Outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I knew nothing about Cleveland. If anything, I think it gets a bad rap. When we arrived in Cleveland, I was taken back by the bodies of water surrounding the downtown area. Even more, I could not believe the architecture throughout town and how there is so much to see and do in Cleveland. This post outlines 10 of the best things to do while in this beautiful city in Ohio.

1. Eat and Drink

With an amazing waterfront and a bustling downtown, Cleveland has so many great places to eat and drink.

If You Are Looking For a Rooftop…

Punch Bowl Social

This restaurant has arcade games downstairs. A fun way to spend a few hours, you can also escape to the rooftop bar. It overlooks the football stadium as well as the surrounding river. There is no shortage of sights upon this rooftop.

If You Are Looking For The Waterfront…

Lindey’s Lake House

Located only feet away from the Cuyahoga River, Lindey’s Lake House has indoor and outdoor seating available. Their patio is directly in the heart of the riverfront and has views spanning across the Flats neighborhood, the aquarium, and so much more.

Want to hear about these two restaurants and more? Check out these 10+ amazing restaurants in Cleveland you must try.

2. Take A Boat Ride

The city of Cleveland is surrounded by water so you cannot avoid it forever. Going for a boat ride lets you take advantage of the river at your fingertips. Our friends that live in Cleveland stay loyal to two different boat experiences:

The Tiki Barge

A Hawaiian themed barge offering 2 hour cruises around the river. Plus, it is a BYOB boat ride! Click here for more information.

The Good Time

Dubbed Cleveland’s largest sightseeing ship, The Good Time offers a variety of themed cruises at different times of the day. Click here for more information.

As you cruise along the river you will see Cleveland in a different light. You are no longer exploring on land and restricted to the traditional views of the city.

3. Tailgate A Browns Football Game 

The Cleveland Browns play at FirstEnergy Stadium. While you should definitely go to an NFL game here, you can also tailgate in the parking lot. We were not eager to pay the money for tickets so we opted to tailgate. We cooked hotdogs and brought ice chests for our time there. Everyone tailgating made the experience fun as the parking lot started to fill in with Browns fans.

As an added bonus, you can leave as the game begins and watch it at a bar. It is much more comfortable and less expensive than watching the game live at the stadium.

4. Cheer At A Guardians Baseball Game

The Cleveland Indians have changed their name to the Guardians. They play at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. The team has become famous for the movie Major League and is a notable team from Ohio. Watch one of their 81 home games at Progressive Field the next time you are in town.

5. Take Pictures At The Cleveland Script Sign

You can take pictures in front of The Cleveland Script Sign. These signs are like Los Angeles’ version of the Hollywood sign, though they are so much easier to get to! When you take a picture at any of these locations, you can document your trip in Ohio.

There are 3 locations throughout the city where you can take these pictures. It is kind of like an easter egg hunt!

Tremont Location – 1502 Abbey Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

Edgewater Park Location – 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102

North Coast Harbor Location – E 9th Street Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114

Have you taken pictures at The Cleveland Script Sign before? Comment below! I want to know your favorite location.

6. Shop At West Side Market 

According to its website, West Side Market is Cleveland’s oldest public market. Selling everything from dairy, meats, seafood, and so much more. There is fresh produce, bakeries, and yes, sweets!

7. The Arcade

According to its official website, The Arcade in Cleveland first opened in 1890. The interior reminds me of a time close to the 1890’s but it is still so modern and chic. There are places to eat and shop throughout The Arcade and even a hotel to stay at!

If this is your vibe, check out the Hyatt Regency hotel inside The Arcade now.

8. Take Pictures at Jack Knife Bridge

Jack Knife Bridge can be seen at various places around the waterfront. At first it looks like a rusty structure erect in the sky. I did not know what it was until we got much closer. Once you get to Jack Knife Bridge, you will see that it was once a bridge that has now become overgrown with greenery. If you love whimsical backdrops, this is the spot for you.

Bonus: Shooters On The Water

Just next to Jack Knife Bridge is a restaurant and bar. Shooters On The River is located on the tip of Cuyahoga River. It has views of the Iron Curtain Bridge as well as the Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge. The water flows only feet away from you.

