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View of the city from
the Great Lakes Science Center |
Cleveland has been lauded for its low cost of living and high culture quotient, so it's no wonder this city by the lake offers the perfect spot for a quick weekend trip. The north coast—so named because of Cleveland's proximity to beautiful Lake Erie—offers Midwest charm and affordability with a taste of big-city, East Coast culture. The city once thrived on steel, shipping and other heavy industry. Today, as Cleveland strives to find its place in the newest century, it draws on its deeply cultural, artistic and philanthropic roots. The city was built on a variety of ethnic influences, many of which are still in evidence in Cleveland's social culture, cuisine and neighborhood flavor. The city's outlying suburbs have turned into vibrant shopping capitals, offering many national and local specialty stores in which to window-shop and bargain hunt.
Cleveland is still most easily navigated by car, but the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit authority offers plenty of buses and a light-rail system that will get you to some of the mo re popular attractions (most notably, from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown and points east and west). Cabs are available outside most downtown hotels and nightspots, primarily on the weekends; but renting a car is the easiest way to enjoy all that Greater Cleveland has to offer. Currently, work on the city's Euclid Corridor project—dedicated bus lanes on both east- and west-bound sides of the long-neglected artery between University Circle and downtown—is progressing, but the line is not fully operational. When the project is completed (expected completion is late 2008), passengers will enjoy improved and speedier transport between East Cleveland and the city center via diesel-electric bus. During construction, regular bus operations may be disrupted, so check with the RTA at www.gcrta.com when planning a trip route.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland |
Acquaint yourself with Cleveland's downtown by making your base of operations at one of the city center's hotels, many of which are clustered around downtown attractions and tourist districts. Both The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland and the Renaissance Hotel are connected to the Tower City shopping and restaurant complex, which also includes a movie theater, convenience amenities (newsstand, food court and sundries shops) and a terminal for the Rapid, Cleveland's light-rail system. Other high-end hotels in the area include the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade, a National Historic Landmark located in the Gateway District; the Wyndham Cleveland at Playhouse Square; and the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center. Each has its benefits in terms of proximity—theater buffs will want to lodge at the Wyndham and arrange a tour of Playhouse Square's historic theaters for instance—but downtown Cleveland is easily navigated on foot or by car or bus.
For travelers keeping an eye on their lodging budget, Cleveland's downtown area offers many popular national hotel chains, including the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, both of which are located at the busy intersection of Cleveland's theater and Gateway districts for excellent access to many attractions. The Holiday Inn Express in particular offers oversized rooms, some with striking views down historic Euclid Avenue. The Holiday Inn Select City Center Lakeshore is also a reliable bet and is close to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Further from downtown, the Brownstone Inn offers a bed and breakfast experience close to the city center. Built in 1874, this four-story townhouse is five minutes from downtown attractions and is known to host visiting celebrities on a regular basis. The Glendennis Bed and Breakfast on the other hand, offers accommodations in private home, circa 1862, just west of downtown and close to many noted restaurants, including chef-owner Matthew Mathlage's Light Bistro, which serves modern American cuisine with an edgy twist.
DAY 1
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at La Brasserie in the Renaissance Hotel, or, if you're eager to start your day, make a quick stop at Au Bon Pain (600 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH, 216-771-1782). Mornings—especially when the weather is fair—make a great time to stroll north on East Ninth Street and take in the lake vista from Voinovich Park. On your way there, stop and see Claes Oldenburg's "Free Stamp" in Willard Park at the corner of East Ninth and Lakeside Avenue. As iconic as Philadelphia's "Love"sculpture, the stamp makes an excellent photo opportunity. Continue west along Lakeside Avenue to view Cleveland's neoclassical civic buildings, open pedestrian malls and outdoor sculpture and fountains.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum |
Sports fans should plan on scoring tickets to one of Cleveland's three professional sports teams. All of Cleveland's sports venues are within walking distance from Tower City or from hotels located in the historic Gateway District. Whether it's baseball at Jacobs Field with the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers basketball at Quicken Loans Arena or football at Cleveland Browns Stadium, visitors will find facilities nearly unequaled in any city in the country. Easy to access, spectator-friendly and rich with tradition, each of Cleveland's major sports venues are a vital part of any quick trip to the city. Celebrate a victory—or drown sorrows—at Flannery’s Irish Pub on Prospect Ave, the bar that famously offered to buy basketball superstar LeBron James his first pint on the occasion of his 21st birthday.
Once you've experienced the sporting life, turn to one of downtown Cleveland's fine-dining destinations to soothe and fortify you for another full day. If you choose to stay at The Ritz—arguably Cleveland's best hotel—you'll enjoy the hotel chain's legendary hospitality and first-class extras like a fitness center, sauna and elegant l obby l ounge. Luckily, anyone can make plans to visit Muse, the hotel's small-plates restaurant. With an emphasis on local ingredients and a menu geared toward experimentation, Muse encourages a sense of culinary play. At the Renaissance, enjoy a cocktail at the Lobby Court bar, or indulge your palate at Sans Souci, a Mediterranean restaurant lauded for its top-notch service, decadent cuisine and romantic atmosphere.
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Free Stamp sculpture |
Downtown is a destination for foodies, especially with the long-awaited opening of Michael Symon's Lola. This popular young chef's eclectic, comfort food-influenced cuisine is feeding reservation-only crowds at this hotspot, located in the East Fourth Street entertainment district. Flanked by restaurant, comedy club and cabaret Pickwick & Frolic and the internationally known House of Blues, Lola is the hip and happening focal point of this fun and vibrant street. Other attractions on this lively little street abound: enjoy Mexican cuisine and an extensive tequila bar at Zocalo, or drop in for jazz and eclectic cuisine at Wonder Bar. Not your cup of tea? Bowl a few frames at the Corner Alley Bar & Grill on Euclid Avenue.
Continue to Day 2 |
