12 minute read
Cities Within The City
Lake Erie Shores and Islands, Marblehead Lighthouse leveland is filled with dozens of distinct C neighborhoods and each one has it’s own unique character and charm. Most of the ethnic backgrounds are still intact and celebrated with food, various events and activities throughout the year.
Several historic neighborhoods are perfect for spending an afternoon or evening visiting various boutiques and restaurants, learning the history and importance of the area to the city of Cleveland.
Cleveland’s diverse ethnic backgrounds are well preserved in neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Asiatown, Fairfax and Westtown. Lakewood serves as Cleveland’s “Gold Coast”, Ohio City is fast becoming a center of activity for dining and nightclubs and Tremont is also now home to many restaurants owned and operated by renowned chefs along its main streets.
University Circle is the city’s cultural center as it is home to the Cleveland Symphony, Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland Art Museum and Museum of Natural History. Shaker Square offers some very interesting shops, bookstore, coffee shops and antiques in an historic and relaxing neighborhood.
The eastern neighborhoods of Beachwood and Woodmere feature upscale shopping and dining in a very contemporary setting. Just west of downtown, Detroit Shoreway is home to a rapidly growing arts district and becoming a choice of residence for many.
Lake Erie Shores & Islands is only a few minutes from downtown and offers several complete get-away opportunities with fun of every kind for every member of the family and every possible interest. They even have fun things to do in the winter! Put-In-Bay is another destination nearby that offers additional ways to have fun in the Cleveland outdoors!
Each of these neighborhoods come together to make Cleveland the great city it has always been. Take some time and get to know a few of them while you’re here.
Representing Peace
Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay is the most popular island among the many in Lake Erie and is located on South Bass Island in the western basin of Lake Erie, approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland and 45 miles east of Toledo. There is no bridge between the mainland and the islands. Visitors and locals alike access the island by ferry, aircraft, or private watercraft. That’s why they say getting there is half the fun! Passenger Ferry service is provided by Jet Express from downtown Port Clinton. The Miller Boatline provides service for passengers and vehicles from the tip of Catawba Island. There is no doubt that Put-In-Bay is one of the most unique places you will ever visit. The tiny two by four mile island is dotted with historic homes, the nation’s third tallest monument, quaint restaurants and local pubs. Beautiful water surrounds Put-In-Bay where you will find the best walleye and perch fishing in the United States. The tourist season typically runs roughly from April to October with July being the busiest time of the year. This island retreat is home to exceptional shopping, boating, perch and walleye fishing & awesome restaurants.
At the center of it all is the historic Park Hotel and Round House Bar. Spend the day, spend the night, or both. Once you get there you’ll find it hard to leave!
lovinputinbay.com
Best Summer Spot in Cleveland
Food, Drinks & Free Live Entertainment
facebook.com/WhiskeyIslandStillandEatery
Cleveland Neighborhoods
Beachwood/Woodmere
The villages of Beachwood and Woodmere are affluent suburbs located adjacent to one another approximately 15 minutes east of downtown Cleveland. Beachwood is situated to the west of Interstate 271 along Chagrin Blvd. and features many dining and shopping destinations, hotels and an indoor mall. The headquarters of a few major corporations can also be found here.
The Village of Woodmere is located on the east side of Interstate 271 along Chagrin Blvd. and is home to several upscale shopping and dining destinations, including ETON Chagrin Blvd.
