Go with the view!

Alright, Sammys Metropolitan it is - let's meet a little before 12:45 under the dome of the Huntington Building lobby (the one in the distance in the photo):

 

I was planning to sleep here last night because no buses drive here in the early morning

 

Dude, you can take Amtrak from downtown Milwaukee to the Mitchell Airport station, then take the shuttle bus to the airport terminal. Too late now, but good to know for the future.

 

Is there a plan for dinner? I don't have Cleveland City Council tonight, so I can get together. If not, there's always tomorrow night or anytime Wednesday.

How did the lunch go?

Thanks for the warm welcome to the city everyone.  I had a great first day of exploration but I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.  I'm going to be mobile the whole day so I doubt a meal will be in the works.  But if anyone wants to do something Wednesday, let me know by tomorrow night and I'll work it into the schedule. 

 

It also looks like I'll be biking the Rocky River Thursday morning...feel free to join.

so what did you see today?

Talk to us! Whatcha seeing and doing?

Maybe he's too busy seeing and doing to be posting!  I hope so!

He's on here right now.

Sorry, I keep checking on my phone and its hard to type responses...

I started today off with East Cleveland.  That was sobering to say the least.  After an hour of walking around I finally decided to try making eye contact and it didn't go well.  I got a WTF you lookin at mother f---er. Man, get the f--- outta here.  This was in front of city hall which happens to be across the street from Stokes/Windmere. 

From there I went to University Circle.  Went into the Botanic Gardens, which are beautiful and amazingly relaxing.  Favorite building is either the temple or the Methodist church.  From there I walked for miles....

 

First I did lunch at Corbo's in Little Italy.  Love that neighborhood.  Walked up to the Garfield Monument, but someone got shot a block behind me halfway up that hill.  It was crazy...cops came from the cracks.

The view from the top of the Garfield Monument was great, but trying to take a picture of myself with the skyline was not easy.

 

To be continued...

Those folks in EC, certainly weren't hospitable! Bastards.

From the cemetery I walked to Coventry and was VERY pleasantly surprised.  I'll probably stop back there tomorrow or Thursday.  After that I strayed from the commercial strips by continuing south on Coventry.  After I saw a few large houses, I decided to call MayDay to see where the really big ones were.  He took me down Fairmount where I noted the original streetcar poles down the center. 

After I got to Lee I turned back and went to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.  I walked all the way around Lower Shaker Lake and back down the Stearns Path to the South Park station.

I took the Shaker Line out to Green Rd and hopped on the bus up to Beachwood/Legacy Village...BORING!!!!

Took the 94 back down to Green Station and went back to Shaker Square which is beautiful.  Got a coffee and relaxed at Deweys before hopping on the Van Aken line.  Stopped in the Fresh Market at Warrensville Rd and was underwhelmed with the stark white strip malls.  Walked back up to the Shaker Line via some pleasant residential streets.  By now it's 7:00 pm.  Dinner time.  Took the Shaker Line back into Tower City and picked up some food at Constantino's.  I ate dinner on the hill next to the river facing the Plain Dealer Pavillion where my favorite Jazz Funk band (Return to Forever) happened to be playing their first concert since 1976.  That was Awesome.  Sitting on the hill I finally felt at ease.  Those cool old bridges are incredible. I walked across the river, under the Stone Bridge and all the way back to 74th and Detroit where I'm staying.

 

Tomorrow is Ohio City and Tremont.  But I have to start the day with Target in Steelyard Commons to pick up a new memory card.  Somehow I took 250 pictures today.

 

Thanks again for all the help. 

 

BTW, I'm riding the bike down Rocky River Thursday morning.

^ Sounds like an excellent trip so far (less the dude in East Cleveland).

 

I probably won't have the opportunity to bike with you this trip because of work, but maybe I can find time to provide a walking tour of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood after work Wednesday.  PM me if you're interested.

^ Sounds like an excellent trip so far (less the dude in East Cleveland).

 

I probably won't have the opportunity to bike with you this trip because of work, but maybe I can find time to provide a walking tour of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood after work Wednesday.  PM me if you're interested.

 

Exactly, I'm glad the folks in my neighborhood were much more pleasant and you were able to relax a bit. Sounds like ajknee hit Dewey's on one of its "good" days.

Is anybody else shocked that ajknee says he witnessed someone getting shot in Little Italy?

Of course. I've lived in Greater Cleveland for 41 years and never heard a gunshot. But sh*t happens.

Is anybody else shocked that ajknee says he witnessed someone getting shot in Little Italy?

 

He "witnessed" someone being shot?  Did he say that?

