For someone who spends zero time on her house, I sure am addicted to home remodeling shows on HGTV. I’ve also attended more home improvement shows than you’d guess a non-handywoman would. I think it’s the transformational possibilities that draw me in. I’m always imagining what my porch or backyard or patio “could” look like if I cared to invest the time and money.

This year the landscape of home and garden shows in Cleveland Plus changed a bit. The 67th Annual Home & Garden Show (by Expositions Inc.) that had been at the exposition center near the airport for years moved to east to Euclid while another show–The Great Big Home & Garden Expo (Marketplace Events)–made its debut at the I-X Center. Saturday, I attended The Great Big Home & Garden Expo with my parents.

For those who remember past home and garden shows at the Center, the layout has been flipped a bit. The majority of the gardens are now to your right as you enter the show. Each is thematically inspired by rock music and all 21 are pretty spectacular, I have to say. There are outdoor tables that double as water fountains, patios equipped with surround sound or flat screen tvs, one-of-a-kind statuary and a garden oasis that feels like a tropical escape. Given that half of the nation was blanketed with snow last week, it was pretty nice to be traipsing through summery, flowering spaces and fantasizing about barbecue patio parties.  The south hall area also included a “Club Cambria cafe” and a Plain Dealer Reader’s Lounge for those (like my father who tweaked his knee exercising the day prior to the show) to rest up a bit.

In addition to the gardens, there were exhibitors galore . . . somewhere around 600, I am told. You could buy a steam mop, find a contractor to install energy-efficient windows, pick out granite for your kitchen overhaul, investigate the viability of “gutter helmets,” purchase orginal art, get tips from a master gardener, consult an interior designer or sample Shearer’s chips. I appreciated the wide, well-plotted aisles because it made the expansive displays seem manageable.

There were also three homes (6,750 square feet of homes actually built inside the I-X Center for this show) created with the intention of inspiring “visitors to build, remodel or decorate their own home.” While there was a “faux” two-story Loft Living Experience created by The Cleveland Contract Group to show off interior decor, it was the two complete single story ranch houses (one by Bob Schmitt Homes and the other courtesy of CMJ Development) that kept my interest.

Ain’t Misbehavin’, the 1978 Tony Award-winning musical tribute to the music of jazz legend, Thomas “Fats” Waller, is now playing in the Cleveland Play House’s Bolton Theatre.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is this season’s musical play, following the tradition of previous seasons’ Mahalia: A Gospel Musical (2008-09 season), Man of La Mancha  (2007-08 season) and My Fair Lady (2006-07 season).  The show is a fun, energizing, good time showcasing many of Waller’s classic hits including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Squeeze Me,” “Jitterbug Waltz,” “Black and Blue” and, of course, the popular title song, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

This cabaret-style revue, set at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, is performed by a talented quintet of performers that dance and sing their way through Waller’s classic songbook.  The orchestra is on the stage with them taking the audience “back in time” as it brings the romance and ambiance of the jazz and big band eras into the beautiful Bolton Theatre.

Directed by Kent Gash, Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs through February 21.  Next at the Play House is a stage version of Jane Austin’s classic Emma adapted by the Play House’s Artistic Director, Michael Bloom.  Emma runs from February 26 to March 21 in the Drury Theatre.  Also in March, Cloud Nine, performed by students of Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Fine Arts Program, runs from March 24 to April 3 in the Brooks Theatre.  And finishing out the 2009-2010 season is the Ohio premiere of Bill W. and Dr. Bob which runs April 9 to May 2 and is the “anchor” performance of FusionFest 2010.

What would Cleveland Plus be without the renowned, ever-expanding Cleveland Museum of Art? I certainly couldn’t picture the backdrop of the city without our own homage to rock at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or the gridiron greats at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And, to imagine this region minus A Christmas Story House just makes me sad. But many aren’t familiar with some of Cleveland’s lesser-known museums like the ones dedicated to polka music, policemen and carousels. These niche institutions score big points in uniqueness, diversity and importance to Cleveland Plus.  So, whether you’re a visitor or a local, we’ve got a couple of not-to-be-missed attractions worth an afternoon visit.

