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July 5, 2012  

Weekend Update July 6-8

Just because the fourth of July has ended, doesn’t mean the festivities have to! Cleveland is filled with events this weekend to keep you busy and entertained.

Boston Mills Artfest

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park creates the perfect back drop a weekend filled with art and entertainment at Boston Mills. Travel about twenty minutes south of Cleveland and leave your skis at home for the 41st annual Boston Mills Artfest. In the winter months, Boston Mills has 19 snow covered slopes for snowboarding, skiing and snow tubing, but during two weekends in summer, the ski resort transforms into one of the top fine art and craft shows in the United States.

On Friday, visit Boston Mills for a preview party. Held the evening before the art shows, the preview party gives guests the first chance to view and buy the art works on display. While listening to musical entertainment by The Island Doctor, indulge in all-inclusive wines, crafts beers, hors d’oeuvres and live music. If you find a wine that you wish to buy at the preview party, guests can purchase all wines in the Artfest gift shop. Tickets for the preview party are $54 and are available for purchase online and at the gate. The preview party starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm.

The Boston Mills Artfest displays a plethora of different types of art, all of which are available for purchase. Continue the fun into Saturday and Sunday where artists from across the country travel to exhibit and sell their art at the Boston Mills Artfest. Some of the fine art and craft items available include ceramics, paintings, watercolors, glass, mixed media, jewelry and furniture. Parents, make sure to stop by the “Art and Play” where children can create their own works of art. The Artfest is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for 60 or older and between 13 and 21 years old. Children under 12 are free.

Continental Cup International Youth Sports Festival

As one of the nation’s largest international youth sports festivals, the Continental Cup celebrates internationalism, youth diversity and sportsmanship. Young athletes have the opportunity to participate in AC Milan soccer, Cleveland Indians Charities baseball and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball tournaments. All Continental Cup games and events are free to spectators. On Friday, July 5 at 6:30pm the opening ceremony for the Continental Cup is free for all at the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Live entertainment, a parade of nations and fireworks are just a few of the events planned for the evening.

Opening Ceremony: July 5, 6:30pm Cleveland Browns Stadium

Other Events:

Def Leppard w/Poison and Lita Ford, Quicken Loans Arena – July 6

Fiona Apple, Cain Park – July 6

Summer Music Nights at First & Main, Hudson – July 6-7

Cleveland Indians v Rays, Progressive Field- July 6-8

Lake Erie Crushers v Southern Illinois Miners, All Pro Freight Stadium – July 6-8

Great lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace, Rock Creek – July 7 – August 12

Grateful Dead: The Long, Strange Trip, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Ongoing Exhibit)

– MaryKate McHugh 

June 14, 2012  

7 Great Father’s Day Ideas

Show Dad a little extra love on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17) by carving out time for his favorite activity in Cleveland. Whether that’s goofing around with the family, visiting a car show, getting out on the lake or teeing off with his favorite buddies, dear old Dad will feel appreciated — maybe enough to give you more gas money!

Marine Week, Downtown Cleveland, June 11-17

  • Watch air, land and sea combat demonstrations, climb aboard aircraft and ground equipment, watch martial arts and working dog teams at work, experience band performances and meet the US Marines in this celebration of community, country and Corps.
  • Events, demonstrations and equipment displays are located at five Marine Week locations:  Public Square, Gateway Plaza, Voinovich Park, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Burke Lakefront Airport.
  • 703.614.1034, http://www.marines.mil/community/MarineWeekCleveland/Pages/Welcome.aspx

 Father’s Day Car Show at Stan Hywet Hall & Garden’s, Akron

  •  This historic house museum and botanical garden features a 65-room Manor House, a conservatory and 70 acres of landscaped grounds.
  • The car show features classic, antique and collector cars –more than 350 automobiles manufactured between 1896 and 1978 will be on display in 25 separate classes. Judges will award prizes in each class for first, second, and third place.
  • 9:00am – 4:30pm
  • 714 North Portage Path, Akron, 330.836.5533, www.stanhywet.org

Half Price Admission for Dad at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Rainforest, Cleveland

