Posts with tag 'Best of Cleveland'
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
17
Your Guide to Cleveland's Best Museums
Cleveland has served as a center of art, culture and education for over a century. As a result, our communities have developed some of the world's best museums displaying art, architecture, gardens, history, global cultures and more.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you should definitely take a few days to explore all of the museums our amazing city has to offer. To help you get started on your museum bucket list, we rounded up some of our favorites in the greater Cleveland area—from contemporary art museums to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—where you can learn something new and have fun while you do it. Enjoy!
Baseball Heritage Museum
Baseball is practically a religion here in Cleveland, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that we have our own Baseball Heritage Museum! Here, you'll find photographs, letters, programs, uniforms and other game-used treasured memorabilia that helped shape the history of one of America's greatest pastimes. You can stop by on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to see interesting artifacts from all over the country including a signed Al Lopez ball, vintage Buckeyes jerseys and so much more.
A Christmas Story House
Since its release in 1983, "A Christmas Story" has been a seasonal classic. It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching Ralphie Parker sulk in his bubblegum pink bunny pajamas and desperately wish for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. While "A Christmas Story" is a movie that is close to pretty much every American's heart, for Clevelanders—it's so much more. Located just outside of downtown Cleveland in Tremont, A Christmas Story House is now open to the public year-round as a museum. When you visit, you'll be able to take photos next to the famous leg lamp or under the sink, act out your favorite movie scenes and more! For an inside look, check out Everything You Need to Know About Cleveland's Famous "A Christmas Story" House.
Cleveland Grays Armory Museum
The Cleveland Grays is a social organization devoted to the promotion of patriotism and the preservation of the military heritage of Greater Cleveland. While they've had several homes from the time of their founding in 1837, today they're located in one of the oldest standing buildings in downtown Cleveland. The breathtaking, red-bricked, Romanesque Revival style armory is definitely worth the visit, and the museum inside is just as historic and interesting as the exterior.
Cleveland History Center
Founded in 1867, the Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland's oldest existing cultural institution. It was created to help oversee the collection and preservation of documents and objects relating to various aspects of national, regional and local history. You can see those pieces of history—which includes everything from Lebron James' championship shoes to the very first map of Cleveland—at the Cleveland History Center in University Circle.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
As one of the most distinguished and comprehensive art museums in the world, the Cleveland Museum of Art is certainly worth spending a full day exploring. The museum celebrated its 104th birthday this year, and through renovations and changes in ownership has gathered a collection of more than 45,000 works of art—wowza!
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
If you're interested in the natural world, there's no better place to explore than the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Here you'll find interesting exhibits, wild animals, hikes, classes and so much more. When you visit the museum, you'll have the chance to delve deep into the past at the dinosaur hall; discover the outer reaches of the universe in the Shafran Planetarium; and experience natural wonders in outdoor galleries. You can traverse the museum any day of the week and even in the evenings on Wednesday. Click here for a full list of admission prices and daily hours.
Cleveland Police Museum
When exploring all of the local museums Cleveland has to offer, you don't want to miss the Cleveland Police Museum, which showcases the history of the local police department all the way back to the 19th century. Exhibits include a fallen officer memorial, a section of the museum dedicated to the motorcycle unit and collections featuring artifacts from famous Cleveland crimes. You can visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Children's Museum of Cleveland
Photo courtesy of The Children's Museum of Cleveland
Offering one of the most welcoming and fun atmospheres amongst Cleveland museums, this family staple is dedicated to inspiring creativity, curiosity, lifelong learning and motivating tomorrow's visionaries. Exhibits include a two-story, children's construction site, an industrial science "laboratory", a sun-filled art studio, a young performers' theater and so much more! Admission for individuals one-year-old and older is $12 and you can discover and play any day of the week except for Thursdays.
Dittrick Medical History Center
The Dittrick Medical History Center, located on the Case Western Reserve University campus, explores the history of medicine through artifacts, archives, rare book collections and more. As you explore, you'll learn all about what illness and treatment looked like in earlier eras as well as infectious disease crises and management. Housing over 175,000 artifacts, this free museum offers a window into the past for both visitors and researchers alike. While the museum is currently closed for building repairs, they hope to open their doors again in January 2020.