Walked up to the Garfield Monument, but someone got shot a block behind me halfway up that hill.  It was crazy...cops came from the cracks.

 

Lets not embellish!

 

I too have lived in Greater Cleveland for 42 years and never witnessed anyone being shot.  The only experience I've had with a gun shot, is 1) When those losers from Maple Hts. broke into my parents house and 2) when my ex was shot, but he's a Cop.

I heard two gunshots, ducked behind a tree, saw the cop cars and decided the get the hell out of there.  So I really don't know if bullets were directed at someone else or not.  Anyway, i'm already off to a late start so I'm going to head out.  I'll check back in the noon hour.

"Walked up to the Garfield Monument, but someone got shot a block behind me halfway up that hill.  It was crazy...cops came from the cracks."

 

"I heard two gunshots, ducked behind a tree, saw the cop cars and decided the get the hell out of there."

 

And someone set off some M80s in my hood last night :roll:

" Beachwood/Legacy Village...BORING!!!!"

 

At the very least, the Irish Pub has great onion rings and the Apple Store is fun fun fun

Not only is Claddaugh overpriced, there's better onion rings at Brennan's Colony on Lee (actually the best I've had anywhere).

 

I'll give you the Apple Store.  I'm not even an Apple fanboy and I think it's a pretty cool place.  Of course, it'd be much cooler downtown.  I could see that fitting in well right there by Ideastream or something.

Yeah, I'm guessing M80's.  If it was a shooting that close you would probably have heard screaming or a ruckus of some sort.  It may have still gotten called in as a gunshot, though, thus the police.

Well now that ajknee has set the record straight, lets be thankful that nothing happened to put a blackeye on his trip to Cleveland.

Alright, we'll call it an M80 strike.  I had a fantastic day regardless.  This morning I went to West Side Market and wandered around Ohio City for a bit.  The Market is larger than I expected for some reason. The residential areas right around it are gorgeous. 

For some reason I was underwhelmed with Tremont...I went down Professor and over Starkweather up through Lincoln Park?  Nothing really struck my fancy.  So I took the circulator down through Steelyard Commons and all the way to Denison Loop.  Steelyard Commons is a unique asset to the city, and the design of the buildings is cool.  But I'm curious...in Milwaukee we have a new big-box area called Speedway Commons where they bulldozed a really popular race track, and are now using the race track as the theme of the shops. Many people, including myself, were insulted by this.  I'm curious if the people of Cleveland fell the same way about Steelyard Commons...was there some form of attachment to whatever it replaced?

Anyway, Denison Loop was, umm, a loop.  So I hopped back on a bus and headed back to Coventry where I was told I could get a good veggie burger.  I'm at Tommy's right now, waiting for my food.  I was pleased to find that they have free wifi, but my waitress doesn't seem to understand that I'm not from here.  When I ask her what's good, what's unique, where I should go from here she just kind of glares at me.  Oh well. 

I'm going to fool around here for a bit and then try out Tremont again.  I was told to get a coffee at Civilization.  Hopefully I'll get some conversation going there.

 

BTW, what do you mean it was one of Dewey's "good" days?

ajknee - If you're still at Tommy's - you should get a milkshake or malt to go to wander around with.  They make tasty ones :)

You love the Eastside  :wink:

 

Tommy's milkshakes are FABULOUS!

 

Dewey's coffee can be "hit or miss".  The service is consistent, but the coffee and be off.  I've actually had burnt coffee there.

Steelyard was just that, it is on the land of a former steel mill. The architecture of the stores reflects its industrial past. 

ajknee - If you're still at Tommy's - you should get a milkshake or malt to go to wander around with.  They make tasty ones :)

Doc Broc....girlfriend, another reason I like you.

 

While in Cleveland Hts., might I suggest checking out the park system.  I don't think anything is going on in Forest Hills, Cumberland or Cain park but they are nice to stroll about.

ajknee - If you're still at Tommy's - you should get a milkshake or malt to go to wander around with. They make tasty ones :)

Doc Broc....girlfriend, another reason I like you.

 

Hehe, AND you can get a free souveneir (the cup the shake comes in).  That's how we got all the cups we owned in undergrad - Tommy's milkshakes.  This is making me want a chocolate malt...

Alright, milkshake for dessert it is.

I already walked to and through Shaker Lakes and I'm planning on biking Rocky River tomorrow, so I'm kinda parked out.  But I probably will go south and take the Shaker Line back in again.  I can't get enough of that stretch where it's in the middle of Shaker Blvd.  It's beautiful, and exactly what I'd imaging those blvd medians being used for.