These two areas have much to offer those looking for an exciting dose of retail therapy! woodmerevillage.com, cleveland.com/beachwood
Lakewood
Located along the shore of Lake Erie, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland, Lakewood is instantly recognizable by its beautiful tree lined streets. As home to the Beck Center for the Arts and Lakewood Civic Auditorium, Lakewood is another hub of cultural activity. Great shopping and dining options are another highlight of this wonderful suburb. The Rocky River Reservation is located nearby and is one of the many highlights of Cleveland Metroparks system. This reservation includes the first parcels of land for Cleveland Metroparks and its character is strongly influenced by the Rocky River. onelakewood.com, clevelandmetroparks.com
University Circle
Located just four miles from downtown, on the east side of Cleveland, University Circle is also known simply as “the Circle” by locals and is home to the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, MOCA and Lakeview Cemetery. Comprising around 550 acres, the area is an important part of the city’s economic sector and provides more than 30,000 jobs in a variety of fields. In addition to a steady stream of art exhibits, the Circle also hosts the Annual Western Reserve Society Herb Fair each October, which has been taking place for nearly 70 years, as well as the Hessler Street Fair, which is held in late May each year. Wade Oval is University Circle’s year round outdoor venue that features live concerts, movie nights, autumn scarecrows and the Rink at Wade Oval during winter months. universitycircle.org
Westlake
Located just 12 miles west of downtown Cleveland the affluent suburb of Westlake is a well rounded city offering upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. It is home to Crocker Park, a mixed use retail and residential community featuring some of the best available retail stores and restaurants. Lakewood Country Club, one of Ohio’s highest rated and most popular golf courses can be found in Westlake as well.
This is a very relaxed community and a great place to spend part of your Cleveland visit! cityofwestlake.org
Shaker Square
The 2021 Cleveland Garlic Festival will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2021 from Noon to 8pm, and Sunday, August 29, 2021 from Noon to 6pm. photo courtesy garlicfestival.org
The Shaker Square neighborhood, which bridges the City of Shaker Heights and the eastern end of Cleveland, is distinguished by its shopping, housing options, architecture, dining establishments and civic pride. The Square is minutes away from the arts and culture hub of Cleveland in University Circle as well as hotels in Beachwood and downtown Cleveland. A trip to Shaker Square is an easy drive from any area hotel.
Shaker Square is home to restaurants of all varieties, a coffee shop, Cleveland’s only east side movie theatre, and lovely public spaces. From the remarkable energy generated by the thousands of Farmers Market shoppers who visit Shaker Square every Saturday morning to a family enjoying coffee, popcorn, and ice cream at Dewey’s, the Square has always been the place where you’re likely to see a neighbor or make a new friend.
There are a variety of special events that are hosted at the Square throughout the year. The Shaker Square Farmers Market every Saturday [outdoor in the summer and indoor in the winter], the Shaker Square Jazz Concert Series on Saturday evenings throughout the summer, the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, and the Garlic Festival every September. At Shaker Square, the history of Cleveland comes alive alongside modern amenities, dining and shopping that will ensure a return visit on your next trip to Cleveland.
Shaker Square is home to two exceptional and highly regarded restaurants. Both have been recognized local and internationally and are also an integral part of Cleveland’s foodie scene.
For more information visit visitshakersquare.com
B A L A T O N
Authentic Hungarian Cuisine in Shaker Sqaure
13133 Shaker Square Cleveland, OH-44120 Reservations: 216-921-9691 balaton-restaurant.com
Balaton
Balaton is a family owned Hungarian style restaurant. Visitors from all over the world make a stop here an essential part of their visit to Cleveland. The owners, George and Kristina Ponti, are third generation owners and committed to keeping the restaurant authentic and the service outstanding.
Balaton Restaurant is most famous for it’s superb Wiener Schnitzel and a variance of that, the Chicken Schnitzel but the menu is full of Hungarian specialties that have kept customers coming back for 42 years! For wine lovers, they offer good wine from the gentle hills of Lake Balaton region. They also have several choices from the Northern regions of Hungary as well as a selection of California wine and International beer.
Balaton has been awarded by both reader choice polls as well as many accredited food writers for publications including: Cleveland Magazine, Northern Ohio Live Magazine, Ohio Magazine, Buon Appetit, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Scene, Free Times, Connections, Shaker Magazine and more.
Balaton is open 5 days a week being closed Monday and Tuesday. Be sure to sign their register and record you visit as the owners are very interested in where you are from.
Buon Giorno from Little Italy Wines
We carry fine wines, brews, cheese and gifts specializing in Italian Wines Wine Tasting nearly every Saturday Evening
Special Orders Welcome, Custom Gift Baskets
Mention this Ad for 20% Discount on Non-Alcoholic Gifts
Sartori Cheese 12414 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland, OH (216) 231-9463 Located in Historic Little Italy
Explore Little Italy
In the mid-1800’s, Italian sculpture Joseph Carrabelli began his famous granite and marble works at the top of the “hill” on Mayfield Rd.
