My husband and I want to get away for a long weekend. We'd love to go somewhere warm but don't have the vacation time or the budget for it so we're thinking of doing Clevelend instead. My questions:

1. We're looking for only indoor stuff to do and we're thinking of Botanical Gardens, West Side Market, Art Museum, Museum of Natural History, Western Reserve Historical Society. Any comments or other suggestions? We've been to the Science Museum before and we're not really interested in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2. Where's the best indoor shopping? Beechwood Place?
3. Good restaurants? Our favorites are Italian and steak and we're looking to pay no more than $15-$20 for a dinner entree, so nothing particulary fancy. Also maybe a fun burger/diner type place for lunch?
4. Hotel? I'd like to get Hilton points so I'm looking at Embassy Suites, Doubletree, or Hilton Garden Inn all downtown. Any comments?

Thanks for reading and for any help you can offer!

Hi Pat
Catch the Cleveland Orchastra at Severence Hall! http://www.clevelandorch.com/html/index.asp

And the Planetarium is wonderful!http://www.cmnh.org/site/AtTheMuseum...anetarium.aspx

If you want to splurge on a great meal with a lake view of the Cleveland skyline give Pier W a chance, it's expensive but I think they have a Sunday Brunch that might be more economical.
http://www.selectrestaurants.com/pier/index.html

Thanks for the planetarium suggestion! I really like planeteriums so I'll be sure to add that to my plans.

You're welcome Pat. Have you ever been to Bradsdeals.com? On his "Restaurants" there is a coupon for Water Street Grill in Cleveland. You can purchase a $25.00 coupon for $10.00 and when you check out, type in the code word 'exclusive' and get that $10.00 coupon for 60% off. Print it out immediately. I've never eaten there but hear it's good. http://www.restaurant.com/rdc_site.n...4224&x=14&y=8#

Anyone else?

Yes, the Botanical Gardens are worth a visit, and the Art Museum (which is free) is right across the street so is also worth a peek. Right up the hill is Little Italy. I would suggest going to Maxi's--kind of old school and authentic and in the price range you are looking for. The best shopping is definitely at Beachwood Place. Good burgers at Heck's in Ohio City, which is just west of downtown. You can probably definitely good good deals on Priceline this time of year, especially for downtown hotels. Have not stayed at any Hilton properties. Hope this helps.