We're going to Cleveland for a 3 day weekend, May 21, 22, & 23. Looking for ideas of things to do both for day time activites and also at night. We're traveling two couples and no kids. We'd like to know more about the Flats & Warehouse District, but are open to any ideas, bars, restaurants, plays, shops, etc. We've never been to Cleveland before. Can anyone help us out?

There's plenty to do in Cleveland. I think so few people ask about Ohio, that they're not reading the questions! I'm most familiar with the daytime activities. In the University Circle areas (east of downtown) are wonderful museums and Severance Hall (home of Cleveland Orchestra). The art museum is fabulous and I believe the natural history museum is recently renovated. Right downtown is the Indians stadium for a game, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center with an Imax theater and great exhibitions for all ages. You don't have to be a kid. The flats area is full of bars and restaurants--national chains and locals. Another trendy area is around the Westside Market which sells all kinds of ethnic foods, baked goods, etc. Nearby are other original restaurants. All within 10 minutes of downtown. Plays frequently run the Palace and another theater. Try WWW.citysearch.com and see if that helps. These ideas are from the top of my head. If you need more specifics, I'll try to look them up. You'll have plenty to do!

Thanks for the info. What about walking around at night?

Some would say the Flats is past its prime. The Warehouse District is a better bet. Some stars in the district are Blue Pointe Grill (for celebrity sighting) and Johnny's Downtown (for steaks). I'm not too familiar with clubs, but I've heard Velvet Dog and Wish are great places.

Another place worth checking out downtown is Pickwick and Frolick, a classy complex with restaurant/bar, cabaret, comedy, and table-side magic.

In terms of entertainment, check out the events at Playhouse Square Center, the theater district. Not sure what will be playing, so check out their website. Concerts, local plays, operas, broadway tours all run through PSC. Also, no visit to Cleveland would be complete without a concert of the aforementioned Cleveland Orchestra, considered by many to be one of the finest in the world.

Cleveland is city of neighborhoods, and there are many nice options among them:
Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights used to be the center of counterculture in the region but now has become Times Squared with some chains; fine dining and interesting shops/cafes of Ohio City (including West Side Market); more fine dining and nightlife at Tremont (its Lola restaurant is considered the best in Cleveland).

To answer your question, I feel safe walking around the Playhouse Square and University Circle districts at night. Warehouse District seems seedier, but I've never had a problem there.

I also failed to mention the Little Italy neighborhood just east of University Circle, which features great Italian dining and art galleries. Not familiar with which restaurants are good, but I love Presti's Bakery for coffee and dessert.

The Little Italy of Cleveland is one of the best ANYWHERE. Agree with prestis bakery and check our Guarinos Restaurant, amazing food and ambiance.

You might want to consider Cedar Point, said to be the worlds best amusement park. Its about an hour west, and has at least 16 of the most amazing roller coasters in the world. Definitely worth the trip. Cedarpoint.com

We love cleveland! Have fun!

I have a couple of other last minute questions. Would it be worth bringing bikes to ride around Cleveland in the day, possibly to the Flats & Warehouse District? We'd be coming from the Residence Inn on Prospect. The other question is, if I have one restaurant to pick in Little Italy, is Guarino's the place I'd want to be? We're also thinking about taking in Hilarities Comedy Club one night and an evening of blues at Fat Fish Blues. Any last minute modifications/suggestions?

Thanks,

Paul

Paul, I don't think you'd want to bike downtown, or in The Flats or the Warehouse District. However, the Cleveland Metro Parks are wonderful for biking with some fun, truly superior trails.

http://www.cleveland.com/recreation/...etroparks.html

Also nearby (about 20 min. i think) is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which offers a host of hiking, bike trails and boating opportunities.

http://www.nps.gov/cuva/

My family would chose Guarinos as well. There's also a place across the street (the name escapes me) that serves the best Italian Ice and also sells blocks of italian cheeses and such.

Haven't been to Hilarities but heard its great. Love Fat Fish Blue for good food and jazz.

Thanks for the help and quick response Audra!! I've got a hip that's starting to go bad(too much skiing I think) so I was dreading the idea of walking everywhere. Sounds like our plans are going to work out fairly well. I'll just have to talk the other couple into stopping for a beer more often, rather than seeing how many sights we can take in.

Thanks again,

Paul

Cedar Point is awesome...probably the best amusement park I've visited.

Paul, Cleveland has an easy to navigate mass transit system, with easy access to trains and busses. Also cabs seemed to be readily available. Check out Lolly the Trolley for a fun overview tour of the metro area.

And now I'm hungry for Guarino's myself! haha Can't wait to go back for their Fettucini Alfredo. So I did a little search to find it on line:

http://twincities.citysearch.com/pro...1___profile__1

http://www.cleveland.com/littleitalyguide/

Enjoy your visit!

Jayne, we took our kids to Cedar Point a couple of years back and had a great time on the roller coasters. We haven't been back since their newest one that just came out, but their best one prior to that was quite incredible.
Audra, thanks for the tips on transportation around town.

Paul

ttt