When the travel bug bit us, we knew we needed a quick fix. Thank goodness Ohio is a treasure trove of possibilities! After some back-and-forth, we settled on Cleveland – an easy drive and a city brimming with adventure. We didn’t need to stress about planning every detail; we figured we’d just let the wind (or rather, our car) take us to all the cool spots. The hardest task? Finding a place to crash, of course! But hey, we’re up for any challenge – bring it on, Cleveland!
Despite having only 28 hours at our disposal, we seized every moment and squeezed out every ounce of fun possible!
Where to Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel
I hopped onto Expedia and within a jiffy, stumbled upon the perfect spot – the enchanting Drury Plaza Hotel. With its rich history and affordable price tag, it was a no-brainer. The hotel, housed in the former Cleveland Board of Education building, was easily one of the most splendid places we’ve ever stayed in.
However, the morning of our departure, I received an unexpected notification from Expedia stating that our reservation had been canceled. Feeling bewildered, I hastily re-booked, and we headed off. Upon arriving at the hotel, we were informed that although they could see both reservations, we didn’t have a reservation because Expedia had canceled it. Talk about frustrating! Thankfully, the exceptional staff took care of us and went above and beyond by re-booking us in a king suite at a lower rate. Needless to say, we’ll forever be loyal Drury customers. Their impeccable customer service left a lasting impression on us!
Trust me, this hotel is a gem. The stunning decor and hospitable staff will make you feel like royalty. Oh, and did I mention the amazing happy hour? Each guest receives three complimentary drinks (including beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda, and more) and delicious snacks to tide you over before heading out for the night.
The location couldn’t be better either. A quick $12 Lyft ride will take you to the charming Little Italy, while a leisurely stroll to 4th Street will introduce you to a foodie paradise featuring world-renowned chefs such as Michael Symon, Jonathon Sawyer, and Zack Brue. Not to mention, the city’s best craft brews and cocktails are readily available, alongside shopping and entertainment. Trust me, you won’t regret staying here!
You can see more pictures (and details) of the hotel here.
1380 East 6th Street | Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216.357.3100
Website
Ohio City and Townhall: Cleveland’s Hidden Gem and Innovative Bar Bites
Ohio City is our ultimate go-to whenever we’re in Cleveland – it’s a hidden gem that we stumbled upon during our last visit and have been head over heels for ever since! This quirky neighborhood boasts a bevy of restaurants, the legendary Westside Market, microbreweries like Great Lakes, art, culture, and so much more. You name it, Ohio City’s got it!
What’s even better is that it was only a quick 6-7 minute drive from our hotel, which was a pleasant surprise. Let’s be real, Cleveland’s road network can be a bit daunting for us out-of-towners who are used to the trusty 270 that gets you anywhere, but the more we explore, the less intimidating it gets. Trust us, Ohio City is worth the drive – and once you’re there, you won’t want to leave!
Townhall
A year and a half ago, we ventured up to Cleveland and had the pleasure of discovering Townhall – a bar that offers locally sourced and innovative bar bites, including a fantastic selection of vegan options. And let me tell you, it was love at first bite! But the real star of the show was the milkshake that we couldn’t stop raving about.
And if that wasn’t enough, Townhall boasts a stunning space with front and back patios and an open environment that’s just perfect for mingling and socializing. Trust us, this place is an absolute must-visit!
Avocado toast has got to be one of my all-time favorite dishes. I can’t resist it – whenever I see it on a menu, I simply have to order it. And if it comes with some juicy, ripe tomatoes, well, then I’m in pure heaven.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase – the real MVP of Townhall is hands down their legendary milkshake. I kid you not, my husband is completely obsessed with it. He literally dreams about it 24/7, it’s insane! The Nuts, Bourbon + Bacon Boozy Shake is a masterpiece – a delectable blend of bulleit bourbon, pistachios, bacon cubes, Mitchell’s vanilla bean ice cream, and Hartzler’s milk. Trust me, after indulging in this heavenly concoction, you’ll never look at a milkshake the same way again!
TOWN HALL
1909 W 25TH ST, CLEVELAND, OH, 44113
(216) 664-1101
HTTP://WWW.TOWNHALLOHIOCITY.COM/
MARKET GARDEN BREWERY
Whenever we visit Market Garden Brewery, we can’t help but order their incredible Mimosa flights and delectable Scotch eggs. But let me be clear – they offer much more than just tasty, session beers like their award-winning Progress Pilsner, an organically hopped Citramax IPA, and their Bavarian-style Hefeweizen, Prosperity. They also have a 35,000 square foot Production facility that offers hourly tours.
Now, I know it may seem like a sin, but to be honest, we don’t really go to Market Garden Brewery for the beer – it’s all about that scrumptious Scotch egg! Trust me, it’s perfection on a plate – perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor. And while the service may not always be outstanding, the Scotch egg is definitely worth the trip! I mean, how many times can one mention “Scotch egg” in a single paragraph? But seriously, you just have to try it for yourself – it’s that good.
