the Mediterranean menu with exciting preparations from Spain and Morocco. 24 Public Square, 216-902-4095, sanssoucicleveland.com
— Laura Taxel
Photographs: Roger Mastroianni (Severance Hall); istockphoto (Cleveland bridge) |
