2023 Cleveland Group Tour Guide

For 94 years and counting, Heinen’s has been committed to Northeast Ohio. That legacy continues in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. Our store in the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda at East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue goes beyond groceries featuring 40 wines by the glass and a wide selection of craft beers on tap. Shop for everything from everyday staples to the freshest produce in town.

GROUP TOUR TEAM

Cleveland has plenty of unexpected and world-class activities perfect for overnight group trips and inquisitive students. While attending a group tour is ahhhh-mazing in Cleveland, we at Destination Cleveland know that planning these sorts of tours can be a major project. There’s a lot of work that goes into making these kinds of trips happen. We get that. We’re here to help. We can provide hotel leads, local details on group-friendly dining spots, site inspections and FAM tours. We have resources for receptive and step-on guides. And once your group is here our team will personally welcome them to town and provide a souvenir for your overnight guests. Let’s chat. Visit www.thisiscleveland.com/group-tour/contact-us to reach our team.

Group Tour Resources and News: www.thisiscleveland.com/group-tour

Denise Krauss Lauren Federico

1 Music Revolution

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

By Ilona Westfall

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 foodie-friendly 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).

2 CULTURAL HUB

By Tricia L. Chaves

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. Upcoming special exhibitions include The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England (opening February 26) and A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur (opening June 11). Just across Wade Oval at the fossilfueled 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 AutoAviation Museum. Visiting during chilly weather? A fragrant escape to the tropics is just a jaunt 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 avant-garde contemporary art.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Photo opposite: ©Nathan Migal. Photos top to bottom: © Nathan Migal, ©Scott Meivogel

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

LIVE THEATER

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.

By Leslie Basalla-McCafferty

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 2022-23 season to see why this theatre is anything but a “Little Shop of Horrors.”

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.

4 BECAUSE, SCIENCE

By Dairian Heard

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 in-person 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.

Great Lakes Science Center

Photos top to bottom: © Cody york, © Courtesy of Great Lakes Science Center

SPORTSTOWN 5

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.

By Kevin Carpenter

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.

6 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.

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

Lake Erie paddleboarding

Cleveland.

Cleveland Guardians baseball

Photos top to bottom: © Cleveland Guardians, © Destination Cleveland

Play & Stay

Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place, it’s a feeling. Discover something new with each adventure. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned regular, experiences here stay in your heart for a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at groups.SHORESandISLANDS.com.

View from the top of Perry’s Victory International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay

FUN ZONES

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-thescenes 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.

By Mary Mihaly

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 tastetest Tommy’s vegetarian fare and famous milkshakes. Speaking of sweets, the sweettoothed 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.

Photos top to bottom: © Nathan Migal, © Courtesy of Melt Bar & Grilled

Corner Alley

Melt Bar & Grilled

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

10 ICONIC SITES

By Annie Zaleski

Architecture aficionados are in luck, as Northeast Ohio is full of sites to behold. Find Exhibit A at Akron’s 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 Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a living celebration of multiculturalism. Along the 2-mile stretch connecting arts and culture hub University Circle to the shores of Lake Erie, are 33 gardens representing a vast diversity that is honored and celebrated. Among the flowers and trees are fountains, benches, statues and inscriptions representing major figures of art, philosophy and the humanities.

The heart of Downtown—also known as Public Square —also offers a walk to remember with the postCivil War-era Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument, the venerable Old Stone Church with its Victorian Romanesque design and Louis Comfort Tiffanystained glass windows, and statues commemorating the city’s forefather Moses Cleaveland and influential mayor Tom L. Johnson. Take a walk to remember in Cleveland’s city center!

By Rebecca Ferlotti

doesn’t jibe with you, head to Tremont to tour A Christmas Story House for a touch of celluloid nostalgia. (We triple-dog-dare ya not to love this festive film location!)

Photos : © Cody York

Glass Bubble Project

Guardians of Transportation

Events Calendar

The Land is serving up this year’s greatest hits

January 2023

Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert. The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Various free programs at Cleveland area attractions.

February

Feb. 3-12, Great Big Home & Garden Show. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. | ixcenter.com

Feb. 4-5, Shen Yun. Playhouse Square. 216.241.6000. playhousesquare.org

Feb. 17-19, Cleveland Golf & Travel Show. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. ixcenter.com

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Downtown Cleveland. stpatricksdaycleveland.com

March 24-26, FanExpo Cleveland. Cleveland Convention Center. fanexpocleveland.com

March 31-April 2, Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. ixcenter.com

April

April 7-Sept. 27, Cleveland Guardians MLB Baseball. Progressive Field. cleguardians.com

Feb. 26-May 14, 2023 / The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org

Ongoing

Ongoing, select Saturdays, Ales on Rails & Grape Escape beer & wine excursions. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. 800.468.4070. | cvsr.com

Through March 2023, The Beatles: Get Back to Let It Be. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 216.781.ROCK. | rockhall.com

Through April 2, 2023, This Light of Ours: Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. 216.593.0575. maltzmuseum.org

Through April 2023, Partnerships, Portraits, and the Power of Photojournalism: Black History According to Allen E. and Frances T. Cole. Cleveland History Center. 216.721.5722. | wrhs.org

Through May 20, 2023, The Cleveland Orchestra’s 22|23 Classical Season. Mandel Concert Hall at Severance. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

Through May 2023, Dressed for the Job: Clevelanders in Uniform Cleveland History Center. 216.721.5722. | wrhs.org

Through June 18, 2023, Modern Japan. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org

Through Dec. 31, 2023, Amazing Insects. Cleveland Museum of Natural History. 216.231.4600. cmnh.org

Feb. 18, Cleveland Kurentovanje. St. Clair Superior/ AsiaTown neighborhood. clevelandkurentovanje.com

Feb. 24-March 5, Cleveland Auto Show. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. | ixcenter.com

March

March 8-11, Mid-American Conference (MAC) Men’s & Women’s College Basketball Tournaments. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. getsomemacaction.com

April 28-30, Geauga County Maple Festival. Chardon, OH. maplefestival.com

May

May-Nov., Cedar Point Amusement Park 2023 Season. Sandusky, OH. 419.627.2350. cedarpoint.com

May 5-14, The Biggest Week in American Birding. Oak Harbor, OH. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com

March 22-April 1, 2023 / 47th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival. Playhouse Square. 216.623.3456. clevelandfilm.org.

