Sure, we get it. The easy thing to do around these parts when the sun sets before you leave work and a special Lake effect delivery is waiting for you before you get home is to hunker down. Why, after all, would you try braving the wind chill and overarching darkness when you could just embed yourself on the couch and pretend like it’s not December?
Because it’s not that bad. You know that though. We’re a hardened Midwestern people, and ain’t no snow or chills gonna keep us down, and bored, for months on end.
Plus, there’s plenty to do, from one-off events and festivals to bucket-list items that you’ve been meaning to cross off for years.
So stop complaining and get to it.
Toboggan –
Okay, you’ve heard about the Metroparks’ chalet in Strongsville, but have you actually gone? Probably not, and if you have, probably not since you were a kid. Where else — the answer is nowhere, in case you were wondering — can you shoot down a 1,000-foot ice sheet?Ice Skating –
Whether it’s a romantic date, with the family, or, well, a romantic date, nothing really beats a wintertime skate outside. Head on over to Wade Oval to strap on the blades and pirouette, and inevitably fall down, under the skies. All for $5 too. Which is a bargain price just for the pleasure of watching would-be Romeos trying to stay on their feet.Do Some Good –
It’s an annual refrain, but we’ll repeat it here: Go volunteer somewhere this season. Chances are you’ve been blessed in some way this year. It’s time to pass it on. And there are plenty of good outlets for your charitable donations and volunteer hours, and there’s a perfect match waiting for your particular tastes, be they animals, cooking, teaching, mentoring, etc.Get Nostalgic at the WRHS – No single act may call your mind to summer in the midst of winter than riding the historic Euclid Beach Park carousel, which is finally completely retooled and operational at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Two free rides come with admission price, which also gives you access to the wonders of the museum, including the exhibit on the 1964 Browns. It’s a much better way to enjoy sports than once again debating about quarterbacks and draft picks.Tubing –
So you don’t have the skill for skiing, and those sledding hills, while glorious for what they are, don’t really serve up enough speed or danger for you. Head out to Northeast Ohio’s slope destinations at Boston Mills or Brandywine and rent some tubes with some pals. It’s way safer than strapping your body to two slabs and betting on your balance. Plus, minimal physical activity required.Museums –
Maybe you haven’t had the time, but the various museums around town are pining for your attention. The Cleveland Museum of Art, MOCA, the Natural History Museum — you know you’ve been slacking.Chuckle Once or Twice –
Winter is the perfect time to check out the stocked calendar of standup comedy that takes place every week around the city. No matter the neighborhood or day, chances are Ramon Rivas or another Cleveland denizen is serving up a roster of comedy. Plus, when you take your friends who are in town from the east or west coast, you’ll have another reason to tell them Cleveland kicks their city’s ass.Yeah, Yeah, Yeah –
Enough with the seasonal music you say? Fine. Head down to Kent on February 7th and 8th for Beatlefest. The two-day celebration honors the 50th anniversary of the haircuts from England who came over to American and changed the music world. Plenty of cover bands and local acts are on the bill at various venues.Make a Snowman – Seriously. Making a good, or bad, snowman never failed to put a smile on a face.Polar Bear Plunges –
There are a host of them throughout the winter, and we can’t think of something more perfect way to tell Old Man Winter that you don’t think he’s that bad of a man. Most of them are for charity, which makes the goosebumps and post-dip shivers all the more worth it.Bowl –
Yeah, this one might feel a little out of place, but what better time to enjoy recreation the way your dad did? We love Mahall’s, and you should go there, but in fancy Scene world, Twin Lanes over off Chester and Dickie’s Lanes on West 25th get the lion share of our dollars.Brite Winter Festival –
On February 21, 2015, Ohio City will once again be the venue for an outdoor and indoor music festival that pulls together a bevy of top-notch local and regional acts. Yes, it’s cold outside. But, as we mentioned before, no one cares. Bundle up, grab a cup, stand by the fire, and enjoy the tunes.
