Cleveland has always been within a relatively short driving distance (a 5 to 6 hour drive) from the Chicagoland area, which has been my home for the majority of my adult life. While I have often thought about visiting Cleveland, it has never been a top priority for me to organize a trip there. I used to wish that my professional commitments would lead me to this Midwestern city, but after spending 25 years in the financial services industry without that opportunity arising, I decided to stop waiting.
Starting in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, my family began to frequently explore the states surrounding Illinois, such as Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and even venturing further south to Kentucky and Tennessee. During this decade, my family has embarked on numerous road trips that have enabled us to admire the charm of the Midwest United States, encompassing delightful cities, natural wonders, and abundant opportunities to engage in interesting experiences. As we continued these journeys through the end of 2022, I started thinking about Ohio, and not just because of the song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I realized that I had seen very little of this significant state and was determined to change that. A trip to Columbus in 2023 for an Ohio State game, during which we explored the impressive campus and surrounding areas like Gahanna and Westerville, only fueled my desire to see more of Ohio. Although we had a Cleveland trip planned for 2023, it had to be postponed due to work and other commitments. However, as the summer of 2024 approached, I was determined to not let the opportunity to visit Cleveland and its surrounding areas pass. With a passion for Rock n' Roll and nature, my family and I excitedly kicked off the summer of 2024 with a 4-day trip to Cleveland.
Rock n' Roll music is a constant presence in our home, and I have heard nothing but terrific things about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I have been talking up this trip to my son for a while now, and we were all excited. Following a 5 and a half hour drive from the Chicagoland region and a late arrival on the Friday that marked the end of my son's 4th grade year, we were eager for a full day of music on a lovely Saturday in late May. We weren't disappointed.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must for fans of rock music and all music enthusiasts alike. Delve into the history of rock music, spanning from its origins to the present day. This museum offers an engaging experience for the whole family. One highlight is a dedicated floor where guests can experiment with playing the guitar, drums, or keyboard using training videos to participate in playing their part in classic songs. I personally enjoyed drumming along to "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. This same floor has a house band that can play an encyclopedia of 100 or so songs allowing visitors to participate in live band karaoke. We were captivated by a father in his sixties and his daughter in her twenties performing "Killing In the Name" by Rage Against the Machine. The museum showcases videos of past rock and roll hall induction ceremonies, featuring memorable live music performances, as well as artifacts like a piece of Pink Floyd's iconic tour set from 1980-81 The Wall Tour. Five hours spent exploring the museum proved insufficient due to the abundance of information on iconic artists spanning different rock genres from the 1940s and 50s (like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis) to the present day. The museum boasts an extensive collection of band memorabilia, including actual instruments used by legendary musicians, costumes worn during iconic performances, handwritten lyrics, vintage concert posters, and personal items that provide insight into the lives and careers of some of the most influential artists in the rock genre.
Overall, our visit was a fun and inspiring experience that I look forward to repeating.
Feeling invigorated and inspired after our visit to "The Hall", we took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked around the downtown area and enjoyed the scenery including the Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Browns Stadium, which all hug the Great Lake Erie. Eventually our walk brought us to Masthead Brewing where we enjoyed a terrific pizza and a cold and refreshing beer. Still a bit peckish, our walking tour continued onto Noble Beast Brewing Company which has a cool, laid-back local vibe along with good beer and terrific sandwiches. As we walked back to our Air BnB, we were physically and mentally spent and also very ready to continue our exploration on the following day.
The Cleveland area also checks another one of our major tourism boxes and that is nature. We love visiting state and national parks during our travels, and Cleveland provides two excellent opportunities to appreciate nature and the outdoors that I would like to highlight.
Cuyahoga National Park is less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Cleveland and is one of the few National Parks in the Midwest.
The Towpath Trail is a gem that stretches across Cleveland, runs along the Cuyahoga River and connects seamlessly with Cuyahoga National Park.
After a quick Saturday morning breakfast, we made the 30 minute drive from Cleveland to Cuyahoga's Boston visitor center park entrance to gain an idea of what hikes might be best for our family. Parking wasn't easy in this popular area, but people are always coming and going at places like this and we found a parking spot quickly. After consulting with the park ranger, we decided to take on one of the park's most popular hikes to Brandywine Falls.
The hike to Brandywine Falls is a 5.5-mile loop that starts on the Towpath Trail for a mile before transitioning to the Stamford Trail. The Stamford Trail, a 1.5-mile hike of moderate difficulty with some incline, leads to the 1.4-mile moderate Brandywine Gorge Loop trail. This part of the trail offers stunning views of the 60-foot Brandywine Falls. The hike takes you through a beautiful forest with dense tree cover and sunlight filtering through the trees. After reaching the falls, we leisurely made our way back to the visitor center. During the return hike to the visitor center, we took a moment to dip our feet in the water, skip rocks, and cross a creek to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. We spent a delightful few hours at this national park, which boasts many more trails I look forward to exploring in the future.
We had a fantastic post hike dinner at Mabels, where we savored celebrity chef Michael Symon's unique interpretation of Cleveland barbecue. The menu includes traditional items like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, but what sets it apart is the delicious smoked kielbasa sausage, which I found to be exceptional. Each meat dish is accompanied by their outstanding house-made sauerkraut. Don't miss the "This Is Cleveland" dish, which combines sauerkraut with pulled pork, pork spare ribs, and kielbasa, garnished with chives, parsley, and mustard. It's one of the best restaurant dishes I've eaten in recent memory.
Whether you're traveling with bicycles, looking to rent some, or simply in the mood for a leisurely stroll or jog, the Towpath Trail is a destination not to be missed. Our Sunday began with a 5-mile run and walk along this picturesque route, commencing at the Towpath Trail in Tremont. From this starting point, we were treated to a panoramic view of the Cuyahoga River meandering below, slicing through the heart of downtown Cleveland. The Cuyahoga River, known for its industrial importance, functions as a crucial port for the transportation of goods. The trail provides a terrific vantage point of the river and its environs. The array of unique bridges spanning the river is impressive. I have rarely encountered a city with such a diverse collection of visually striking bridges and found myself compelled to snap photos liberally. The trail stretches all the way to Cuyahoga National Park, and the segment we explored from Tremont towards the Scranton Flats impressively showcases repurposed bridge components cleverly utilized to create captivating viewpoints, seating areas, and spots for relaxation and picnicking along the trail.
If you find yourself with some spare time or are a big football fan, consider visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, just an hour away from Cleveland. It's a fantastic way to spend 3 to 4 hours, especially if you're a fan of American football and want to pay homage to your local heroes who have been honored in the hall. During our visit, we dedicated a few hours to exploring the entire complex, admiring the inspiring stories and history covered inside and the architecture outside, including the unique football-shaped building and the massive 20,000-seat Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. One of the highlights for me was learning more about my beloved Chicago Bears players that have been enshrined in the hall, especially my childhood hero Walter Payton. However, the most memorable experience for all of us was undoubtedly the "A Game for Life" exhibit. An immersive theater features holographic displays of Hall of Fame legends, sharing valuable life lessons learned through the game of football. The emotional film resonates deeply as these legends impart their wisdom, reminiscent of the inspirational themes found in the Rocky films.
Our final morning in Cleveland was spent at Edgewater Beach, a lovely location where we could relax and enjoy the serene ambiance along the shores of Lake Erie. Cleveland, situated on the banks of a vast lake, is a cool and fun Midwestern city that combines urban charm with natural splendor. I had great hopes for our visit to Cleveland and its surroundings, and I was thrilled to find that not only were our expectations met, but they were exceeded.
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