The Cleveland Orchestra ©THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA

Cleveland Guardians © CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

May 20, Cleveland International Tattoo. Cleveland Public Hall. clevelandtattoo.org

June

June, Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival. Avon, OH. ducktapefestival.com

June, Juneteenth FreedomFest. Mall C – Downtown Cleveland. juneteenthcle.com

June, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland. Playhouse Square. 216.987.4582. tri-c.edu/jazzfest

Tri-C-JazzFest

September

Sept.-Dec., Cleveland Browns NFL Football. FirstEnergy Stadium. 216.241.5555. clevelandbrowns.com

Cleveland Air Show

Oct., Murder in the Mansion. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 330.836.5533. stanhywet.org

Oct. 8-Jan. 14, 2024, Degas and the Laundress: Women, Work and Impressionism in Late Nineteenth-Century Paris. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org

Oct. 8-9 & 15-16, Corn & Pumpkin Weekends. Lake Metroparks Farmpark. 800.366.FARM. lakemetroparks.com

Sept. 2-4, Cleveland National Air Show. Burke Lakefront Airport. 216.781.0747. clevelandairshow.com

Sept. 10-Jan. 7, 2024, China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org

October

Oct.-April 2024, Cleveland Monsters AHL Hockey. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 216.420.0000. lakeeriemonsters.com

Oct.-April 2024, Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Basketball. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 800.820.CAVS. cavs.com

November

Nov., Cleveland Christmas Connection. I-X Center. 216.676.6000. ixcenter.com

Nov.-Dec. (select evenings), Deck the Hall. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 330.836.5533. stanhywet.org

Nov.-Dec., Cleveland Botanical Garden Winter Show. Cleveland Botanical Garden. 216.721.1600. holdenfg.org

Nov.-Dec., Holiday Lantern Tours. Hale Farm & Village. 800.589.9703. wrhs.org

December & Beyond

Dec., Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts.

Mandel Concert Hall at Severance. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

April 5-7, 2024, NCAA

D1 Women’s Basketball Final Four. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. clevelandsports.org

April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse. Cleveland, OH. eclipse. aas.org/eclipse-america-2024

June 11-Sept. 10, A Splendid

Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur. Cleveland Museum of Art. 888.262.0033. clevelandart.org

July

July-Aug., Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 330.836.5533. stanhywet.org

July 1-Sept. 3, The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2023 Blossom Festival. Blossom Music Center. 216.231.7300. clevelandorchestra.com

August

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

Oct., Thurs.-Sun., HalloWeekends. Cedar Point. 419.627.2350. cedarpoint.com

Aug. 4-5, Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. Lake Metroparks Farmpark. 800.227.6972. visitvintageohio.com

July 12-24, 2024, PanAmerican Masters Games. Cleveland, OH. clevelandmasters2024.com

THEATER SCHEDULE

OUR PERFORMANCE PEDIGREE PRESENTS BROADWAY TO INDIE

Playhouse Square 216.241.6000 playhousesquare.org

2022-23 Key Bank Broadway Series: Jan. 10-29, 2023:Beetlejuice Jan. 31-Feb. 19, 2023: Hadestown April 25-May 14, 2023: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical June 7-July 2, 2023: Moulin Rouge! Aug. 8-Sept. 10, 2023: Six: The Musical

Featured Performances: March 3-5, 2023: Riverdance March 8-12, 2023: Disney’s Aladdin July 25-30, 2023: Come From Away Cleveland Play House 216.795.7000 clevelandplayhouse.com Feb. 4-26, 2023: I’m Back Now

April 1-23, 2023: Becoming Dr. Ruth April 29-May 21, 2023: Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty

Great Lakes Theater 216.664.6064 greatlakestheater.org Feb. 10-March 5, 2023: Sense and Sensibility March 24-April 8, 2023: As You Like It

April 28-May 21, 2023: Ain’t Misbehavin’ Nov.-Dec. 2023: A Christmas Carol

Karamu House 216.795.7077 karamuhouse.org Feb. 24-March 5, 2023: Red Summer April 21-May 14, 2023: The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin Dec. 2023: Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity

Dobama Theatre

216.932.3396 | dobama.org

Jan. 27-Feb. 19, 2023: Stew March 10-April 2, 2023: The Other Place April 21-May 14, 2023: What We Look Like

Near West Theatre 216.961.6391 nearwesttheatre.org Feb. 10-19, 2023: Ain’t Misbehavin’ April 21-May 7, 2023: Head Over Heels

Beck Center for the Arts 216.521.2540 beckcenter.org Feb. 10-26, 2023: Ghost The Musical March 24-April 16, 2023: Noises Off May 26-June 25, 2023: Doubt: A Parable July 7-Aug. 6, 2023: Once On This Island

Check

BookmarkThis

BY LESLIE BASALLA-MCCAFFERTY

Feel like an all-singing, all-dancing theatre spectacle? Catch The KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square packed with must-see shows like “Hadestown,” “Tina,” “Moulin Rouge” and the smash, “Six, ” which recasts the wives of Henry VIII as a spicy, 1990’s-style girl group.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Speaking of the notorious monarch and his contentious clan, royal watchers will love The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England at The Cleveland Museum of Art, an exhibit of rare portr aits and artifacts showca sing the Tudor dynasty’s cosmopolitan culture.

FEBRUARY 26 - MAY 23, 2023

Indies rule at The Cleveland International Film Festival , which brings cinematic gems from near and far, with Cannes-do spirit, to Playhouse Square Screenings sell out fast - grab tickets early and tell your friends you saw the nex t big flick first.

MARCH 22 - APRIL 1, 2023

Get ready to hoop it up! The Big Dance is coming to Cleveland when Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse hosts the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Final Four in 2024. Start working on your bracket - the March Madness will be upon us soon!