FASHION + ENTERTAINMENT
Think Manhattan’s the only place to learn fashion? Think again. The Kent State University Fashion Museum explores the history of fashion through its eight galleries featuring changing exhibitions of work by many of the world’s great artists and designers. Closely linked to the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University, the Museum provides visitors a first-hand experience with historic and contemporary fashions, as well as costumes representing many of the world’s cultures. In early October, the museum will feature “Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen.” Pulled from Katharine Hepburn’s personal collection of her stage and screen costumes, the exhibit will explore her fashion influence on the emergence of what is now called “The American Style.”

Uniqueness is certainly the theme at the Merry-Go-Round Museum located in Sandusky (home of Cedar Point Amusement Park). Visitors can expect an entertaining and educational visit that focuses on the art, history, preservation, production and restoration of these beautiful and historic amusement rides. While there, you can even catch a ride on the fully-restored Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing. New for 2010, the museum features an exhibit displaying rare carousel animals from several nationally-known private collections called “Wild!” Think: reindeer, pelicans and buffalo.

During the holiday season, take a trip into holiday cinematic magic at Mark Klaus’ “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland to explore thousands of pieces of holiday movie memorabilia including promotional posters, costumes, props and entire sets. Collected by ornament designer Mark Klaus, “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland comes to life with indoor snow demonstrations and elaborate displays focused on films like The Grinch, Elf and Miracle on 34th Street. The exhibition is not open year-round, so be sure to check their website for location, dates and hours.

Dancing at the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame.

Take a step into the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame located in Euclid and you’re instantly surrounded by Cleveland’s polka history. With plaques of big names like Frankie Yankovic, Johnny Pecon and Johnny Vadnal adorning the perimeters, the museum takes visitors on a journey involving legendary oompah bands, vintage accordions, ornate performance costumes and images and video of this post-war, ethnic folk dance that reflected a time of happiness and prosperity. Admission is free to the four-room museum, but it’s always nice to toss a donation their way (or purchase a fabulous polka CD in their gift shop). 

SPORTS
Once you’ve perused the Polka Hall of Fame, don’t forget to walk upstairs to the Greater Cleveland Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame and Museum (both museums share the same building).  While primarily focused on local softball heroes of days past, visitors get the opportunity to learn a thing or two about the sport including the start of women’s leagues and the ever-changing equipment used. During my first visit, I had the pleasure of taking a British radio host who’d never played the sport in his life. What fun it was to explain the difference between baseball and softball and watch as he attempted to catch a ball in a mitt for the very first time. The facility is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-3pm.

BBC reporter Gordon Sparks.

Is baseball more your sport? Make a trip to the Baseball Heritage Museum where fans get a real education on former players and coaches connected with the rich diversity of our American pastime. This display began when Robert Zimmer began displaying Negro Baseball League memorabilia while Cleveland hosted the 1997 MLB All-Star weekend. Nine years later, Zimmer secured a space in the historic Colonial Marketplace (conveniently located near Progressive Field) and opened the small museum. 

CULTURAL HERITAGE
Regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or creed, all visitors should expect a fascinating, educational experience during a trip the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Inside the 24,000-square-foot museum, the stories of many of the region’s Jewish people and families–past and present–come to life through state-of-the-art exhibitions, interactive shows and films, oral histories, photographs and artifacts. The ultimate experience is unforgettable and, in my opinion, should be a “must-visit” attraction for visitors and locals alike.

The 34^th Cleveland International Film Fest is quickly approaching (March 18-28 at Tower City Cinemas), so make sure you’re ready. Tickets go on sale to CIFF Members February 26 at 11am and to the general public on March 5 at 11am.Here are some tips to help you make the most of one of Cleveland’s most popular events of the year:

 1) Buy your tickets in advance. Movies that have a buzz fill up fast and standby is not a guarantee.

