What to do in Cleveland for a weekend?

Question

My boyfriend and I are thinking about going to Cleveland for a weekend and are looking for ideas of things to do. Any personal experience or websites would be helpful. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Cleveland is excellent for a weekend! You have a lot of options, and you can do A LOT of really cool things for not that much money. Personally, I think the not-to-miss places are the Warehouse District, West Side Market/ Ohio City neighborhood, University Circle, and Little Italy. I would also strongly recommend Lolley the Trolley tours. If you have time on the last day on your way out I also strongly recommend visitng Crocker Park in Westlake for fun shopping and dining. Here is a suggested itinerary I put together for a project I was working on:

Day 1 ~ Experience Downtown

Downtown Cleveland is one of the country’s top ten largest central business districts. Not only is it the region’s center of corporate, legal, banking, and government services it also happens to be the center of entertainment and nightlife. Downtown Cleveland’s attractions and quality of urban life has made it extremely attractive place to live in the past ten years and has the highest downtown residential growth rate in the Midwest.

Morning:
Start your day by visiting the city’s beautiful historic landmark tower, transit hub, and shopping center in the heart of downtown on Public Square known as Tower City Center (216-771-0033). Make your way down Euclid Avenue to the beautifully restored old Arcade Building (216-575-1234): a monument to the prosperity of Cleveland’s Gilded Age. At the intersection of E.6th and Superior you can find both the Cleveland Public Library (216-623-2999) - one of the finest and most progressive in the country - and the Federal Reserve Bank (216-579-2000) - one of thirteen federal district headquarters. On the north side of the Cleveland Public Library, the city’s Civic Center Mall stretches north toward the lake. The Cleveland’s Civic Center district is one of the country’s largest planned civic districts in the country. At the end of E.9th Street is downtown’s North Coast Harbor where visitors can experience the maritime museums like Steamship William G. Mather (216-574-6262) or the U.S.S. Cod World War II Submarine. North Coast Harbor is also home to two not-to-miss museums: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (216-781-7625) designed by I.M. Pei, and the Great Lakes Science Center (216-694-2000).

Afternoon:
You can find something to eat downtown at many fine restaurants, or numerous food courts for lunch. You can also break for lunch in the hip multicultural neighborhood of Ohio City just west of downtown across the river. Experience the bustle and people watching of the historic West Side Market (216-664-3387) for a bit of the old world and ethnic variety. On the same street as the market you will find cool neighborhood bars and restaurants ranging from contemporary to ethnic. Ohio City is also hope to the famous micro-brew Great Lakes Brewing Company (216-771-4404) brewery and restaurant.


Evening:

Option 1: Theatre District- Visit Cleveland’s world-renowned Playhouse Square Center (216-770-4444)- the second largest performing art center in the country- which consists of five opulent restored theatres, restaurants and hotels. Playhouse Square Center features Broadway shows and is also home to the Cleveland Opera, Ohio Ballet, Great Lakes Theater Festival, and touring theatre and comedy shows.

Option 2: Warehouse District- The Warehouse District is Cleveland’s first neighborhood and downtown’s oldest commercial center recently revitalized with trendy cosmopolitan residential, commercial, and entertainment oriented venues. Many of the venues offer sidewalk patios for excellent people watching. You’ll find outstanding restaurants that provide a range of foods from gourmet pizzas at the Metropolitan Café (216/241-1300) to continental cuisine at Johnny’s (216-623-0055), fresh seafood at Blue Point Grille (216-875-7827), and sushi at Sushi Rock (216-623-1212) just to name a few! After dinner try the nightlife at the dance club Velvet Dog (216/664-1116) or the wine bar D’Vine (216-241-8463).

Option 3: Gateway District -This district serves as a sports, dining and entertainment destination year-round. You can find sports action at Jacob’s Field (216-420-4493) ballpark and Q Arena (216-420-2472). Venues like Fat Fish Blue (216-875-6000) features live jazz and southern cuisne and the new House of Blues (216-861-3229) features an array of rock artists in an intimate space with bars and a restaurant. Pickwick & Frolic’s (216-241-7425) is a large complex including a cabaret theater, a comedy club, and a restaurant. The chic V Lounge (216-621-4678) and the jovial Flannery’s Irish Pub (216-781-7782) add to the array of entertainment opportunities.

Option 4: Flat’s Riverfront District - Along the banks at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River a thriving party scene has occurred for the past twenty-five years. At Nautica Entertainment Complex on the west bank you can tour the city on Lolly the Trolley Tours (216-771-4484), enjoy the Howl at the Moon (216-771-HOWL) piano bar, or dine and dance on the riverfront with excellent views of the city skyline at Shooters on the Water (216.771.4484).






