Steve Burgess
Posts from September 19th, 2018
Steve Burgess Blog
RSS Feed
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
-
2026 | 1 Posts
- January | 1 Posts
- 2025 | 4 Posts
- 2024 | 24 Posts
- 2023 | 14 Posts
- 2022 | 76 Posts
- 2021 | 78 Posts
- 2020 | 64 Posts
- 2019 | 91 Posts
- 2018 | 93 Posts
- 2017 | 107 Posts
Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky | 61 Posts
Columbus & Central Ohio | 71 Posts
Explore Ohio | 95 Posts
Home Inspiration | 4 Posts
LoLo Gifts | 33 Posts
Northeast Ohio | 192 Posts
Real Estate | 103 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
September
19
19
What To Do in Cleveland, Ohio | The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary
Cleveland is a fantastic city worth exploring — whether you're a visitor just passing through or you've lived in the region for decades. In fact, many Ohioans have yet to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer!
Take a look at our weekend itinerary for Cleveland, offering a general overview of some highlights of the city. Here are some of the best things to do in Cleveland if you only have a couple of days to see it all!
While you're in Tremont, you cannot pass up a visit to the Christmas Story house. Opt for a quick photo op outside the house, which includes the iconic leg lamp in the window, or linger a bit longer to explore the museum across the street. The museum features original props, costumes and various memorabilia from the film, in addition to hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. This legendary house and its accompanying museum are open year-round seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linger in Ohio City a bit longer (and work off the food you just devoured) and explore West Side Market, Cleveland's oldest public market, which is home to 100 vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices and nuts. Continue to wander throughout this trendy neighborhood, popping in and out of shops, like Room Service, Wild Cactus Boutique and XHIBITION. Top off your visit with a sweet treat at Mitchell's Ice Cream, considered the best ice cream shop in Cleveland. The Mitchell's flagship is located in a former theater in the heart of Ohio City, which is where all of the production is done!
The downtown area of Cleveland has experienced a renaissance in recent years, ultimately making it one of America's hottest cities in 2016. From gorgeous historic structures to shiny modern skyscrapers, the city is teeming with excitement and history. The Cleveland Museum of Art was ranked the second best museum in America by Business Insider in 2016 — and it's easy to see why. The mission statement of this award-winning museum is to create "transformative experiences through art, for the benefit of all the people forever." That also means admission is free to all!
Admire an impressive work of art in the form of architecture at The Arcade, America's first indoor shopping center established in 1890. Today, this stunning building is home to the Hyatt Regency Cleveland, boutique shops, various services, a food court and fine dining destinations.
Take a stroll through the new Public Square, a beautifully landscaped two-block central plaza in the heart of the city. The square was part of the original town plat overseen by Moses Cleaveland in 1796 and now acts as an integral part of the city's landscape. The three tallest buildings in Cleveland all face the square, including Key Tower, 200 Public Square and the Terminal Tower.
DAY ONE
Start With Coffee
Any good day starts with a cup of coffee and a pastry. Cleveland has no shortage of local coffee shops, like duck-rabbit coffee in Tremont. This vibrant cafe roasts its own coffee in-house and offers a simple menu of tried-and-true options, ranging from pour overs to lattes, and cold brew to turmeric and ginger tea. Starting your day at this particular shop means you're not far from the rest of the activities on the morning's itinerary!Must-Visit Attraction
While you're in Tremont, you cannot pass up a visit to the Christmas Story house. Opt for a quick photo op outside the house, which includes the iconic leg lamp in the window, or linger a bit longer to explore the museum across the street. The museum features original props, costumes and various memorabilia from the film, in addition to hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. This legendary house and its accompanying museum are open year-round seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eat Lunch
Make your way to the nearby Ohio City neighborhood, filled with endless things to do and see. For a list of other ideas during your visit, take a look at the many things to do in Ohio City — from theaters to churches and ice cream shops to restaurants. Some of our favorite lunch spots in Ohio City include The Flying Fig, Bakersfield, Town Hall and Crop Bistro.Explore Ohio City
Linger in Ohio City a bit longer (and work off the food you just devoured) and explore West Side Market, Cleveland's oldest public market, which is home to 100 vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices and nuts. Continue to wander throughout this trendy neighborhood, popping in and out of shops, like Room Service, Wild Cactus Boutique and XHIBITION. Top off your visit with a sweet treat at Mitchell's Ice Cream, considered the best ice cream shop in Cleveland. The Mitchell's flagship is located in a former theater in the heart of Ohio City, which is where all of the production is done!
