Welcome to The LAND!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, Cleveland offers something for everyone. From world-class arts and culture to vibrant neighborhoods, waterfront views, and a dynamic food scene, explore the many ways to make the most of your time in The Land.
Dining at Its Finest
If you hadn’t heard, Cleveland is the surprise culinary destination of the Midwest. We may be known primarily for po’ boys and Eastern European fare, but you can’t toss a pierogi around here without hitting a local haven with a wide variety of unique and tasty eats. Whatever you’re in the mood for, CLE’s restaurant scene has you covered.
Take in Lake Erie views at Alley Cat Oyster Bar in the Flats. Sample bold Italian flavors at Johnny’s Downtown. Or sit down to sushi and Delmonico at the upscale Marble Room Steakhouse and Raw Bar.
And you can’t go wrong with any eatery by hometown heroes Michael Symon or Zack Bruell. Check out Mabel’s BBQ for a proper “Cleveland-style” barbecue adventure. Or indulge in reimagined French cuisine at L'Albatros.
If you’re feeling more casual, grab some fish and chips and a pint from Flannery’s Pub. Sink your teeth into a giant, delicious corned beef sandwich from Slyman’s Deli. Or go back in time with a classic burger and fries at Swenson’s Drive-In.
If you prefer to play while you dine, hit up Mahall’s 20 Lanes or Hi & Dry Bowling and Beer. And speaking of beer, be sure to visit some of our award-winning local breweries!
Don’t skip dessert! Check out Corbo’s Bakery – in the heart of Little Italy – for some delectable Cleveland-style cassata cake. Hit up Brewnuts for an eclectic lineup of after-dinner donuts. Or cool down with a scoop of Mitchell’s ice cream.
Check out more of what the North Coast has to offer:
Rock Hall
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame threw open its doors on September 2, 1995, and celebrated with a blockbuster benefit concert at nearby Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This marathon show featured once-in-a-lifetime pairings and performances by greats such as James Brown, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash and Booker T. and the M.G.s. Besides the Municipal Stadium concert, the Rock Hall’s festive opening weekend featured a downtown Cleveland parade and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Little Richard and Yoko Ono.
West Side Market
No journey to Cleveland would be complete without a trip to the historic West Side Market for a taste of our culture, homemade bakery, fresh produce and meats.
A shining gem on the outskirts of Downtown Cleveland, and the foundation upon which the historic Ohio City district was built. Feel the old world come alive at the West Side Market. It’s been in continuous operation for more than 100 years and is home to more than 100 independent operators and vendors.
Be prepared for all your senses to be assaulted. With the blinding array of fruits and vegetables, the savory aromas of smoked meat, cheese, freshly-baked bread, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, it’s sensory overload. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with the locals and sampling all the foods. It all adds up to the beautiful chaos that is the West Side Market.
Pro tip: For the best view, take a minute to find the stairs that go up to the balcony overlooking the market.
A Christmas Story House
Did you know that one of your favorite Christmas classics was shot right here in Cleveland? The actual home of Ralphie Parker and his family in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story” is located in the westside neighborhood of Tremont. Director Bob Clark reportedly searched twenty cities before selecting the iconic Victorian house as the perfect site for many of the exterior shots of the flick. Other parts of the Tremont neighborhood are featured in the movie as well.
The house was purchased on eBay in 2004 by a fan of the film, using proceeds from his existing business, The Red Rider Leg Lamp Company. (Are you sensing a theme?) Watching the movie frame by frame, he drew up and executed plans to reconfigure the interior of the house to a near perfect replica of the Parker family home.
Also, the house across the street is now home to the Christmas Story House Museum, full of behind the scenes photos and props from the film, including Randy’s red snowsuit and the family Oldsmobile. Be sure to swing by the gift shop for your very own leg lamp, pink bunny suit or Red Ryder BB gun! Just don’t shoot your eye out!
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Admire the beauty of plants and wildlife from all across the globe, right here in CLE. Unwind and become one with nature with a journey through the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. With 20 lush, ever-changing gardens to explore, you never know what you might discover.
Start in the temperature-controlled Glasshouse and travel through the unique landscapes of two separate continents. Visit the weird and wonderful spiny desert of Madagascar, featuring a world-class collection of endangered plants and exotic animals – including chameleons, radiated tortoises, and one of the largest collections of Madagascan baobab trees in the United States. Continue on to the vibrant rainforest of Costa Rica, with towering trees and boundless blooms. Stick around for one of the daily butterfly releases and watch beauty take flight.
Outside, stop and smell the roses in the romantic Rose Garden or find your zen in the Japanese Garden. Get lost in imagination among the whimsical topiaries or delight your senses and breathe deeply in the Herb Garden.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Take in some arts and culture at the Cleveland Museum of Art, located in University Circle. Experience a whole world of art and culture right here in The Land! Check out the Cleveland Museum of Art, located in the bustling University Circle neighborhood on the city’s east side.
Founded over 100 years ago, the CMA is home to more than 45,000 works of art from around the globe. And with over 700,000 visitors annually, it’s one of the most visited art museums in the world. Another plus – admission is free!
The museum itself, located in the center of Wade Park’s Fine Arts garden, is a beautifully preserved work of art. Grab a cup of coffee and take a stroll through the garden’s outdoor galleries, admiring the building’s pristine white Georgian marble and neoclassical design. Then step inside, into the grandiose atrium courtyard, to start your journey through the ages. The permanent collections include world renowned pieces spanning 16 diverse departments. From Medieval to Contemporary, textiles to photography – the Cleveland Museum of Art has it all.
Spend an afternoon with the works of Botticelli, Picasso, Warhol and centuries of other legendary artists. And don’t forget to check their calendar for any special exhibitions, lectures and programs going on while you’re in town!
