A Weekend in Cleveland – Sharing the Local Secrets

So why should you spend a 3 days in  Cleveland, OH, or as we affectionately call it, “The Land”?  I can think of a few reasons. First of all, do you like nice people? Yea, we got those. How about traffic?  It barely exists here. What about amazing beer and food? There are too many options to count. Then there are just so many cool things to do in Cleveland. I’d say those are pretty good reasons to give a weekend in Cleveland a shot right there, and I’m only just getting started.

One thing you’ll notice right away on a visit, even just a weekend in Cleveland is how much pride the locals take in their city.  The investment they’ve made in turning it into the awesome place it is today is evident in the many new small businesses around the Cleveland area.  You may also notice that Clevelanders all around are wearing Cleveland swagger.  As far as I’ve heard, we are the only city that does this quite to this extent.  It’s a bit dorky, yes, but it’s part of our charm. See if you can come here and not catch the Cleveland bug.  Trust me- you’ll want to be a part of what makes this city so great.

This 3 Days in Cleveland Guide Includes:

Before we get started, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust, and I have lived in Ohio my whole life.  Twenty-five of those years have been in the Cleveland area, so yes, I wear the Cleveland t-shirts and love this city very much.  I am so excited to share why you need to give The Land a visit yourself sometime.

Getting to Cleveland

Cleveland is a fairly small city, so getting here for a weekend trip is really quite simple.  There are two main ways that people arrive:

• Drive:
  • From the east: Take I-90 W to route 2 straight into Cleveland, or the Ohio Turnpike to I-77 N, and follow this into the city.
  • From the west: Take the Ohio Turnpike to I-90 straight into downtown.
  • From the south: Take either I-77 N right into downtown; or take I-71 N I-90 E into downtown.

• Fly: Arrive into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.  From there you can either rent a car, grab an Uber or taxi, or take the rapid into downtown.  These days, I’d say Uber is the most popular way to go if you don’t want to rent a car.
• Other Options:
  • Megabus: That’s right, we are a stop on the Megabus route.  The Megabus will take you right into downtown Cleveland and drop you off at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center, which is near the Cleveland State Campus.
  • Amtrak: I would think this would for sure be the least popular way, but you sure can take the train to Cleveland if you so desire.  Heck, I’ve done it from Cleveland to New York before. While it is slow, the train will take you right into downtown.

I think that covers just about every way to get to  Cleveland except for boat.  I’m gonna leave you to your own devices on that one.

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Cleveland

For simplicity’s sake, I recommend you stay right downtown for a weekend trip to Cleveland.  There are plenty of hotels in various price ranges available, and you’ll be in striking distance of many great neighborhoods, whether by walking or Uber.  Here are a few lodging options I would recommend:

• Hotels:
• • • Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade: The Hyatt is located in the Old Arcade, which is one of the most beautiful signature buildings downtown.  It’s also right at the end of Cleveland’s premier E 4th Street, featuring great restaurants and nightlife.

You can see guest reviews and reserve your room at the Hyatt right now!

• • • The Westin Cleveland Downtown: I personally love this hotel, mainly because I hang out in their Starbucks almost daily.  In all seriousness, though, it’s a nice hotel just a short walk away from a lot a great Cleveland restaurants and bars.  The Westin also has a great steakhouse in it called Urban Farmer, which prides itself on serving locally sourced organic ingredients.  I’ve eaten here multiple times, and it is delicious.

You can see guest reviews and reserve your room at the Westin right now!

• AirBnb:
• • If a hotel is not your style, there are plenty of Airbnb’s in downtown Cleveland to choose from.  I recommend choosing one near East 4th street or Playhouse Square, as this is where you’ll find the most restaurants and nightlife.  West 6th street is where you’ll find the club scene, so I recommend avoiding that area since it can be pretty noisy at night until the bars close.

Things to do in Cleveland

If you’re thinking you’ll be bored in Cleveland because it’s a smaller city, I’m about to prove you wrong.  There is plenty to do here. In fact, you’d have to try to be bored. Here are some of the awesome things to do in Cleveland during a weekend trip:

Get Cultured

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: You can spend an entire afternoon touring this multi-story museum. Britney Spears fans should be sure to check out the top floor, and try not to lose their mind when they see one of her iconic concert outfits.

Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square:  Come experience the “largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York”.  See what’s playing this weekend and catch a matinee or evening show.

The Cleveland Orchestra

Cleveland Orchestra: Spend a classy evening watching this world-class orchestra perform anything from the works of classic composers to scores from famous movies like Harry Potter.

Enjoy Lake Erie Views

There are many different ways to enjoy Lake Erie, including fishing charters, taking a ride on the Nautica Queen, or kayaking on the Cuyahoga River.

If physical activity is not on the agenda for your weekend in Cleveland, consider visiting The Flats for great views.  There are plenty of bars and restaurants on the water that are perfect for enjoying gorgeous warm days.

Entertain the Kids

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: On a warm  Cleveland day, kids will love perusing the many animal exhibits at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  This can make for hours of entertainment – perfect for expending some of that youthful energy.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Greater Cleveland Aquarium: If the Cleveland weather is not cooperating, the aquarium is a great indoor activity for restless children.  Explore 250 different exhibits of the world’s most interesting sea creatures.

