CRC’s Unofficial Top 10 List: Favorite Things About Cleveland
By Cleveland AdminWelcome to Cleveland, where we experience all four seasons in one day, sports fans are endlessly loyal, and corned beef is taken a little too seriously.
Cleveland is constantly the butt of memes, jokes, and decades-old stereotypes, but most of the haters have never actually visited our incredible city. Cleveland seamlessly blends urban charm with Midwestern values, making it an ideal place to work, live, and play.
We’re home to world-class cultural institutions and hospitals. We boast a thriving food scene, including iconic dishes like the Cleveland Po Boy, pierogi, and paczki. We host three major sports teams, and all three stadiums are located within a mile of the city center. We’re situated on the shores of Lake Erie, with the most beautiful sunsets you can imagine. Despite these remarkable attributes – our cost of living is still more affordable than other major U.S. cities.
So, this is our attempt at combatting the stereotypes and sharing some of The Land’s finer pleasures. Here is CRC’s unofficial top 10 favorite things about Cleveland list.
10. Cultural Neighborhoods
Cleveland features a variety of cultural neighborhoods, some of the most notable being Little Italy, Tremont, and Ohio City. Little Italy is packed with old-school Italian cafes, bakeries, and pizzerias, known especially for its Feast of the Assumption. This annual Catholic street festival turns Mayfield Road into a haven for cavatelli, sausage, peppers, cannoli, and more. Tremont and Ohio City exude a more hipster appeal – home to many of the city’s millennials. These neighborhoods have numerous trendy shops, restaurants, and breweries.
9. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum
Opened in 1995, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tells a story that spans generations – from rock’s earliest artists to emerging musicians of today. You can discover the history of rock and roll through an extensive collection of memorabilia, reading material, artifacts, interactive exhibits and of course, plenty of music from the Hall of Fame inductees. The Rock Hall is also an architectural treat established on Cleveland’s waterfront, just steps from other attractions like the Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Browns Stadium.
8. Playhouse Square
Searching for world-class entertainment? An evening date night? Birthday gift for Mom? Look no further than Playhouse Square. Many people don’t realize that Cleveland has the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Stop by for a musical, comedy or historical show – and be sure to snap a photo of the GE Chandelier on Euclid Avenue. It’s the largest outdoor chandelier in North America.
7. Cleveland Museum of Art
At the Cleveland Museum of Art, you can explore an impressive collection of art from around the world spanning various time periods and cultures. The museum is located in Cleveland’s University Circle, a district that includes other museums, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions. It’s the perfect outing for a rainy day, and the best part is that general admission is free.
6. The Flats
The Flats exemplifies Cleveland’s waterfront advantage, divided into two distinct areas: the West Bank and East Bank. The West is celebrated for its historic buildings and tourist attractions, such as the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Lady Caroline luxury cruise, and concerts at Jacobs Pavilion. Who doesn’t love a show on the water? The redeveloped entertainment district on the East boasts everything from casual bars to booming nightlife. Popular spots include Lindey’s Lakehouse, Beerhead Bar & Eatery, and Inferno Flats.
5. West Side Market
Taste the flavors of Cleveland from the diverse array of food vendors at the West Side Market. From handmade pierogies to artisanal cheeses and specialty condiments to freshly baked goods… the West Side Market is truly a food lover’s paradise. The market is always bustling on the weekends, and it is a great stop for lunch or fresh groceries. The market is open every day except for Tuesday and Thursday.
4. Cleveland Metroparks
Often referred to as the “Emerald Necklace,” the Cleveland Metroparks span more than 24,000 acres containing over 300 miles of trails, golf courses and a nationally-acclaimed zoo. Whether you’re living downtown or in the suburbs, there’s nothing like having a clean and scenic park nearby. A local favorite is Edgewater Park, an urban oasis offering sandy beaches, walking trails, and a fishing pier. It’s also the perfect place for a sunset, including a view of the downtown skyline.
3. East 4th Street
Stroll through the vibrant pedestrian-only street located in the heart of downtown. East 4th Street has earned a reputation as one of the city’s premier entertainment and dining districts, featuring the House of Blues, Hilarities Theatre, Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ, and Dante Boccuzzi’s Goma. It’s common to spot sports enthusiasts grabbing a meal prior to a major game, thanks to the street’s proximity to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Progressive Field. Plus, you can’t miss East 4th Street’s string lights and neon restaurant signs.
2. Cleveland sports
Cleveland is home to several professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Cleveland has experienced championship droughts in the past, we reemerged as a city of champions when the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship in 2016 led by LeBron James. The Cleveland Indians have also made multiple appearances in the World Series. Cleveland sports fans are known for being die-hard, often chanting the famous phrase, “Cleveland against the world.”
1. The people
The people of Cleveland are a breed of their own, fueling the city with a high level of energy. Most Clevelanders feel great pride in their city, and at CRC, that sentiment certainly holds true. Cleveland is not only our headquarters but a community where we invest our time and resources. Cleveland also embodies true Midwestern values. It’s not uncommon to find a Clevelander holding a door open or genuinely asking about your day, a rare sight for the rushed walkers of New York City. Cleveland’s residents also take pride in their rich cultural heritage, with a history of contributions from various ethnic communities, especially prevalent in our cuisine.