OWJ is being forced to go to Cleveland--help!
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:25 PM
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OWJ is being forced to go to Cleveland--help!
Ok, I know Cleveland has its good points but I must admit I'm not excited to have to go there. We are obligated to go in July for OWJ2's eccentric cousin's weird kid's B'nai Mitzvah. Yes, I'm oh, so very excited.
First problem is finding decent airfare. We've been fare tracking Cleveland and Dayton but no cheap fares have popped up. I know there's time but is it conceivable to fly from Atlanta to that part of OH for $200 or less?
OWJ2 wants to see the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Any other cool/good/interesting things to see--and use as an escape from the relatives??
Barring that, any good excuses to get out of this would be mighty appreciated!!
First problem is finding decent airfare. We've been fare tracking Cleveland and Dayton but no cheap fares have popped up. I know there's time but is it conceivable to fly from Atlanta to that part of OH for $200 or less?
OWJ2 wants to see the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Any other cool/good/interesting things to see--and use as an escape from the relatives??
Barring that, any good excuses to get out of this would be mighty appreciated!!
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:44 PM
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Possible. If you can't find good fares on DL or CO (both have non-stops ATL-CLE), try AirTran. They fly non-stop to Akron/Canton, which is just south of Cleveland. I found some "web special" fares for March for $168 roundtrip. They may not be available for July yet, but check often.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:22 PM
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First of all,
don't fly into Dayton.
Its at least 4 hours from Cleveland.
Second, you'll probably have a great
time in Cleveland.
It's really nice, in the summer
especially.
Maybe check out the Lake Erie
Islands or Cedar Point.
World class museums are in Cleveland, the symphony is said to be best
in the world,
plus the Rock Hall is great fun.
(Hey, at this point a
trip anywhere sounds good.
Can you say winter blahs?)
don't fly into Dayton.
Its at least 4 hours from Cleveland.
Second, you'll probably have a great
time in Cleveland.
It's really nice, in the summer
especially.
Maybe check out the Lake Erie
Islands or Cedar Point.
World class museums are in Cleveland, the symphony is said to be best
in the world,
plus the Rock Hall is great fun.
(Hey, at this point a
trip anywhere sounds good.
Can you say winter blahs?)
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:32 PM
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Egads, Dayton is a 4 hour drive to Cleveland, don't track fares to there! Even Pittsburgh is closer!
Akron-Canton from Atlanta on AirTran is sure to be your best bet, but they probably don't have their good fares out yet. (I used to live in the Cleveland area and work for an Atlanta based company, and over the course of 4+ years, I consistently got great fares to Atlanta from Akron-Canton.) It's possible Delta will spring a sale on you to Cleveland as well, you never know.
Hmm, well on the bright side, it's *possible* it will be less hot/humid in Cleveland than Atlanta at that time of year - but, you never know.
Let's see, along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you also have the Great Lakes Science Center in that same general area. I believe there may still be boat rides (Goodtime III? IV?) out of somewhere near the downtown area, as well as some historic boat or sub that is docked for tours.
Depending on when you're in town, you could catch an Indians' game (yeah, I know, you have the Braves, you're probably spoiled by all the winning seasons.)
The University Circle area is nice - beautiful area, lots of museums. Check out www.universitycircle.org for details.
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area...oops, excuse, me, National Park. (It's a good recreation area, but a lousy excuse for a national park, IMHO.) Anyway, go to www.nps.gov to get info on that - there is a scenic train ride through the valley that is quite fun, as well as hiking trails, and the towpath trail that you can hike or bike.
Further east - Mentor Headlands. Yes, an actual huge beach on Lake Erie.
Further West, Put-in-Bay (fun island, national monument), Cedar Point - whole 'nother topic, do a search on those things if you might be interested.
Ah, the things we do for family. I moved away from Cleveland - but am probably condemned to re-visit at least every year or two based on the high concentration of relatives I left behind!
Akron-Canton from Atlanta on AirTran is sure to be your best bet, but they probably don't have their good fares out yet. (I used to live in the Cleveland area and work for an Atlanta based company, and over the course of 4+ years, I consistently got great fares to Atlanta from Akron-Canton.) It's possible Delta will spring a sale on you to Cleveland as well, you never know.
Hmm, well on the bright side, it's *possible* it will be less hot/humid in Cleveland than Atlanta at that time of year - but, you never know.
Let's see, along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you also have the Great Lakes Science Center in that same general area. I believe there may still be boat rides (Goodtime III? IV?) out of somewhere near the downtown area, as well as some historic boat or sub that is docked for tours.
Depending on when you're in town, you could catch an Indians' game (yeah, I know, you have the Braves, you're probably spoiled by all the winning seasons.)
The University Circle area is nice - beautiful area, lots of museums. Check out www.universitycircle.org for details.
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area...oops, excuse, me, National Park. (It's a good recreation area, but a lousy excuse for a national park, IMHO.) Anyway, go to www.nps.gov to get info on that - there is a scenic train ride through the valley that is quite fun, as well as hiking trails, and the towpath trail that you can hike or bike.
