What is better, when visiting a new town, than locals giving you information on the best places to visit? We're not talking tourist traps or obvious places - we're talking local finds, the best eats, real honest to goodness experiences that leave you feeling "WOW - that was amazing." While certainly biased, our Cleveland-based CMI team loves Cleveland and all it has to offer. Take advantage of some of our favorites on your trip to Cleveland for Content Marketing World in September 2014. (And there is still time to register at www.contentmarketingworld.com)
Overview of Lesotho 's natural beauty tourist attractions
Destination: Cleveland - Content Marketing World 2014
1. ClevelandThousands will join us in September for Content Marketing World,
and we see it as our duty to introduce you to our beautiful city … our Cleveland. DESTINATION:
2. ClevelandDESTINATION:
One of the best ways to see Cleveland is by water. The
Goodtime III is the self-proclaimed largest quadruple-deck
1,000-passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes. It’s
a great way to enjoy the lake and also see Cleveland from
a different perspective. The Goodtime III gives you a tour
along the Cleveland shoreline as well as the Cuyahoga
River. The sight-seeing ship offers narrated lake tours as
well as dance, dinner and Friday rush hour cruises. You
board at the marina behind the Rock Hall. They have a
limited schedule starting in September, running mostly on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you come in town early or
stay late, you can check it out here.
If a cruise isn’t possible, at least try to take a walk down
to the lakefront. There are good spots to see Lake Erie at
Voinovich Park behind the Rock Hall. You can also stroll
along a walkway that goes behind the Rock Hall, Great
Lakes Science Center and right next to the giant William
G. Mather Steamship Museum.
#CMWorld
Goodtime III
Submitted by Amanda Subler
3. ClevelandDESTINATION:
PlayhouseSquare &
“The Chandelier”
Submitted by Amanda Subler
You may not know this but Cleveland is home to the largest
performing arts center outside of New York City. Yep, you read
that correctly. PlayhouseSquare consists of nine different
theaters that host a variety of programs including Broadway
shows, concerts, dance, plays, comedy, opera, speakers, family
shows and much more.
Unless you are coming in early or staying late, you likely won’t
get the chance to catch a performance. They do offer a “Take a
Hike” tour on Tuesday, September 9th. It’s a 90-minute guided
tour of the PlayhouseSquare District that even features actors
portraying historic Clevelanders from that neighborhood. You
can find more info here.
While you may not be able to take in a show, I strongly suggest
you at least take a walk down to PlayhouseSquare on Euclid
Avenue to see the “GE Chandelier.” This past May, the district
flipped the switch on the giant, dazzling, outdoor chandelier. The
20-foot tall fixture was even officially named the tallest outdoor
chandelier in the world by the Guinness World Book of Records.
The 6,000-pound light is made up of 4,200 crystals and dangles
24 feet above Euclid Avenue. When it’s all lit up at night, it’s truly
a sight to see!
#CMWorld
A JOE PULIZZI
FAVORITE!
4. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Cleveland Museum of Art
Submitted by Amanda Subler
In January 2013, The Cleveland Museum of Art completed a $350 million
renovation that included the opening of the groundbreaking “Gallery
One.” The interactive gallery is so innovative, that representatives from
museums around the world have come calling, wondering how Cleveland
was able to pull it off. I can not say enough of this truly interactive, one-of-a-
kind museum experience.
Gallery One consists of ten interactives, but the most impressive is the
Collection Wall, the largest multi-touch screen in the U.S. It’s 40 feet
long and features more than 4,000 works of art from the museum. It’s
like your little tablet or smartphone on steroids. I can’t even explain to
you how crazy-cool this thing is, you just have to experience it. You can
touch a picture and get detailed information on any piece of artwork in
the collection. It updates every ten minutes and you can see how many
people have “favorited” the item on the wall or museum app.
Speaking of the app, the museum’s ArtLens app lets you truly customize
your trip. You can bring your own tablet or rent an iPad at the museum.
The interactive feature lets you scan pieces of artwork and find a plethora
of information on it. You can also either create your own tour of the
museum or choose from a museum-created or other visitor-created tours.
The museum is free, but you will need to take a bus or cab to get there.
It’s located in University Circle- where many of our other museums
are located. The art museum is open late until 9pm on Wednesday,
September 10th. There is also a great restaurant and cafe inside. (The
museum is closed on Mondays!)
#CMWorld
A JOE PULIZZI
FAVORITE!
