Fun Cleveland Weekend

Cleveland is a city on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, in Ohio. Recreational, cultural and educational opportunities abound throughout Northeast Ohio. You'll find world-class museums and cultural events, exciting professional sports and amusement parks and the most golf courses per capita in the United States.

In addition to its museums of art, Cleveland boasts a vibrant art community with galleries scattered throughout its trendiest neighborhoods, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The city is also home to some interesting architecture including the Terminal Tower, built in 1929 as the second tallest building in the world, and many bridges and churches.

Lake Erie, the shallowest and warmest Great Lake (with the most vibrant fishery) defines Cleveland's north border and provides many opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and walks. Boaters, rowing crews, canoers and kayakers enjoy the diverse scenery along the Cuyahoga River.

Not amused by nature? Northeast Ohio offers world-class amusement parks including Cedar Point (one-hour drive west to Sandusky), Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom and Memphis Kiddie Park (in Brooklyn, Ohio).

The 400-room Marriott Cleveland Key Center is located in the heart of downtown Cleveland within easy walking distance to museums, sports stadiums, restaurants and entertainment. The hotel is connected to the KeyBank Tower. The hotel is home to David's Restaurant, Jake's Lounge, an indoor pool, whirlpool, health club and sauna. Hotel services include a concierge, room service, laundry/valet, shoe shine, and business services. Room amenities include a work desk with lamp, two-line speaker phone with voice mail and data port, high-speed Internet access, cable/satellite TV, in-room movies, daily complimentary newspaper, complimentary in-room coffee, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, and in-room safe.

The airy, classy and forever busy Lago Restaurant & Wine Bar unites great food, flawless service and a creative wine list to attract clients. And it does that remarkably well too! Incorporating Mediterranean flavors, on the menu you'll find interesting American-Italian offerings paired with an array of wine selections. All dishes, from pastas to desserts are prepared fresh using the finest ingredients and are well applauded by regular patrons. Fish, chicken, beef and vegetables also make their appearances but the homemade pastas and irresistible gnocchi steal the show!

When Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the phrase "rock and roll", he was laying the foundation for a cultural phenomenon and, incidentally, this museum. In 1986, three years after the creation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Cleveland became the home of the dramatic glass and steel pyramid called the Rock Hall, designed by the architect I. M. Pei. With an impressive multimedia permanent collection and continually changing temporary exhibitions, visitors can enjoy listening to songs, watching films, and looking at rock memorabilia ranging from a Cub Scout shirt worn by Jim Morrison to Madonna's bustier.

Watch an 8-foot-high tornado twist before your eyes. Pilot a blimp, or try out your soccer skills in a game of virtual soccer. It is all happening at the Science Center, a USD55 million high-tech museum that is among the country's largest hands-on science facilities. Interactive exhibits cover a range of topics from the Great Lakes to motion pictures. You can also catch some breathtaking action at the state-of-the-art Omnimax Theater, which features films in its domed, six-story-high theater. Discounts available for groups of ten and more and military personnel. For admission fees call and ask.

The Terminal Tower, now dwarfed by a newer building, is still the most recognizable image on the downtown Cleveland skyline. Sitting on the south end of downtown in the center of Public Square, it is still a popular meeting spot that houses one of the area's biggest department stores, a mall, food court, multiple movie theaters, and, of course, the train station. The 52-story building was constructed in 1930, at the time when skyscrapers were in their infancy. The 42nd floor observation deck offers clear views of most of the Cleveland area and, legend has it, Canada on a clear day.

Since 1986, this upscale restaurant, situated at the northwest corner of Public Square, has been a popular stop for steak lovers. A large window provides a view of the area's activity. Three large dining rooms seat 250 guests. A few booths are equipped for privacy, built with tall walls and curtains. The decor, brass and wood-accented, includes a display of sports paraphernalia. Cuts of Angus beef form the basis of the menu, but chicken wings, crab cakes and apple walnut pie also can tempt your palate. Valet parking is available.

Nautica Stage is an open air venue for rock and music shows during the summer. Being an easily accessible site, low priced with great atmosphere, all the shows held here are well attended. The view of downtown from here is fantastic and is a great place to go sight seeing. The coming and going of large boats is one of the things that draws major attention. The larger shows are accommodated in the adjacent parking lots. The seating arrangement is only for the front couple of rows and then there is just standing room.

One of the finest art collections in the world is in this elegant Beaux Arts white-marble building set like a jewel in the 15-acre Fine Arts Garden. Opened in 1916, the museum has a collection of more than 30,000 works, spanning 5,000 years. Masterpieces from the continents of Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe are represented here. A perennial favorite is the Armor Court, a gallery filled with swords, daggers and suits of armor. The museum is also a regular stop for important touring exhibits. Admission is free. Special exhibits are ticketed.

Nature and science share the attention at this popular museum and valuable educational resource. Dioramas, specimens and interpretative aids reveal the worlds of anthropology, astronomy, biology, botany and geology. There are permanent galleries, such as one housing dinosaur bones, and temporary exhibits, such as a recent one regarding bats. Interactive tools are often incorporated. Weekends bring opportunities for close contact with Ohio's native animals. The museum is walking distance from the Cleveland Museum of Art.

This somewhat elegant delicatessen serves rich matzo ball soup, overstuffed meat sandwiches, omelets and various entrees. The children's menu includes corned beef and peanut butter sandwiches. It may be hard to resist the cheesecakes, pastries and cookies on display near the entrance.

If you like ethnic flavors and farmer markets, you will be crazy about Cleveland's West Side Market. This market is a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1912. Built in the tradition of European market halls, it has a soaring vaulted ceiling where vendors gather each morning with the freshest produce or an array of ethnic foods. Find everything from Middle Eastern cuisine at Judy's Oasis to Hispanic cuisine at Orale. Visit Wiecek's Meats and can pick up fresh beef products or sample your way through Urban Herbs, City Roast and Great Harvest Bread Company. Be ready for large crowds, especially on weekends or before holidays.

This established Ohio City restaurant is southwest of downtown. Also labeled as a "bistro-bar," the eatery's bar area has table seating and offers a light meal. The owner/chef focuses his talents on local produce for a seasonal menu. French-inspired cuisine features lamb, veal sweetbreads, halibut and Mediterranean-type dishes like calamari and cheese ravioli. Desserts range from creme brulee to Parker's Classic Lemon Souffle. Guests can choose a sampler, a la carte or fixed price meal. There is a large wine list. The restaurant is frequented by businesspeople after work.

Sip famous, handcrafted beers and learn how they’re made on brewery tours across the country.