Northeast Ohio is home to numerous attractions, activities, shopping, and more. You will be delighted at the variety and quality of the recreation and entertainment available in this thriving area. From interactive museums to an incredible park system, to elevated fine dining and shopping experiences, there is always something new to explore in Northeast Ohio. Keep reading for the best Northeast Ohio things to do.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
One of the must-do items on the list of Northeast Ohio attractions has got to be the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The museum offers various entertainment options, including concerts, film series, lectures, and teacher education. However, the main attraction in the museum is the incredible number of artists inducted into the Hall of Fame with personal exhibits housed at the museum. You will also find a variety of interactive exhibits, videos, films, and other artifacts used by artists featured in the Hall of Fame. Besides the permanent exhibits, the museum curates a variety of temporary exhibitions that are sometimes so large that the top two levels of the building need to be used to exhibit them properly.
The sheer size ― and cost ― of the museum is impressive. With a price tag of $92 million, this 150,000-square-foot building honors songwriters, producers, performers, and disc jockeys who have made an incredible impact in the music world. Some may wonder why Cleveland was chosen for this prestigious honor of housing the most influential artists of our time. The beginnings of rock and roll can be traced back to a DJ named Alan Freed. Freed, with the help of Leo Mintz, created the first Rock & Roll radio program, which exploded in popularity and eventually led to the “Moondog Coronation Ball.” This event was notorious at the time, mostly because it was wildly popular beyond what the venue and staff could handle, and the crowds it drew were indicative of how much Rock & Roll had become a cultural phenomenon. That phenomenon continues to live on, and it will always trace its roots back to the city of Cleveland.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
While Cleveland is the home of rock and roll, Canton, Ohio, claims the honor of housing the Pro Football Hall of Fame. At first, you may think it is a shrine to the players and teams of yesteryear; it is, in fact, a completely interactive experience. Words like skill, dedication, and courage bring pro football’s unique story to life. Enjoy your over 80,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, highlighting the exciting stories told behind the artifacts displayed.
Established in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame continues to grow, as does its size and stature. It is widely recognized as America’s best sports hall of fame and pays tribute to legends of pro football’s greatest players. Visitors come from around the country ― the museum has welcomed over 10 million fans, including guests from 74 countries. They have also expanded their reach nationally by televising events, developing an in-depth website, creating educational youth programs, leveraging social media, arranging traveling exhibits, and hosting special events throughout the country.
Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Metroparks is known for its formidable expanse of over 24,000 acres, including several hundred miles of trails and an impressive eight golf courses spread across 49 communities. One of the most popular destinations in the Park District is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where you will see animals from around the world housed in natural habitats. Established in 1917, the Park District is known for offering multiple educational and recreational programs, plus numerous events each year. The goal of the Cleveland Metroparks is to help create connections to nature with an eye toward conservation and sustainability.
Known for continually improving and maintaining the park system, you will find something for everyone in your family to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, birding, kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
West Side Market
One of the hallmarks of Northeast Ohio is the Cleveland West Side Market. It started in 1840 with two Ohio City residents, Richard Lord and Josiah Barber. They opened the market at the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Road. As the oldest publicly owned market in Cleveland, shoppers still enjoy the showstopper focal point of the market ― the yellow brick market house and interior plaza. Benjamin Hubbell and W. Dominic Benes, architects of the Cleveland Museum of Art, specially designed the market.
An impressive feature of the West Side Market is the 137-foot clocktower ― a landmark that has stood for over 100 years. The latest renovation occurred in 2004, when the outdoor stalls were enclosed and heated.
You will find over 100 vendors with an assortment of foodstuffs that are difficult to match. Meat, seafood, baked goods, vegetables, and more are available throughout the market. You will also find booths selling ready-to-eat food, candy, and nuts. Television programs, such as the Travel Channel and Food Network, often feature segments on the West Side Market, making it a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. Locals roam the market doing their weekly shopping at the West Side Market thanks to its high-quality and diverse items and pleasing atmosphere.
Chagrin Falls ― The Falls
Image courtesy of chagrin-falls.org
Located about 40 minutes from downtown Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a charming small town known for its stunning waterfalls flowing right through the heart of its historic downtown. Legend has it the town's name is based on the Native American word for “clear water.” Here you will find not only fascinating historical architecture but a variety of antique and art shops, an eclectic restaurant scene, distinctive boutiques, and unique storefronts.
Chagrin Falls is a stop to add to your list for Northeast Ohio shopping, thanks to 50 independent shop owners and restaurateurs. You will find unique gifts while enjoying a relaxing lunch or a romantic evening out. The beautiful waterfalls set the scene for a one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experience.
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