Visit a Brewery
This area has no shortage of breweries either, including the renowned Great Lakes Brewing Company, which has a brewpub and a seven-barrel brewhouse situated side-by-side. Other nearby favorites include Market Garden Brewery and Hansa Brewery. Venture out of the area to visit Noble Beast or Masthead Brewing Co., or fit in several breweries by hopping on board the Cleveland Brew Bus, which makes stops at some of the city's best breweries, including Platform, Terrestrial and Forest City Brewery.Grab Dinner
Photo Courtesy of Megann Galehouse via Salt+
If you can't get enough of Ohio City, you may consider visiting SOHO Chicken + Whiskey for a delicious and hearty Southern dinner focused on — you guessed it — chicken and whiskey! Otherwise, some of the best dinner spots in the city include Il Rione Pizzeria, Edwins, Gigi's on Fairmount, Red, the Steakhouse, Salt+, and The Greenhouse Tavern. If you're looking for a particularly fancy option, you might want to make a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in Cleveland!See a Concert or Show
Top off your eventful day with a show at one of the best venues in the city. Check out the line-up for upcoming shows at any of the many music venues in Cleveland, such as The Beachland Ballroom in Waterloo, the Grog Shop in Coventry, or the famous Agora Ballroom. If theater is more your scene, take a look at the schedules for Playhouse Square, considered one of the nation's largest theater districts, boasting nine venues attracting acts of all sizes and styles. More affordable venues include the Cleveland Public Theatre in Gordon Square and Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights.DAY TWO
Start With Coffee
Photo Courtesy of Pour Cleveland
Try out another exceptional coffee shop to kick off day two, this time sticking closer to the heart of downtown. Pour Cleveland is a bright and modern multi-roaster pour over and espresso bar with a simple menu and a focus on crafting exceptional coffee. Ask about the current pour over or opt for a latte or hot cocoa.Must-Visit Attraction
Considered one of the most renowned attractions in the region, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit for both visitors and locals alike. This beautiful modern museum nestled along the shore of Lake Erie showcases some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and musical figures throughout history. Explore six levels of exhibits spanning decades of rock and roll history seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays until 9 p.m.Go to the Beach
While you're near the water, make a point to visit Edgewater Park, a massive park along the shore of Lake Erie. This 147-acre park features 9,000 feet of shoreline, dog and swim beaches, boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic area and grills, and a rentable pavilion. The Edgewater Beach House is a modern lakefront eatery with a great selection of beer and delicious food.View this post on Instagram
Eat Lunch
Speaking of dining along the lake, there are plenty of waterfront restaurants in Cleveland to choose from! Alley Cat Oyster Bar is an excellent oyster bar along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats East Bank entertainment district. Mainstays include oysters, mussels, clams, lobster, fresh fish, chicken, steak, chowders, soups and salads. Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar is a modern Mexican eatery situated along Lake Erie serving an array of Mexican fare complemented by a robust tequila menu. The lush patios both upstairs and down offer beautiful lake views and cozy fire pits. Coastal Taco Bar + Chill is a casual and vibrant Mexican eatery nestled along the river next door to Punch Bowl Social. Coastal Taco offers an incredible selection of tacos, chips and guacamole, and unbeatable margaritas.Explore Downtown Cleveland
The downtown area of Cleveland has experienced a renaissance in recent years, ultimately making it one of America's hottest cities in 2016. From gorgeous historic structures to shiny modern skyscrapers, the city is teeming with excitement and history. The Cleveland Museum of Art was ranked the second best museum in America by Business Insider in 2016 — and it's easy to see why. The mission statement of this award-winning museum is to create "transformative experiences through art, for the benefit of all the people forever." That also means admission is free to all!