APRIL 5-7, 2024

“Beetlejuice” comes to town as part of Playhouse Square’s KeyBank Broadway Series

Here’s the Dish

BY LISA SANDS

Muze is a bold, flavorful expression of Cleveland hospitality and the heart of Studio West 117—an inclusive and affirming space created by, and for, the LGBTQ+ community. Down in The Flats, the BrewDog complex is dedicated to fun, food and drink. A modern and inviting patio overlooks the Cuyahoga River and the skyline beyond—the perfect sipping spot. Speaking of the perfect location, great times take flight at The Aviator, an elegant restaurant and event space near the airport that’s even got a rooftop bar for plane-spotting.

SOLAR STUNNER

BY ANNIE ZALESKI

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024! That afternoon, Cleveland falls directly in the path of totality of a total solar eclipse. In other words, the moon and sun are (literally) aligning so the city will become completely dark for nearly four minutes—the first time Ohio has seen this kind of blackout since 1806.

This rare solar spectacular is naturally a cause for celebration. The Great Lakes Science Center is hosting an eclipse watch party and teaming up with NASA’s Glenn Research Center for eclipse-related programming. Located at nearby Burke Lakefront Airport, the International Women’s Air & Space Museum is also joining in the fun.

Of course, you can get in a space mood anytime thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Ralph Mueller Observatory (which boasts a 10½-inch refracting telescope) and by stargazing at the Observatory Park in Geauga County, Ohio’s only Dark Sky Park.

Bigger, Bolder, Better

SIZE UP THESE EXPANDING ATTRACTIONS.

BY LESLIE BASALLA-MCCAFFERTY

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Midway through a $150 million metamorphosis, this University Circle institution is revolutionizing the museum experience. It’s light, airy and modern and guaranteed to spark wonder and discovery in guests of any age.

2Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The city’s most iconic attraction is about to crank the volume with a 50,000-sq.-ft. expansion, adding dynamic new space for education, exhibitions and live performances. Hello Cleveland, indeed!

Studio West 117

Lakewood’s east end has an immersive LGBTQ+ hub for arts, recreation and entertainment. Look for indoor and outdoor sports facilities, three restaurants and a rooftop deck. Coming soon—retail, performance studios and apartments.

1 3 4

PIVOT Center for Art, Dance and Expression

A former awning factory on West 25th Street is home to an ever-growing, collaborative group of Latino community organizations, dance and theatre companies, broadcasting and visual arts studios open to all.

5The Baseball Heritage Museum

The local museum dedicated to preserving baseball’s diverse history swings for the fence with a transformational expansion to its historic League Park digs. Plans include public batting cages, a training venue and neighborhood retail.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Brewdog

GROUP-FRIENDLY DINING

THE RESTAURANTS LISTED BELOW ARE READY TO MEET YOUR GROUP NEEDS. BON

APPETIT!

DOWNTOWN, OHIO CITY & TREMONT

BrewDog Cleveland brewdog.com/uk/Cleveland Craft Brewery, American Collision Bend Brewing Co. collisionbendbrewery.com Craft Brewery, American The Corner Alley thecorneralley.com American & Bowling

Dante Dining Group danteboccuzzi.com American, Italian, Japanese Flat Iron Cafe flatironcafe.com Irish

Flannery’s Pub flannerys.com Irish

Forest City Brewery forestcitybrewery.com Craft Brewery, Eastern European Goodtime III goodtimeiii.com American Great Lakes Brewing Co. Craft Brewery, Contemporary American Heinen’s heinens.com American & Boxed Lunch Hofbräuhaus Cleveland hofbrauhauscleveland.com

German Brewery House of Blues houseofblues.com/cleveland American, Southern-Inspired JACK Cleveland Casino jackentertainment.com/ cleveland American

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville margaritavillecleveland.com American

Lago lagoeastbank.com

Italian Mallorca clevelandmallorca.com Spanish & Portuguese Masthead Brewery mastheadbrewingco.com Craft Brewery, American, Wood-Fired Pizza

Market Garden Brewery & Distillery marketgardenbrewery.com Craft Brewery, American Morton’s Steakhouse mortons.com Steak House Music Box Supper Club musicboxcle.com Contemporary American Nautica Queen nauticaqueen.com American Nuevo nuevomodmex.com Mexican Punch Bowl Social punchbowlsocial.com American Pickwick & Frolic pickwickandfrolic.com American Rascal House Pizza myrascalhouse.com Casual Italian Rumrunners rumrunnersflats.com Contemporary American Saigon saigoncleveland.com Vietnamese Sausalito On Ninth sausalitocle.com American, Mediterranean Shooters on the Water shootersflats.com

Contemporary American

Southern Tier

stbcbeer.com Craft Brewery, American Susy’s Soup & Deli susysoup.com American Townhall townhallohiocity.com American, Non-GMO Yours Truly ytr.com American

UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

Maxi’s Bistro maxisbistro.com Italian

Tavern of Little Italy tolicleveland.com Italian Provenance Café at Cleveland Museum of Art clevelandart.org Global

EAST & SOUTHEAST

BD’s Mongolian Grill gomongo.com Asian

The Fairmount thefairmount.net Contemporary American The Capital Grille thecapitalgrille.com American

MGM Northfield Park mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com American, Italian Pinstripes pinstripes.com American Tommy’s tommyscoventry.com American, Vegetarian

SOUTH Lockkeepers

lockkeepers.com

Contemporary American Melt Bar & Grilled meltbarandgrilled.com American

Slyman’s – Independence slymanstavern.com American, Deli Your’s Truly –Independence ytr.com American

WEST & SOUTHWEST

The Aviator Pub Cleveland aviatorcle.com Contemporary American Buca Di Beppo bucadibeppo.com Italian

Dave & Buster’s daveandbusters.com American Don’s Lighthouse Grille donslighthouse.com Seafood

Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com American, Bowling, Arcade Pier W pierw.com Seafood

MARKETS & FOOD DISTRICTS

Crocker Park crockerpark.com

Van Aken – Market Hall thevanakendistrict.com West Side Market westsidemarket.org

PHOTO: © NATHAN MIGAL

Cleveland’s Black community is deeply woven into the fabric of the city

CELEBRATING BLACK CULTURE

Heritage Comes Alive

BY ILONA WESTFALL

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL GARDEN

Located within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, architect Daniel Bickerstaff designed this space to convey the past, present and future of the African American community, as well as promote the education and interest of its culture and heritage.

