So I got a wonderful email from my Dad last evening asking for my advice on things to do in Cleveland.  The twist?  He's was born and raised in Glenville and has lived in Cuyahoga County for his whole life.  The gist of the story is that because of my ailing Grandmother he and my mother cannot take a distance vacation and so he had the idea to get a hotel room downtown for 4 or 5 days and visit the sites of our lovely city. 

 

So I wanted to involve the Urban Ohio brain-trust and get some ideas for what a 4 day vacation in Cleve. would entail (keeping in mind they live here, so the more unique, lesser-known things would be best).

 

Of course a Cavs game and a show at Playhouse Sq. is to be expected, but give me your best shot for unique sights, venues, events, ideas.  They even mentioned looking at Condos and Apartments "just for the heck of it" but I figure, this is a chance to show off downtown living, so your advice might add 2 more downtown residents!  Make it good and THANK YOU!

I recommend Flanagan's Wake at Playhouse square, which starts this Friday. If they're open to the arts, I would further recommend the Big Box series of new plays going up soon at Cleveland Public Theater.

 

I can recommend a TON of restaurants if you give me some guidelines as to what they tend to like or what you think they would like in terms of cuisine, prices, etc.

I can recommend a TON of restaurants if you give me some guidelines as to what they tend to like or what you think they would like in terms of cuisine, prices, etc.

 

As for restaurants I'd say Italian, Americana, some Asian places.  Vegetarian options would be nice, but no need to be full vegetarian style.  Price wise I'd say the full spectrum since dinners might offer a chance for fancy fare, but lunch or breakfast out could be easy.

 

 

Also (to all) I'm wondering if there are Condos/Apartment buildings you'd recommend they look at units in.  Aside from the main ones (Stonebridge, 668, Bingham) does anyone have info on the loft and warehouse spaces closer to Asia town that people are turning into apartments?

Dim Sum at Li Wah would be a nice off-the-beaten-path lunch option close to downtown.

I can recommend a TON of restaurants if you give me some guidelines as to what they tend to like or what you think they would like in terms of cuisine, prices, etc.

 

As for restaurants I'd say Italian, Americana, some Asian places.  Vegetarian options would be nice, but no need to be full vegetarian style.  Price wise I'd say the full spectrum since dinners might offer a chance for fancy fare, but lunch or breakfast out could be easy.

 

 

Also (to all) I'm wondering if there are Condos/Apartment buildings you'd recommend they look at units in.  Aside from the main ones (Stonebridge, 668, Bingham) does anyone have info on the loft and warehouse spaces closer to Asia town that people are turning into apartments?

 

Hypothetically speaking, are the interested in rentals or sales?

I can recommend a TON of restaurants if you give me some guidelines as to what they tend to like or what you think they would like in terms of cuisine, prices, etc.

 

As for restaurants I'd say Italian, Americana, some Asian places.  Vegetarian options would be nice, but no need to be full vegetarian style.  Price wise I'd say the full spectrum since dinners might offer a chance for fancy fare, but lunch or breakfast out could be easy.

 

Ok:

E 4th street area: Lola, Greenhouse Tavern, Chinato. Chinato is authentic Italian, not a "red sauce" place, so not a spag/meatballs place but very good. Also Noodlecat and Pura Vida, which are around the corner from 4th on Euclid. Flaming Ice Cube for informal and VERY good vegan food, including great smoothies.

Ohio City: Crop Bistro, Soho Kitchen & Bar, Velvet Tango Room

Tremont: Lolita, Dante, Ty Fun

Gordon Square: XYZ the Tavern for drinks, Happy Dog for dinner.

Somewhat East of Downtown: Seoul Hot Pot, Table 45, L'Albatross

East: Wonton Gourmet

 

 

I will note that most Asian places don't have dim sum every day, usually only on the weekends so if you're planning on that, I would call and ask when they have it.

I agree with R&R's selections.  Excellent choices.  I would also add Bar Cento/Bier Markt (Ohio City) as a good option if you want better than average bar food and a good selection of drinks in a nice atmosphere.  And I've heard good things about the Turkish place in Tremont although I have not made it up there yet.