5. ClevelandDESTINATION:
One of the great things I love about Cleveland is its
ethnic diversity. Growing up in small town Ohio I never
had many opportunities to be exposed to other cultures.
We were a “meat and potatoes” kind of family. So when
I met my husband, who is Lebanese, I was exposed
to a whole new world of food. Some of my favorite
dishes now are Lebanese: hummus, tabouli, kibbie,
fattoush, fatayer, and so much more. We have some
great Lebanese restaurants here in Cleveland. If you
get a chance, check out Aladdin’s Bakery on Carnegie
Avenue (just off E.9th, down from Progressive Field). You
can grab a pita pie, stuffed pita sandwich, grape leaves,
kibbie, fattoush and more. They also sell excellent
fresh pita bread (the big ones!) and you could take an
8 oz container of hummus or tabouli to go. It’s all very
inexpensive as well.
#CMWorld
Aladdin’s Baking
Company
Submitted by Amanda Subler
6. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Big Fun Toys is another spot that I frequent to go
and get a little pop-culture infusion. Big Fun carries
toys, games, and pop-culture novelties that date back
from the 40s all the way up to present day. Being an
avid Star Wars fan they have all of the toys that I had
when I was a child and subsequently blew up with
firecrackers or shot with a BB gun. Looking at some
of the prices of those retro toys, I regret my youthful
foolishness. I love going in and reliving my past… and
every now and again making a purchase to reclaim
a piece of my childhood memories. The shop is for
kids ages 1-100+ and you just can’t beat the epic Star
Wars, GI Joe or He-Man battle scenes they build in
their storefront window!
#CMWorld
Big Fun Toy Store
Submitted by Joseph Kalinowski
7. ClevelandDESTINATION:
One of the coolest places that I visit weekly is Carol and
John’s Comic Book Shop located in the Kamm’s Corners
area of Cleveland’s West Park suburb. Carol and John’s
has been in business for over 20 years and they supply
the neighborhood (and beyond) with the coolest comics,
graphic novels, magazines, action figures and pretty much
anything else superhero related. Each May they hold a
three-day event built around National Free Comic Book
Day. During this time they focus on local artists, aspiring
writers, local breweries, and anyone else with the love
and passion for creativity and imagination.
#CMWorld
Carol and John’s
Comic Book Shop
Submitted by Joseph Kalinowski
8. ClevelandDESTINATION:
I am a huge fan of tattoos. I have a bit of an “ink
addiction.” I promised my wife 15 years ago that I was only
going to get one (in addition to the Pearl Jam logo from
1994… gimme a break, I was an art major in college). Well,
that one has multiplied and for the past several years I
have visited one shop – Voodoo Monkey. Voodoo Monkey
Tattoos is located on the near west side of Cleveland,
just down the street from the historical West Side Market
that Cathy referenced in her recent post. There are a few
reasons I love and prefer Voodoo Monkey beyond other
tattoo parlors: One, they do not do piercings. They are
dedicated to the art of tattooing. They do not have “flash
art” on their walls–meaning they don’t have the art on the
wall where a customer comes in, points at a drawing and
says, “I want that.” They are dedicated to custom pieces,
and my preferred artist, Eric, has tattooed some pieces on
me that even made my Mom say “that looks nice.”
#CMWorld
Voodoo Monkey
Submitted by Joseph Kalinowski
9. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame + Museum
Submitted by Joseph Kalinowski
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum is hands-down
a must see while you are in Cleveland. Do I really
need to say why? Having been there countless times over
the years, I am still amazed by the exhibits and the new
things I find there each time I go. Kristin bought me a
membership for Christmas, and I really enjoy taking my
daughters to experience the wonder of this museum. The
museum hold exhibits from the early days of the Delta
Blues through the modern era of rock and all stages in
between. I recently took my youngest daughter, Ella, to
the Rock Hall. We spent hours there; we danced to the
music in the listening stations, we shared a big cookie
underneath Pink Floyd’s The Wall stage prop and I must
admit that I was a little emotional when Ella stared at the
organ on which John Lennon recorded the opening lines
to “Strawberry Fields Forever,” her favorite song.