COZAD-BATES HOUSE

Long regarded for its important role in the Underground Railroad, the Cozad-Bates House stands as the only surviving pre-Civil War structure in University Circle. Its new indoor-outdoor interpretive center underscores the area’s significance in the abolitionist movement with relics including photos, newspaper articles, engravings and more.

KARAMU HOUSE

Cleveland is an epicenter of arts and culture, boasting the nation’s oldest African American theater. Founded in 1915, this cultural staple sits on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy professional theatre productions and arts education while honoring the Black experience.

CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER

Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution is the venerable keeper of Northeast Ohio history. Search online through the African American Archives or add your activist-related story. In person, be sure to visit the Carl & Louis Stokes Making History exhibit, spotlighting two Black Clevelanders who made national history in the political arena.

Karamu House

Start Me Up

BY AJA HANNAH

Get to know these thriving Black entrepreneurs and their businesses. Coco’s Chalky Paints in the 5th Street Arcades is a D-I-Y haven and a hub of imagination for creatives, artists and fans of thrifting and upcycling. Just below the retail paint shop is an immersive furniture showroom that doubles as event space. In the Kinsman neighborhood, innovative urban agriculture thrives at RID-ALL Green Partnership’s little farm and kitchen. Founded by five Black men, the company offers training on composting, aquaponics, tree nurseries and the environment. It’s a living classroom for all ages. Tours must be scheduled in advance. Stroll through The Vineyards at Chateau Hough where cold-hardy grape varieties become locally produced wines served in the onsite tasting room. Located in the Historic Hough neighborhood, the charming winery supports a neighborhood nonprofit with a mission to foster economic transformation and support at-risk youth, veterans and those previously incarcerated.

FORKIN’ GOOD

BY LISA SANDS

We’ve got plenty of soul…in our music and in our food. Zanzibar calls its food sexy, sophisticated and soulful. Classic chicken and waffles cozy up alongside fusion items like soul rolls, a savory stuffed appetizer. Try nearly everything with the “ultimate feast.” In the heart of Downtown, the good times roll at House of Creole Dreaming of oysters, gumbo, fried green tomatoes and heaping baskets of fried catfish? This is your place.

Black History Year-Round

BY AJA HANNAH

1Black History Month in February 2023 is packed with Black appreciation and education from the Cleveland Cavaliers Black Heritage Celebrations to the Cleveland Pops and Pops Chorus joint concert on American Jazz.

What are Black Clevelanders like Garrett Morgan, Amanda Wicker and Alonzo Wright known for? What about Paul Simpson and Jesse Owens? Learn about their contributions and see cool artifacts like LeBron James’ championship shoes at the Cleveland History Center.

2 3

From Jimi Hendrix to Cleveland’s Bobby Womack, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame features Black artists throughout music’s dynamic history, all the way back to local radio DJ Alan Freed and his playing of “race records” in the 1950s.

4 5

Learn all about standouts like Larry Doby, who broke the American League’s color barrier in 1947, and Minnie Miñoso, who became MLB’s first Black Cuban player in 1949 at the Baseball Heritage Museum

Destination Cleveland’s Expressions of Black Culture Public Art Passport offers a self-guided tour of 35 works of art by celebrated local and national Black artists.

Coco’s Chalky Paints

Maya Angelou mural

Zanzibar Soul Fusion

CLEVELAND INSTITUTIONS SUPPORT A LIVING LEGACY OF BLACK CULTURE

C H O O L S RO C K The Land

R ock t o B ach

BY E RI N O ’ B RI E N

FRIDAY MORNING WITH THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA

Matinee concer ts featuring the works of Debussy, Schuber t, Prokofiev and more will c aptivate high school students amid the grandeur of historic Severance Hall in Universit y Circle. Cla ssroom resources, online teacher guides and Spotif y playlists round out concer t and music exploration of ferings for younger students Noted: Educ ation concer ts align with national and state music educ ation standards.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

AT THE ROCK HALL

With of ferings spanning K-12, the Rock Hall’s free “Rockin’ the School s” programs put a fun spin on music educ ation with cla sses such a s “The Bir th of Hip-Hop Culture” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll: The Building Blocks of Music ” Via the “ Voice Your Choice” program, students curate their own cla ss of Rock Hall inductees using aesthetic judgment. Rock on!

FRIDAY EVENING AT PLAYHOUSE

SQUARE

Get the backstage lowdown on KeyBank ’s Broadway Series with free “Broadway Buz z ” talks scheduled one hour before cur tain time for upcoming shows like “Beetlejuice” and “Tina: The Tina Turner Music al .” Other field trip options include matinees with accompanying workshops and programs illuminating the per formance ar ts (Bonus glitz: a giant outdoor cr ystal chandelier towering 25 feet overhead sets the stage for a great experience )

Saturday ’ s A lrig ht for STEM

BY E RI N O ’ B RI E N

Cleveland Museum of Natural Histor y Ex plore our univer se from t he outside in star t ing w it h an immer sive planetar ium prog ram t hat w il l have st udents contemplat ing t he star s and beyond From bobcats to ba ld eag les, st udents can a lso ma ke some new f ur r y fr iends in t he outdoor w i ld li fe wal k (al l of whom have been rescued and rehabi litated). A n ar ray of ot her gal ler y and classroom prog rams chal lenge st udents to ponder geog raphy, t he human body and diver se cu lt ura l histor ies.

Cleveland Museum of A r t Trained g uides spark cr it ica l t hin k ing and of fer hands-on act iv it ies dur ing hourlong gal ler y ex plorat ions such as “Desig n Your O w n Ex hibit ion” or “A mer ican A r t and Histor y ” T he innovat ive A r t Lens gal ler y br ings f un into t he mi x w it h a host of dig ita l interact ives from a pot ter y wheel to a 40 -foot mu lt i-touch wal l hig h lig ht ing snapshot col lages of t he museum’s col lect ion.

(A nd did we ment ion t he free admission?)