Further east - Mentor Headlands. Yes, an actual huge beach on Lake Erie.
Further West, Put-in-Bay (fun island, national monument), Cedar Point - whole 'nother topic, do a search on those things if you might be interested.
Ah, the things we do for family. I moved away from Cleveland - but am probably condemned to re-visit at least every year or two based on the high concentration of relatives I left behind!
Feb 23rd, 2006, 04:34 AM
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OWJ
We live in the Cleveland area, I'm coping something to you I posted to someone else on this board, FYI. You didn't ask about hotels but I,ve included some info on that.
The Renaissance at Public Square, is a historic hotel connected to Tower City. Also, the Hyatt Regency at The Arcade on Superior Ave. It is a fairly new hotel in a historical landmark. It is across the street from The House of Blues. Both hotels are within walking distance to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Science Center, Jacobs Field, the "Q", etc. If your family enjoys music, Severence Hall is not too far away and the Cleveland Orchestra is great. The USS Cod is a submarine you can go thru and right next door is a decent restaurant called "Hornblowers" built on a barge and if nice weather you can eat on the deck overlooking Lake Erie.
I will also recommend Cedar Point,the best amusement park ever. You could spend the night at The Breakers which is on the property with Lake Erie at the back door and Cedar Point at the front.
Also, You could take a ferry to the Islands. I can recommend Put-in-Bay and Kelly's. You rent golf carts to transport yourself around and it's just a great atmosphere, There's even some history on Put-in-bay (Perry's Monument) If you have the time, you can stay overnight on the Islands. Post back if you want any info on hotels.
If you just want to take a boat ride on Lake Erie, as mentioned above, the Goodtime is docked at 9th street which is beside Rock and Roll.
There really is a lot to do and I agree you can also fly into Akron/Canton, rent a car, and drive about 45min into Cleveland.
We live in the Cleveland area, I'm coping something to you I posted to someone else on this board, FYI. You didn't ask about hotels but I,ve included some info on that.
The Renaissance at Public Square, is a historic hotel connected to Tower City. Also, the Hyatt Regency at The Arcade on Superior Ave. It is a fairly new hotel in a historical landmark. It is across the street from The House of Blues. Both hotels are within walking distance to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Science Center, Jacobs Field, the "Q", etc. If your family enjoys music, Severence Hall is not too far away and the Cleveland Orchestra is great. The USS Cod is a submarine you can go thru and right next door is a decent restaurant called "Hornblowers" built on a barge and if nice weather you can eat on the deck overlooking Lake Erie.
I will also recommend Cedar Point,the best amusement park ever. You could spend the night at The Breakers which is on the property with Lake Erie at the back door and Cedar Point at the front.
Also, You could take a ferry to the Islands. I can recommend Put-in-Bay and Kelly's. You rent golf carts to transport yourself around and it's just a great atmosphere, There's even some history on Put-in-bay (Perry's Monument) If you have the time, you can stay overnight on the Islands. Post back if you want any info on hotels.
If you just want to take a boat ride on Lake Erie, as mentioned above, the Goodtime is docked at 9th street which is beside Rock and Roll.
There really is a lot to do and I agree you can also fly into Akron/Canton, rent a car, and drive about 45min into Cleveland.
Feb 23rd, 2006, 05:17 AM
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I can certainly empathize, OWJ. I know how frustrating it is to have to use perfectly good travel time and money on family things that you really don't want to do. But I have a feeling that you're going to like Cleveland more than you expect. As for the family part....
Feb 25th, 2006, 06:56 AM
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Hi All!
Thanks for the sympathy and suggestions!! I needed both
As for the 'don't fly to Dayton' piece, I must have had a braindrain when I was typing. We've been fare-tracking Akron all along. This just goes to show, I shouldn't be held accountable for anything I say past my bedtime.
And Starrsville, my friend, would love to catch up with you at Casa Nuevo or anywhere else!! Wanna do it in July?? hehe
Thanks for the sympathy and suggestions!! I needed both
As for the 'don't fly to Dayton' piece, I must have had a braindrain when I was typing. We've been fare-tracking Akron all along. This just goes to show, I shouldn't be held accountable for anything I say past my bedtime.
And Starrsville, my friend, would love to catch up with you at Casa Nuevo or anywhere else!! Wanna do it in July?? hehe
Feb 25th, 2006, 07:12 AM
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OWJ, I've never been to Cleveland, but I would very much like to go there to visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Maybe I could go in your place?? 
Anyhoo, I would like to wish you a happy trip and I hope you will be pleasantly surprised by that city. Also, bring plenty of magazines on the flight. You never know when you'll need a magazine snorkel. ;-)
Anyhoo, I would like to wish you a happy trip and I hope you will be pleasantly surprised by that city. Also, bring plenty of magazines on the flight. You never know when you'll need a magazine snorkel. ;-)
Feb 25th, 2006, 07:17 AM
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Wow!! For a minute, when I first read your post title, I thought you meant to live there!! And please, no slams from the natives, I am a born and bred midwesterner but I would find it very difficult to live there again.