  • Home to more than 3,000 animals from six continents, the Zoo’s newest exhibit, African Elephant Crossing, is home to six elephants, meerkats and more in this state-of-the-art elephant habitat and education village.
  • 10:00am – 7:00pm
  • 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216.661.6500, www.clevmetzoo.com

Father’s Day at The Cleveland Children’s Museum , University Circle

  • The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is an interactive museum for kids and adults designed specifically for children ages 12 months – 8 years and their caregivers. Permanent exhibits include Splish! Splash! about water transportation, a weather forecasting center, Bridges to the Community, where kids push grocery carts, go through the check-out line, “bank” with play money, and pump their own “gas,” among other activities.
  • “Sundaes and Sports with Dad.” Daddy and Me stations are throughout the museum. Stations include: sundae making, tie decorating, mock shaving station, and sports training!
  • 10:00am – 4:45pm
  • 10730 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, 216.791.7114,  www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org

Father’s Day Luncheon Cruise on the Goodtime III

  • The Goodtime III is the largest quadruple-deck 1,000 passenger luxury and sight-seeing ship on the Great Lakes.  With spacious top sun decks, the large semi-opened second or the main glass enclosed lower deck , air conditioned and heated for your comfort, you’ll enjoy the fast changing panorama of Cleveland’s skyline and the exciting Flats area.
  • The Father’s Day Luncheon is at 12 Noon, cruise is 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
  • 825 East Ninth Street Pier Cleveland, 216.861.5110, http://www.goodtimeiii.com/cms/public-cruises/special-events-a-themes.html

Father’s Day Cruise on the Nautica Queen

  • The Nautica Queen offers a unique adventure in lakefront and river cruise dining for people of all ages. All cruises include an unlimited buffet meal, coffee, tea or iced tea, and musical entertainment (disc jockey or band). While aboard the Nautica Queen, you cruise under historic bridges and experience the breathtaking view of Downtown Cleveland’s ever-changing skyline.
  • Brunch:  11:00am – 1:30pm
  • Early Dinner:  4– 6:30pm
  • Nautica Entertainment Center 1153 Main Avenue, Cleveland.  Reservations: 800. 837.0604, http://nauticaqueen.com/calendar.php

Golfing at Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses

  • Cleveland Metroparks offers an opportunity to hit the links with its seven courses located throughout Cuyahoga County. The golf courses vary, from one of the most played courses in Ohio at Big Met to championship layouts at Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow that challenge even the best golfers.

– Cindy Hill 

June 13, 2012  

Mythic Creatures and Colorful Frogs!

For daughters who dream of mermaids and sons who carry home frogs, Cleveland, Ohio has the perfect combination of exhibits for families to explore. A family vacation to Cleveland Plus costs 40-60 percent less than one to cities like New York, Philadelphia or Los Angeles – without sacrificing any of the experience! Check out these exhibits to peak your children’s curiosity this summer and let their imaginations soar.

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids, The Natural History Museum
What creatures live in dark places, are covered with fur, scales or slime, have a long tail, too many eyes or not enough? They also love to create wind, fire and destruction. What are they? Mythic creatures – our favorite imaginary friends. They used to come to life in books and movies, but now, through eye-popping models, preserved specimens and prehistoric fossils, kids can investigate how these legendary creatures sprang to life in our imaginations. This wonderful exhibit highlights our favorites, water creatures like the Kraken, sea monsters and mermaids; the land creatures, like griffins, unicorns and ape men; and the flying creatures: the Phoenix, sphinx, and Pegasus and dragons. For a scarey-good time, families can take a walk with their favorite mythical creatures. Open through August 12.
www.cmnh.org

Frogs! A Chorus of Colors, The Great Lakes Science Center
What’s more fun than one slippery, green, croaking and hopping little frog? 70 of them all in the same place! In this exhibit, families discover more than 70 live frogs from around the world, showcased in detailed habitats complete with rock ledges, live plants and waterfalls. Encounter visually stunning creatures, who look as colorful as their names, such as the Chinese Gliding Frog, Amazon Milk Frog, Fire-bellied Toad and Smokey Jungle Frog. Hear noisy croaks, yaps, chirps, whoops, snores and whistles. Test your frog IQ, create a chorus with recorded frog calls, perform a virtual frog dissection and more. Admission to Frogs! A Chorus of Colors is included with general admission to Great Lakes Science Center. Members receive free admission.
www.glsc.org