Day 2 ~ Discover the Circle

University Circle is an extraordinary cultural, medical, and educational district – its concentration of institutions in one beautiful square mile surrounding a pristine park and lagoon is unsurpassed in the world. The Circle is a prime tourist destination, a renowned medical center, and an incomparable place of learning.

Day:
Take your pick from the Cleveland Museum of Art (216-421-7340), the new Glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Garden (216-707-2803), the HealthSpace Museum (216-231-6819), the Natural History Museum & Planetarium (216-231-4600), or the Western Reserve Historical Society (216-721-5722). Stop by the deconstructionist marvel The Peter B. Lewis Building designed by Frank Gehry. The museums are within walking distance from eachother, but a complimentary shuttle can also take you were you need to go within the Circle.

Afternoon:
Lunch options are available at most museums in University Circle, but you might be missing out if you didn’t head to Little Italy just a couple blocks over from the Circle along Mayfield and Murray Hill Roads. Cleveland’s Little Italy retains much of its old world charm, and continues to thrive with new art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. Guarino’s Restaurant (216-231-3100) has been serving traditional Italian food for over 80 years in the neighborhood.

Evening:

Option 1: Orchestra – The world renowned Cleveland Orchestra is certainly a must-see for music connoisseurs and anyone else who might appreciate the exquisite sound of the orchestra at the decadent Severance Hall. Try dining beforehand at the elegant restaurants in University Circle like the Brazilian-inspired Sergio’s (216-231-1234), the prestigious Classics Restaurant (216-707-4157), or the Severance Restaurant (216-231-7373) with fine dining and excellent views

Option 2: Coventry Village – Enjoy this funky neighborhood with bohemian roots for eclectic shopping and restaurants. Check out entertainment venues like Grog Shop (216-321-5588) featuring the indie-rock or Ground Floor Theater (216-255-6533) featuring stand-up and improve comedy.

Option 3: Cedar-Fairmount – This sophisticated Tudor-style commercial district of shops and restaurants serves as the gateway between University Circle and posh suburbs of Cleveland’s East Side. Experience the fine dining and traditional jazz at Nighttown (216-795-0550), or pub fare and billiards at Jillian’s Billiard Parlor & Café (216-397-0900).

Option 4: Shaker Square – Shaker Square was completed in 1929 as the nation’s second oldest planned shopping center. Fun shops and restaurants fill this beautiful Georgian-style square. In addition the Shaker Rapid Transit Line runs through the center of the square, which makes the square highly accessible from downtown Cleveland. The beautifully restored Art Deco Shaker Square Cinemas (440-564-2032) is the perfect place to see a Hollywood blockbuster or specialty film after dinner on the square.


Day 3 ~ Explore your Interests
For sensational side-treks during your visit to Greater Cleveland, there is an abundance of spectacular day trip destinations throughout the area.

Crocker Park - Only a fifteen minute drive west of downtown I-90 you can experience Cleveland's upper-westside shopping and entertainment hub. It is a new neighborhood with a mix of national and regional retailers and local boutiques strung along an attractive streetscape with restaurants and things to do. Here you will find shops such as Urban Outfitters, Indigo Nation, H&M, Trader Joe’s, Coach, Abercrombie, Hollister, J. Crew, and Banana Republic.

Akron/Canton - Load your camera to create lasting beautiful picturesque views of Stan Hywett Hall and Garden (330-315-3247), a 65-room manor and 70 acres of endless gardens. Learn everything you want to know about football at the world’s only Pro-Football Hall of Fame (330-456-8207)! The Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio, charts the complete history of the game from its start in 1892 through the present day! Spend the evening at the Carousel Dinner Theater (330-724-9855), North America’s largest indoor theater, and enjoy fine dining, while watching toe tapping Broadway musicals! Other options include exploring Lake Farmpark (440-256-2147) or some nearby wineries!

Amish County is located one hour south of Cleveland. Immerse yourself in the simple and uncomplicated way of the Amish in the world’s largest Amish settlements.

Chagrin Falls is located thirty minutes south east of Cleveland and located astride the scenic ‘High Falls’ of the Chagrin River. The village was first settled in the mid-19th century by New Englanders eager to exploit the commercial potential of the falls and river. Today, this historic village of 4,500 boasts a unique blend of 19th century charm and 20th century sophistication, making it a popular destination for visitors and area residents alike. Shop the eclectic mixture of antique, fashion, gift and bookstores and dine at any number of restaurants, from cozy to elegant.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (216-661-6500) is located ten minutes from downtown Cleveland. Numerous plants and species are represented in their natural habitats. The Zoo also features a large indoor rainforest.