1947 W 25TH ST, CLEVELAND, OH, 44113
(216) 621-4000
Great Lakes Brewery
My husband Stephen is a huge fan of Great Lakes Beer, and we were excited to visit their brewery in Cleveland during our last trip. However, since we went on a Sunday, we were disappointed to learn that the brewery was closed and we couldn’t go on a tour.
Now, we find ourselves heading back to Cleveland on another Sunday, and I couldn’t help but check Great Lakes’ website for any updates. To our delight, we discovered that Ohio City was hosting its very first ‘Ohio City Festival’, and Great Lakes was offering a special fall tour. The best part? The tour was not only available, but it was also completely free! We felt like it was destiny – this was an opportunity we simply couldn’t pass up!
The tour of Great Lakes was an absolute blast! We began our adventure in the Beer Symposium, where we were greeted with freshly brewed beer on tap as we waited for other guests to arrive. The Beer Symposium felt like a mini-museum, complete with exhibits showcasing Great Lakes’ rich heritage and distinctive company culture.
Before setting off for the brewery, we were introduced to our enthusiastic tour guide and watched a short video on the history of Great Lakes. And while I’m not typically a fan of beer, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the passion and craft that goes into each and every batch at Great Lakes. Suffice to say, I’m now a huge fan!
Two Irish brothers with limited brewing experience. A city that shuttered its last production brewery in the early 80s. A neighborhood in serious need of a facelift. In 1986 when Patrick and Daniel Conway opened their fledgling operation in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, the odds were stacked against them. Fortunately, they surrounded themselves with a staff of passionate, knowledgeable people, and from the start committed themselves to bringing a sophisticated, diverse selection of craft beer to their home state. Two decades, multiple awards, and a whole lot of stories later, Pat and Dan Conway celebrate over two decades of brewing exceptional beer for their adventurous and discerning customers.
You can read more about the history and their company here.
Tours are offered Fridays and Saturdays from 12PM to 8PM (hours vary). Tours are $5 and include four 5 oz. beer samples of your choice, so make sure to bring your ID! Tour groups are limited to a maximum of 15 guests. Walk-up registrations are taken in our Beer Symposium, but online registration is preferred. Please note that they have a reduced tour schedule January through April but they do offer some select holiday tours. For current hours, please contact glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com.
You can book a tour here.
After the tour, head over to Great Lakes’ Brewpub for some deliciously fresh beer. The brewery has beer running through the streets of Cleveland, meaning you get your pint straight from the keg. The Brewpub is located in the charming Ohio City neighborhood and boasts a stunning Tiger Mahogany bar where Eliot Ness once sat. The eco-friendly beer garden is perfect for warm days, and you can also check out the small-batch barrel-aging operation in the beer cellar. The Brewpub offers a unique and unforgettable experience for beer lovers.
The signature dish at this brewpub is their mouthwatering Fish & Chips. Made with Alaskan cod, a delectable Edmund Fitzgerald Porter batter, crispy pub fries, and topped with housemade tartar sauce and coleslaw, it’s a must-try for any seafood lover. Now, I have to admit that I’m not usually a fan of fish and chips, but these ones completely changed my mind. They were so good that I couldn’t get enough! If you find yourself at this brewpub, make sure to order the Fish & Chips – you won’t regret it!
Brewpub Address: 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
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Westside Market
During our last visit, we attempted to go to the Westside Market, but ended up in their outdoor market instead. When we realized how close we were to the real thing, we were a bit embarrassed that we missed it. So this time, we made a bigger effort to find our way to the Westside Market and explore everything it had to offer. We weren’t going to let the opportunity slip away again!
West Side Market – Cleveland’s oldest and most iconic public market! With roots dating back to 1840, this market has undergone many changes over the years and is now home to over 100 vendors of diverse backgrounds. From fresh seafood to delectable baked goods, cheeses, and even flowers, you can find it all here. The market’s centerpiece is the gorgeous yellow brick markethouse with its stunning clock tower that has been a Cleveland landmark for over a century. It’s no wonder that tourists from all over the world flock to the West Side Market every year to experience its rich history and diverse offerings.
Address: 1979 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Parking: The West Side Market parking lot can be accessed from Lorain Avenue just east of the Market and from W. 24th Street which is off Bridge Avenue. View this map for a full list of neighborhood parking options.
Little Italy
Little Italy had been on my radar for a while now. I have to admit, I’m slightly obsessed with anything mob-related, so I was excited to check it out. At first, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but as the night wore on, I started to feel like I had walked into an episode of The Sopranos. And you know what? It was amazing! The people we met had an infectious passion for life, and it was clear that they loved food, people, and everything that makes life worth living – just like me!
Based on a friend’s recommendation, we decided to kick off our night at Trattoria. It held a special place in their heart – it was where they had their first date – so it felt pretty cool to visit and be a part of their story. It definitely added an extra special touch to our evening.