– Cindy Hill

June 11, 2012  

By Boat, Bike or Trolley Many Ways to See CLE

Foot: Starting in May, the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation (www.historicgateway.org) offers three free walking tours of downtown Cleveland and the nearby Warehouse District. You have the following options: You can meet at the Arcade and see the sites of the old department stores that used to be located downtown; you can meet at Constantino’s Market and walk through the Warehouse District and see how it’s been transformed into a dining and entertainment destination; or you can you meet at Settlers Landing and tour the harbor. You can also go it alone by visiting www.cityprowl.com and downloading an audio file and map that will take you on a narrated self-guided walking tour of the city.

Segway: Mondays through Saturdays as weather permits, Cleveland native Carl C. Johnson hosts narrated Segway tours of the city that cost $55-$60 per person. The hour-long tours all leave from Tower City Center, but the miles covered vary. Along the way, Johnson identifies major landmarks and discusses them in context of the city’s history. Go to www.clevelandsegwaytours.com for more information.

Trolley: For more than 25 years, the cheery red Lolly the Trolley (www.lollytrolley.com) has offered year-round tours of Cleveland that cover almost 20 miles and pass by nearly 100 points of interest. The information-packed one- and two- hour tours vary in cost and reservations are required.  Specialty tours of Cleveland bridges and of Lakeview Cemetery are also available.

Boat: Given that Cleveland sits on the shores of Lake Erie, seeing the city by boat is also a viable option. Goodtime III (goodtimeiii.com), a 1000-seat, quadruple deck luxury ship that leaves from the 9th Street Pier, offers narrated tours of the city. The Nautica Queen (nauticaqueen.com), a cruise dining ship departing from the West Bank of the Flats, affords riders bridge views and a trip down the crooked Cuyahoga River. Both offer a variety of food options as well as entertainment.

Bicycle: The City of Cleveland recently built the Bike Rack, a bike station for commuters, in a parking garage located near Quicken Loans Arena. The station can accommodate up to 50 bicycles and has showers and a small bike shop. But this is just one way Cleveland caters to cyclists. The Great Lakes Touring Company (www.bikecle.com) offers guided one- and two-hour tours as well as bicycle rentals, the nonprofit group Cleveland Bikes (www.clevelandbikes.org) sponsors neighborhood rides and tours, and local cyclist Bob Polk (bobsbiketours.com) hosts two different tours of downtown and its surrounding areas.

Visit www.positivelycleveland.com for more things to see and do in Cleveland. Follow us on twitter @positivelycleve.

– Jeff Niesel 

June 5, 2012  

Marine Week Takes Over Cleveland June 11-17

Marine Week lands in the nation’s Rock and Roll capital, June 11-17, 2012. A celebration of community, country and Corps, Marine Week showcases the unique characteristics of America’s Corps through more than two dozen events.

Directly connecting the American public with hundreds of Marines, visitors have the opportunity to climb aboard state-of-the-art aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey and the CH-53 Super Stallion, and ground equipment, including the M777 Howitzer or HMMWV. Plus, you can check out the latest military technology and combat weaponry, witness hand-to-hand martial arts and military working dog team demonstrations, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the Silent Drill Platoon and Marine Corps Band. Throughout the week, Marines will be lending a hand to local communities through dozens of community service projects, including park and recreation center restorations.

The week culminates with a simulated full-scale combat demonstration, as the Marines highlight their unique capabilities to fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and at sea.

All events are free and open to the public. For the full Marine Week schedule, including dates and event locations visit www.marines.mil/marineweek. Follow Marine Week on Twitter @USMC (#MarineWeek) and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Marines.

For more information and additional things to do while you’re in town visit www.positivelycleveland.com or tweet us @positivelycleve.