Great Lakes Science Center
Venture to the Great Lakes Science Center for a day full of engineering and experimenting at this iconic family favorite. Exhibits include a giant domed theater that shows movies and educational flicks, a NASA exhibit, the William G. Mather Steamship, electrifying science phenomena, Legos and more.
International Women's Air & Space Museum
Located in the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport, only seconds from the Lake Erie shore, the Women's Air & Space Museum collects, preserves and showcases the history and culture of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace. Here you can learn about more women than just Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride as well as their contributions to the world. Admission to the museum is completely free and you're welcome to visit any day of the week.
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage celebrates individuals whose leadership, vision and humanity have changed our region for the better. And trust us, you'll be inspired before you even step inside. The building is faced with more than 126 tons of Golden Jerusalem limestone shipped from Ashdod, Israel and, since the museum's opening in 2005, has become one of the city's most prominent landmarks. Serving to educate, challenge and inspire visitors every day, the museum hosts exhibits as well as educational tours for all ages.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
If modern art is your thing, make sure to visit the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art. Even if you don't go inside, the building itself is a statement worth seeing—but you should definitely go inside. Many local artists have found their feet here, and today you'll find ever-changing exhibitions that will shock and inspire.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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.
Have Fun Exploring!
Did we miss your favorite learning location in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments!
10
19 Essential Fall Events + Festivals in the Cleveland Area This Year
Fall is finally upon us! Crisp morning walks through crunchy leaves, homemade apple pie, pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters—there are so many things we love about this season in Ohio. Don't miss out on these important rituals by attending one of the fall festivals and events happening in and around Cleveland this year!
And because we can't wait until the official first day of fall, we are starting the harvest party a bit earlier in September! From art shows to pumpkin festivals, here are the essential Cleveland events you can't miss this fall.
20
14 Kid-Approved Restaurants in the Cleveland Area
It can be hard to eat out with a family—trust us, we know. And while it may seem tempting to head directly to the drive-thru or a fast-casual spot, you don't have to anymore! There are plenty of restaurants in Cleveland that now offer specially designed kids' menus, specials and fun atmospheres that make dining with the kids easier than ever.
To help make your dinner selection a bit easier, we rounded up some of our favorite restaurants in the Cleveland area that are 100% kid-approved. Happy eating!
100th Bomb Group
20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
View this post on Instagram
This unique dining destination is located right across from the runways of the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Your kids will be entertained—and well-fed—as they watch the planes take off and land at the airport. Plus, the adults should be pretty happy too! The food at 100th Bomb Group is just as good as the view, from decadent brunch staples like French toast to upscale dinner options like filet mignon.
Bearden's
When looking for a family-friendly spot to feed your little rascals, you can't go wrong with Bearden's. They offer juicy steakburgers (including one with peanut butter on it!) along with grilled cheese, fried clams, sandwiches and much more in their retro diner. So head over to Rocky River and get a blast from the past, or you can find their food truck roaming the streets of Cleveland with plenty of burger goodness in stock.
Corner Alley
Visit Corner Alley downtown for a family outing you won't soon forget. Before you eat, you can entertain the kids with a round of bowling in the posh alley. With its delicious menu options, craft beer on tap and invigorating cocktails, the Corner Alley is anything but your typical bowling experience—it even made the Food Network's list of 15 Great Bars for Fun and Games.
Crust
2258 Professor Avenue, Cleveland | 3000 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland
Not only does Crust have some of the best pizza in town, but they also happen to be a fantastic place to dine with the family. Their pizza dough is made every morning in-house, resulting in a perfect thick crust that your entire entourage will love. Plus the sheer magnitude of pizza toppings that they offer—from pepperoni to fried eggs—will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Happy Dog
5801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland
Photo courtesy of Happy Dog
Do you have a hotdog aficionado in your family? Then you definitely don't want to miss Happy Dog. This neighborhood corner bar is the epitome of the Cleveland experience, offering a hip and friendly atmosphere, live music, beer on tap and hot dogs (of course). Pick your dog, and then smother it with any combination of 50 topping choices—including some quirky ones like Froot Loops, Cheetos and chunky peanut butter.
