For those of us who are used to New York City, Cleveland may seem like a mere drop in the bucket of opportunities; however, it is a city full of life with countless things to explore. If a lack of ideas is stopping you from spending a weekend in the 216, I’m here to share the introduction into the city that I received, which turned out to be a memorable one. Afterall, with the right person, roaming around any new city can be an exciting experience.
As one of the most culturally diverse cities in Ohio, Cleveland is home to people from all over the world, which means a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Like any major city, Cleveland often hosts various cultural events and street festivals. During my stay, I was lucky enough to catch Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption. The festival consisted of a few blocks, billowing with the smells of Italian spices and sounds of local bands. Stands selling pizza, pasta, meatballs, stromboli, fried mozzarella and pretty much any Italian food you can think of lined both sides of the street. Two restaurants on the street offer patio seating where you can sit and enjoy your food while listening to music. It’s worth noting the restaurants feature outdoor bars where you can grab a drink, too. The standout drink of the festival was definitely the wine slushy from Trattoria Roman Gardens. Fresh cannolis, gelato and zeppoles were the perfect end to the night—what could be better than that.
Before your next trip to Cleveland, click here to see what food festivals you can catch.
If you are a music lover, a first trip to Cleveland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although it is arguably a ‘touristy’ attraction, don’t let that deter you because it has some of the most impressive exhibitions I have ever seen. Students and residents of Northeast Ohio receive a discount, which serves as extra motivation to visit. The Rock Hall has 6 floors of aesthetically pleasing exhibits, with one even featuring instruments that guests can play themselves. The top floor is dedicated to one new inductee at a time, and during my visit I was lucky enough to catch the Bon Jovi exhibition which fulfilled all of my New Jersey dreams and was a welcome reminder of my home state.
For all of my fellow KSU Florence program alumni, the Westside Market will transport you right back to Mercato Centrale. This indoor market has everything from fresh produce to delicious baked goods and hot, home-cooked meals. Bustling with people both behind and in front of the counters, the energy in the market was contagious and made me want to try everything. Some showstopping booths included fresh Mexican tamales and enchiladas, assortments of Asian goods ( mochi and Thai tea—yum), and a huge bakery booth that featured a variety of different buckeyes.
After a full day of eating and sightseeing, I recommend winding down with a bar crawl near the Jack Casino at East 4th St., a pedestrian only block filled with bars and restaurants. The Corner Alley is a great place to start, which is at one end of the block and has a great mixed shot menu (my favorite was the Ashley’s Apple Pie shot). The iconic House of Blues is just a few bars down and offers live music every weekend. I loved the atmosphere at this bar, with the vibe changing depending on the songs being played. It’s a great place to visit to make special memories before ending your night with one last drink and greasy bar food at the Harry Buffalo.
To end the weekend, a relaxing day is needed. A BLT from Jake’s Deli will not only cure your hangover, but if you appreciate food as deeply as I do, it will feed your soul. This BLT is different from any I’ve had before, the thick bacon was complemented by slices of ham and a delicious mayo-ketchup sauce. The sandwich is best enjoyed while sitting in front of the water fountain in the public square across the deli.
Before making your way back to Kent, I highly recommend stopping by Edgewater beach, sitting by the water and digging your feet into the sugar-like sand. I swear, you will feel like you’re at the Jersey Shore.
As the biggest city near Kent, it is important for us to get to know Cleveland. The city is filled with opportunities for a great time and I hope this short guide motivates you to explore it.
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