May 31, 2012  

Free, Fun and Kid-Approved Attractions in Cleveland

Parade the Circle

Welcome to Cleveland Plus, the 22-county region that borders Lake Erie and surrounds and includes the metropolis of Cleveland, Ohio.

We are home to family favorites like the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (home to the African Elephant Crossing), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, University Circle (the nation’s most concentrated square mile of arts and cultural institutions) and PlayhouseSquare (second largest theater district in the country second only to Broadway).

A family vacation to Cleveland Plus costs 40-60 percent less than one to cities like New York, Philadelphia or Los Angeles –without sacrificing any of the experience! Below you’ll find a list of free, fun, kid-approved attractions in Cleveland Plus to help make your vacation one you’ll never forget.

Wade Oval Wednesdays
Take a mid-week break and enjoy live music in the heart of University Circle.  Have a picnic on Wade Oval or relax in the beer and wine garden with a great view of the stage.  The lineup includes a wide variety of music to suit everyone’s tastes.  Location: Wade Oval is the park in between The Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and The Cleveland Botanical Garden, University Circle. June 13 – Aug. 29, 2012

www.universitycircle.org

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – Learning Center & Money Museum
Ever wondered how we bought things before money existed? And, who makes our money anyhow? All these answer and more answered at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Learning Center and Money Museum. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibits exploring currency and the value of money from other times and cultures. Kids can get a look at the Money Tree where they can track counterfeit money and follow the history of money through the ages. Opened Mon. – Thurs. from 10am-2pm, the museum offers free admission and a unique tour through the Federal Reserve.

216.579.3188, www.clevelandfed.org/learningcenter/planvisit.cfm

Cleveland Police Museum
Delve into the history of Cleveland law enforcement at the Cleveland Police Museum—free of charge.  See confiscated firearms, uniforms, artifacts and more from Cleveland’s past including things from the legendary crime fighter, Eliot Ness, and the Torso Murders investigation.

216.623.5055, www.clevelandpolicemuseum.org

Stearns Homestead
Stearns Homestead is a working farm is operated by the Parma Area Historical Society as an educational and historic farm.  It features a barn complete with animals, two homes dating from the early 1900s that now serve as museums, gardens and a display of historical farm and household items.

440.845.9770

Amish Country
Share in the Amish heritage through the discovery of horse-drawn buggies, homemade family-style foods and exceptional craftsmanship in Northeast Ohio’s Amish Country.  You’ll find antique stores, craft houses, traditional Amish restaurants and excellent inns.

877.643.8824, www.visitamishcountry.com

Summer in the City Free Concert Series – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Many free concerts are offered this summer at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  Check out their calendar of events of on their website for upcoming shows.

216.781.ROCK, http://rockhall.com/events/summer-sessions/

Lakewood Front Porch Series
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and friends and have an entertaining evening in this open air theatre located on the front steps of the Lakewood Public Library. Entertainers range from jazz and indie music to early 60s Americana and folk music.

http://downtownlakewood.org/front-porch-concerts/

Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery is filled with sculpture, architecture and tributes to those who made great contributions to the area’s industrial and civic development. The interior of its Wade Memorial Chapel was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including the focal point “The Flight of Souls,” a leaded glass window done in the Favrile technique. Lake View Cemetery counts J.D. Rockefeller and African American inventor Garrett Morgan among its famous residents.  And here’s a tip–on a clear day stand atop the memorial for President James A. Garfield for a fantastic view of the city.

216.421.2665, www.lakeviewcemetery.com

International Women’s Air and Space Museum
The International Women’s Air and Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport documents women’s past and present accomplishments and contributions to the fields of aviation and space.  A collection of memorabilia and historical artifacts preserve the memory of women aviation pioneers.

216.623.1111, www.iwasm.org

Cleveland Plus Beaches
While surfing in Ohio might sound crazy, the truth is that Cleveland Plus offers a variety of accessible (and FREE) beaches along its Lake Erie Coast with swimming, sailing, surfing and some of the best walleye, perch and bass fishing in the world. After a beach-bum weekend on Lake Erie, visitors might forget about their yearly pilgrimage to the shore. Check out some of these notable beaches:

  • Fairport Harbor Beach – Fairport Harbor Beach was made for adventure seekers. With activities ranging from kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing, this beach offers water-related programs, festivals and events suitable for every member of the family.

