Sure, your city is fine and cool but is it Cleveland? Nope. And that’s a shame, because there are a ton of reasons you’d want to be here rather than anywhere else.
Need a reminder? Or a few?
Redditor @JakeandElwood came up with this thread asking what Cleveland does best and got a bunch of great responses that really highlighted all the city has to offer, from the Metroparks and Cleveland Orchestra to the weather (really) and downtown architecture. We’re No. 1, everyone, and here are all the reasons why.
The downtown area buildings should be a source of pride. Many towns either never developed them, or tore down some classic architecture (I’m thinking mainly of the 2 DT Arcades, but there’s the Library, Heinen’s Grocery (no, really, you need to check that out) and quite a few others! This is coming from a non-Clevelander (although I did marry into the “tribe”)
Via Grimm2020/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesOur craft beer scene kicks some serious ass
Via DiamondConscious/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesBanter
3401 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
The polish boy is a Cleveland staple, so no hot dog list would be complete without at least a couple of polish boys. In early 2020, the Food Network let loose their list of the “Best Sandwiches in America.” Banter’s Polish boy was included on this list. Credit: Scene archivesCarry a chip on our fucking shoulder.
Via Wafller11/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesNo love for the Cleveland Clinic?
Via GombaJuice/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesDeli sandwiches, Metroparks, 2 degrees of separation.
Via Drthomk/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesIs it putting up white script signs because i just found out Brook Park joined Parma and Edgewater in this
Via AlabamaPanda77/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesMuseums, metroparks, libraries, orchestra and pierogi.
Via Tryin2Wave2u/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesGet Lost at the Cleveland Museum of Art
One of the best art museums around sits on East Boulevard just waiting for you. The world-renowned collection spans continents and eras, from Italian Renaissance to modern, from ancient Greece to African, and more. Obviously, always more. Spend a day getting lost.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene archivesBlossom Music Center: it’s not Red Rocks or the Gorge, but it’s pretty awesome in its own right, and parking is free. (Granted, it can take you a while to get out, but it’s no worse than many similar venues)
Via Twosheads11/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesDespite dead man’s curve, in my opinion Cleveland has one of the most comprehensive highway systems surrounding the city. It’s incredibly easy to get where you’re going via the highway surrounding downtown and just makes for a super convenient trip (so long as these goddamn left lane campers stay home) Others might not agree with that since it’s still not great by any means but I’m comparing it to other cities lol
Via SoftPourn/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesYou will say you’re from Cleveland even if you’re from the suburbs Credit: Scene ArchivesGeneva
If there’s anywhere in Ohio that could be considered wine country, it’s definitely Geneva on the Lake. The wineries may not be open, but it’s still a beautiful area.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesDive bars 🙂
Via AgentDark/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesYou will never know what the weather holds Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Cleveland Orchestra is one of the best in the world. It’s a treasure.
Via Affknitty/Reddit Credit: Courtesy the Cleveland OrchestraI’m a transplant from Chicago but been here nearly 30 years. Metro parks, Library system, Cost of living, manageable traffic, restaurants and bars come to mind.
Via BartMan_HiFi/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesThe Towpath at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
1550 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula
This popular trail, which receives more than 2 million visitors per year, extends 81 miles through the gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Explore the Ohio Canal, the historic scenic railroad and much more.
Photo via @MarcJSolis/Instagram Credit:Scene archivesKayaking the River
There are few better ways to enjoy the sights of Cleveland than traveling through its main waterway in a kayak. The mighty Cuyahoga winds through Northeast Ohio carrying gigantic ore ships and weekend travelers, but it also affords you, the novice outdoorsman, the chance to kayak alongside them. Whether you’re looking for a quick two-mile jaunt or a five-mile marathon down the river (which is very much clean these days, thank you very much), there’s an option for you. Check out 41 Degrees North, River Cruiser Kayaking or Great Lakes Watersports for an awesome adventure. Credit: Scene archivesMelt Bar and Grilled
14718 Detroit Rd., Lakewood
If you haven’t had a grilled cheese at Melt yet, then I’m not sure you can be considered a real Clevelander anymore. They now have 14 locations around Ohio including at Progressive Field and Cedar Point. But the original was right here, in downtown Lakewood so head here to try one of Melt’s renowned overstuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. Credit: Scene archivesI’d say the metroparks are probably the best urban park system I’ve personally encountered. Maybe there is a better system out there, I haven’t been everywhere, but regardless, it’s still objectively very good.
Via Collinswoodian/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesTailgate
Via TigerUppercut08/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesPretty sure I saw that the Cuyahoga Public Library was the best library system in the U.S. the last few years.
Via Clekas/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesCredit: Scene ArchivesPublic golf. In no other city are there so many affordable, well-kept courses. Great place for avid golfers
Via Bangkok_Dangerous2/Reddit Credit: Scene archivesThe parks, county library system, and University Circle is among the highest concentrations of cultural institutions and is easily one of the most beautiful.
Via SmarterThanMyBoss/Reddit Credit: Scene archives“I’m going to check out a play at Playhouse Square soon” Credit: Scene archivesWearing “grit” like glitter glimmering off our shoulders. (Very similar to carrying a grudge against someone or something that doesn’t know you exist, but pettier).
Via Picklebackwon/Reddit Credit: Scene archives