As an added bonus, Shooters On The Water has an outdoor venue. There is often live music playing as you explore the riverfront. The day we visited we listened to the band playing up on stage. We bounced around to take pictures along the water as we sipped our drinks.

Find out more about Shooters On The Water on their website.

Bonus: Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge

Before traveling to Cleveland I had no idea what the waterfront would look like. There are so many bridges in Cleveland they are hard to keep track of. Some of the most visible bridges include the Iron Curtain Bridge. Many of the restaurants along the waterfront and in the Flats have views of this bridge.

Another noticeable structure int he distance is the Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge. At the Jack Knife Bridge and Shooters On The Water is a great area to take pictures of these bridges.

9. Travel To The Waterfalls

Approximately 30 minutes away from Cleveland sits the small community of Chargin Falls. This town could be the setting of a Hallmark movie with one important feature: the waterfalls! It is worth the drive to escape the city and see these roaring falls.

Want to experience more of this quaint neighborhood? Check out these 3 memorable things to see and do in Chagrin Falls.

10. Visit The Suburbs

Cleveland has so many suburbs there is no way I could remember them all. The one I knew for certain is Shaker Heights, thanks to the amazing book and television series Little Fires Everywhere. Other popular suburbs include Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Solon, and Mayfield Heights. Even though Baker Mayfield is the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, I do not think this suburb was named after him.

Book Your Trip Now

Whether you are planning a trip to Cleveland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family.

I love recommendations! If you have any favorite spots in Cleveland, please share them below!

Cheers!

The post 10 Unforgettable Things To See and Do In Cleveland appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.

Are you looking to explore outside of Cleveland? You are in luck. There is a gem hidden closeby. Approximately 30 minutes away from downtown Cleveland is the suburb Chagrin Falls. Named after the waterfalls that run through the small community, this little slice of paradise seems like a Hallmark movie. You will forget you are in Ohio as you watch the waterfalls flow through the city.

1. Visit The Waterfalls

I presume this village is named after the waterfall that flows in the middle of the small town. I have never really been exposed to waterfalls before this. The sound is incredible as the water pounds from its decent. The midst from the water lands on your face. We had a blast taking pictures of the falls.

In all of my research before visiting Cleveland, I never read about Chagrin Falls. It is a hidden oasis tucked away from the city. It truly has the feels of a small town with no problems.

2. Shop and Snack

For being a small village, Chagrin Falls has an abundance of shops. With boutique stores on almost every corner, it is easy to spend an afternoon shopping here. I poked my head into a few places and wanted to buy it all.

Click here for a complete list of stores in Downtown Chagrin Falls.

There are also some spots to get popcorn, candy, and other goodies. We popped into Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. After getting two scoops of chocolate ice cream, we want back to the waterfalls to enjoy our treat.

3. Have A Drink And Dinner

M Italian

Chagrin Falls has several restaurants, pubs, bars, you get the idea. There are several spots for you to have a quick appetizer or a full course meal. We popped into M Italian for a quick snack. We ordered the Caprese starter. It was perfect for sharing and held us over until we had dinner.

M Italian has an indoor outdoor bar so you have your choice in seating. There is a sprawling interior with a bar and restaurant. Outside, there is a patio that looks onto Main Street.

Check out M Italian on YELP!

In addition to having incredible cuisine and cocktails, M Italian is also a glass blowing facility. Really! You can poke your head in next door. There are flames going and glass being blown.

Plan your trip now and view M Italian HERE!

Looking for places to eat in Cleveland? Check out these 10+ amazing restaurants in Cleveland you must try.

Book Your Trip Now

Chagrin Falls was a unique experience I never thought I would find in Cleveland. If you are looking to escape from the city to see some of the suburbs, this is a no-brainer.

Do you have any favorite spots in Cleveland? Have you been to Chagrin Falls? I love recommendations.

Planning a trip to Cleveland? Check out these 10 unforgettable things to see and do in Cleveland.

Please share your favorite experiences below.

Cheers!

The post 3 Memorable Things To See and Do In Chagrin Falls appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.