440. 639.9972, http://www.lakemetroparks.com/select-park/fairport.shtml

  • Headlands Beach State Park – Forget about a trip to the shore when you can experience the Mentor Headlands, Ohio’s longest natural sand beach. The size of Headlands Beach allows plenty of room for travelers to play beach volleyball, Frisbee, cook out, sunbath and relax.

216.881.8141, http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/headlnds/tabid/742/Default.aspx

  • Edgewater Beach – Fly a kite, have a picnic or take a swim. With an unmatched view of the Cleveland skyline, Edgewater Park is a popular west side beach that boasts a variety of summertime activities like swimming, boating and fishing.  Enjoy the upper level for a shaded picnic, or head to the lower level for swimming and beach access.

216.881.8141, http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/clevelkf/tabid/721/Default.aspx

  • Huntington Beach – Known for its family-friendly environment and its commitment to cleanliness, the Huntington Reservation Beach caters to swimmers and sunbathers alike. After a day at the beach, visitors can head to the nearby Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe for some of Cleveland’s famous handmade ice cream.

216.351.6300, http://www.clemetparks.com

  • Lakeview Park Beach – Think: relaxation. Rich with history, adorned in rose gardens and engulfed in the natural beauty of Lake Erie, Lakeview Park Beach is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

440.245.1193 http://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/lakeview.htm

Almost Free for the Kids ($5 and under)

Lake Farmpark
Discover more than 50 breeds of farm animals on a trip to this hands-on science center.  While here, milk a cow, take a wagon ride, stroll through gardens and enjoy animal shows and demonstrations.

Admission: adults $6, seniors (60+) $5, children (2-11) $4, under 2 free.

800.366.3276,   www.lakemetroparks.com/select-park/farmpark.shtml

Holden Arboretum
Enjoy the great outdoors all year round with more than 3,100 acres of beautiful plant collections and spectacular fall and summer gardens, beautiful colors, winter splendor, trails and picnic areas at the Holden Arboretum.  Trails offer a variety of distances and levels of difficulty.

Admission:  adults $6, seniors (60+) $5, children (6-12) $3, children 5 and under free.

440.946.4400, www.holdenarb.org

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases the history of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community through artifacts, unique exhibits and interactive displays.

Admission: adults $12, seniors (60+) and students (13+ and college students) $10, children 5-11 $5.

216.593.0575, www.maltzmuseum.org

Century Village Museum
Experience more than 100 years of history as you explore the restored 1806 village of Burton at Century Village Museum.  You’ll find treasures including a cabin from 1798, vintage barns, an 1872 schoolhouse, five furnished historical homes, a jail and a country store.

Admission: adults $7, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and under free.

440.834.4012, www.geaugahistorical.org

Western Reserve Historical Society
Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution is home to a library and two museums in University Circle.  The Western Reserve Historical Society’s History Museum features a 1911 mansion and the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing.  The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum displays nearly 200 antique, vintage and classic automobiles and aircraft.

Admission: adults $8.50, senior $7.50, veteran $6.50, children 17 and under $5.

216.721.5722, www.wrhs.org

USS Cod
Take a tour of the USS Cod, an unaltered World War II vintage submarine and the only submarine in history to perform a submarine-submarine rescue.

Admission:  adults $7; seniors, inactive/retired military and college students $6; students (K – 12) and active military with ID $4; children under 6 years and military in uniform and wives/family of active duty submariners are admitted free.

216.566.8770, www.usscod.org

Kent State University Fashion Museum
Explore the history of fashion as we know it today at the Kent State University Fashion Museum.  Find European and American gowns as well as traditional dress, celebrity dresses and nine galleries devoted to great fashion designers and artists from the 18th century to the present.

Admission:  adults $5, seniors $4, students and children (7-18) $3, children under 7 free.

330.672.3450, www.kent.edu/museum

Dunham Tavern
Built in 1824, this is Cleveland’s oldest building still standing on its original site.  It was once a stagecoach stop on the old Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road, and today features an original parlor, taproom and items of early Americana including 19th century Ohio antique furniture.