It’s a no- brainer for students looking to break out of classroom walls

M A KE I T A “ WOW ” W E E KEN D WI TH AR T, H I STO RY, B OTAN Y AN D S C I EN C E

Cleve land Mu se um of Ar t

Ro c k & Roll Hall of Fame

Saturday’s Alright for STEM (continued)

Cleveland History Center

Local history comes alive with programming on yesteryear’s cars, bikes and airplanes; turn-of the century toys; and civic topics such as Cleveland’s role in WWI and the Underground Railroad. A math and design program revolves around the Euclid Beach Grand Carousel (ride included), while the “Flight” program highlights Cleveland’s historic National Air Races using paper airplane experiments.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

With eye-popping foliage abloom at every turn, students will blink in wonder and then learn how it all lives together via programming on symbiotic relationships, the secrets of soil and plant reproduction. “Butterflies in the Garden” takes visitors inside the dazzling Costa Rica glasshouse for lessons on the life cycle of a butterfly, while a hands-on sensory tour encourages exploration with all five senses.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Get up close and personal with zoo residents such as wallabies, koalas or tortoises with the “Inside Tracks” program. Activities may include observing behind-the-scenes holding areas and animal training sessions. Students can learn to think like a vet with the “Veterinarian Bag program, in which students diagnose an under-the-weather grizzly bear and work together to plan a proper course of treatment.

Great Lakes Science

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

Round-out your itinerary at a one-stop shop for all things fun.

BY JEN JONES DONATELLI

GOOD TIMES

Warning: fun overload just might be in store at Ohio City’s Pins Mechanical Co., with over 40 vintage arcade games, plus pinball, foosball, bocce and duckpin bowling.

EARN YOUR STRIPES

Have a ball, but have it your way with both bowling and bocce at Pinstripes. Afterwards, feast on Italian-American eats by the fire pit!

HEY, ANDRETTI!

Quench your need for speed at the slick BOSS Pro-Karting & Axe Throwing indoor go-kart track that facilitates lively racing competition among friends.

LET’S ROLL

Kid-friendly bumpers, selfie scoring pics, dragon bowling ball ramps and 22 black-lit lanes set the stage for big fun at Main Event

Sunday Funday

AT CEDAR POINT, YOUR SUNDAY IS SURE TO BE A WILD RIDE.

BY JEN JONES DONATELLI

Center

Blast into space inside the Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module with the “Mission to STEM” app at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. Interactive fun abounds, from light sculpting to augmented-reality sandboxes to a towering wind turbine. Groups of 50-plus can enjoy dinner and a movie in the six-story Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater via the museum’s private “After Dark” package.

Cleveland is one of the “Top Destinations to Watch in 2022 and Beyond.”

Teach & Travel Magazine

Get to the Point

Cedar Point isn’t just for thrill-seekers. The science-minded will geek out over Physics, Science and Math Days (May 8, 11 and 12, 2023), where the laws of physics come to life via amusement park fun. For instrumental and choral groups, all of Cedar Point becomes a stage during the Festival of Music (May 5, 12 and 19, 2023).

Great Lakes Science Center

STUDENT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Cleveland has an impressive mixture of music education and performance opportunities aimed at teaching youngsters of all talent ranges. Bands, orchestras and individual musicians can find arena-sized opportunities with classes led by the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and Baldwin Wallace University’s Community Music School. That’s just for starters.

Music Festivals

Rhythms International Cleveland | April 2023 rhythmsfestivals.com

Music in the Parks Cedar Point | May 2023 musicintheparks.com/wherewhen

Festival of Music – Bands, Orchestras & Choral Groups Cedar Point | May 2023 festivalofmusic.com/wherewhen

FunMe Events/Music Festivals To You Cedar Point | May 2023 musicfestivalstoyou.com/states/cedar-point

Music Showcase Festivals Cedar Point | May 2023 musfestivals.com/dates-and-locations/ music-showcase-festivals.aspx

Performing Arts Consultants Cedar Point | May 2023 usafest.org/student-music-festivaltours/2022-pac-for-a-day-cedar-point

Music Clinics

Baldwin Wallace Community Music School 440.826.2365 bw.edu/community-music-school

The Breen Center for the Performing Arts St. Ignatius High School 216.961.2563 ignatius.edu/breencenter

Cleveland State University csuohio.edu/class/music/music

Band: 216.687.3768

Orchestra: 216.687.6931

Choral Groups: 216.687.2039

Orchestra Clinics

The Cleveland Orchestra 216.231.7493 | clevelandorchestra.com Cleveland Jazz Orchestra 855.301.5299 | clevelandjazz.org

Cleveland Pops Orchestra 216.765.7677 | clevelandpops.com

Cleveland Institute of Music 216.795.3143 | cim.edu

URBAN OUTDOORS

By Annie Zaleski

DAY 1 — MORNING

City Tours

Led by lifelong residents, See CLE tours offer an insiders’ view of Cleveland’s history and hidden treasures with intimate tours and bespoke experiences. For those wearing comfy shoes, Tours of Cleveland highlights Public Square, The Arcade and Playhouse Square on a two-hour walking tour.

Ohio City Farm

Find fruits and veggies galore when you tour Cleveland’s largest urban farm. Learn about the history of the farm’s land, its commitment to sustainable growing and how its work benefits the mission of The Refugee Response. Group tours are available from May to October.

DAY 1 — AFTERNOON

Lunch at West Side Market

Feast on a Parisian-style savory crepe, shrimp Pad Thai or handmade pierogi (or all three—we won’t tell!). With dozens of vendors, the world is your oyster at this nationally renowned historic market that has served Cleveland for over a century.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream Scoop’s up! Take an hour-long tour of Mitchell’s Ice Cream’s flagship shop and kitchen to get up to speed on how the magic happens—in other words, how the local creamery whips up tasty flavors like Key Lime Pie and Double Chocolate Chunk. Don’t worry—free samples are included.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Go fish at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, perched next to the Cuyahoga River on the Flats West Bank. Take a deep-dive into aquatic life from both the Great Lakes and around the globe, then kick the experience up a notch with group add-ons like stingray art sessions and animal encounters.

DAY 1 — EVENING

Nautica Queen Cruise

Cruising the Cuyahoga River has never been so much fun (or tasty). An evening dinner cruise aboard the Nautica Queen combines sunset and city views, DJ-spun tunes and an unrivaled vantage point for enjoying Cleveland’s waterfront atop the ship’s rooftop deck.