The area between the railroad and the top of the “hill” became home to Carrabelli and the many Italian families that came to Cleveland to work, and Little Italy was born.
Today the traditions hold strong with the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of artistry that Joseph Carrabelli began more than 130 years ago.
Currently, more than 20 galleries, 15 restaurants, many professionalservice businesses, two schools and Holy Rosary Church thrive in this village. Known for its Art Galleries and the finest Italian cuisine, Little Italy is host to the City’s famous Art Walks, The Feast of the Assumption, the Columbus Day Parade, Taste of Little Italy, Bocce Tournament and incredible Alfresco Summer Nights!
Historic Little Italy in Cleveland, Ohio is located adjacent to the city’s cultural district, University Circle. Case Western Reserve University, museums, their world famous symphony, and botanical garden are within walking distance to Little Italy.
We are a quaint Italian restaurant located in the heart of little Italy, where our guests dine like family.
An overall outstanding dining experience!
Valerio’sValerio’s
RISTORANTE
12405 Mayfield Road • Cleveland, OH 44106 (216)421-8049 • Open 7 Days a Week! www.valeriosristorante.com
Check In at The Flats
The area near downtown better known as “The Flats” has been an integral part of the city’s history since its very beginning and continues to be a nerve center of activity and development today.
In 1796, the city’s founder, Moses Cleaveland and his survey party landed on this area that borders both sides of the Cuyahoga River at the Lake Erie shore front on the north side of downtown. The Flats was home to Cleveland’s industrial district and steel mills that located there to capitalize on the Great Lakes shipping routes until the 1970’s.
With the demise of the steel industry, many of the abandoned warehouses were renovated and The Flats became a hub of nightclubs and various entertainment destinations in the 1980’s and 1990’s. At its peak in the early 1990’s, The Flats were home to the highest concentration of bars in the Midwest.
After a period of quiet since the mid 90’s the Flats is now being redeveloped and features some of downtown Cleveland’s most exciting entertainment options.
Flats East Bank
The Flats is divided into two distinctive areas occupying both sides of the Cuyahoga River: The East and West Banks. The East Bank is closest to downtown and is quickly becoming a business and lifestyle landmark. Located between the western edge of the Warehouse District along W. 10th St and the Cuyahoga River the Flats East Bank features new hotels, several restaurants, residential living and a 1,000-foot long boardwalk along the banks of the Cuyahoga River.
Exciting destinations such as The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar have recently chosen to locate in this neighborhood. The restaurants and entertainment facilities here in this area are upscale, modern and offer the local flavors and personality of Cleveland’s nationally recognized and rapidly growing foodie scene.
Rivergate Park was developed by the Cleveland Rowing Foundation to accommodate canoeing, kayaking and dragon boating and also calls the Flats East Bank home. This fabulous park provides an excellent opportunity to experience great views of the city while relaxing in one of the city’s most historic areas.
The Crooked River Skate Park is located in Rivergate Park as well. This state of the art course is open year round and in all types of weather. Experienced skateboarders claim the weather variations make the course even more fun!
For more information on the Flats East Bank please visit:
flatseastbank.com
Flats West Bank
The West Bank has been established a bit longer then the East bank and is home to several businesses that have been located there for many years. The Nautica Entertainment Complex, Jacobs Pavilion, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and the Nautica Queen cruise ship have all called the West Bank home for some time.
The FirstEnergy Powerhouse, a former power station located between the Jacobs Pavilion and the Nautica Queen base, has been transformed to host a few major local attractions and restaurants. It is home to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, the Nautica Café, and Windows on the River and all together these three destinations provide a fun family adventure in one location. This area has recently been named the Nautica Entertainment District.
There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs located here that offer many excellent entertainment and dining options. Many of the best and most memorable skyline shots of downtown Cleveland have been taken from the West Bank. For more information on the Flats West Bank please visit: thisiscleveland.com