Ah, Cleveland. The CLE. Home of the Guardians and Browns. The city had 15 minutes of fame when Khloe Kardashian gave birth and the world watched. Cleveland is a beautiful city with a waterfront packed with activity. The downtown area is full of things to do and incredible places to eat and drink. This post includes 10+ of the best restaurants in Cleveland you must try.

If You Want Breakfast

1. Lucky’s Cafe

This breakfast spot was our first stop in Cleveland. The restaurant is located just outside the city in the Tremont neighborhood. The neighborhood is laid back and you are able to sit on the patio with a cup of coffee.

We ordered The Biscuits which were smothered in eggs and gravy. We also ordered the Grilled Cheese which comes with house-made cream of tomato soup.

See over 1,000 reviews of Lucky’s Cafe on YELP!

Lucky’s Cafe has been featured on Diners, Drive & In’s and Dives twice! I understand the hype. This quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland and I cannot wait to go back!

Plan your trip now and view Lucky Cafe’s website HERE!

If You Want The Waterfront

2. Punch Bowl Social

This restaurant features indoor arcade games for the kids and a rooftop bar for the adults. Located downtown, Punch Bowl Social offers views of the surrounding buildings. We scanned around at the different architecture surrounding us.

See over 500 reviews of Punch Bowl Social on YELP!

The rooftop bar overlooks the Cuyahoga River and the Iron Curtain Bridge. The waterfront views are a calming presence out in the distance. The rooftop bar also features views of the First Energy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. It really felt we were in a punch bowl and the city of Cleveland surrounded us.

Plan your trip now and view Punch Bowl Social HERE!

3. Margaritaville

Jimmy Buffett sings about Brown Eyed Girls and Margaritaville. How lucky are we to get to live out his songs?

Margaritaville is a bar and restaurant in Cleveland. It is located along the Cuyahoga River. Offering views of the water in the distance, it is the perfect place to sip on a drink and have a bite to eat. There is indoor and outdoor seating at Margaritaville.

As an added bonus, there is a rooftop bar called Landshark Rooftop Bar. We were able to visit at sunset and watched the sun turn into a disappearing orange ball over the water. This view helped Margaritaville become one of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland. There was a magician walking around doing card tricks. There are couches for lounging. There is anything you could want!

Plan your trip now and view Margaritaville’s website HERE!

4. Lindey’s Lake House

This restaurant sits on the Cuyahoga River underneath the Main Avenue Bridge. This bridge is recognizable as it crosses through town with its sprawling blue arches. It adds to the riverfront aesthetic that is Lindey’s Lake House. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. The patio watches the river pass by.

Check out Lindey’s Lake House on YELP!

Pull up a chair and sit with the boats cruising next to you. We stopped in for a quick drink and appetizer as we were concluding our trip. This is one of the best restaurants we could have concluded our visit to Cleveland with. The views allow you to take in the beauty of the water and enjoy life by the river.

Plan your trip now and view Lindey’s Lake House website HERE!

5. Whiskey Island Still and Eatery

We dropped into Whiskey Island Still and Eatery on a nice afternoon. It was still early and we could tell they were setting up for a jam packed day. A band was getting ready to play. We sat on the tables on the grassy lawn. The water feels only feet away with views of the riverfront. If you enjoy a relaxing afternoon along the water, Whiskey Island Still and Eatery might be the place for you. Even more exciting, they often have live music.

See the band schedule and more on Whiskey Island Still and Eatery’s website.

If You Want To Bowl

6. HI and DRY Bowling and Beer

Are you interested in going bowling in Cleveland? While this spot has bowling lanes, it is not an official bowling alley. HI and DRY Bowling and Beer is a restaurant and bar that has miniature bowling lanes and arcade games. We had a group of people so we had fun taking turns renting a bowling lane for a quick game.

Check out HI and DRY Bowling and Beer on YELP.

We arrived at HI and DRY Bowling and Beer for a surprise birthday in Cleveland. We pulled off the surprise on the back patio. Any time we were not bowling, we hung out on the back patio. It was nice to enjoy the clear Cleveland day and get away from the bustle inside.