Admission:  adult $3, children (3-12) $2, children under 3 are free.

216.431.1060, www.dunhamtavern.org

Stan Hywet Hall + Gardens
Frank A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, once called this 65-room country estate home. French and Italian reproduction furniture, eighteenth-century British portraits and priceless antique heirlooms make up the homes original furnishings. Lagoons, formal gardens, a greenhouse and stunning rows of silver birch trees make the outside just as inviting as the inside of this home, one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in the United States.

Admission: Adults $8, children 6 to 17 $4, ages 6 and younger free;

330.836.5533, www.stanhywet.org

Cleveland Botanical Garden
A beautiful senior getaway is the Cleveland Botanical Garden, a combination of indoor exhibits housed in a magnificent glasshouse and ten acres of diverse outdoor gardens. The spectacular Glasshouse includes two major exhibits, the Costa Rica Rainforest and the Madagascar Spiny Desert. There are also several beautiful outdoor gardens, including a rose garden and Japanese tea garden, for your exploration. The grandkids will love the Hershey’s Children’s Garden, a kid-friendly exhibit with signs and pictures at kid level and fun features, like a barn and a treehouse.

Admission: Adults $7.50, seniors 60 and older $5.50, children 3 to 12 $3, 2 and younger free

216.721.1600, www.cbgarden.org

Parade the Circle – FREE!
Be there June 9 as international and national guest artists join the Cleveland Plus’ community of artists, families, schools and community groups to parade around Wade Oval in University Circle.

The free event, which celebrates the community arts, draws more than 60,000 people every year.  The celebration incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, giant puppets, bright costumes, handmade masks, stilt-walkers, dancers and musicians.

After the parade, children and adults can enjoy a bevy of free make-and-take arts and crafts projects, food and beverage. Many of the area museums throughout University Circle offer day-of discounts. Visit www.universitycircle.org for more information.

For more information visit www.positivelycleveland.com. 

– April Ingle

May 21, 2012  

West Side Market Celebrates 100 Years!

Since its completion in 1912, the West Side Market has become a landmark of Cleveland, offering the finest meats, fish, baked goods and produce in the area. In 2010, the Market was named the “Best Food Lovers’ Market” in the country by the Food Network. So it stands to reason that its 100th Birthday is a big deal. Year-long celebration activities will take place, beginning in June, to commemorate the Market’s storied history. From firework displays to multicultural parades, there is something for the foodie of all ages.

Learn more about the market and the events surrounding the centennial:

 

– Nate Klein 

 

May 18, 2012  

Positively Cleveland’s Tips for a Great Weekend: May 18 – 20

Visiting Cleveland this weekend? Read on for tips to make the most of your trip. For even more information visit www.positivelycleveland.com.

Here are just some of the things taking place in CLE this weekend:

  • Indians home stand
  • Opening weekend of the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland
  • Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-K and Kid’s fun run
  • Cleveland International Tattoo
  • Cleveland International Asian Festival
  • Hessler Street Fair
  • Click here for more events.

Be the Early Bird. Start your trip off stress free. Whether you’re a spectator for the Cleveland Marathon or just a die-hard Indians fan, make sure to arrive a bit earlier than normal this weekend. Rest assured if you leave early, you won’t hit as many issues with road closures, availability of parking sports or the overall feeling of just being late. The early bird really does get the worm on this one.

You’re early. So now what? There’s plenty of things to do or see while you’re waiting! Have a photo shoot and capture some beautiful sites of the city at Voinovich Park down on the lakefront or by the Fountain of Eternal Life Statue on the Mall. On Saturday, enjoy the architecture inside the Arcade or the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Or, get a birds-eye view of the city from the Terminal Tower Observation Deck on in the afternoon on Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are available for $5 and visitors must buy online at www.terminaltowerodeck.eventbrite.com.