I have loved on the turkish place but started to notice after the first couple of visits that I was getting the MSG flush after eating there, which is disappointing. I have to cut it out of the rotation now.

 

FYI on Bar Cento, the fries are fried in duck fat and thus not vegetarian. I think that is not advertised and I have a Veg friend who was not happy to find this out after she'd been eating them for several visits.

Hypothetically speaking, are the interested in rentals or sales?

 

 

They'd be interested in buying if they were to move.  That said, sometimes showing people interesting apartment spaces can inspire confidence or interest in what the city has to offer.  I'd love for them to also see some places that they can brag about to renter friends.

I have loved on the turkish place but started to notice after the first couple of visits that I was getting the MSG flush after eating there, which is disappointing. I have to cut it out of the rotation now.

 

The one in Tremont or the one in Ohio City?

 

FYI on Bar Cento, the fries are fried in duck fat and thus not vegetarian. I think that is not advertised and I have a Veg friend who was not happy to find this out after she'd been eating them for several visits.

 

I believe the fries are the same at Greenhouse Tavern as well (although they may advertise it there).

The one in OC.  Yes, true on the fries at GHT as well but I think they disclose it.

The one in OC.

 

I've been to that one (Alaturka).  I was referring to the one in Tremont (Turkish Grill I believe).

I am a dope. I meant the one in Tremont, which is called Istanbul Grill. I don't even KNOW of a turkish place in OC!

Thanks, everyone, for the thoughts on restaurants.  Any ideas for unique activities.  Something I'm including is a trip to the Federal Reserve money museum, which I don't think a lot of people know about.  The aquarium will be open soon too, I believe.

The free, 1.5 hour tour of lobbies and backstage at playhouse square is awesome.

Thanks, everyone, for the thoughts on restaurants.  Any ideas for unique activities.  Something I'm including is a trip to the Federal Reserve money museum, which I don't think a lot of people know about.  The aquarium will be open soon too, I believe.

 

There's also a police museum at the justice center.  As long as the weather's nice, the zoo is a totally different experience in the winter than in the summer. 

 

A lot of these are kind of standard suggestions, but I don't know what they've done before, or recently.  They may be a little cliché, but there's the RRHoF and the Christmas Story house, if they haven't been to those.  The markets in Asia Town are pretty cool to visit.  They could make a night out of a visit to Detroit-Shoreway with the little boutiques, numerous places for dinner, Sweet Moses, and a movie at the Capitol.  Same goes for Ohio City.  They could visit the market and a couple shops on W. 25, then take a walk down Bridge Avenue and have a romantic dinner au Petit Triangle.  They could probably spend an afternoon on Waterloo Rd. in Collinwood, or on Larchmere.

 

Does anyone know if Wendy Park is open this time of year?  Whiskey Island is kind of a neat place, but I've only ever been in the summer.

OK, here's my suggestions:

 

Terminal Tower Observation deck, open on Saturdays, best to buy tickets in advance as they often sell out

http://terminaltowerodeck.eventbrite.com/

 

Tower City Center, Friday Market Place, 2nd Friday of Every Month! (starting up again Feb. 10)

10 am - 4 pm, Skylight Concourse, Local & national artists, crafters and vendors demonstrating, displaying and selling their work and products.

 

Glass Bubble Project, Ohio City

http://www.glassbubbleproject.com/ohio-city-glass-blowing-studio.php

People sometimes bring their own glassware to work on, or bring their old glass trash so it can be recycled into art. It is right next door to......

