A Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, the Lake County Captains began playing at what was then known as Eastlake Stadium shortly after it opened in 2003. The ballpark, which seats about 7,200, has a real intimate feel (and is family friendly). It's also played host to several rock concerts: Bob Dylan has performed there on two occasions. Despite winning a Midwest League Championship in 2010, the team has had losing records each season since. But the games are still good fun.
After emerging from another interminable North Shore winter, the only thing we want to do is get outside and play. We're blessed locally with some of the finest big-city parkland in the country, so what are you waiting for? Up near Westlake and Lakewood, the Rocky River Reservation features winding hiking trails, golf courses and plenty of river activities: standup paddling, anyone?
24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, 440-734-6660 clevelandmetroparks.com
Ever since the Cleveland Metroparks took over this slice of Lake Erie shoreline, the place has really developed into majesty. It's clean, it's green and there are plenty of spots to lay out or run around. Along with some of the best vistas for you budding Instagrammers, Edgewater boasts the finest midday escapes from life in the big city.
6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, 440-331-8111 clevelandmetroparks.com
It might not look like much as you fly by on Valley Parkway, but it's exactly what our furry friends want and need: an area to run around and mingle with their pals. More than anything, Lakewood Dog Park has come to harbor a really great community of pups and their owners. It's a staple for anyone who likes getting outside with their dog and meeting those who enjoy the same.
1699 Valley Pkwy., Lakewood, lakewooddogpark.com.
A little more than a year ago, the fine folks at Iggy's totally redid the place — new lights, new stage, new everything. It still retains its dive-y charm, but now the three pool tables in the one room fill out nicely as one of the best spots in the region to shoot a game or two. It's a tight-knit place with a real sense of community. Grab yourself a whiskey neat, toss some Dead on the jukebox and rack 'em up.
13405 Madison Ave., Lakewood 216-472-4449.
Looking for a little solace? Aren't we all? Lakewood Park — among the best green spaces in all of Northeast Ohio — has something for everybody. That includes you mindful silence-seekers. Find a quiet spot down on the promenade or crash out under a tree. This can be a bustling place; it can also be a relaxing one.
14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-529-4474, onelakewood.com.
Not only is Geiger's just a beautiful-looking store, it's an institution in downtown Lakewood. It's not that it's massive or anything, but you certainly could get lost in here just browsing all the cool stuff. Trying to get into hiking or something this summer? Geiger's should be the first spot on your list.
14710 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-1771, shopgeigers.com.
Mahall's is so much more than a bowling alley, but it does have some damn good bowling. The pinnacle of westside hang spots, Mahall's is where you go when you need to blow off some steam and when only a kale margarita betwixt frames will do. The crowd here is top-notch, and the bartenders will make you feel at home right quick.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Just because Cleveland's winters are rough doesn't mean you have lock yourself inside for four months. You can actually take advantage of it, by driving 20 miles south of the city and hitting the slopes at Boston Mills or its nearby sister site Brandywine. With seven trails and eight lifts, there are places to ski for everybody, from black diamonds for good skiers, to green circles for those who have no idea what they're doing.
7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, 330-467-2242, bmbw.com.
Every February, people from all over Northeast Ohio flock to Tremont, strip down to their underwear, and run a mile loop in the neighborhood. And then they drink. Not only is this "race" a blast to compete in (and watch), but it also raises money for a great cause. This year alone, the run raised $250,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation.
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