last minute trip to Cleveland
 

On a last minute whim, this baby boomer and his adult son (26) are thinking of flying to Cleveland next week to check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Any suggestions for hotels and restaurants near this attraction? I'm assuming the area would be fairly safe during the day but not so in the evening, thereby requiring taxi runs. Also, what other nearby or area touristy spots are worth seeing (no car)? Any good tours worth doing? I'm figuring a couple days there, not including travel days, should be sufficient.

Cleveland is great in fall. Ritz Carlton is near RRHF. I like the science museum next to RRHF.
Near the univ is pretty, and the art museum is very good. You could get a cab easily, probably also a bus.

There's a Renaissance hotel downtown that we stayed at a few years ago -- good central downtown location; convenient to RRHF. Also, within walking distance to House of Blues and many restaurants.

We did a trolley tour that I would recommend, however for better weather. Not sure what types of tours this time of year. I would highly recommend visiting the Art Museum -- world class.

The art museum is a great suggestion because they just opened a Barcelona exhibit. I *think* you can get there from downtown on the train, but don't quote me on that. I also have to plug my neighborhood, Ohio City, which is very easy to get to from Downtown by train. If you're at all a foodie or just like to cook you should check out the West Side Market, which is an old-fashioned municipal market. And if you like a good beer the Great Lakes brew pub is across the street from the market and has fantastic beer (try the Nosferatu).

Also, call *now* to see if you can get a reservation at Lola. It's a newly re-opened restaurant downtown run by our resident celebrity chef and it's fantastic. But ressies are hard to come by.

And here's a little tip on the Rock Hall. Unless they're on "winter rates" already, it's $20 per person to get in. However, for $10 more, one of you can buy a membership. This includes unlimited admission for the member and guest for a year, some two for one admission coupons, a t-shirt, the Rock Hall newsletter, a static sticker for your car, and this year I also got a lunchbag.

Here are some links for all of this stuff:

http://www.clevelandart.org/exhibcef/Barcelona/html/

http://www.ohiocity.com/

http://www.westsidemarket.com/

http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/

http://www.rockhall.com

I would also recommend the Science Museum next to RRHF.
The Cleveland Orchestra is at Severance Hall which could be a cab ride to.
We like to go to Fat Fish Blue Restaurant. You could check out their website.
Also check out: http://www.usscod.org/ This would also be within walking distance.
Have a good time!

If you like pop art -- the art museum has Andy Warhol's "Marilyn" -- definately worth the visit.

The Cleveland Art Museum is still in the middle of a big renovation project. They have opened a special exhibit but the remainder of the museum is still closed.

You can take public transportation [Rapid Transit train] to the University Circle area from downtown. This will get you to the Art Museum, Natural History Museum and Severance Hall.

Also check out Playhouse Square. We just saw Spamalot 2 weeks ago. They have a variety of shows although Spamalot is gone.