 

 

 

In Tremont, check out St. Theodosius on Starkweather. It is a beautiful onion-skinned dome church.

AJ - Is Edgewater (Cleveland) & Lakewood on your agenda?

ajknee - If you're still at Tommy's - you should get a milkshake or malt to go to wander around with.  They make tasty ones :)

Doc Broc....girlfriend, another reason I like you.

 

Hehe, AND you can get a free souveneir (the cup the shake comes in).  That's how we got all the cups we owned in undergrad - Tommy's milkshakes.  This is making me want a chocolate malt...

 

OK...You're worse than my nephews and Nieces.  My 8 y/o Niece is a Tommy's Cookie Dough or Cookies & Cream milkshake fan.  The Moose track shake worries me though and their coffee shake could be a bit stronger.....anyway....

 

Alright, milkshake for dessert it is.

I already walked to and through Shaker Lakes and I'm planning on biking Rocky River tomorrow, so I'm kinda parked out.  But I probably will go south and take the Shaker Line back in again.  I can't get enough of that stretch where it's in the middle of Shaker Blvd.  It's beautiful, and exactly what I'd imaging those blvd medians being used for.

OK.  Now, that you've said that, I've alerted my neighbors and they will be watching you.

I was debating going to Lakewood later today.  I picked up the Lakewood Circulator schedule, but I have ZERO recommendations on places to go to there.  What's there to see?

Ooh, another question...

Is there a pedestrian route between that state park on the lake (can't think of the name) and Detroit Shoreway?  I'm staying right next to Battery Park, and every route I take leaves me stuck either at train tracks or the highway.

^yes. Go directly north on W.65th. When it dead-ends into the tracks, you'll see a very pretty tunnel that will take you into the park. The best views in the park are on the upper portion. This view will give you a great perspective on downtown.

OK. Now, that you've said that, I've alerted my neighbors and they will be watching you.

 

Your neighbors?  I thought you lived at Shaker Sq, not Coverntry.  Or are you saying I need to carry my cup all the way through the square?  What are these neighbors going to do, point and laugh, try and scare me?  MTS, you have me worried.

 

This town is too wired...I went to Shaker Lakes and by the time I got home Lisa, the woman I'm staying with, told me that she already knew I'd gone to Shaker Lakes.  WTF?  I didn't even mention my name or anything to anyone.  You guys are creepy :)

There are high-rises along the lake (Lakewood), Edgewater Park (great skyline and lake views). Also this is home to a large portion of Cleveland's gay community (Clifton Blvd., Edgewater Drive, Lake Ave. are main streets in the hood).

 

See Cliff Drive next to Edgewater Park & the view from the overlook at Pier W in Lakewood (12700 Lake Ave).

I was debating going to Lakewood later today. I picked up the Lakewood Circulator schedule, but I have ZERO recommendations on places to go to there. What's there to see?

 

Depends on what you like to see.  I would suggest going to the Warren Rd and Detroit area.  Lion & Blue is a cool little hippie shop there, there is a music store at the corner as well and a Phoenix (indie) coffee shop next door to Lion & Blue. You could go to Melt for a beer (or later for dinner, highly recommend - www.meltbarandgrilled.com).  There's a plaza across the street with a Marc's, which is an independently owned chain of stores that sell a variety of goods from hair products to toys to clothing to food. Most of the stuff is stuff that's imperfect/flawed in an unnoticeable way to most consumers but allows you to get good discounts.  Cash or check only.

Your neighbors?  I thought you lived at Shaker Sq, not Coverntry.  Or are you saying I need to carry my cup all the way through the square?  What are these neighbors going to do, point and laugh, try and scare me?  MTS, you have me worried.

 

This town is too wired...I went to Shaker Lakes and by the time I got home Lisa, the woman I'm staying with, told me that she already knew I'd gone to Shaker Lakes.  WTF?  I didn't even mention my name or anything to anyone.  You guys are creepy :)

 

I live on Shaker Square, Shaker Blvd. to be exact, just east of where Dewey's is located.  You went past my building atleast four times yesterday on the train.  My building is on the north side of Shaker Blvd. & Coventry.  It takes up the entire block. 

 

......the hills have eyes.........  :-o  :-o  :-o  :-o  :-o........and we're watching....

 

There's a plaza across the street with a Marc's, which is an independently owned chain of stores that sell a variety of goods from hair products to toys to clothing to food. Most of the stuff is stuff that's imperfect/flawed in an unnoticeable way to most consumers but allows you to get good discounts. Cash or check only.

 

FYI, R&R...Marc's also takes Discover.

