Often cited as a model for urban rebirth and named one of the top 10 international visitor hotspots by Travel and Leisure magazine, the city of Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie, has truly lived up to its image as The New American City. Cleveland’s success story today is fueled by an on-going commitment to growth and a global vision for the future. Cleveland boasts leading cultural and educational centers, internationally acclaimed health institutions and world-class sports and entertainment facilities. These attributes, combined with the rich traditions and unique, ethnic flavor of the city, have visitors agreeing with what residents have always said—CLEVELAND— IT WILL ROCK YOU!
Whatever the interest, this lakeside community has something for even the most discriminating traveler. When it comes to attractions, there is definitely no shortage in both the city as well as the surrounding area. One of the most popular theme parks in the country is located in nearby Sandusky. Cedar Point allows guests to experience over 150 rides and attractions, including award-winning entertainment and four children’s areas.
The NASA Glenn Research Center offers free admission to a host of interactive exhibits and historic artifacts that showcase highlights of NASA’s aerospace programs. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are two other must see attractions. Where else but at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can a visitor relive the soundtrack of his/her life? There are over 50 exhibits, dynamic cinematic presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts. Located just one hour south of Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, known as one of America’s premier sports showplaces, presents football as fans have never before experienced it in Game Day Stadium Theater!
From the world’s only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Cleveland is bustling with venues of interest. Thrill-seekers will be on the edge of their seats (literally!) with some of the tallest, fastest, steepest and best roller coasters in the world at Geauga Lake in Aurora and Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky.
Those who enjoy the out of doors, will want to visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rain Forest. Viewing over 3,000 animals living in an expanse of 168 rolling, wooded acres, provides a great day of fun for the entire family. See animals and plants from around the globe including the jungles of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In addition, there are a total of 27 parks, two golf courses, three lakefront locations, a Nature Center, a Wildlife Center and an Agricultural Theme Park available as well.
Culture enthusiasts and aficionados enjoy stellar performances at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square Center, which includes five beautifully restored, circa 1920 theaters, making Playhouse Square Center the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. These architectural gems are home to the Cleveland Opera, Ohio Ballet, Great Lakes Theater Festival, The Second City, and many Broadway performances.
University Circle, one of the nation’s largest concentrations of cultural arts, medical, and educational institutions within one square mile, is also home to many world-class treasures. including the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art and The Cleveland Orchestra. These include HealthSpace Cleveland, the Cleveland Children’s Museum, the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Play House, to name a few. Also of note are the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University’s Peter B. Lewis Building, which was designed by Frank O. Gehry.
Cleveland is known for being loyal to its sports teams. The city hosts big-league sports action year-round. The National Football League (NFL) and the Cleveland Browns returned to Cleveland with the 73,000-seat Cleveland Browns Stadium. Jacobs Field, featuring one of the largest scoreboards in the United States, is home to baseball’s Cleveland Indians. Gund Arena hosts Cleveland Cavaliers basketball, Cleveland Barons hockey and more than 200 family events and concerts each year. There is also MISL soccer with the Cleveland Force.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland boasts 31 miles of lake frontage, more than any other metropolitan center in the world. The Lake Erie Circle Tour, a 200-mile stretch of scenic beauty along the Northern Ohio coast is of interest in each of the four seasons. Major theme parks, heritage and historical sites, wineries, covered bridges, unique museums, and highly rated Donald Ross-designed golf courses are all set against the broad expanse of Southern Lake Erie.
The city offers a bustling, riverfront entertainment district like no other. The Flats, located along the banks of the Cuyahoga River, houses more than 50 restaurants, nightclubs and bars, a 5,000 seat amphitheater and a waterfront boardwalk. The upscale Historic Warehouse District is home to live jazz and blues, great restaurants, trendy nightclubs and an improvisational theatre. The Historic Gateway District, a diverse area comprised of neighborhood, commercial, retail and dining venues, is also the center of big-league sports action and entertainment year round. Nightclubs offering live musical entertainment round out the booming Historic Gateway District nightspots.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, in summer, winter, fall or spring, this conveniently located Ohio city is sure to excite you. Be sure to bring plenty of energy and a camera!
