So ... What's in Cleveland?
Compared to other US cities, Cleveland is not exactly renowned as a big tourist destination but it certainly has a rich history and some amazing sights. The following points of interest are by no means exhaustive but cover attractions unique to CLE!
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART| Wade Park
I think I may have actually scoffed in disbelief when someone mentioned to me that Cleveland was the site of a world-class museum. I am certainly eating humble pie now! I decided to see what all the fuss was about and took a bus east towards University Circle. And wow, this place completely blew me away. The Museum of Art is a priceless jewel in Cleveland. On permanent exhibit are works by famous artists including van Gogh, Rubens and Matisse. This is by far my favourite place in Cleveland. I find it unbelieveable that admission is FREE!
The Atrium, connecting the modern building with the original 1916 edifice (above) is awe-inspiring and a beautiful place to dwell. For lovers of history, the lower galleries provide a majestic stroll through the ages showcasing ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Sub-Saharan African, Byzantine and Islamic art.
Up a level, is the grand Armour Court (below) which features a stunning collection of mediaeval weaponry.
EAST 4TH STREET| Downtown Cleveland – This little laneway is the place to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Top restaurants such Lola and Chinato are located on East 4th Street. On a more casual note, Flannery's Pub is a great place to chill and watch an NFL game while enjoying locally-brewed beer and fried onion rings.
QUICKEN LOANS ARENA| Downtown Cleveland – This stadium holds over 20,000 people and packs out for big NBA games. We had the opportunity to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Chicago Bulls. The atmosphere on Martin Luther King Day was just incredible.
WEST SIDE MARKET| Cleveland – Established in 1912, West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest public marketplace and offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, grains, meat, fish and poultry.
TREMONT| Cleveland – West of the Cuyahoga River lies the suburb Tremont (pronounced tree-mont). Known as the "historic district", this neighbourhood has plenty of lively bars and art galleries nestled among pretty homes.
PUBLIC SQUARE| Downtown – Cleveland's Public Square is a centrepoint for city life. It features monuments of soldiers who fought in the American Civil War as well as statues commemorating prominent historic figures such as Moses Cleaveland, who foundered the town in the late 18th century. The Old Stone Church (below) is the oldest building in Public Square.
The Horseshoe Casino and Tower City Centre (below) are located in Public Square. According to locals, the Downtown district has become more of a business hub and is less of a focal point for retail. I don't know about you, but that fountain (below) kind of reminds me of a giant grater.
For good shopping, people tend to travel out to malls in the suburbs, like Beachwood Place. Last week, I bought a day ticket, hopped on a HealthLine bus and, of course, got lost. After about 25 minutes I realised this, disembarked somewhere out east (below) and waited for Uber to arrive. The driver who picked me up was surprised to find me there. “East Cleveland is a sketchy neighbourhood,” he said. “I’d advise you not to walk the streets alone there again, not unless you want to get mugged.” I found out later that that area was once known as "Millionaire's Row" , that is, until the Great Depression of the 1930s when many mansions on Euclid Avenue were abandoned or demolished as the suburb descended into poverty.
Ironically, while East Cleveland (above) today has a reputation for being "sketchy", it was once home to the world's first billionaire, oil tycoon John D.Rockefeller.