There's a plaza across the street with a Marc's, which is an independently owned chain of stores that sell a variety of goods from hair products to toys to clothing to food. Most of the stuff is stuff that's imperfect/flawed in an unnoticeable way to most consumers but allows you to get good discounts. Cash or check only.

 

FYI, R&R...Marc's also takes Discover.

 

Good to know.  I don't shop at Marc's or have a Discover which is probably why I didn't know that.  The last time I was a regular shopper there was a long time ago and they didn't take any then as far as I can recall.  I wonder why they take Discover and not others?  Are their fees lower?

^yes. Go directly north on W.65th. When it dead-ends into the tracks, you'll see a very pretty tunnel that will take you into the park. The best views in the park are on the upper portion. This view will give you a great perspective on downtown.

Once you are in the park, find the paved walkway and head west to the upper portion of the park for the best views. From there you can head west until you exit the park, go west up Edgewater Drive, just past 117th street are the high-rises. For the view from pier W; just before you get to the end of edgewater dr, take a L at Cove and a R on Lake Ave. Winton Place/Pier W is on the right.

^let me add that I believe that the view from upper Edgewater Park is better than the view from Pier W. But, seeing that portion of Lakewood is interesting. Actually, once you leave the park and walk west along Edgewater, there is an interesting loop street that provides another great view. It would be the first street on your right.

I was debating going to Lakewood later today. I picked up the Lakewood Circulator schedule, but I have ZERO recommendations on places to go to there. What's there to see?

 

Depends on what you like to see. I would suggest going to the Warren Rd and Detroit area. Lion & Blue is a cool little hippie shop there, there is a music store at the corner as well and a Phoenix (indie) coffee shop next door to Lion & Blue. You could go to Melt for a beer (or later for dinner, highly recommend - www.meltbarandgrilled.com). There's a plaza across the street with a Marc's, which is an independently owned chain of stores that sell a variety of goods from hair products to toys to clothing to food. Most of the stuff is stuff that's imperfect/flawed in an unnoticeable way to most consumers but allows you to get good discounts. Cash or check only.

 

Agree with everything RR says, especially Melt.  I'd also recommend The Beer Engine on Madison west of Warren, El Tango Taqueria on Madison west of Bunts or Angelo's Pizza on Madison east of Bunts.  Also, in the strip of storefronts in front of the Marc's plaza there is a Souper Market soup stand and a Dave's Cosmic subs, which is one of the better sub shops in town.  Or, if you enjoy middle eastern food, there is Aladdin's on Detroit east of Warren.  Aladdin's is a popular local chain, and Lakewood is the original.

 

For non-food activities, I'd recommend Lakewood park and all of the streets near the lake.  There are some very beautiful homes in that area. 

 

I'm not sure what your plans are, but you could hit up Lakewood tomorrow when you go to the Rocky River Reservation park.  The north end of the park is a really nice marina area.  The path/road goes up the hill from there and you'll be on Detroit Rd in the West End of Lakewood.

^let me add that I believe that the view from upper Edgewater Park is better than the view from Pier W. But, seeing that portion of Lakewood is interesting. Actually, once you leave the park and walk west along Edgewater, there is an interesting loop street that provides another great view. It would be the first street on your right.

 

Cliff Dr.

we've probably given poor ajknee information overload.

If you're into industrial grit, take your bike through the Industrial Flats down Independence Road along the river.  You may get acosted by Mittal Steel security guards, but the views of the working steel mills, trains carrying red hot slag, overhead catenaries transporting coke, hissing pipes, and just a generally surreal landscape with great juxtaposed city views, I would highly recommend it.

Directions:

Broadway, south to Dille Road, then a left onto Independence.

Then where the river makes a 30 degree angle southwest, take that diagonal right.  It's barely visible on google maps (check out street view for a preview), but it will take you to the back side of the east side blast furnace.  You'll eventually hit a dead end and have to back track, but a totally bad ass ride I promise.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I just walked down to Shaker Square with my shake in hand.  It was delicious.  I got the cookie dough as recommended.  The weather is getting me down, the blisters on my feet are REALLY starting to hurt and I have severe sunburn from yesterday.  So I'm going to relax here at Dewey's until my battery runs out on my laptop.  Feel free to stop by and say hello, I'll be sitting just like this for the next few hours:

 

 

Anyway, I'm definitely heading down to Lakeview tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on when it clears up. 

 

w28th, I definitely want to check out the path you suggested.  Is this where you recommend turning off?

 

 

If it is, I'm there for sure. 

Dude are you wearing sneakers?  Sunblock?

 

Walk over to Larchmere.