TOP 10 REASONS TO VISIT CLEVELAND

10 REASONS TO VISIT CLEVELAND

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MUSIC REVOLUTION

CULTURAL HUB

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

By Ilona Westfall

Did you even visit Cleveland if you didn’t go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? We think not. Check out a live show or explore the museum’s interactive exhibits tracing rock history via a scavenger hunt that has groups compete to find artifacts like music equipment and tour outfits. If rock isn’t your jam, you’re in luck—Cleveland is also home to one of the best orchestras on the planet: The Cleveland Orchestra. (We’re not joking — they really are that good.) Catch a concert at the historic Severance Music Center or during the Blossom Music Festival, a summer series of outdoor concerts complete with group picnic areas and occasional post-show fireworks. For a slightly more intimate experience, head to Music Box Supper Club for live music with a side of foodiefriendly Americana fare. This inviting spot boasts great views of the Cuyahoga River, two stages and group tour packages that pair dinner with live music and a tour of a local hotspot (such as the nearby Greater Cleveland Aquarium).

Welcome to University Circle, aka the “Best Arts District in the Country.” (Just ask USA Today, which crowned the square-mile enclave on Cleveland’s east side with the title in its 2021 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards). Start your cultural exploration at the Cleveland Museum of Art, which offers free admission to its main galleries and recently unveiled four original Van Gogh creations in tandem with the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit (on display at Lighthouse Art Space in St. Clair-Superior through February 6). Just across Wade Oval at the fossil-fueled Cleveland Museum of Natural History, your group can score discounted rates and docent-led private tours at this dinophile’s delight. For a deep-dive into Cleveland’s legends and lore, get your motor running at Cleveland History Center—where visitors can take a spin on the storied Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel and peek inside classic cars at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. Visiting during chilly weather? A fragrant escape to the tropics is just a jaunt

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By Tricia L. Chaves

away at Cleveland Botanical Garden. For special celebrations, moCa offers a curated selection of the city’s best caterers and the ability to host “par-tinis” for groups of 50 or less amid avantgarde contemporary art.

3

LIVE THEATER

By Leslie Basalla-McCafferty

Spanning seven spectacular theaters, there’s plenty to be dazzled by in Playhouse Square. Visitors can catch the hottest touring shows via the KeyBank Broadway series (with special rates available for groups of 10+), or just gawk at the district’s centerpiece— the world’s largest outdoor chandelier. (Take that, Times Square!) Inside Playhouse Square’s gorgeous Allen Theatre, the city’s original professional theatre company, Cleveland Play House, does its thing (and has been since 1915). Whether debuting new work or revisiting an old favorite, its bold performances never fail to thrill, as evidenced by the company’s 2015 Tony Award for Regional Theatre. Also staged inside the Allen Theatre, Great Lakes Theater’s shows are pure poetry. The company is deeply devoted to Shakespeare, but also sprinkles in more recent classics (including a definitive “A Christmas Carol”). Check out the company’s 2021-22 season to see why this theatre is anything but “Much Ado About Nothing.” As the country’s oldest Black performing arts center (boasting alumni including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston), Karamu House is regarded as a national treasure, but this performing arts hub refuses to rest on its laurels. Karamu strives to be the “joyful gathering place” its name translates to from Swahili—bringing together diverse audiences for dynamic performances and other events elevating arts and culture.

Ready to be blinded with science? Cleveland is the land of not-so-hidden STEM gems. See for yourself with an immersive guided tour of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. School and youth groups can take advantage of discounted rates and packages, while groups of up to six can zip around on a 60-minute golf cart cruise or get up-close with the animals on a 90-minute “Inside Tracks” tour.

Although the zoo boasts its fair share of waterdwelling friends, you can also find the real deal at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on the Flats West Bank. This subterranean aquarium offers both inperson and virtual tour offerings through its eight awe-inspiring galleries showcasing 2,700+ aquatic animals. (And did we mention the 230,000-gallon Shark Gallery & SeaTube?) For hands-on STEM fun, head for the Great Lakes Science Center, where aspiring space explorers can nerd out at the NASA Glenn Visitors Center featuring a real-life Apollo Command Module. (Packages are currently available for groups of 10-25 people.) Nautical types will want to head outside to explore the William G. Mather Steamship, a 618-foot historic flagship that invites imagination about what it was like to work on a Great Lakes freighter in the early 1900s.

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BECAUSE, SCIENCE

By Dairian Heard

5

SPORTSTOWN

By Kevin Carpenter

No city loves its sports teams quite like Cleveland—and, no matter the season, fans always have something to shout about. Whether it’s the Cleveland Browns celebrating in front of the Dawg Pound at FirstEnergy Stadium, our very own boys of summer—the Cleveland Guardians—reaching fever pitch at Progressive Field, or the up-and-coming Cleveland Cavaliers building toward another championship at the transformed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, there’s no better place to catch a game than our downtown sports palaces. Honestly, a visit to CLE is like hitting the pro sports trifecta. And the attractions go beyond live sports, too: Discover the hidden history of the National Pastime inside the Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park. A grand slam choice for any field trip or group tour, this museum shines a light on baseball’s multicultural roots with exhibits showcasing the proud legacy of the Negro and women’s leagues, among others.