Find out more about HI and DRY Bowling and Beer on their website.

7. The Treehouse

Nestled in the Tremont suburb of Cleveland is a treehouse. And it serves alcohol. It is not in someone’s backyard. It is a bar and restaurant called The Treehouse. Complete with this unique bar, the restaurant has a back patio and a second story venue. We initially stopped in for a quick drink. I became obsessed with how unique this structure is. They serve most of the local beers but also have a full bar.

Check out The Treehouse on YELP!

We visited Cleveland again a few months later and had a surprise birthday party at The Treehouse. It was an epic venue for a party. When it got too crowded after dancing, we stepped out onto the patio. It is small and an easy escape from the people inside.

Plan your trip now and view The Treehouse’s website HERE!

If You Are In The Suburbs

8. Craft Collective

Cleveland has many surrounding suburbs. A very familiar suburb is Shaker Heights: the setting for the famous book and television show Little Fires Everywhere. Celeste Ng did an amazing job of detailing this neighborhood in Ohio.

In Shaker Heights lives Van Aken Market Hall. There are various shops inside. For example, one of my favorite shops ended up being STEM Handmade Soups. I fell in love with the almond oatmeal soap and wanted to buy it all. Fun Fact: If you are traveling, they can ship your order. This made it easier not having to pack my purchases in my carry-on.

Anyways, Van Aken Market Hall is home to Craft Collective. This is one of the many places to order food and drinks. Craft Collective had a wall of beers to choose from. After opting for two different ciders, we sat outside. The patio was perfect for the nice Cleveland day.

Check out Craft Collective on YELP!

If you are in Shaker Heights and looking for a cool spot, check out Craft Collective and Van Aken Market Hall. It is a fun way to spend the afternoon checking out local shops and drinking Ohio brewed beer.

Plan your trip now and view Craft Collective’s website HERE!

9. Fat Head’s Brewery

A local chain of restaurants, Fat Head’s Brewery is on the outskirts of Cleveland in the Middleburg Heights suburb. The brewery is located near the airport which is how we ended up there. The food list includes mostly bar food with pizzas, sandwiches, and so on. There is a large selection of beer or some other choices.

See the 4 star reviews for Fat Head’s Brewery on YELP!

In addition to sitting indoors, you can see the giant operation behind the scenes. You can poke your head around the brewing area. It made me have an appreciation for the beer. If you notice in Cleveland, you will see Fat Head’s Brewing on tap at many places! Now, you can say you have seen where that beer is brewed.

Plan your trip now and view Fat Head’s Brewery’s website HERE!

10. M Italian

In the suburb of Chagrin Falls is a land of amazing restaurants. One of which, is M Italian. This indoor outdoor restaurant is perfect for a sit down dinner over pasta dishes or a quick cocktail and appetizer.

To read more about M Italian, check out these 3 memorable things to do and see in Chagrin Falls.

Bonus: If You Want A Cool Bar

11. The IVY

Disclaimer – This venue has a strict 21+ age requirement.

After tailgating a Cleveland Browns football game, we went to The IVY to watch the game. The vibe was incredible. The game was on the big screens where the crowd went wild for every play. During commercials, the music would play and there would be little bursts of fun. After the game, the music stayed on and we were able to see how The IVY usually looks. It was the middle of a Sunday afternoon so it was nowhere near a club atmosphere yet. It was a fun spot to hang out with friends and listen to good music.

Plan your trip now and view The IVY’s website HERE!

My favorite part of The IVY were the jello shots. They were $1 a piece and were in syringes so you could shoot them into your mouth. There were also food and cocktail options to order so we were able to hang out here for a few hours.

Book Your Trip Now

These incredible restaurants in Cleveland helped make my trip complete. We had amazing meals and enjoyed any every opportunity to sit on the riverfront. These restaurants in Cleveland are sure to make your trip a memorable one.

Do you have any favorite restaurants in Cleveland? I love recommendations. Please share your experiences below.

Want to see more of Cleveland? Check out these 10 unforgettable things to see and do in Cleveland.

Cheers!

The post 10+ Amazing Restaurants In Cleveland You Must Try appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.