Venture to the Surrounding Areas

Cleveland is more than just its downtown.  Some of the best restaurants, bars, parks and shops are in the surrounding neighborhoods of Tremont, Ohio City, and Gordon Square.  If you want to venture out even further, Lakewood is a very walkable area filled with antique shops, cafes, quirky bars, and fun casual dining.

Local Tip: Visitors to Ohio City should stop at the West Side Market on Saturday morning to browse numerous displays of all kinds of produce, meats, cheeses, pastries, sausages, Italian food, etc.  One of the most famous stalls in Westside Market is Steve’s Gyros, which has been featured on the Food Network multiple times.

Rocky River Reservation: Located along the Rocky River about 20 minutes outside of downtown, this lengthy park spans multiples cities and offers numerous activities.  There are running and biking trails, and the river offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. Simply picnicking in this scenic park is perfectly acceptable as well.

Where to Eat During a Weekend in Cleveland

There are so many delicious places to eat in the Cleveland area, this topic really could have several of its own articles.  Here are some of our best unique options:

• Michael Symon Restaurants: If you willing to splurge a little bit, eating at a Michael Symon restaurant could be a real treat during your weekend in Cleveland.  He is our local Iron Chef, and has 2 restaurants on E 4th: Lola Bistro and Mabel’s BBQ.  Both are great choices.
• Slyman’s Restaurant: Famous for their enormous corned beef sandwiches, but their other options are great too. Opened in 1964, it’s a local institution.
• Barrio: This taco joint is a local favorite, and is also quite inexpensive.  You can build your own taco with high quality fresh ingredients for about $4 a piece.  I go here often, and almost always order the stoner shell with braised beef. If you’re only going to eat at one place, eat here.
• Blue Point Grille: Fresh seafood flown in from the coasts daily, ideal for a special night out. Some say it’s the place to see and be seen, but the real reason to come here is the incredible food. It is pricey, but costs far less than food of this quality would cost in larger cities. A reservation is a must.
  

Other Places to Eat Around Cleveland

Tremont Neighborhood: Some of the best restaurants are located in Tremont, which is just a couple minutes north of downtown Cleveland.  For a casual place with great beer and food, I recommend Tremont Taphouse.  For a more formal evening if you are in celebration mode, there are amazing splurge-worthy meals at Dante.  You must try the side of polenta.  It may spoil your appetite for your entrée, but just let it happen.  It’s that good.

Local Tip: Right below Dante (in their basement) is a tiny high-end Sushi spot called Ginko. It’s where you’ll find the freshest, highest quality sushi in the city.  I didn’t even know I liked raw salmon that much until I tried it here. This little place books out in advance, so a reservation at least a week ahead of time will be needed.

Ohio City: Ohio City is more of a bar and brewery scene, but there are some good places to eat here. Market Garden, Town Hall, and Great Lakes Brewing Company are all great options.

Where to Drink During 3 Days in Cleveland

 Cleveland has an impressive brewery scene, so it would be a shame not to partake during a weekend here.  There are over 30 in the greater Cleveland area, but here are a couple nearby to check out:

Must-Visit Breweries: Great Lakes and Masthead are the two best breweries in downtown Cleveland.  Great Lakes is the most famous and widely distributed, and is basically a landmark at this point.  However, Masthead has popped up in recent years, and has consistently produced amazing top-notch brews.  If I had to pick one, I’d pick Masthead.

Other Nearby Options:Butcher and the Brewer is a trendy brewery on E 4th that also serves small plates.  In Ohio City, there is Market Garden and Nano Brew that also serve food.

Non-Brewery Options: You do not have to like beer to enjoy a few drinks while out in Cleveland.  Our alcohol availability does not discriminate! Two options for very good cocktails, yet very different vibes are Society Lounge on E 4th Street and Porco Lounge & Tiki Room on W 25th.

• Society Lounge is underground in a dark, albeit classy space where the noise levels are low and the cocktails are beautifully handcrafted.  They like to have fun with their cocktails. The first time I visited, I caused a scene by accidentally ordering a smoked Margarita that got brought out to me under a smoke-filled glass.
• Porco Lounge is a tiki bar in a tight space that tends to fill up.  However, they serve high quality tropical drinks that pack a powerful punch.  My favorite is the Level 3 Painkiller, which can surely lead to an interesting night and ugly hangover if you aren’t careful.

Ready for a Weekend in Cleveland?

Well, as we like to say here in Cleveland to those skeptical of visiting – “it’s not that bad, have a drink!”.  

I hope you do have a couple beverages during your weekend in Cleveland, and appreciate the spirit and energy of the people that created them.  It’s the spirit of a city that refuses to be known for the shadows of its past, and looks forward to a future with no limits on what it could become.  Come be a part of the energy of Cleveland and see for yourself!

Other Weekends in the Eastern states, or the Midwest

If you’re looking for more weekend adventures while you’re in the east or Midwest, or if Cleveland isn’t exactly your cocktail, try these options:

Rock Like Cleveland Does, and Pin This Please!

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