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: ©CODY YORK, ©CHELSEA BRADY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO OPPOSITE: ©DESTINATION CLEVELAND

Get close and personal with aquatic wonders at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Nautica Queen

OUR GREAT LAKES CITY HAS NO SHORTAGE OF ADVENTURE.

DAY 2 — MORNING

League Park & Baseball Heritage Museum

See the spot where the Cleveland Buckeyes clinched the 1945 Negro League World Series, then explore the adjacent museum packed with sports stories and treasures from the lost Latin, Caribbean, Barnstormer, Negro and Women’s leagues.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Stroll through the greenspace oasis Cleveland Botanical Garden, which boasts 10 acres of outdoor gardens—including the popular tranquil Japanese Garden—and year-round indoor destinations like the tropical Costa Rican Glasshouse and the Madagascar Glasshouse.

DAY 2 — AFTERNOON

Explore & Lunch at Cleveland Museum of Art

There’s always plenty to see at the Cleveland Museum of Art. After a filling lunch at the museum’s Provenance Café, enjoy exploring the special exhibits and permanent galleries. Hone your artistic eye by gazing at colorful Warhol paintings or ornate Greek and Roman Art.

Lake

View Cemetery

Besides being the final resting place of President James A. Garfield and other notable Clevelanders, Lake View Cemetery doubles as an Instagramworthy nature enclave. Be sure to see Wade Memorial Chapel, which boasts an interior by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

DAY 3 — MORNING

Cuyahoga

Valley Scenic Railroad

All aboard this round-trip jaunt through 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Ride the rails between Independence and Akron, scoping all that jaw-dropping natural beauty from the comforts of CVSR’s passenger cars. No matter the season, this is gorgeous stuff.

DAY 3 — AFTERNOON

Lunch at Hale Farm & Village

Cleveland’s Community

Rowing & Sailing Center

Work on your fitness at the Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center on the riverfront in the Flats. Groups can customize their experience and book rowing and sailing classes on Cleveland’s waterfront, either the great Lake Erie or the mighty Cuyahoga River.

DAY 2 — EVENING

Progressive Field

Play ball! There’s no better place to be on a beautiful summer night than a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field, which features an abundance of local food and drinks options. Group tickets provide perks like scoreboard recognition and merch discounts.

Step back in time at Hale Farm & Village, which recreates 19th-century farm life in the Western Reserve (open seasonally between June and October). Lunch at the on-site Café 1810 is thoroughly modern, however, with regionally sourced ingredients and menu.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

This historic estate was built in the early 20th century for F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Today, the 65-room mansion and accompanying 70 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds offer plenty of room for exploration.

DAY 3 — EVENING

Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center

Conclude your day with wide open skies and pitchperfect notes at Blossom Music Center, the warmweather home of the famed Cleveland Orchestra since 1968. Groups of 10 or more receive not only group discounts, but also priority seating, free bus parking, and other perks.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

UNIQUELY CLEVELAND

THE LAND, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT THANKS TO THESE ONLY-IN-CLEVELAND EXPERIENCES.

By Annie Zaleski

DAY 1 — MORNING

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

See that futuristic-looking pyramid set on Lake Erie? That’s the Rock Hall, an only-inCleveland experience that belongs on every music fan’s bucket list. Amid the highlights are the “Power of Rock Experience,” an amped-up 12-minute concert montage by Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme.

DAY 1 — AFTERNOON

Lunch at Heinen’s Rotunda

Talk about an awe-inspiring lunch! Seating at the Downtown Heinen’s grocery store—located in the Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building—is under an 85-foot-high dome with Tiffany-style-stained glass panels and Italian Renaissanceinspired touches.

Cleveland History Center

On display are the Euclid Beach Carousel, the first map of “Cleaveland” and, at the adjacent Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, vintage cars once made right here.

DAY 1 — EVENING

Dinner at Maxi’s Bistro

Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is full of cozy restaurants and bakeries. Chief among them are gems like Maxi’s Bistro. In addition to a menu full of seafood and Italian fare, the restaurant offers a second-floor space for groups of up to 50 people.

Karamu House

Over at Karamu House, an ambitious renovation has rejuvenated the country’s oldest Black theatre (est. 1915). At this culture hub in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood, live theatre à la Tennessee Williams and Langston Hughes takes center stage alongside comedy and jazz.

Heinen’s Rotunda

Enjoy traditional Dim Sum at Li Wah

DAY 2 — MORNING

Polka Hall of Fame

Barrels of fun await at the free National ClevelandStyle Polka Hall of Fame, which celebrates Cleveland’s legacy in the polka world. Learn more about the evolution of polka music, and marvel at memorabilia including Frank Yankovic’s accordion and gems from Tony Petkovsek’s radio show.

Museum of American Porcelain Art Tucked away in the William Telling Mansion in South Euclid, the Museum of American Porcelain Art features delicate and rare sculptures from artists like Edward Marshall Boehm. Groups can book a custom or private curator-led tour of the galleries and mansion.

DAY 2 — AFTERNOON

Lunch at Van Aken Market Hall

Variety is the spice of life — especially when it comes to lunch options. Luckily the Van Aken Market Hall has local restaurant options, no matter if you’re craving pizza, sandwiches or tacos, as well as java jolts from local darlings Rising Star Coffee Roasters.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

Tales of immigration abound at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, where that culture’s American story comes to life with multimedia, tours and ceremonial art—not to mention an oversized ode to the Jewish Clevelanders who created Superman.

DAY 2 — EVENING

JACK Thistledown Racino & Dinner

The race is on! Cheer on your favorite horse via either live racing or a simulcast. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants. Choose from pizza, burgers, bar grub and even farm-to-table fare at Millcreek Grille.

DAY 3 — MORNING

A Christmas Story House & Museum ‘Tis always the season for visiting this quirky movieinspired museum. A leg lamp beckons not so subtly from the window, signaling to A Christmas Story fans that they’re in the right spot for viewing original props, costumes and memorabilia and enjoying an “A+++” experience.