PS OWJ-I hope "eccentric" and "weird" ones, don't read Fodor....
PS OWJ-I hope "eccentric" and "weird" ones, don't read Fodor....
Feb 25th, 2006, 07:27 AM
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I've never been to Cleveland either but would like to go someday--a good friend of ours just took a job there.
Anyway, I empathize with you, OWJ, and if it makes you feel any better my step father thinks it's a good idea for all the kids & grand children to gather at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware this NOVEMBER to celebrate my mom's birthday. Once again I will be on planes, trains & automobiles to get there but I suppose the good news is I won't have to worry about squeezing into a bathing suit! The things we do for the ones we love, eh?
Anyway, I empathize with you, OWJ, and if it makes you feel any better my step father thinks it's a good idea for all the kids & grand children to gather at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware this NOVEMBER to celebrate my mom's birthday. Once again I will be on planes, trains & automobiles to get there but I suppose the good news is I won't have to worry about squeezing into a bathing suit! The things we do for the ones we love, eh?
Feb 25th, 2006, 08:04 AM
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I suppose using precious vacation time and money to travel ANYWHERE for someone else would at first glance be unwelcome. But, oh how great to be part of a family! And what a joyful occasion! Every family has a few doornobs that need polished but it sure gives you something to talk about!
No matter where we travel, I welcome exploring new areas I've never been to or seen before even if it's not my first (or second, or third, etc,) destination choice.
No matter where we travel, I welcome exploring new areas I've never been to or seen before even if it's not my first (or second, or third, etc,) destination choice.
Feb 25th, 2006, 08:33 AM
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PM--You made me spit my tea at my monitor!! Who would've thunk it that the magazine snorkle line would come back to haunt me! BTW, you are welcome to go in my place but you *must* attend the family stuff w/OWJ2, if that's ok!
And CD, you hit it on the head! It is nice to visit new places, it's the part about the 'interesting' family members and all that togetherness that I most dread.
SW--Let's just pray they don't read this...but then again if they do, I'll get uninvited and that may not be such a bad thing!
And CD, you hit it on the head! It is nice to visit new places, it's the part about the 'interesting' family members and all that togetherness that I most dread.
SW--Let's just pray they don't read this...but then again if they do, I'll get uninvited and that may not be such a bad thing!
Feb 25th, 2006, 08:36 AM
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Oh, AnnMarie--YOu feel my pain and I feel yours...but your dad does get bonus points for avoiding bathing suits...my family would be all about a cruise or renting a beach house in the middle of July and then what do I do with my lily white dimpled thighs? 
Mar 5th, 2006, 03:48 PM
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Hi All, Just a note about the Orchestra, I think at that time of year they are out at BLossom Music Center, which is an outdoor amphitheater. That is a wonderful place to go. I am sure there is a link to their website, from one about Cleveland in general. For the Orchestra concerts, you can bring pretty much a whole dinner, wine, coolers etc, and sit on the lawn on a blanket or bring lawn chairs. If you are here for July 4th, there is a band concert there with fireworks afterward that is phenominal(SP?). Also, I am a big fan of the zoo. I used to have a pass when my child was younger, and went quite often. It is pretty interesting for adults too. THere is the rain forest there, and a butterfly house, that is just beautiful if you are there at the right time, plust other great exhibits. I love the Tremont area for eating out. That is on the near west side of CLeveland. The metro parks are great for walking, jogging, picnics, golf, even rollar skating on the bike trails. Mentor Headlands beach as mentioned on some other posts is a good beach for swimming. There are also places to fish in the Metroparks, some good nature centers too. There is one on the East side,(I can't remember where off the top of my head) where you can feed the black capped chicadees, and other small birds right from your hand. Maybe sounds corney, but I really enjoyed it. The Goodtime boat is also a fun trip on the lake. If you enjoy live theater, we have playhouse square which houses a few theaters, with restaurants nearby.If the big theaters don't interest you, there are smaller neighborhood ones, with cheaper ticket prices, and no-hassle parking. Anyway, check out some of the websites, for things I am forgetting to mention, and I hope you change your mind after you visit!
Mar 6th, 2006, 11:14 AM
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P'mint Patti--
Thanks for all the ideas! I will definately print them out before we go. I'm not sure how much free time we'll have but I know we'll have some and I want to make the most of it. Sitting around is not my idea of fun.
OWJ
Thanks for all the ideas! I will definately print them out before we go. I'm not sure how much free time we'll have but I know we'll have some and I want to make the most of it. Sitting around is not my idea of fun.
OWJ
Mar 6th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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Given all the STRESS this issue has caused you I think telling your relatives the TRUTH might be the best thing you could do for them as well as yourself.
Will that happen? Probably not, so enjoy Cleveland.
Will that happen? Probably not, so enjoy Cleveland.
