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It’s a great time to be a Clevelander, friends! We’ve been in the spotlight a lot over the last year, thanks to a couple of championship games. But for those of us who’ve grown up here, we’ve long known that the city of Cleveland is a diamond in the rough!
Which is why I’m beyond excited to bring you my next chapter of my “Explore Ohio” series — Downtown Cleveland! If you’ve followed along with the last few chapters of this series, you’ll know that I grew up here in Northeast Ohio. I was born in East Cleveland, but grew up in the country, before moving to New York state. Then I debated moving further south (and even went so far as to look at real estate in Dayton), before settling into my home here just south of ‘the land.’
The Cleveland Flea. Artisanal products, makers, and doers come together once a month for an amazing event. Think food trucks, the “Flea Bar” featuring incredible hand-crafted cocktails, and a DJ making sure everyone is having a blast. It’s seriously the most fun event of the month.
Hilarities. I feel like Clevelanders take for granted that we have this amazingly popular comedy club! Chad and I have gone to see Joe Machi (from Last Comic Standing) and we loved it! I’m so bummed that I recently had to miss Mike Birbiglia (we were out of town!). He’s my absolute fave! And seriously, every single seat in the venue is close! It’s such an intimate location.
Jack Cleveland Casino. I’m not big on gambling. Heck, I spent a total of $20 on slots in Vegas; but this casino is exactly what downtown Cleveland needed. And, in it’s current location in the old Higby building, it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Hodges. Yet another incredible chef with an incredible restaurant on E.4th! Hodges has long been one of my favorite restaurants, featuring drinks in mason jars (before it became popular) and cornbread with every single meal (cornbread, ya’ll!). I absolutely love Chris Hodsgon and all of his restaurants, but Hodges forever has a place in my heart!
I just have to stop. I have to. Because I could go on and on and on about this city. I would like to also mention Brew Boat CLE, the City Club of Cleveland, Walnut Wednesdays, and Lolly the Trolley. Cleveland is just such an incredible city. I know we may get shamed as being ‘the mistake on the lake,’ but we aren’t. I swear it; we aren’t!
And to celebrate the best city on the North Coast, I’m giving away a $25 gift card to Heinen’s — which can be used at any of their locations across Northeast Ohio, but I urge you to check out the downtown location anyway — just enter using the rafflecopter widget below!
This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal. As always, all opinions herein are my own.
Tough one…probably a tie between East 4th Street and Playhouse Square. Ooh, and Public Square!
Cleveland looks really awesome! We actually used to live in Pittsburgh and made the drive out to Cleveland several times, but mainly just visited the zoo there (we love that zoo!). Never made it downtown though…bummer!
East 4th!!
Fun post! Fun to read about my hubby’s family home town. I remember having a blast at the Rick and Roll Hall of Fame. The restaurant we always go to is Mama Santas Pizza Parlor in the Little Italy part of Downtown of Cleveland. ?
Downtown Cleveland looks like a fun and engaging city! I have some family friends over there so I definitely want to visit the city in the near future!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
Wait, whaaaat?! I’ve never heard of Hodges! Adding it to the list… I can’t pick a favorite spot downtown because THERE ARE TOO MANY, duh. But my new favorite is Wonder Bar on East Fourth, which serves cocktails on draft!
We went to dinner at Greenhouse last week before Hilarities for the Mike Birbiglia show – both awesome. I am so obsessed with this city.
Will you be at the Flea this weekend? Holler at me!
So many fun places to check out! Cleveland isn’t too far from me, maybe we’ll have to take a trip!
I never know there was so much going on in Cleveland. We have family there and are planning to go visit them. So thanks for this!
my favorite spot is jack casino! That place is so nice! never won anything big yet but i want one of those cars they are always giving away
Wow! So many fun things to do and places to go! E. 4th street sounds right up my alley!
Thank you so much for sharing this…I have never been but now I think we might have to take a trip out there! I think the kids will love the science center.
This all look so fun!! Barrio looks like a place I could live.
Now I want to visit Cleveland! That flea market looks amazing!
I’ve never been to Ohio! I need to come make a visit!
xx,
Lacey
I have never been to Ohio as an adult. I can only imagine all the buzz that’s happening with the city right now. I also laughed a bit because a 25 minute drive will -still- have me driving in Dallas proper.
Loving all these pics! If I ever make it out to Ohio I will definitely be referencing this post!
Love these awesome pics! I definitely want to visit Cleveland now!
Wow, the Arcade building and Playhouse Square are so beautiful! Your city is so beautiful!
@ressamazing
Great pictures! Can’t wait to visit Cleveland, it’s been in my wishlist for a time now but never been there before. This a great post filled with so many recommendations!
Barrio sounds amaaaazing, as do these other spots! I’ve been hearing amazing things about the restaurant scene in Ohio cities lately!
Looks like a fun downtown! You had me at tacos and guacamole.
I’ve been wanting to visit Cleveland for awhile and this post makes me want to visit even more. I think a weekend road trip is gonna happen this summer!
Hey fellow Clevelander! West Side Market is definitely one of my favorite spots in CLE, but have you been to the Flats lately!? They are super cool!
Cleveland has changed a lot since I last visited! These places look so fun! I need to plan a new trip!
This is awesome! My husband and I moved to Indianapolis last August and we are planning a weekend getaway to Cleveland. I’m saving all this information for our trip!
I have been to the Jake and Playhouse Square the most downtown but I have to say my favorite spots are in other parts of the city!
My favorite spot downtown is definitely greenhouse tavern to eat BUT I spend a large chunk of time at heinens for fun! I get mad when my significant other goes grocery shopping without me!
Rachel,
You already know that I love your posts! I’m always checking on them and getting a good laugh. But, I’m writing to let you know that I have nominated you for The Bloggers Recognition Award. If you want to see the post, it’s at http://www.onesharpmama.com/2017/06/08/blogger-recognition-award/
Keep up the awesome posts. I wanted everyone to know how awesome you are! Congrats
I like the URBAN FARMER
I’ve never been to Ohio, but this post makes me want to plan a weekend getaway!
It,s Higbee