DAY 3 — AFTERNOON

Lunch at AsiaTown

Grab shareable Dim Sum items for brunch or lunch at Li Wah. Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious baked good from Koko Bakery. Then hit the various shops in and around Asia Plaza and Asia Town Center for imported dresses, jewelry and collectibles.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & RainForest

Go around the world in a day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo—where visitors can travel from the African Savannah to the Australian Outback and back again. The RainForest is a popular stop, delving into the jungles of Asia, Africa and the Americas with a 25-foot waterfall, 10,000+ plants and over 600 animals.

B.A. Sweetie Welcome to a real-life Candyland! Feeding Cleveland’s collective sweet tooth since 1950, B.A. Sweetie offers the largest candy store in North America at 40,000 square feet. If that’s not enough of a sugar fix, visit Sweetie’s Soda Shoppe parlor, serving up 200 soda flavors and 36+ scoops of homemade ice cream.

DAY 3 — EVENING

Dinner & Show at Pickwick & Frolic

The whole dinner-and-a-show thing has never been quite this hilarious. Part restaurant, part martini bar and part comedy venue, Pickwick & Frolic provides all-in-one fun inside the former Euclid Avenue Opera House. True to form, the restaurant provides an array of options including gluten-free, vegan and pure carnivore.

Polka Hall of Fame

B. A. Sweetie

Add adventures along your way to The Land

BEYOND CLEVELAND

That Lake Erie Life

BY JEN JONES DONATELLI

Just an hour west of Cleveland, Sandusky and the Lake Erie islands region provide an array of compelling places to drop anchor for a day.

CEDAR POINT

Get back on track at “the roller coaster capital of the world,” which boasts a laundry list of world records for its 17 thrillpacked coasters. It’s honestly the world’s greatest amusement park. (We checked.)

MARITIME MUSEUM OF SANDUSKY

From shipwrecks to pirates, Lake Erie legends unfold at this quaint maritime museum. Hands-on, interactive exhibits make it easy to discover the rich history of the Sandusky Bay—spanning ice harvesting to the Underground Railroad.

MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK

Looking for plum views, rich history and a great picnicking spot? Let this inviting state park light the way. From 65 feet up, the Great Lakes’ oldest continually operating lighthouse provides awesome views of Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands.

LAKE ERIE ISLANDS

Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay are like yin and yang, with the former offering low-key, relaxed recreation and the latter known for its lively social scene. Get into the (glacial) grooves on Kelleys Island, or dine and drink lakeside the PIB way.

Cedar Point

Mighty River Valley

BY CINDY HILL

Just south of Cleveland, a refreshing change of pace awaits. Escape city life and explore 33,000 acres of parkland at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where 30 millionyear-old rock formations are sure to provide a dose of fresh perspective.

Warning: strolls along any given trail may reveal tall forests, breathtaking ponds, waterfalls or active waterlife in Beaver Marsh —along with popular sights like Brandywine Falls (the second tallest waterfall in Ohio) and stunning Blue Hen Falls. Oh, and did we mention a river runs through it, i.e. the spectacular Cuyahoga River ?

Groups can start their adventure at the new Boston Mill Visitor Center or hit the Canal Exploration Center for interactive maps and games about canal life. Prefer to explore from the rails? Hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and head for the charming town of Peninsula to browse art studios, shops and comfort food spots.

AMISH COUNTRY

BY KEITH GRIBBINS

Amish communities make an excellent refuge for today’s 24/7 lifestyles. About an hour south of Cleveland, Holmes County boasts the largest population of Amish residents in the nation. Visitors from all over the world explore these Amish communities, buying handcrafted furniture, eating home-style cooking, and enjoying the clipclop of a horsedrawn buggy ride.

In Geauga County, try Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen, Rothenbühler Cheesemakers, and End of the Commons General Store.

Sip and Sample

UNCORK THE BEST OF NORTHEAST OHIO’S WINE SCENE.

BY MARY MIHALY

Located in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar-Lee district, CLE Urban Winery lives up to its name with citythemed sips like Mighty Cuyahoga Merlot and Shoreway Viognier. Book your group experience for up to 75 people.

Canton’s Tuscan-inspired Gervasi Vineyard is like a playground for the palate, offering Italian eats alongside wines grown on its 55-acre estate. The Still House also hits all the sweet spots as a hybrid coffeehouse-distillery-craft cocktail lounge.

At Ferrante Winery, the tasting experience extends beyond wine to its full-service Italian restaurant. Be sure to order dessert, which will pair nicely with Ferrante’s gold medal-winning ice wines. (Limoncello gelato or tiramisu, anyone?)

Bring your beer-swilling brethren along for the ride to Ohio’s largest estate winery, Debonne Vineyards—also home to Double Wing Brewing Co. Winery tours and tastings can be arranged for groups of 25 or more.

1 2 3 4 5

Walk among the vines at verdant Chateau Hough, a gamechanging urban winery between Downtown and University Circle that sells eight wines made with the two grape varieties grown on-site. Tastings and tours available with advanced noticed.

PHOTO OPPOSITE:

POINT; PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: ©CODY YORK, ©CHATEAU HOUGH, © MARTIN PESEK COURTESY OF DESTINATION GEAUGA

Brandywine Falls

Chateau Hough

Amish Country

Sightseeing & Tour Operators

JKL Tours (E) 440.942.5350 888.927.8977 | jkltours.net 4745 Highland Dr. Willoughby, OH 44094

NatureVation Outdoor Adventures (S) 216.393.7716 naturevation.com

Receptive Operators & Transportation

A Cleveland Rendezvous Receptive Service (E)

| 440.953.8687 800.347.8687 clevelandrendezvous.com 7620 Buchanan Court Mentor, OH 44060

Brewery & Food Tours

City Brew Tours Cleveland (E) | | 216.868.7233 888.623.8687 citybrewtours.com/cleveland Serving the Greater Cleveland Area

Mitchell’s Ice Cream

Ohio City Tasting Tours (CW+OC+MD) | | 216.861.2687 mitchellshomemade.com/ ohio-city-flagship/tours 1867 W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113

Relish Cleveland Food Tours (CW+OC) | | 440.622.4465 relishcle.com Serving the Cleveland Area