As soon as we saw the Stuffed Hot Banana Peppers on the menu, we knew we had to try them. These three cheese-stuffed peppers were served with a tomato basil sauce, and let me tell you, they were spicy on their own! But when mixed with the cheese and sauce, they were perfectly balanced and full of flavor. I took a bite of the end without any toppings and thought I was going to burn my mouth off!
I decided to go with the Eggplant Parmigiana, which was apparently their most popular dish – and boy, was I impressed! The eggplant was sautéed to perfection and piled high with layers of mozzarella cheese and tomato basil sauce. It was enormous – I guess they’re known for their generous portions – and came with a side of linguine that was equally massive. I was so stuffed that we ended up taking some home, but it was definitely worth it!
After dinner, we checked out a couple more spots – Mia Bella and Tavern Of Little Italy. Wish we would have arrived bit early and had time to hit up one of the bakeries.
L’Albatros Brasserie
On a beautiful Monday afternoon, we went searching for the perfect outdoor patio and stumbled upon L’Albatros thanks to Google. This upscale and contemporary French restaurant had an amazing menu, and the patio was simply stunning.
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I had a bit of a mix-up at L’Albatros. I wasn’t quite sure what to order, so I asked our waiter for some guidance and gave him three choices, all of which I thought were chicken dishes. As it turns out, two of them were indeed chicken, but the third was skate wing. Unfortunately, my brain interpreted “wing” as “chicken wing” and I completely missed the part about it being fish. When the dish arrived, I was taken aback by the fishy smell and quickly realized my mistake. Despite my aversion to fish, I have to admit that the dish looked beautiful and appeared to be cooked to perfection. The real highlight for me, though, were the vegetables – they were absolutely delicious and I devoured every last one of them. The whole experience was a good reminder to always ask questions, especially when dining at a French restaurant with a menu in French!
My husband decided to stick with what he knows and ordered the burger. It turned out to be one of the best burgers we’ve ever had! I think it was because of the delicious toppings – it was smothered in béarnaise sauce and loaded with roasted peppers and caramelized onions.
Lakeview Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery may not seem like the most exciting activity, but the Lake View Cemetery is definitely worth a stop. This nationally recognized landmark features a historic burial ground that not only provides a welcoming environment for bereaved families but also offers educational programs in its historic setting.
The cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people, including the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, whose monument is an architectural marvel. The building is a stunning combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine styles that will take your breath away.
The Garfield Monument, designed by architect George Keller, was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1890. Standing at 180 feet tall and constructed of Berea Sandstone, the monument boasts five terra cotta panels by Casper Bubel, depicting Garfield’s life and death through over 110 life-sized figures. The Memorial Hall features rich gold mosaics, beautifully colored marble, stained glass windows, and deep-red granite columns, with stained glass windows representing the original 13 colonies and panels depicting War and Peace. The main floor holds a statue of President Garfield sculpted by Alexander Doyle. Visitors can climb 64 steps to reach the outdoor balcony, which offers a stunning view of Lake Erie’s shoreline for up to 40 miles. The cemetery itself is named Lake View Cemetery for this breathtaking view.
We did a self-guided tour of the grounds, but, you can participate in a guided tour. They also have many events, walking tours, talks and more. You can find the schedule here.
12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
Shooters on the Water
Seeing that it was a beautiful day and we were by the water, we knew we had to find a waterfront spot to end our trip with. Thanks to Siri and Google, we discovered Shooters – a picturesque location facing The Flats. The views of boats and jet skis out on the water were breathtaking. While the service was a bit slow, it didn’t matter as we were there to enjoy each other’s company and the great outdoors. Our daiquiris and fries may have taken a while to arrive, but the ambiance made it all worth it.
Shooters on the Water, Cleveland Ohio was established in June of 1987. Shooters’ inaugural summer season broke all records, as visitors from around the region clamored to share in the spectacular taste of Florida perched on the Cuyahoga. Shooters was one of the first developments on the West Bank of the Cleveland Flats and led the way in the rapid growth and rebirth of the downtown waterfront area. Since that remarkable summer, Shooters’ has continued to define the draw and allure of Cleveland’s Flats. The restaurant has achieved premier positioning within the state, offering stability and a magnet-like draw for the masses in a trend-oriented market. Each year Shooters continues to accommodate over one million guests throughout the summer and winter season. – Website
1148 Main Ave. | Cleveland OH, 44113
216-861-6900
Facebook | Website
In just 28 hours, we managed to pack in a ton of fun in Cleveland. Being only a couple of hours north of Columbus, it makes for a perfect quick getaway. There’s so much to see and do in Cleveland – from exploring its rich history and culture, to enjoying the beautiful waterfront, and indulging in incredible food and art. While I may skip out on the colder months, I’m already looking forward to planning our next adventure in the city come springtime.
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