Honey Hut
Five Locations Around Cleveland
We couldn't create a list of kid-approved restaurants in Cleveland without including at least one fabulous ice cream spot! Honey Hut Ice Cream is a Cleveland staple, offering delicious ice cream in a multitude of flavors at their five different locations around the city. While you definitely can't go wrong with any choice at Honey Hut, we recommend their signature Honey Pecan flavor which will ruin all other butter pecan ice creams for you forever.
Forage Public House
14600 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
Photo courtesy of Forage Public House
While many restaurants dumb down the kids' menu, at Forage Public House, you won't find a chicken finger in sight. Instead, kids can order from a selection of Amish chicken wings, Great Lakes Grilled Cheese, New Creations Sirloin Steak and Roasted Scottish Salmon. The adult menu is even more exceptional, boasting options like poutine and mushroom fettuccine with seasonally foraged mushrooms.
Johnny Mango World Café
Just because you're eating with the kids, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of culinary adventure! This colorful Ohio City dining spot offers food that spans the globe, with a menu of wholesome and healthy food. They serve everything from Caribbean fried plantains, fried rice and Bangkok barbequed chicken to vegan and gluten-free options like nachos or fried tofu.
Mamma Santa's Pizzeria
12301 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
Mamma Santa's has been cooking up delicious and authentic Sicilian dishes since 1961. Still settled in their original location, in a building that is over 100 years old, Mamma Santa's offers a variety of tantalizing options from pizza to handmade pastas. Because the restaurant is still family-owned, they have a family focus and work hard to ensure that every guest, regardless of age, is happy.
Merwin's Wharf
Located on the waterfront in Cleveland's Flats, Merwin Wharf is a casual eatery featuring some of the best views of the Cuyahoga River around. Your little ones will love to sit outside and take in the views of the boats and natural beauty that surrounds the restaurant. The large menu is almost as impressive as the view, offering homestyle eats like fish tacos and an enormous pretzel—perfect for sharing.
Punch Bowl Social Club
1086 West 11th Street, Cleveland
While this Flats lounge is considered a hotspot for adults at night, it is certainly a kid-friendly oasis during the day. The kids' menu features a plethora of delicious items like a banana almond butter sandwich, chicken tacos, mac n' cheese and flatbreads. Before or after you eat, explore all of the activities at Punch Bowl Social, such as putt-putt golf, bowling, arcade games and private karaoke!
Sokolowski's University Inn
1201 University Road, Cleveland
Cleveland's oldest family-owned restaurant was established in 1923, and since has drawn in a wide array of big names, including celebrities, presidents and musicians. Sokolowski's specializes in Polish and Eastern European cuisine, including Salisbury steak, chicken paprikash and pierogis. Here, you'll find hipsters and suburban families sitting side by side with tourists and steelworkers, all lured in by comforting dishes—just like you will be.
Swensons
14510 Cedar Road, University Heights and seven other locations
Photo courtesy of Swenson's Drive-In
Swensons is actually known as basketball star LeBron James' favorite burger joint in town, and we're not surprised in the least. The old-school drive-in eatery serves a simple menu of burgers, fried dishes, sides and shakes, and although the venue doesn't take itself too seriously, the food is nothing to scoff at! So treat yourself and the family to an old-school dining experience and make sure to grab the Galley Boy, which is an award-winning and mouthwatering double cheeseburger topped with two special sauces.
Townhall
1909 West 25th Street, Cleveland
Townhall believes that healthy does not mean perfect but that balance is the key to a happy and healthy life. They are committed to being completely GMO-free and serving mostly organic food to their customers. Their kids' menu is one of the best in town—tasty and fun enough to impress your little ones and healthy enough to make you feel good too! Choices include grilled chicken strips, Kobe burgers and cheese flatbread all served with a choice of fresh fruit or fries.
Where does your little one like to dig in?
Tell us all about your favorite family-friendly dining spots in the comments!
8
The Book Lover's Guide to Cleveland
Cleveland has always had a thriving literary community. Not only have we been home to thousands of renowned writers, poets and even comic book illustrators, but our locals love to promote the benefits of reading through incredible bookstores, little free libraries and free bookish events. And if you're an inspiring author, Cleveland offers tons of helpful resources for publication and promotion as well.
To help us pay homage to our flourishing literary community, and to highlight some of our favorite book destinations, we rounded up some of our favorite bookstor...
27
11 of Our Favorite Food Trucks in Cleveland
|
 |
