Hello!

I am trying to plan a trip from Detroit to visit Cleveland from Friday of Easter weekend - Sunday with my mom (shes 55, I'm 26). Neither of us have been to the city before and was looking for some suggestions that don't revolve around the Rock and Roll Museum. Neither of us are that into music memorabilia and would be more satisfied walking around neighborhoods, window shopping and stopping into cute shops (though not tacky gift shops). Does anyone have any recommendations for areas that we should check out or a neighborhood to stay in? I didn't see any theatre shows listed on Ticketmaster and wondering if maybe there was something going on that I missed - how is the Pickwick for comedy?

Hi,

I think Pickwick and Frolic is connected to Hilarities which is good, The Improv is another comedy club. Near Public Square would be a good place to stay for eating and the comedy clubs. (I'm sorry I do not know the Hotels other than the Ritz Carleton)


There is alot to do in the University Circle area which is very close to Little Italy. Little Italy has shops, art galleries and great restaraunts

The Botanical Garden has a Costa Rican rainforest and Madagascar Desert. Which are fabulous to visit (especially in the winter)

The Art museum is undergoing a major renovation andmost exhibits are closed right now, but they are currently running a special Art and Armor of Imperial Austria Exhibit.

As far as theatre, there should be something playing. I know The Color Purple is coming to town soon. You can try Playhouse Square, The Cleveland Playhouse (which is separate and in a different Location), Dobama or Ensamble Theatre, as well as the Beck Center for the Arts.

Other cute shopping districts include funky Coventry in Cleveland Heights and Tremont. Don't miss the West Side Market on Saturday morning. Lots of ethnic foods mexican, slovenian, german, and good bakeries.

I do not know much about hotels, but there are several people who post on the Ohio trip advisor forum who might be able to help you.

Thanks!
That sounds like a lot of great ideas! I think we will definitely have to visit the botanical gardens and the West Side Market.

I appreciate the recommendations so much! Sounds like a lot of really great neighborhoods to look into!

There's also a NASA facility
next to the Cleveland Airport.
Tours are given although
they're limited since 9/11.
One of the better tours however,
as it's a research facility.

Definitely check out Little
Italy. Had probably our best
Italian dinner ever there.
(DH has spent significant
time in Italy and says its
the best in the States.)
But I can't remember
the name right now!?
Sorry, I'll try to find it
and post again.
But we've always said if for
no other reason its
worth going to Cleveland
to dine there again.

There is now a Hampton Inn in downtown Cleveland on 9th and Superior which would be centrally located to the Botanical Gardens as well as the Westside market. I would not expect much to be happening downtown proper on the weekend though except in the Warehouse District (bars and restaurants but mostly younger people). A nice walk would be down 9th Street to the Rock Hall and Lake Erie. Even if you are not interested in going in the Rock Hall, the building itself is interesting and is right on Lake Erie. It's just a 3 block walk from the Hampton. Weather permitting, you could also walk to Pickwick and Frolic from the hotel. Although, you would probably want to taxi back to the hotel since it will be late when you leave.

If you do make it to the Coventry area (not far from Botanical Gardens), try The Inn on Coventry for breakfast or brunch. They have the best eggs benedict. Coventry is not nearly as interesting as it was in year's past but it is a nice 3-4 block that you might enjoy walking. Check out Big Fun store for toys that will take you back in time.

Also close to Coventry, on Cedar Road, you could go to Legacy Village for a semi-interesting shopping experience. A lot of big box stores, but not all big box.

A more upscale hotel is the Wyndham that is in the theatre district. Just across the street from the theatres. It is also very close to Pickwick and Frolic.

Enyoy Cleveland!

Check our Glidden House B&B and look at their packages. I have not stayed there but have heard wonderful things about it.

They are located in University Circle, close to the museums. They offer free parking, and a museum package. I also enjoy the restaurants in Little Italy, which is close by.

They also have a package that includes tickets to a show at Playhouse Square--(Doubt or Pride and Prejudice this weekend).

We usually stay at the Ritz on one of their packages. It is connected to Tower City shopping and the Q arena. I have read complaints on Trip Advisor--it's been a couple years since we have stayed there. They usually have a nice Winter get away package.

The package is a great idea - we were thinking about going to see Doubt!

Did do a bit of putting the list of places to visit together and it seems like Cleveland Heights might be a pretty centrally located place to stay for us. Was curious about how parking is however because I think we will end up driving to quite a few of our destinations. Do most hotels charge extra for parking like Chicago?

Heres a list of places we'd like to visit:
West Side Market
Little Italy
Botanical Gardens
Drury (for Doubt)
Coventry
Tremont
Maybe a walk by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

i appreciate all of your help - thanks!

Cleveland Heights is strictly residential so you won't find a hotel there. I'm not even aware of a B&B in Cleveland Hts. For your itinerary, I would still suggest staying downtown. That would be most centrally located to what you want to see and would definitely be closer to see a play, the West Side Market, and the Rock Hall.

I believe the hotels downtown charge for parking but it is pretty nominal. I would say $5-$7 per day. Hotels outside of downtown do not charge for parking.

The only hotel in Cleveland Hts is the Alcazar. You can check out the website at thealcazar.com. It operates as a bed and breakfast or monthly stays.

Hey everyone!

just wanted to say thank you for all of the great recommendations. We got back on Sunday and had a wonderful time!

On the drive in from Detroit, we visited Antique Row on Lorain, which offered maybe 10 antique stores that were still open. From people I talked to I learned that some had closed in the past year or two. There was one, however, that was particularly great if you are into 1950 style decor/ dress - Suite Lorain. From there, we stopped in Tremont for a brief walk around the neighborhood: ate at Lucky's Cafe and stopped into the Banyan Tree. Then we drove to our hotel - the Crowne Plaza (booked on priceline for $55/ night) and walked to the Arcade and around Town Centre. Then we hopped a cab and took off for the West Bank Flats, had dinner at the Rock bottom Brewery and drinks at Howl at the Moon - the piano bar. that was a great time!

Saturday morning we headed to the WEst Side Market and wandered for hours, loading our bags with all sorts of yummies - I think that might have been my trip highlight - and Ohio City Pasta's fresh ravioli - wow! We had breakfast at the West Side Market Cafe and then headed to Coventry where we stopped in a few shops and had a snack at the Mint Cafe - very tasty Thai. We also managed a drive out to Chagrin Falls, but unfortunately got there after the shops had closed. The shops aren't much to look at, but the little town square had a cute vibe to it. The drive was pretty nice too.

We headed back to Little Italy for dinner and gallery shopping. I bought some amazing earrings and then had a delicious veg lasagna at Trattoria.

sunday was the house of Blues Gosepl Brunch and that wrapped up the trip. Another great adventure.

Thanks!