Lake Erie Islands - Located an hour west of Cleveland you can find a bit of both laid-back relaxation and thrilling entertainment. The Lake Erie Islands region will offer you everything from major parks, including heritage and historical visits, fascinating wineries, covered bridges, boating, unique museums, golf, beaches and unlimited view of beautiful Lake Erie. Ride high in the sky at Cedar Point Amusement Park (419-627-2350), in 2005 Amusement Today voted Cedar Point "Best Amusement Park in the World" for eighth year in a row.

Ohio & Erie Canalway is a designated National Scenic Byway that runs through beautiful and historic Cuyahoga Valley. You can explore the Cuyahoga Valley by car, foot, train, or bicycle. Call Century Cycles for bicycle rental and more information on the tow-path trail at 216-766-5745.

Answer 2

Definitely check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--very cool place! Great Lakes Science Center is right next to it, and I think you can get a discounted price if you visit both. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is very nice, especially the rain forest.

One thing I didn't see mentioned yet is The Great Lakes Brewing Company! It's an amazing place to eat and you can even go on a tour. I'll include the link in my sources.

Have and safe and fun trip!

[Additional note--the mall that the Hard Rock Cafe is in is called Tower City. There's an ampitheatre across the street and a few other places for concerts (such as the new House of Blues, another place for dinner) so be sure to check out the concerts that are going on the weekend you'd be visiting. Depending on when you'll be in Cleveland, check out other sporting events--for the Indians or Cavs.]

Answer 3

I live just down the road from Cleveland, and have found this page to be very helpful. It lists alot of information such as prices, phone numbers and locations. The Cleveland Zoo is great, there are alot of exhibits and even a butterfly house. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center are right there next to each other, both are really fun places to visit. For a good "mall" there is Tower City and Hard Rock Cafe. Overall there is tons of stuff to do, it all really depends on the amount of money you have and the ages of the people you are with.

Have Fun!!

Answer 4

One of my favorite places in Cleveland is Little Italy, great food and great wine. The atmosphere is also very romantic and it's right in the heart of all the museums in Cleveland. The Rock Hall is great also. If you guys are looking to grab lunch somewhere, I recommend going to see The West Side Market in the Ohio City Neighborhood. It has great fresh food you can buy and also have cooked right on site for you. In the summer, across the street there is a little plaza where vendors have crafts and such and there is usually some kind of live entertainment. Best day to go is on Saturdays, it is busy, but has the best stuff to offer at the market. Any questions about these places, feel free to contact me. My boyfriend and I just spent a day in Cleveland a week ago and I showed him a lot of things he had never seen and he had a great time.

Answer 5

The Goodtime (I think they are on number 3 now) boat is a good way to see the city. If you are going July 4th weekend. Take the boat on the lake and watch the fireworks from the boat. In Bay Village, there is a nice beach (Huntington Beach), if you like that sort of thing. Also, an hour away is Cedar Point, the best amusement park I know. When I go back to Cleveland, I always take a day for that. E-mail me if you want more specifics or you have different interests at [e-mail].

Answer 6

Make it a point to see the Rock Hall, it's too incredible to pass up. I'd reccomend seeing an Indians game too because the Jake is absolutely the best stadium in baseball-and I'm not sayin' that because I'm a Clevelander! After the game, there's an Irish bar called Flannery's behind Quicken Loans Arena that's very cute. Or if you're into gettin' some grub fast-go to Cooperstown across from Jacobs Field.

Answer 7

the rock and roll museum is fun, if you are into football try the pro football hall of fame about an hour south of here, also the Good Time takes you on a tour through the waters of cleveland and serves dinner as well and sometimes dancing

Answer 8

The rock and roll hall of fame is nice, house of blues, tower city is cool to if you like to shop. The flats are happening at night shooters, tramp, traffic etc....I think the website is clevelandrocks.com or try the fox 8 news website for cleveland lots of good links,.

Answer 9

the rock and roll hall of fame, hard rock cafe, cleveland zoo, cedar point, there's a cool mall out there (I can't remember the name but it's where the hard rock cafe is), put in bay...if you're willing to travel out a bit further east, try Geneva on the lake; it's a boardwalk-kind of thing

Answer 10

Go 2 the b-ball game and see the Indians play, Rock hall of fame there r some bars u can go 2.

Answer 11

If you like baseball, Jacobs field is very nice. Also, cannot miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.