Use public transportation. Avoid worrying about finding a place to park by using the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) service. Cash fares for any RTA bus or rapid is $2.25 per ride. All Day Passes allow for unlimited rides on any RTA bus or rapid anywhere in Cuyahoga County, from the time of first use until 3am the next day. The cost is $5. Five-trip passes cost $11.25, but are not restricted to subsequent day use. Visitors to the Indians Game and Casino can take the Red Line from any park-and-ride station throughout the county into Downtown and Terminal Tower. Head out to the University Circle area on the Healthline. And, the Waterfront Line will be open early, leaving Tower City at 4:52am on Sunday and will depart every 30 minutes to get Marathoners to the Lakefront. For great updates follow RTA on twitter at @GCRTA. www.riderta.com

Whenever possible, walk. It’s good for your health and your wallet . . . no taxi fares and no additional charges to come and go from the hotel garage. Downtown Cleveland is incredibly walkable and most downtown hotels are within a 5-25 minute walk of the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Progressive Field, The Warehouse District, East Fourth Street, PlayhouseSquare and other major attractions.

Bike it. For residents who live in closeby neighborhoods (Tremont, Ohio City, Cleveland Heights, etc.), why not just scratch traditional transportation downtown altogether and ride your bike. With the recent upswing in greener transportation, many locations downtown offer bike parking. Also considering utilizing safe, secure bike parking at the Cleveland Bike Rack located across from Quicken Loans Arena. www.clevelandbikerack.com

Help is here. Need directions? Want to make advance reservations at a restaurant? Can’t decide what to do next. This weekend, Positively Cleveland will open its doors to the tens of thousands of visitors coming to downtown Cleveland.  Make sure to stop in and get some helpful advice from our Concierge Ambassadors.

Your guide. While in the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center, makes sure to grab an Official Visitors Guide. This publication is your guide to Cleveland. From maps and attraction listings to articles and helpful hints, this guide will take your trip from great…to fantastic.

Consider rockin’ the suburbs. So, your first inclination is to stay downtown, in the heart of it all. But, visitors can head 10-20 minutes outside of the city for free parking, an abundance of kid-friendly restaurants and, quite often, lower rates.  This is especially helpful this weekend, as downtown hotels are sold out.

Ride the “Fatty” wagon. Here’s a money-saving idea that is also good for the environment. Grab a brew at Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) before an Indians game. Park for free (or for a minimal fee) in Ohio City and catch the GLBC “fatty” wagon, run on fryer grease, over to the ballpark. One dollar ($1) roundtrip gets you to and from the game where cheap seats can cost you less than ten bucks. www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Mobile hospitality. Positively Cleveland has a unique location-based mobile website that matches you with nearby restaurants, attractions and hotels.  Use it and you’ll never wonder, “Where can I get a bite to eat around here?” www.cleplus.mobi 

Mobile culture. University Circle Inc. has launched an interactive University Circle App for iPhone.  This FREE app provides instant, up-to-date information, events, photos, and maps on hundreds of locations in University Circle, including museums and institutions, restaurants, galleries, schools, entertainment, and shopping venues.  So, for those folks in town for the Hessler Street Fair or the Case Western Reserve graduation, you can check out all the great museum in University Circle this weekend, too! www.universitycircle.org/iphone-app

Twitter-ific. Connect with many of the local attractions and events on social media to get up-to-the-minute updates on all that’s happening including any additional road closures, great places to dine, scores, etc.  Follow @PositivelyCleve, @HorseshoeCLE, @Indians, @CLEAsianFest and @clevemarathon.

Dollars make sense. It’s always best to leave home with about $20 in cash for parking, valet tips and other miscellaneous travel expenses that only take cash. It’ll save you the time of searching for an ATM machine.

It’s gonna be a scorcher. The temps are expected to shoot up into the mid-80s this weekend. That said, makes sure to bring your sunscreen! And, for those heading to the Indians game, Progressive Field now allows folks to bring in one bottle of water (sealed). Stay healthy. Stay happy. Stay hydrated. www.indians.com

Be patient. Especially Sunday morning after the marathon events start to wind down (around 9am) be aware that usual breakfast spots may require a bit of a wait. Some places to grab a bit to eat are Grumpy’s Café or Lucky’s Café in Tremont, the Tremont Tap House, or Latitude 41 in Detroit Shoreway do a great job of getting diners in and out quickly, without sacrificing the quality of service or food. A lot of the downtown restaurants open at 11am or noon for lunch during the weekends.