Cleveland Browns Football

Down the road in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is on every fan’s bucket list. Don’t miss the immersive “A Game for Life” holographic theater experience, the historic Bronzed Bust Gallery or the chance to snag an Insta-worthy selfie next to the Lombardi Trophy. The HOF offers special rates and a store discount for groups of 20 or more.

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NORTH COAST CITY

By Roxanne Ocasio-Levine Ask anyone on the East or West coasts what comes to mind when they think of Ohio, and they’re likely to mention flat, rural farmland. But anyone who’s been here knows that Ohio is so much more than a flyover state—and that Northeast Ohio borders Lake Erie and boasts an array of aquatic activities for both solo travelers and groups. Case in point: Edgewater Park, one of the crown jewels on Lake Erie. This lakefront destination offers summer concerts, a fishing pier, a Beach House and one of the iconic Cleveland script signs (perfect for group photo opps). The Whiskey Island Trail connects Edgewater to Wendy Park, another gem with something for everyone. Think volleyball courts, a fishing pier, paddlesports and even a picnic area for rent.

Edgewater Park

Need a classy night out? Board the Goodtime III or the Nautica Queen, both offering luxury dining cruises on Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River with delicious views of Downtown Cleveland.

7FUN ZONES By Mary Mihaly

Ramp up the fun factor with a high-energy outing to one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite fun zones. Over in Sandusky, Cedar Point reigns as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” with 17 killer coasters; customize your group outing to this beloved amusement park with all-day rides, caricatures by on-site artists and henna tattoos. In May, student groups can plug into themed “Education Days” dedicated to physics, science and math; engineering; and behind-the-scenes Amusement Park 101.

Closer to Cleveland, Swings-N-Things in Olmsted Falls can accommodate groups of 10 to 2,000 people. Looking for teambuilding? Let SNT’s experts design your day around batting cages, Go-Karts, bumper boats and miniature golf. And for a bowling experience that would make the Big Lebowski jealous, rent a private room at the 16-lane Corner Alley in the heart of Downtown Cleveland—basically what every bowling alley and sports bar wants to be when it grows up.

Corner Alley

8

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

By Rebecca Ferlotti

Here in Cleveland, we’ve got culinary artists who earned their chops in local restaurants long before receiving James Beard awards and Iron Chef titles. They represent a city teeming with culinary culture —where we put beef cheek in our pierogi, beer in our donuts and our own soulful spin on local comfort food.

See chefs in action crafting Terminal Tower-sized sandwiches at Melt Bar & Grilled and Slymon’s Deli, or take your crew over to Coventry to taste-test Tommy’s vegetarian fare and famous milkshakes. Speaking of sweets, the sweet-toothed can explore b.a. Sweetie Candy Co.’s sprawling candy warehouse and soda shoppe over in Brooklyn. It’s a real-life Candyland with over 5,000 types of candies for sale. Sworn foodies will find a craft food and drink smorgasbord in Ohio City, thanks to an array of breweries and the famed West Side Market. Groups can enjoy the market with a self-guided tour, while eating a variety of foods, everything from brats and pierogi to coffee and crepes.

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ON THE QUIRKY SIDE

Pockets of weird abound throughout Cleveland —from East to West (and everywhere in between that refuses to contribute to the rivalry). These places are peak Atlas Obscura: perfect for pairs and parties alike. Try a glassblowing class, build a metal sculpture or craft windchimes with Lake Erie driftwood at the Glass Bubble Project, or fulfill your DIY daydreams at Soulcraft CLE. The former offers private classes for both adults and students, while the latter provides private events and project-based classes for groups. The city is packed with cultural spots, but for a true Northeast Ohio treat, head to Euclid’s Polka Hall of Fame to peruse artifacts—and accordions, of course— from Cleveland’s notable polka pros. If that doesn’t jibe with you, head to Tremont to tour A Christmas Story House for a touch of celluloid nostalgia. (We tripledog-dare ya not to love this festive film location!)

By Rebecca Ferlotti

Glass Bubble Project

10

ICONIC SITES

Architecture aficionados are in luck, as Cleveland is full of sites to behold. Find Exhibit A at Stan Hywet Hall, first built in the early 20th century as the estate of F.A. Seiberling (co-founder of Goodyear Tire). Today, the 65-room mansion and accompanying 70 acres of gardens (with a massive stone quarry) offer scenic space for exploration and sightseeing via arranged, guided tours. Speaking of scenic, the tranquil Lake View Cemetery doubles as an Instagram-popular nature enclave with picturesque statues and ample greenspace. This cemetery acts as the final resting place for notable Clevelanders including President James A. Garfield, John D. Rockefeller and Garrett Morgan; groups of 12 or more can see it all with a private, 90-minute, docent-led walking or bus tour (expected to resume in Spring 2022). The heart of Downtown—also known as Public Square— also packs a sightseeing punch with the post-Civil War-era Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument and statues celebrating the city’s forefather Moses Cleaveland and influential mayor Tom L. Johnson. Take a walk to remember in Cleveland’s city center!