City Tours & Step-On

Guides

Take A Hike (D) 216.771.1994 takeahikecle.com

Tours of Cleveland, LLC (D) | 216.318.3865 toursofcleveland.com Downtown Cleveland

University Circle, Inc. (CE+UC) 216.707.0132 universitycircle.org

Cruises & Boats

BrewBoat CLE (CW+WI) | 440.941.6690 brewcle.com Channel Park Marina 5300 Whiskey Island Dr. Cleveland, OH 44102

CLE Tiki Barge (D+FLT) | | 833.747.2929 cletikibarge.com 1180 Main Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113

Goodtime III (D+NCH) | 216.861.5110 888.916.7447 goodtimeiii.com 825 E. 9th St. Pier Cleveland, OH 44114

Nautica Queen (D+FLT) | 216.696.8888 nauticaqueen.com Nautica, Flats West Bank 1153 Main Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113

Destination Management

Plum City Events (W) 330.310.6026 plumcityevents.com

Guided & Walking Tours

Discover My Cleveland (E) | 216.369.9399 discovermycleveland.com Serving the Greater Cleveland Area

Island Boats & Ferry Services

Miller Ferries to Put-inBay & Middle Bass Island (SND+LEI) | 419.285.2421 800.500.2421 millerferry.com 5174 E. Water St. Port Clinton, OH 43452

Special Interest Tours

Cleveland Public Library (D+CIV) | 216.623.2821 | CPL.org 325 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114

Company Car & Limousine (D+CMP) | 216.861.7433 800.413.2527 companycarlimo.com 3100 E. 45th St., #226, Cleveland, OH 44127

Discover My Cleveland (E) | 216.369.9399 discovermycleveland.com Serving the Greater Cleveland Area

Funny Bus (D+FLT) | 216.404.7786 funnybus.net/cleveland 1250 Old River Rd. Cleveland, OH 44113

Gotta Groove Records (CE+STCL) | 3615 Superior Ave., #4201A Cleveland, OH 44114

The Hamilton Collaborative (CE+STCL) 216.664.0955 thehamiltoncollaborative.com 5401 Hamilton Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114

A Great Day! Charter Bus Service/Tours & Charter Bus Service (S) | 440.526.5350 800.362.4905 greatdaytours.com 375 Treeworth Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44147

Anderson Coach & Travel (OT) | 724.588.8310 800.345.3435 goanderson.com One Anderson Plaza Greenville, PA 16125

Barons Bus Inc. (CW+WP) | 440.882.3703 888.378.3823 baronsbus.com 12800 Brookpark Rd. Cleveland, OH 44130

Discover My Cleveland (E) | | 216.369.9399 discovermycleveland.com Serving the Greater Cleveland Area

Precious Cargo Transportation, Inc. (E)| 440.543.9272 | pctbus.com P.O. Box 23617 Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Train Tours

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (S)

| 800.468.4070 | cvsr.com P.O. Box 158 Peninsula, OH 44264

Goodtime III

Tickets at stanhywet.org

714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 330.836.5533

BY ILONA WESTFALL

SPARK SOMETHING NEW

Learn the art of blowing glass during a group class at the Glass Bubble Project . Instructors work one-on-one with each student to create their own works of art they can take home. The studio also offers a metal sculpture class where guests learn welding.

FLAME ON

Ignite a new passion at the new Ohio City outpost of Cleveland Candle Company. Master mixologists are on hand helping groups select from 150+ scents to make unique DIY candles to take home. Bonus: shop for candles, lip balm and other gifts while your creations set.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER ARTIST

Talk about pulp and circumstance: the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory is one of the foremost schools of its kind. Book a custom program to learn papermaking, letterpress printing, bookbinding or other art forms. Tours give an inside glimpse of the conservatory on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

DIY DAYDREAMS

Located at the hip Hamilton Collaborative, this staple allows hands-on types a space to shine. From woodworking to metalworking to blacksmithing, Soulcraft CLE offers plenty of tools to test out so you can find your niche whilst surrounded by others who share your passions.

Soulcraft CLE

LAND OF THE FREE

BY

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

This University Circle mainstay has been free to the public since it first opened in 1916. It houses some 45,000 art pieces spanning 6,000 years, along with a breathtaking central atrium and the interactive ArtLense Gallery.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA)

Meet the Cleveland Museum of Art’s edgier cousin— pushing boundaries with often-interactive work by contemporary artists from around the globe. The building itself is a work of art in itself, aptly resembling a multi-faceted gem.

CITY MURALS

Celebrated artists from all walks of life have left their colorful imprint on CLE through initiatives such as Cleveland Walls (which brought new murals to 20 MidTown buildings) and #VoicesofCLE (elevating impactful work by artists of color).

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

Designed to look like it sprang fully-formed from the 19th-century Main Branch Library, the 163-foot, 10-story Louis Stokes Wing houses special exhibits and docent tours. After exploring, picnic among an array of public art in the urban Reading Garden.

ROCKEFELLER PARK GREENHOUSE

Need an urban oasis? This peaceful botanical garden and greenhouse marks the spot—blooming brightly with an array of specialty plant collections and gardens (including a renovated Japanese garden and a “talking garden” for the blind).

CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Nestled along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland is Ohio’s sole national park—where groups can bike, hike and explore the day away. Recreation meets education on the 87-mile Towpath Trail, located on the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.

SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS’ MONUMENT

Military history buffs will appreciate this massive Civil War monument. Admire the Goddess of Freedom statue outside before heading into the Memorial Room to view bronze tributes to the end of slavery, Ohio veterans and more.

WOMEN’S AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Fly girls, indeed: Cleveland is home to the world’s only museum dedicated to the history of women in aviation and space, and groups can visit it for free at Burke Lakefront Airport.

PHOTO: ©NATHAN MIGAL

IN CLE, FUN DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A THING.

LESLIE BASALLAMCCAFFERTY Cleveland Museum of Art

ALL NEW – Interactive Jam Space

You’ve got the group, now you can be a band. Live out your rock star dreams by learning to play real instruments or jamming together in our newest interactive space. Turn up your trip to 11 when you visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Start planning a rock star experience for your groups today by calling 216-515-1228 or contact sales@rockhall.org