#CMWorld
10. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Finally, the one place that my family loves to visit is
Lakewood Park. The park is located in Lakewood, just west of
downtown Cleveland. The park sits on the shores of Lake Erie
and has one of the best vantage points for the breathtaking
Lake Erie sunsets. The park also holds a bit of history, as it
was the last stop in Ohio for the Underground Railroad. It
was a launching point for ships harboring escaped slaves
fleeing to Canada. My family uses the park for many activities:
running, dog walks, hiking, picnics, 4th of July fireworks,
the list goes on. The main reason the park is held so dear to
us is because of one particular statue. The Children’s World
Peace Monument Sculpture was unveiled and dedicated last
summer in observance of the United Nations International
Day of Peace. My oldest daughter, Jane, won an essay
contest held amongst all of the sixth grade classrooms in
the Lakewood City School District. Her winning essay, “What
Peace Means To Me” was awarded with a special role in the
Peace Sculpture’s unveiling. In the lower right corner of the
statue, there was a spot for Jane to place her handprint in wet
cement, there for leaving her mark on the statue, the park and
this Daddy-o’s proud heart forever.
#CMWorld
Lakewood Park
Submitted by Joseph Kalinowski
11. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Velvet Tango Room
Submitted by Pam Kozelka
One of my favorite places to go to impress a friend
or colleague is the Velvet Tango Room (known to
the locals at VTR). This is no bar. This is a true old
fashioned speakeasy where drinks are made from
scratch and served the way they should be. Now
that drink will cost you (on average around $15) but
the experience, the detail and the environment are
worth every cent.
#CMWorld
A JOE PULIZZI
FAVORITE!
12. ClevelandDESTINATION:
If you are looking for dinner and a show be sure to
check out Pickwick and Frolic. You may even meet
Nick Kostis the owner, also known as the Mayor
of E. 4th, the area where the restaurant is located.
This is a very easy walk from any of the #CMWorld
host hotels. It also has a beautiful Martini bar and a
Champagne bar!
#CMWorld
Pickwick & Frolic
Submitted by Pam Kozelka
A JOE PULIZZI
FAVORITE!
13. ClevelandDESTINATION:
If comedy is not your thing you may want to try the
brand new Music Box Supper Club. It is located
near the water, a nice walk from most of the host
hotels for the event. The band X-4 Nights, 4 Albums
will be playing the week of CMWorld! See the
concert schedule here.
#CMWorld
Music Box
Supper Club
Submitted by Pam Kozelka
14. ClevelandDESTINATION:
If you do want to rent a bike to check out the
town The Bike Rack is only $5 per hour or
$20 per day. Great deal!
#CMWorld
The Bike Rack
Submitted by Pam Kozelka
15. ClevelandDESTINATION:
I have no words for how fabulous this restaurant is. When
I was in my 20s living in my hometown of Lakewood, my
mom, sisters and other family members loved going to
Chinese Village, a small, local, family-owned Chinese
and Vietnamese restaurant owned by Van Nguyen. The
food was fresh, inexpensive, and best of all delicious. For
personal reasons, the restaurant closed years ago, leaving
many devastated regulars. Fast forward 15 years, and Bac
opened up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland,
named after the owner, Bac Nguyen. The best news of all?
Bac’s mother, Van, works in the kitchen. There are many
members of my family and the Cleveland community
happy to see this talented family back in business. The
Vietnamese Noodle Salad, basil fried rice and their
spring rolls are personal favorites, though I’ve never had
anything that wasn’t incredible on their menu.
#CMWorld
Bac
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
16. ClevelandDESTINATION:
The West Side Market
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
The West Side Market showcases the food, culture
and diversity of this amazing city in which we live.
Whether you are there doing your weekly grocery
shopping for the freshest ingredients on a budget,
or stopping in for a sausage sandwich or made-to-order
crepes on your lunch break, this is one of the
brightest gems in the city. The only thing that pales
in comparison to the 100+ food stands comprised
of fresh foods ranging from ethnic fare to fresh
meats, cheeses, bakery, vegetables and fruits, is the
beautiful architecture of the market. Coming off of
the Centennial celebration, the building in itself is
worth a visit.
#CMWorld
17. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Cleveland Metroparks
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
Cleveland is known as an industrial town to many,
but one of the best parts of Cleveland is our
Metroparks system. With over 21,000 acres of land,
the Metroparks (or “the valley” known to locals)
is our incredible, and dare I say better, version of
Central Park. From running/biking paths to boat
launches into Lake Erie, softball fields to golf
courses, creeks and fishing spots, hiking spots t o
open fields, the Metroparks are where Clevelanders
go to take in the beauty. Personally, I’ve loved the
paths for long bike rides, the creeks to skip rocks
with the kids, or the grassy area to hang out and
read a good book. If you have a couple hours,
visiting the Metroparks will not disappoint!