By Annie Zaleski

THE GUARDIANS OF TRANSPORTATION ARE AS COOL AS THEY SOUND

Playhouse Square Theater Schedule

216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org

FROZEN

PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER © DISNEY

Dec. 8, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022: Wicked Feb. 2-20, 2022: Jesus Christ Superstar March 8-27, 2022: Pretty Woman April 26-May 15, 2022: To Kill A Mockingbird June 7-26, 2022: My Fair Lady July 12-31, 2022: Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations Aug. 11-Sept. 11, 2022: Disney’s Frozen

Ongoing

Ongoing, It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope and Empowerment. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 216.781.ROCK. rockhall.com

Through May 28, 2022, The Cleveland Orchestra 21|22 Season. Mandel Concert Hall at Severance. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

Through Aug. 14, 2022, Medieval Treasures from Münster Cathedral. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033 | clevelandart.org January 2020

Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Various free programs at Cleveland area attractions.

February

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Downtown Cleveland. stpatricksdaycleveland.com March 30-April 10, 46th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival. Playhouse Square. 216.623.3456. clevelandfilm.org March 31-Oct. 2, Cleveland Guardians MLB Baseball. Progressive Field. May

May-Nov., Cedar Point Amusement Park 2022 Season. Sandusky, OH. 419.627.2350. cedarpoint.com May 6-15, The Biggest Week In American Birding. Magee Marsh & Crane Creek. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com May 8-Sept. 11, The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033 | clevelandart.org May 21, Cleveland International Tattoo. Cleveland Public Auditorium. 216.906.9131. policememorialsociety. org/cleveland-international-tattoo June

June, Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival. Veterans Memorial Park, Avon, OH. ducktapefestival.com June, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland. Playhouse Square. 216.987.4582. tricpresents.com/jazzfest July

July-Aug., Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 330.836.5533. stanhywet.org July-Sept., The Cleveland Orchestra 2022 Blossom Festival. Blossom Music Center. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

Feb. 4-6, Heartland Travel Showcase. Cleveland, OH. heartlandtravelshowcase.com

Feb. 5-6, Shen Yun. Playhouse Square. 216.241.6000. playhousesquare.org Feb. 11-20, The Great Big Home and Garden Show. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. greatbighomeandgarden.com Feb.-Nov., select Saturdays, Ales on Rails & Grape Escape beer & wine excursions. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. 800.468.4070. cvsr.com

Feb. 18-20, 71st NBA All-Star Game. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. nba.com Feb. 20-June 26, Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033 | clevelandart.org Feb. 25-March 6, Cleveland Auto Show. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. clevelandautoshow.com

© CLEVELAND AIR SHOW

March

March, FanExpo Cleveland. Huntington Convention Center. fanexpocleveland.com July 16-Oct. 2, FRONT International 2022: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art Cleveland cultural institutions, citywide. frontart.org august

Aug., Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival & Enshrinement Weekend. Canton, OH. 330.456.8207. profootballhof.com

Cleveland National Air Show Burke Lakefront Airport Sept. 3-5, 2022 216.781.0747 | clevelandairshow.com

Blue skies and top guns? Yes, please. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are sure to put on a show to remember at Burke Lakefront Airport.

Search our website for more event listings at thisiscleveland.com

© TALL SHIPS AMERICA

Tall Ships Festival North Coast Harbor July 7-10, 2022 tallshipscle.com

Catch a glimpse, step aboard, and even set sail on some of the grandest ships of yore. In addition, you can enjoy all sorts of festival foods, craft beers, music, street performers and reenactments. It all kicks off on July 7 with the Parade of Sail.

Aug. 5-6, Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. Lake Metroparks Farmpark. 800.227.6972. visitvintageohio.com september

Sept., Chalk Festival. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org Sept., IngenuityFest of Art + Technology. Hamilton Collaborative. 216.589.5444. ingenuitycleveland.com Sept.-Dec., Cleveland Browns NFL Football. FirstEnergy Stadium. 216.241.5555. clevelandbrowns.com

october

Oct., Murder In The Mansion. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 330.836.5533. stanhywet.org Oct. 2022-April 2023, Cleveland Monsters AHL Hockey. Quicken Loans Arena. 216.420.2000. lakeeriemonters.com

Oct. 2022-April 2023, Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Basketball. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 800.820.CAVS. cavs.com

November

Nov., I-X Center Christmas Connection. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. ixchristmasconnection.com

Nov. 2022-Jan. 2023, A Garden Holiday. Cleveland Botanical Garden. 888.853.7091. cbgarden.org December & Beyond

Dec., Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity. Karamu House. 216.795.7077. karamuhouse.org April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse. Cleveland, OH. eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024

Check Before You Go.