2) Pick up the daily guides. They keep you in the loop about schedule changes, director sightings and more.

 3) Use your discounts. CIFF ticket buyers and passholders are entitled to discounts at restaurants, pubs, stores and theaters in Cleveland. You’re going to need to get out of the dark eventually, why not save 15% or get a free appetizer while you’re at it?

 4) If you get popcorn, go big. While it’s $10.50 for a large pop (yep, we say pop in Cleveland . . . get over it) and a popcorn, it’s refillable. If you’re in it for the long haul, chances are, you’ll go through a couple of buckets in a day.

 5) Download the CIFF iPhone app on February 15 for easy access to 2010 film details, images, trailers and up-to-the-minute screening information in real-time along with theater contact information and maps.

 Some other film festival resources you may find helpful:

•  To read more about what to expect click here and read about a Cleveland moviegoer’s experience at last year’s festival.
• Continue checking the Cleveland Film Society’s website and follow @CIFF on Twitter for daily updates.
• If you’re traveling to Cleveland for the film fest visit www.positivelycleveland.com for all your planning needs and information about other things going on in Cleveland Plus that week.
• Have questions about accommodations, dining or entertainment in Cleveland? Contact the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center at 216.875.6680 or visinfo@positivelycleveland.com to get them answered.

–Submitted by CA

 

My family and I headed over to Euclid for the Cleveland Home & Garden Show. The Show, which includes everything for the home and garden from high-end horticulture displays and design seminars to “as seen on TV” miracle items like the steam mop and the shammy called the I-X Center home for many years. This year, because the Great Big Home & Garden Expo has moved into the I-X (Feb. 6-14), the Cleveland Home and Garden Show found a new, slightly smaller, home on the east side of town.

The show isn’t quite as big as it used to be . . . there isn’t room for the model homes and houseboats given the new floorplan, but the demonstrations by experts, home design displays, floral arrangments, gutter helmet and basement finishing booths and other familiar home improvement attractions remain. This year’s German theme was mostly interpreted in the garden displays and in the cafe area where ”oompah” bands played while dancers danced.

Parking at this year’s show is free, which is a bonus, but overflow on this very busy Saturday afternoon was asked to go across the street to the lot of what used to be Euclid Square Mall.  –Submitted by AK 

EDITOR’S NOTE: To read more about the show, check out the recent Plain Dealer coverage here.

During winter, the natural beauty of Cleveland Metroparks provides the perfect backdrop for a toboggan adventure at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation. The two refrigerated ice toboggan chutes operate with or without snow from the Friday after Thanksgiving through the first weekend of March, weather permitting.

What many first-time riders don’t realize is that the warmer the temperature, the faster the chutes. For an ideal experience temperatures should remain below 55 degrees, however the chutes have operated in weather as warm as 70 degrees. All riders must be at least 42” and gloves or mittens are required.

The chutes are open Thursdays 6-10pm, Fridays 6-10:30pm, Saturdays noon-10:30pm and Sunday noon-5pm. Check for holiday hours.

Rates:
Adults – $8
Children – $6
One-time ride ticket – $3
*Season passes, group rates and semi-private rentals available. –Submitted by CA and FC

Lost in Yonkers, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by American playwright, Neil Simon, is now playing in the Cleveland Play House’s Drury Theatre.  And what an extraordinary performance it is.  This coming-of-age story set during World War II in Yonkers, New York is a treat for anyone who loves great theatre.

Lost in Yonkers begins in 1942 when teenaged brothers Jay and Arty are left to live with their grandmother and aunt while their father takes a temporary job in the south to pay for their deceased mother’s medical expenses.  The boys are terrified of Grandma, a German immigrant who rules with an iron fist.  Their Aunt Bella, who is mentally challenged, becomes a fast ally.  And along the way, we meet the other eccentric members of this Jewish-American family: Eddie, the boys’ father; Uncle Louie, a small-time gangster; and Aunt Gert.  Although not initially happy with this living arrangement, Jay and Arty learn to cope, and in the process, they learn more about their family and about themselves.