 

West Side Market, Ohio City

If they like crowds, go at late morning on a Saturdays. If they don't like crowds, go just after lunch hour on Wednesdays. Lots of shops, restaurants and cafes along West 25th, including the famous Great Lakes Brewing Company across West 25th from the market and down the sidestreet called Market Avenue. Note that the market is open only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

http://www.westsidemarket.org/

 

Sammy's Metropolitan Restaurant

The food is OK, but the setting is amazing. It was designed as an airship station on top of the Huntington Building in the early 1920s when everyone though airships would be THE WAY to travel (before the Hindenburg went up in flames!). The room was designed like railroad stations of that era. Sammy's Metropolitan Restaurant serves lunch to the general public Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Make reservations and view a menu at:

http://www.sammys.com/metropolitan.shtml

 

Cleveland Indians Winterfest continues until Jan. 15, and The Ohio State University and University of Michigan will face off in hockey at Progressive Field on Jan. 15....

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/fan_forum/snowdays.jsp

 

 

At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the exhibit "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" will continue through to Feb. 26. And there is a new Beatles exhibit there, too. The new inductees will be enshrined at ceremonies held this year in Cleveland, but not until April. For details: http://rockhall.com/

 

The Cleveland International Film Festival, one of the largest in the United States and possibly the world, is coming March 22-April 1. Details: http://www.clevelandfilm.org/

 

Other ideas may be had by visiting......

 

http://www.cleveland.com/events/index.ssf/city/cleveland

 

 

 

 

If he is a beer fan, do the great lakes tour brewery...its free...just sign up online.  then you can spend a day walking around Ohio City. 

 

For condos, tell him to come to Battery Park...its a great neighborhood feel.  Brand new units in an urban setting.

Thanks everyone!

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway?

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway?

 

Oh yeah, I forgot! ;) They run weekends-only until June, then they run Wed-Sun. I was going to suggest a Rapid ride for the fun of it, but not everyone shares my enthusiasm for such things!

Well should they do the CVSR they could also include a trip to Akron.  Or just drive down to Akron for a day.  I think they could still stay at Quaker Square in a silo, if they wanted to stay downtown.  It probably wouldn't take much more than a day to see the variety of sites in Akron..  But I guess I could see where it would take probably a couple days with the variety of restaurants and the Art Museum and variety of shows/venues at EJ, Akron Civic or Musica.

 

For a sweet tour of downtown loft housing look no further than www.northsidelofts.com  Its a little more than half sold..  The units I've been in have been pretty impressive.  Also a pretty nifty website..

 

  For food with another nifty website is Crave.  www.eatdrinkcrave.com  But there's also Bricco, Cilantros, Luigis, House of Hunan, Lockview, in April-May DBA will open in the Vegeterenean spot.  Further out from downtown is Ken Stewarts.

I love to park on Superior and take people to the Arcade and the libraries (and seasonally the Eastman Reading Garden).  You could add the Federal Reserve Money Museum at the same time, as it's right there. 

 

I always take visitors to the Museum of Art, a great way to see something fabulous for free.

 

I also second the notion of Li Wah for dim sum.  Incredible to say the least!  Another foodie location that I just love is Lilly Chocolates in Tremont.  Plus, they can see St. Theodosious at the same time.

 

And, I always like to take a walk on the east bank of the Flats.  You can park under the bridge near the RTA station for like $2.50, though I don't think they patrol the lots at all on weekends unless there is an event going on.  It's very quiet in the morning there, just some people walking dogs.  There's usually one or two people sleeping there, but I've never been bothered by anyone, even when I go alone.

 

 

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway?

Well should they do the CVSR they could also include a trip to Akron. 

 

Good ideas! CVSR operates weekends-only until June when they operate three round-trips per day Wed-Sun until October.

 

** But note that the National Park Service is replacing a rail bridge over a creek just north of downtown Akron until sometime in March, so CVSR trains will no travel south of the Botzum station until then. For updates, visit:

 

http://www.cvsr.com/TrainSchedule.aspx

I would reccomend:

 

1)  Bowling at the Corner Alley,

 

2)  A movie at Tower City Cinemas,

 

3)  Visit the Mather Ship at the Science Center and go to the IMAX,

 

4)  Explore the Antiquities Section on the third floor of the old library building, and

 

5)  The Money Museum in the Federal Reserve building.

 

These are some of my favorite place to take out of town visitors.

The mather is closed until may I'm pretty sure.