Admire an impressive work of art in the form of architecture at The Arcade, America's first indoor shopping center established in 1890. Today, this stunning building is home to the Hyatt Regency Cleveland, boutique shops, various services, a food court and fine dining destinations.
Take a stroll through the new Public Square, a beautifully landscaped two-block central plaza in the heart of the city. The square was part of the original town plat overseen by Moses Cleaveland in 1796 and now acts as an integral part of the city's landscape. The three tallest buildings in Cleveland all face the square, including Key Tower, 200 Public Square and the Terminal Tower.
Visit the Cultural Gardens
If time allows, escape the busyness of downtown with a visit to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park just outside the city. The lush grounds host more than 30 gardens, all designed and cultivated by distinct cultural or nationality groups, representing the diversity and multiculturalism of the city. The gardens are often driven through rather than explored by foot and admission is free!Grab Dinner
Photo Courtesy of Butcher and the Brewer
The renowned East Fourth block is home to some of the most exceptional eateries in the city. In fact, one celebrity chef (and James Beard Award-winner!) runs two restaurants in this adorable pedestrian-only alleyway adorned with string lights. Michael Symon runs Lola Bistro, a sleek New American eatery, and Mabel's BBQ, a swanky, industrial-chic BBQ joint with a wide selection of bourbons. Also, don't miss Butcher and the Brewer for delicious brews and a wide array of seasonal and local bites.Find a Speakeasy
Top off the ultimate Cleveland weekend with a visit to one of the most secretive (and not-so-secretive) watering holes in the city. Visit the Prohibition-era Speakeasy in Cleveland Heights, Society Lounge on East Fourth, or Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, each of which offer an exclusive and sophisticated feel, serving up some of the best creative concoctions in the city.Happy Exploring!
Which hotspots would you add to the itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!
September
19
19
20 Essential Fall Events + Festivals in the Cincinnati Area
The leaves, they are a-changin'! That means fall is in full swing in Cincinnati — a city that sure knows how to celebrate the season to the fullest. There are several festive events taking place throughout the region in the final days of September and throughout the month of October focused on everything from beer to pumpkins, and everything in between!
Take a look at the many exciting fall events in Cincinnati to maximize this glorious pumpkin-filled season.
Coney Island Amusement Park throws the ultimate fall party each year, featuring rides, shows, pumpkin throws, hayrides, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, s'mores and so much more. Don't miss Fall-O-Ween on the first three weekends of October. General admission is $12 for ages 2 and up and includes access to a number of experiences — but there are additional activities available, costing $4 each.
Since its inception as the Minges Pumpkin Festival in 1984, this annual event now held at Weber's Farm Market in Harrison has evolved into a massive celebration of autumn and all its glory. The Weber Family Pumpkin Festival features live music, more than 150 arts and crafts exhibitors, delicious food, live demonstrations, and many activities for kids. The event showcases many elements of the farm and encourages visitors to develop a deep connection with both agriculture and their community. Admission is $5 and free for kids 12 and under.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS:
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
September 21–23 Location: Downtown Cincinnati (Second and Third Streets between Walnut and Elm)Held in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America's largest Oktoberfest celebration. This annual festival highlights the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio in addition to samples of German-style music, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event has grown to attract more than 575,000 people each year! One of the best parts? Admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is completely free. Take a look at the event schedule to plan your visit to this exciting community tradition.View this post on Instagram