#CMWorld
18. ClevelandDESTINATION:
If any of you are Facebook friends with me, you
know my love affair with Psycle, the best indoor
cycling studio in Cleveland. Psycle provides an
unpretentious, welcoming environment with
instructors who will smile at you and likely give
you a welcoming hug, then subsequently work
your little legs – and entire body – to the bone. It’s
where I love to spend really, really early mornings.
If you’re up for a super early wake up during the
event, a field trip might be in order!
#CMWorld
Psycle
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
19. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Great Lakes Brewery
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
Long before gastropubs became all the rage, the
Conway brothers opened Great Lakes Brewery in
Cleveland. Their small-batch processing was soon
replaced by a larger system to accommodate the
growing demand for the award-winning beers,
but Great Lakes has maintained the integrity
of their beers. Most of the hotel bars and local
establishments should carry Great Lakes beers
on tap or in bottles, but there is also a restaurant
and store right off of West 25th near the West Side
Market. The food is outstanding – make sure to try
their beer cheese soup! Not sure which beer to try?
Dortmunder Gold is their classic lager, but if you’re
lucky, their Octoberfest will be out by Content
Marketing World (my favorite). Because many of the
beers are seasonal, it’s always exciting to see what
the Conways will come up with next.
#CMWorld
20. ClevelandDESTINATION:
I’m an unapologetic Cleveland sports fan and a
big baseball fan, which means I love my Cleveland
Indians. The Tribe is in town the week of CMWorld,
so knock off another stadium off of your stadium
bucket list (I can’t be the only one who has one of
these – let’s compare notes to see which ones we’ve
both visited). Experience enthusiastic Cleveland sports
fans firsthand, have a hot dog with some Cleveland
stadium mustard, kick back and enjoy a nice fall night
at the ballpark. How to get there: Straight up East 9th,
follow the crowds! First pitch: 7:05.
#CMWorld
Progressive Field
Submitted by Cathy McPhillips
21. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Tremont Tap House
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
Tremont Tap House is a corner bar that serves
beer and liquor. But, if you love beer, you’ll
love their selection. I don’t really even drink
beer and they even have a beer for me. The
food is great – try their burgers and fries. Every
Monday night at dusk they play a throwback
movie on their patio “drive-in”.
#CMWorld
22. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Sokolowski’s University Inn is the essence
of Cleveland ethnicity. It is nothing fancy, but
if you like stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash,
or pierogies, you need to make the trip!
#CMWorld
Sokolowski’s
University Inn
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
23. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Lola Bistro is where Cleveland’s own chef
Michael Symon got his start. I remember going
in for dinner on a Friday night and seeing
Michael working the line. If you know anything
about Michael Symon you also know you hear
his laugh before you see him. So, if you want
a taste of Michael’s creations, stop by for their
deal of a happy hour.
#CMWorld
Lola Bistro
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
A JOE PULIZZI
FAVORITE!
24. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Tremont Art Walk is an art and food event that
happens the second Friday of each month from
6 pm – 10 pm. You have the opportunity to see
all the talented artists who have their work
on display at a variety of galleries throughout
Tremont. Lucky for anyone who is spending an
extra day or two in Cleveland, their September
event is the Friday after Content Marketing
World. So, plan to stay and check it out!
#CMWorld
Tremont Art Walk
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
25. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Banyan Tree is a great locally owned shop that
has clothes, jewelry and all sorts of eclectic
home goods and knick knacks. They also have
a small, but wonderful card selection. If you are
looking for a unique greeting card, stop here.
#CMWorld
Banyan Tree
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
26. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Loop sells records. The old kind. There are
not many places like this left. Plus, they have
a great coffee and tea selection. It’s worth
making a stop.
#CMWorld
LOOP
Submitted by Angela Vannucci
27. ClevelandDESTINATION:
The University Circle area of Cleveland is 4
miles east of downtown along Euclid Road, easily
accessible on the RTA Healthline. Home to Case
Western Reserve University and both University
Hospital and The Cleveland Clinic; this area is also
the cultural hub of Cleveland with the Natural
History Museum, Botanical Gardens, and the
Cultural Gardens all in this area.
My absolute favorite part of University Circle is
the Cleveland Museum of Art. This gem was the
site of my first date with my husband (I think he
was trying to impress me and it appears to have
worked). The Cleveland Museum of Art is world-renowned
for its collection of more than 43,000
pieces, including works by Picasso, Botticelli,
Matisse, Renoir, Warhol, Pollack, and Monet. The
museum’s general collection is free to all; the
special exhibits have a nominal charge.
