Travel: Cleveland uncovered
Sometimes, exploring the road less travelled pays dividends – as it does on a trip to the intriguing city of Cleveland, Ohio…
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
For a genuine all-American experience, there’s much to recommend in Cleveland, Ohio, with Lake Erie in its front yard and a stunning national park in its back. Go hiking, take in a baseball game, visit a world-class museum, sample its burgeoning foodie scene, knock back some local craft beers and pretend you’re in Coyote Ugly in an old school ‘dive bar’… and meet some of the friendliest locals ever, proud to show off their city.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Cleveland, hometown of Halle Berry and the late Paul Newman, is a wonderful, ethnically diverse city. Little Italy is a delight – sit outside and enjoy people-watching, while enjoying a linguine with meatballs. In bohemian Detroit- Shoreway, check out the Insta-worthy Superelectric Pinball Parlor (superelectric.tv) with its retro pinball machines. Then there’s the famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (rockhall.com) – one pyramid-shaped building of rock history featuring everything from Elvis Presley’s gold, sparkly suit to a pair of tiny purple flares once donned by Prince.
DON’T MISS
For theatre lovers, the Playhouse Square district is unmissable. We saw hilarious hit musical The Book of Mormon at one of five original theatres built here in 1920-21 – and were distracted by the stunning architecture inside, so beautiful it would give most West End theatres a run for their money! While in the area, check out the world’s biggest outdoor crystal chandelier erected over the square, containing 4,200 crystal pieces. Illuminated at night, it’s quite something. See www.playhousesquare.org.
GETTING THERE:
There are direct flights from the UK to Detroit with Delta Virgin Atlantic. For more details visit delta.com. Cleveland is a three-hour drive from Detroit or there are frequent flight connections through to Cleveland. To book a trip to Cleveland contact Audley Travel, audleytravel.com, or call 01993 220 115.
STAYING THERE:
The Hyatt Regency. In the heart of Downtown, just a short walk from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the elegant Hyatt Regency (hyatt.com/enUS/hotel/ohio/hyatt-regencycleveland-at-the-arcade), set inside a historic Victorian-era Arcade with a spa on-site, is the perfect base.
FOOD AND DRINK
Cleveland, after a period of depression in the 1970s, is truly on the up – and a varied food scene is central to the lifeblood of its revival. Head over to the trendy Flats area (flatseastbank.com) for scenic views of the Cuyahoga River, some top eats (the Alley Cat Oyster Bar’s shrimpstuffed peppers and kimchi deviled eggs are to die for, alleycatoysterbar.com) – and more nightlife than you can shake a margarita at.
There’s lots to enjoy in Ohio’s cultural city