Oktoberfest Newport
September 28–30 Location: Riverboat Row, Newport, KY The Oktoberfest celebrations continue across the river at Riverboat Row in Newport. Oktoberfest Newport is held in a large festival tent sponsored by various breweries serving German-style beer. Enjoy continuous live entertainment and of course, German food, music and beer at this free festival. Plus, don't miss the fireworks show after the Reds game!Great Pumpkin Fest at Kings Island
September 29–October 28 (Saturdays and Sundays) Location: Kings Island, Mason On Saturdays and Sundays through the month of October, head to Kings Island for an action-packed pumpkin celebration. The Great Pumpkin Fest is all treats and no tricks when it comes to family-friendly fun, including live entertainment, mazes, trick-or-treating, and much more. Visit Lucy's Witch's Kitchen, pet Snoopy's Barnyard Friends or converse with The Great Pumpkin himself. Purchase tickets in advance for the festivities at Kings Island!Jack O'Lantern Junction
September 29–October 31 Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, West Chester Township The EnterTRAINment Junction in the West Chester Township is packed with fun all month long leading up to Halloween. Jack O'Lantern Junction offers endless fun for all ages, featuring a kid-friendly trick-or-treat maze, an animated display, and the area's only indoor pumpkin patch, where kids get a free mini pumpkin. This is the perfect rainy day activity for fall!OCTOBER EVENTS:
HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo
October 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 + 27–28 Location: Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Each weekend throughout the month of October, take a walk on the wild side with the zoo's special HallZOOween event. Activities include trick-or-treating, special animal encounters, a Hogwarts Express train ride, a Scare-ousel, and much more! There is no additional charge beyond zoo admission to attend this event. Help the zoo go green by bringing your own treat bag.Fright Night Flicks at Washington Park
October 3, 10, 17 + 24 Location: Washington Park, Cincinnati Fright Night Flicks is a weekly series in October featuring a free Halloween movie screening each Wednesday at Washington Park. The movie starts at 8 p.m., but arrive early to grab a good spot on the grass and a drink from the bar. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket to complete the experience! Fright Night Flicks 2018 Schedule: October 3: Hocus Pocus October 10: E.T. October 17: Ghost Busters October 24: Nightmare Before ChristmasDonauschwaben Oktoberfest
October 5–7 Location: Donauschwaben Park, Cincinnati The Donauschwaben Oktoberfest is hosted by the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of German language and culture. The society's authentic Oktoberfest is held at Donauschwaben Park in the Colerain Township, where you'll find over 25 beers on tap, live entertainment, homemade food and a car show on Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under!Sunflower Festival
October 6–7 Location: Gorman Heritage Farm, Evendale Make a trip to Gormon Heritage Farm in Evendale for the Sunflower Festival, a two-day celebration of all things related to the beautiful sunflower. Enjoy fall fun for all ages, including farm animals, food trucks, hayrides, arts and crafts, pumpkins, live music, pick-your-own sunflowers, a sunflower maze, and much more. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids and seniors, and free for members and kids under 3.Fall-O-Ween at Coney Island
October 6–7, October 13–14 + October 20–21 Location: Coney Island Amusement Park, Cincinnati
Coney Island Amusement Park throws the ultimate fall party each year, featuring rides, shows, pumpkin throws, hayrides, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, s'mores and so much more. Don't miss Fall-O-Ween on the first three weekends of October. General admission is $12 for ages 2 and up and includes access to a number of experiences — but there are additional activities available, costing $4 each.