#CMWorld
University Circle
Submitted by Laura Kozak
28. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Just around the corner from University Circle
is Little Italy. This neighborhood of Cleveland
was formed by many of the Italian immigrants
who worked at artisan stoneworkers for the
many headstones and monuments of Lake
View Cemetery. Now, it is a community that still
includes families that have lived in the area for
generations, sprinkled in with students from Case
Western, artists, and young professionals. It is
home to many fabulous restaurants, my favorite
of which is Mama Santas. After spending hours
at the Art Museum, my husband finished our date
at this Sicilian restaurant. This family-owned
establishment has great pizza and is light on the
wallet. A homemade large pizza will run you less
than $8. Grab a slice and check out many of the
art galleries in the area.
#CMWorld
Little Italy
Submitted by Laura Kozak
29. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Slyman’s Restaurant
Submitted by Laura Kozak
You’ll find a Cleveland Institution at E. 31st and St. Clair.
Presidents have eaten there. Rachael Ray raves about
it. It IS a taste of Cleveland. Slyman’s restaurant is the
home of the best corned beef sandwich in Cleveland.
There are people that will tell you of other places with
better sandwiches but they are wrong. Between my
husband and I, we have tried just about every deli
that claims to have the best, but Slyman’s still stands
out. They have a great breakfast menu and the other
sandwiches are fantastic as well. And while I love a good
corned beef sandwich, I personally can’t pass up their
tuna on rye.
A couple of warnings to those that might venture out
to Slymans:
● They are only open for breakfast and lunch Monday
through Saturday.
● Be prepared to wait in line at lunch if you want to
carry out sandwiches (don’t worry the line moves
quickly).
● Be hungry, if not starving. And be sure to ask for extra
bread to make a second sandwich later.
#CMWorld
30. ClevelandDESTINATION:
My grandparents, parents, brother and sister all
worked at Cedar Point at one time. I did the
briefest stint (at the Imax theatre for a month
before I quit for a radio job). Nonetheless, Cedar
Point is the best amusement park in the world.
CP is probably best known for its thrilling roller
coasters. 17 in all, Cedar Point has the best
coasters in the world, including Millennium Force
and Maverick (to just name two). Cedar Point is an
hour drive west of Cleveland, and well worth the
trip if you can stay in Cleveland an extra day or two.
And don’t forget the CMWorld discount!
#CMWorld
Cedar Point
Submitted by Joe Pulizzi
31. ClevelandDESTINATION:
If you are a fan of the movie, A Christmas Story,
you’ll remember the beginning of the movie where
they watch Santa sled by in the parade. Well, the
corner where Ralphie looks at the Red Ryder, that
was the Higbee Building in Cleveland. Today, that
building is the Horseshoe Casino. Horseshoe is
the only casino I’ve ever been to that’s been on
multiple levels. It’s usually packed and hard to
get to a table game, but it’s worth it to check out
the inside and how they’ve been able to keep the
historic nature of the original building intact.
#CMWorld
Horseshoe Casino
Submitted by Joe Pulizzi
32. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Panini’s is located on the corner of E. 9th Street
and Prospect. A Panini sandwich includes a
generous helping of French fries and coleslaw
inside the sandwiches themselves. It sounds a
bit odd, but you’ll fall in love at first bite.
#CMWorld
Panini’s
Submitted by Joe Pulizzi
33. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Wondering where I get those custom orange
shirts and suits? Christophier’s is the place.
Christophier’s is located just west off the shoreway
from Downtown, on the heels of Lakewood. If you
are looking for a deal on shirts, this is not the place
for you. But if you are looking for the best custom
shirts around, give it a try.
#CMWorld
Christophier
Custom Clothiers
Submitted by Joe Pulizzi
34. ClevelandDESTINATION:
Melt Bar and Grilled
Submitted by Joe Pulizzi
Just a few miles away from Downtown Cleveland
in Lakewood, the original Melt is home of the best,
and most odd, grilled cheese concoctions on the
planet. The meatloaf grilled cheese is to die for, but
don’t plan on eating it all in one sitting.
#CMWorld
35. ClevelandDESTINATION:
#CMWorld
Experience Cleveland and join us at
Content Marketing World 2014
September 8-11, 2014
Cleveland, OH, USA
Register today! Use code CMWSOCIAL for $100 off main
event and all-access passes
www.contentmarketingworld.com
#CMWorld