Gamble at the new Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, and then park free.  Guests who gamble at the Horseshoe Casino will be able to park downtown for free. To be eligible for 24 hours of free parking near the casino, you have to become a Total Rewards member and then play for 30 minutes earning at least 15 “Tier Credits.” http://www.caesars.com/casinos/horseshoe-cleveland/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml

Visit the Cleveland Marathon website for information.  You can pre-plan running routes, watch spots and road closures through comprehensive website for the Cleveland Marathon. The site is chock-full of lists on the best spectator spots, route entertainment and neighborhood parties taking place. The RTA opens the Waterfront Line on Sunday , which exits at Browns stadium. www.clevelandmarathon.com 

Ask Downtown Cleveland Safety Ambassadors for help or safety or direction. Safety Ambassadors patrol downtown as a positive influence for safety, acting as the eyes and ears for police. Ambassadors also carry two-way radios to reach one of our Peace Officers — off-duty Cleveland Police officers who can provide supplementary security.  They are easy to spot with their bright yellow shirts. www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/ambassadors.aspx

Make reservations at restaurants on OpenTable or call ahead now.  The restaurants will be busy this weekend, so plan ahead by reserving your table online through Open Table.  Look through the Positively Cleveland’s website to find dining options and make your reservations today.  www.opentable.com

Plan, plan, plan. Visit PositivelyCleveland.com to get started planning your trip.

Safe travels!

– Positively Cleveland

April 10, 2012  

Burning River Roller Girls

Today, many images portray women as sweet, innocent and totally harmless. The Burning River Roller Girls (BRRG) beg to differ. Members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and Cleveland’s first all-female, flat-track roller derby team, the Burning River Roller Girls are tough.

For those whose roller derby knowledge may be lacking, here is what you need to know: Roller derby is a contact sport played by two five-member teams on roller skates. There is one “jammer” on each team and four “blockers.” Points are scored when the jammer breaks through the other team’s blockers. However, to make it interesting, both jammers skate simultaneously, so the blockers have to help their jammer get through while stopping the other team’s jammer.

Roller derby has increased in popularity in the last decade due to a large grassroots and amateur movement, and there are currently 124 teams in the WFTDA. The Burning River Roller Girls are comprised of seven teams, including the Burning River All Stars and The Pyromaniacs.

Headed into their sixth season, the BRRG compete in bouts at the Wolstein Center through June 9. The cost of tickets is $4-$13 and they may be purchased at www.burningriverrollergirls.com.

- Nate Klein 

February 1, 2012  

Project Mah Jongg at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage offers the first exhibition of its kind – Project Mah Jongg. The exhibition takes visitors on an exploration of the game’s cultural meaning through sight, text and play through April 24.

The game of mah jongg originated in 19th century China. According to Meredith Lewis of My Jewish Learning, “Around 1846, a servant of the Chinese emperor combined the rules of popular card games of the time, and replaced cards with tiles to create mah-jongg. The name itself means sparrows–an allusion to the pictures of birds often engraved on the tiles.”

The game became very popular, but constant rule changes and a lack of consistency turned players off and thus began the decline of mah jongg. Except, Lewis says, among Jewish women.

Mah jongg became an integral part of the Jewish culture. While husbands were at war or away, Jewish women shared their lives with each other through a game of mah jongg and in 1937, an attempt to keep the game alive resulted in the National Mah Jongg League, which still meets to this day.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage now offers an in-depth and dynamic look at the phenomenon of mah jongg. Visitors experience the game through soundscapes featuring clacking tiles, exclamations from games, vintage music, large-scale graphics and a short film titled May the Tiles Be with You: Cleveland’s Love Affair with Mah Jongg. A game table at the core of the exhibition invites players to take part in a game and bring the exhibition to life.

For more information about the exhibition, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and to reserve your game table, visit www.maltzmuseum.org or call 216.593.0575.

– Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist

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