Halloween Nights at Parky's Farm
October 11–28 (Thursdays–Sundays) Location: Parky's Farm, Cincinnati Bring your little ones to Parky's Farm for a not-so-scary nighttime Halloween party on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, October 11–28. Fall activities at the farm include hay wagon rides, an inflatable obstacle course, a campfire, a bounce house, a "hardly haunted" castle, magic and juggling shows, pony rides, and much more! Tickets are available at the gate for $8 per person or in advance for $7 per person. Admission for children under 2 is free.Bluestone Ivory Halloween Dance Party at Moonlite Gardens
October 12 Location: Coney Island Amusement Park, Cincinnati For over 20 years, Moonlite Gardens has been a summertime tradition for Coney Island. The party is continuing well past summer at the Bluestone Ivory Halloween Dance Party! Gates open at 7 p.m. and Bluestone Ivory takes the stage at 8 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance and only $5 if you wear a costume! There will be drawings for prizes, themed mixed drinks, and various snacks and drinks, including coffee, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. This is a party you don't want to miss.Operation Pumpkin in Hamilton
October 12–14 Location: Downtown Hamilton Make a trip to downtown Hamilton for this exciting annual tradition! Operation Pumpkin is a three-day festival featuring live music, a zip line, crafts, and lots of food and drinks. Popular events include the Lil' Miss Punkin beauty pageant on Saturday and the Pet Parade on Sunday with a costume contest for various dog size categories.The Great Pumpkin Fest
October 13 Location: Keehner Park, West ChesterThis free family-friendly festival at Keehner Park in West Chester features endless fun and entertainment, including a puppet show and the Primrose School costume contest for ages 0–12. Plus, guests can enjoy a not-so-scary haunted trail, a petting zoo, a pony carousel, horse-drawn wagon rides and face painting — all at no cost! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.View this post on Instagram
College Hill Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival
October 13 Location: Town Hall Park, Cincinnati The College Hill community hosts an exciting pumpkin patch and fall festival each year, featuring lots of fall activities and games, live music, storytelling, food trucks and vendors, pony rides, and much more. Plus, the festival is followed by a family movie night to top off the festivities! This event is completely free to attend and some activities cost extra.Trunk 'R Treat Fall Festival at Beech Acres
October 20 Location: Beech Acres Park, Cincinnati The Anderson Parks District invites you to one of the community's favorite annual events, the Truck 'R Treat Fall Festival at Beech Acres. Enjoy a classic car show, music, games, prizes and lots of candy distributed from the trunks of classic cars decorated for Halloween. Costumes are encouraged for children participating in "trunk 'r treat" and $5 tickets can be purchased at the event.Zombie Ball: The 4th Annual Dance of the UnDead on Pyramid Hill
October 20 Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Hamilton Head to the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton for the Zombie Ball! Dress as your favorite undead character, such as a zombie, vampire or mummy, and enjoy an evening filled with DJ music, a haunted hayride, a zombie photo booth and much more. Tickets to the Zombie Ball start at $30 per person or $50 for a couple, and includes access to the horror-themed buffet and an open bar of beer and wine from 7–9 p.m. and a cash bar from 9–11 p.m.Weber Family Pumpkin Festival
October 20–21 Location: Weber's Farm Market, Harrison
Since its inception as the Minges Pumpkin Festival in 1984, this annual event now held at Weber's Farm Market in Harrison has evolved into a massive celebration of autumn and all its glory. The Weber Family Pumpkin Festival features live music, more than 150 arts and crafts exhibitors, delicious food, live demonstrations, and many activities for kids. The event showcases many elements of the farm and encourages visitors to develop a deep connection with both agriculture and their community. Admission is $5 and free for kids 12 and under.
Fall Food Fest
October 21 Location: Findlay Market, Cincinnati Savor the rich flavors of fall at the Fall Food Fest at Findlay Market in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. This annual event features pumpkin painting, cooking demos, a children's scavenger hunt, live music, craft cocktails and seasonal beers, merchant specials, and more. Admission to the Fall Food Fest is free.Fall Fest Weekend
October 27–28 Location: Washington Park, Cincinnati Head to Washington Park for a weekend filled with fall family fun just before Halloween! Fall Fest Weekend offers a jam-packed entertainment lineup for all ages, plus a pumpkin patch, kid's activities, and a variety of local vendors selling crafts and homemade items, baked goods and much more. The festival is from 12–6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.Village Bazaar + Dog Costume Paw-Rade
October 28 Location: Mainstrasse Village Association, Covington, KY On the Fourth Sunday of each month, from April through October, MainStrasse Village hosts an outdoor marketplace offering everything from antiques and vintage items to crafts and handmade products. The October bazaar is accompanied by a dog costume paw-rade with prizes given for three categories: best theme costume, best store-bought costume and best original costume. The parade will be enhanced by local beer and drinks, live music, vendors, a photo booth and much more!Happy Fall!
How are you celebrating this idyllic season? Let us know in the comments below!
|
 |
This site is hosted, designed and copyright
© 1994 - 2026 by
Delta Media Group, Inc. -- Patent Pending --