My single memory of Cleveland was departing on a DC 3 for Philadelphia after visiting my Uncle after his return from Korea (he was an Army doc with a personality like Hawkeye's).
I had to use the barf bag before takeoff.
M

Thanks for sharing your barf story.

OWJ, i think my all time favorite nordstroms is in cleveland (beechwood). Somehow, its just different, better!
Also nearby is Legacy Village, a new "lifestyle center" combining some great upscale shopping, dining and entertainment, with adjoining condos etc. (think Easton in Columbus, if you've been there?)
Also on the west side of Clveland is a similar shopping / dining area, "Crocker Park".
We also enjoyed the Rock Hall of Fame and NASA - Glenn Research Center, near the airport.

You might also try flying into Columbus. There are a ton of things to do in CLeveland in the summertime. Consider yourself fortunate it isn't in the winter. Don't forget about baseball downtown (people actually attend baseball games in Ohio) & the Lake suggestions are good ones as well. There is no better place to be in the summer than Kelley's Island.

You will have no trouble entertaining yourself in Cleveland for a few days. Chances are the B'nai Mitzvah will be in Beechwood, Solon, Pepper Pike vicinity. Beechwood Mall and Legacy Village re right there and fun. Legacy Village is great in the summer because its got a villagy atmosphere-cute stores, restaurants, etc. Hotels in the vicinity tend to be a little higher in the summer because of the proximity to Geuaga Lake (excuse the spelling) a big amusement park. We tend to stay in SOlon, rather than Beechwood to save at least 20%.

Youve gotten great suggestions...Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Science Musuem are next to each other on Lake Erie. If you know anyone with a boat, you can sail or motor and dock at the musuems. Its a great way to go.

You'll love Cleveland's weather in the summer. Warm but not stiffling hot like the South.

The Indians stadium is lots of fun if there's a game in town.

Cayahoga Falls is a cute little town not too far away. Its fun to stroll around at night, dine, shop, etc.

Cedar POint is great, but may be a little far to drive to if your trip is short.

Football Hall of Fame is really neat if you like sports. Being the only female in a family of sports nuts, I"ve been to more than my share of Halls of Fame, and next to Cooperstown, its my favorite.

I use to hate going to Cleveland when we had to go visit a boring relative. When I met my DH, whose family is from Cleveland and we started making the dreaded trips to Cleveland, I found myself pleasantly surprised. My boring cousins didnt do anything so I didnt think there was anything to do. My DH's family, on the other hand, introduced me to all sorts of fun things.

Go with an open mind and enjoy.

I second Cuyahoga Valley National Park, especially the Ledges area. It's absolutely gorgeous and the rock formations are amazing.

We went to Cleveland as part of a road trip last year, mainly to see the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland in general was a pleasant surprise. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency, which is right downtown in the middle of it all. A beautiful hotel in a historic building - we loved it. The downtown area was nicer than we expected & the hotel is within easy walking distance to the Hall of Fame, the ball park & many excellent restaurants. In my opinion the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is worth the trip all by itself.