The performances in this production are nothing less than stellar, most notably, that of veteran actress Rosemary Prinz as Grandma.  The young men who play Jay and Arty, Alex Wyse and Maxwell Beer, respectively, have a big future ahead of them.  And Sara Surrey (as Aunt Bella) and Anthony Crane (as Uncle Louie) bring a lot of humor to this touching story of a typical dysfunctional American family.  This is a show not to be missed.

Since the retro diner cars parked in Cleveland Heights arrived several years ago on Lee Road, they have had multiple owners. Usually, they served up good old-fashioned diner food with some success, but never lasted all that long. So when we heard that a new owner was planning to reopen and in fact received a gift card for Christmas to the newly-opened diner (what – a gift card for a diner?!) we decided to check it out.

I’m telling you now that you need to wipe out any preconceptions of diner food when you visit Clyde’s (1975 Lee Road – 216.321.7100) . The first clue that this is no ordinary diner experience is their valet parking.  The second clue is the décor when you step through the front doors. Bright yellows and reds greet you with comfy deco-style couches in the entry. Wall-to-wall zebra stripe carpeting lines the dining area and you can almost hear old blue eyes crooning in the lounge (nice use of the old counter space as a bar).

The menu features everything from steak and seafood to pasta and burgers. No kids’ menu, but they are willing to serve half portions of most items on the menu. Definitely not what you would expect from a diner, and definitely worth a visit.  –Submitted by TB

EDITOR’S NOTE: Read more about Clyde’s and what they’re trying to do with the diner cars here.

Ray’s MTB is an unassuming Cleveland Plus attraction. Located inside an industrial park on Cleveland’s west side, Ray’s looks like any warehouse in any city. Inside, however, you’ll find the world’s first multi-terrain indoor bike park packed with riders from places you’ve never even heard of . . .

Biker at Ray's MTB

The continuously expanding 140,000 square foot facility only operates during colder months and aims to provide a whole spectrum of mountain bike terrain, obstacles and disciplines. Bikes of all types are welcome as long as you have brakes and Ray’s provides a wide array of rentals. The facility is not for those without experience, but Monday nights are set aside to help those interested in learning how to ride. Take a photo tour of Ray’s here.

Some advice and important information, don’t underestimate the little ones, they may be the son or daughter of a professional rider. Oh, and if you work up a hunger riding, you can place a pizza order because Dominoes delivers to the park.

Visit www.raysmtb.com to find out more.  –Submitted by CA and FC

The Doubletree Hotel in downtown Cleveland recently underwent a full renovation (and flag change to become a Doubletree–it was a Holiday Inn) and I must admit I like their style. A new layout in the lobby opens things up and makes room for Starbucks. Dark wood floors and comfortable furniture fill the lobby offering a nice setting for travelers to check email, read or relax. Other hotel amenities include an indoor pool, free wi-fi throughout, an attached sports bar/restaurant, covered parking, workout facility, meeting rooms and a large ballroom.

The Doubletree is in walking distance to many downtown attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, PlayhouseSquare, Browns Stadium  and the Great Lakes Science Center, as well as examples of Cleveland’s flourishing culinary scene in the Warehouse District and along East Fourth Street. The Doubletree also offers shuttle service within the downtown area. (Oh, and warm, delicious chocolate chip cookies for its arriving guests!)

So, whether you’re on a family vacation or traveling for business, the Doubletree will accommodate your needs. And all of this comes with an incredible view of Lake Erie.

Take a photo tour of the Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Downtown/Lakeside here. For more information visit www.clevelanddowntownlakeside.doubletree.com or call 216.928.3202.  –Submitted by CA