It’s always a long winter in Northeast Ohio. With COVID-19 raging through the region, it’s even tougher to get through the cold months. But getting out safely and seeing people, especially with that special someone, is still important. Here are some ideas to get you through until spring.
Tabletop Board Game Cafe
1810 W. 25th St., Cleveland
For those who are content to chill at home and play board games, but also want a change of scenery and a hot drink, Tabletop in Ohio City is the perfect date night out.
Photo via Scene ArchivesCheck Out MOCA
11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Winter is a great time to try to become more cultured, or it’s a great time to impress a date by pretending you’re more cultured. Either way, the Museum of Contemporary Art has several new exhibits like Martin Creed’s ‘Work No. 339 EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT”. The best part: ruminating on the artist’s sculptures at MOCA is free on the first Saturday of each month.
Photo via Scene ArchivesTry a Seasonal Ale
We all know by know Cleveland is home to the craft beer and plenty of local breweries have cooked up holiday drafts by the barrelful for beer-loving partners to sample. For starters, there’s Great Lakes’ classic Christmas Ale, as well as Fat Head’s Holly Jolly and the Butcher and the Brewer’s Spice Spice Baby. Don’t forget Market Garden’s Festivus, Platform’s Winter Wit, Brick and Barrel’s Autum Ale and Masthead’s Sleigh All Day.
Photo via Scene ArchivesVisit the Christmas Story House
3159 West 11th St., Cleveland
Everyone in Cleveland has to visit the Christmas Story House in Tremont at some point. The house was used as the exterior for shots in the film and is open 7 days a week for fans. For $10 admission, couples can find actual set props and a gift shop filled with literally everything a Christmas Story fan could want, from waffle makers to snuggies.
Photo via Scene ArchivesGo Sledding
Look, we get it, it’s cold as shit out. But sometimes, you just have to get out of the house and do something. Why not find your local sledding hill and bring back some childhood memories?
Photo via Scene ArchivesBrite Winter 2021
While Brite Winter will be different this year due to the pandemic, the popular winter music festival will still be taking place in some form this year. Whether it’s virtual or in small settings outside or a combination of the two is still being planned, but whatever the organizers come up with will be a fun date.
Photo via Scene ArchivesHike the Cleveland Metroparks
In addition to snowshoeing, Cleveland Metroparks also offers winter hiking for adventurous couples. At most parks, guided tours are available that vary in skill level and are all free. Some even let a couple’s dog join in on the fun of playing in the leaves and seeing Northeast Ohio from totally new heights.
Photo via Scene ArchivesGo On A Hot Chocolate Tour of Cleveland
Take a look outside, people. It is hot chocolate weather! We suggest cutting out of work early to enjoy one of these cocoa concoctions and combat this cold.
Photo via Scene ArchivesDine in an Igloo or Heated Patio
If you need to go out to eat and drink during the pandemic, experts recommend you at least do it outside to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19. Well, who eats outside in the middle of a Cleveland winter? Lucky for those that want to brave the elements and the virus, these restaurants and bars have adjusted by adding heaters, igloos, tents and more to keep Clevelanders warm throughout the winter. (Just be mindful that infectious disease experts warn of a false sense of security when outdoor setups begin resembling indoor setups with four walls and inadequate air flow.)
Photo via Scene ArchivesTobogganing in Strongsville
16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville
It’s fun, it’s active, and you get to cuddle up with your partner while you sled down the hill. No snow is required, so the toboggans will stay sliding through the first weekend in March.
Photo via @clevemetroparks/InstagramSnow Tubing at Boston Mills
7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula
Snow is required for this date, so check the website for weather updates and hours of operation. Tubing is sooo fun, just try not to wipe out in front of your date.
Photo via @marisarriley/InstagramCheck Out the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival
Your Couch
Cleveland Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-tooh-vahn-yah) is otherwise known as Slovenian Mardi Gras and this year will take place from the comfort of your own home. Cleveland’s version of the parade has taken place in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood since 2013 and gets anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000 guests per year, celebrating Slovenian food, drink, music and culture.
Photo via Cleveland KurentovanjeHit Up The Medina Ice Festival
Historic Square, Medina
From February 19th through the 22nd, the Medina Ice Festival will be taking place in Medina’s Historic Square. It’ll be socially distanced with some awesome ice carvings, food vendors and much more.
Photo via Scene ArchivesCelebrate Paczki Day
Your Couch
Fat Tuesday for everyone else in the country is known as Paczki Day in Cleveland. So find your local bakery making up delicious jelly-filled donuts, invite a date over (that you know is COVID safe) and enjoy these scrumptious treats.
Photo via Scene ArchivesGo Snow Shoeing or Cross Country Skiing at the Metro Parks
Metro Parks Golf Courses
Snow shoeing and cross country skiing is permitted at a bunch of Metro Park golf courses like Big Met, Little Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, Mastick Woods and Sleepy Hollow on days where there is more than four inches of snow. Big Met in Rocky River has skis and snow shoes available for rental.
Photo via Cleveland MetroparksCheck out Mansfield’s Snow Trails
3100 Possum Rd., Mansfield
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing just a little over an hour drive from Cleveland sounds like a great time to us. You can do that all at Mansfield’s Snow Trails. Try the glow tubing at night for an extra fun time. Check out their website for the full snow report before you go.
Photo via SnowtrailsPicnic at Squire’s Castle
2844 River Rd., Willoughby
Look, it may be cold as hell. But Squire’s Castle is beautiful any time of the year. So bundle up, suck it up and pack some hot chocolate (with some whiskey to splash in.)
Photo via Scene ArchivesOutdoor Curling at Platform Beer Co.
4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
For some outdoor, socially distant fun, Platform recently opened an outdoor street curling rink. They also opened ‘The Lot’, their year round beer garden that contains the curling rink. Check it out.
Photo via Platform Beer Co.Brunch & Browse at Visible Voice
2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland
For $40 (for two people), you’ll get 100 minutes in the bookstore with no other customers, a pastry platter from Leavened bakery down the street, Duck Rabbit coffee, tea and two mimosas.
Photo via Visible Voice
