Top Outdoor Fun
The holiday season brings the with it the first signs of winter, but around Cleveland, it’s more about more than just sweaters, scarves, mittens and boots. So, whether you’re racing down a 1,000-foot-long ice chute or cuddled together on a horse drawn sleigh ride, there’s no better time to experience all that Cleveland has to offer for outdoor fun than in the wintertime.
- Each year, more than 20,000 visitors lace up their ice skates and slide over to The Rink at Wade Oval to take-in the wintry University Circle and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate from the concession stand, open Nov. 23 through Feb. 18.
- Enjoy an evening stroll through Hale Farm and Village by the light of a lantern where it is Christmas Eve in 1861 and guests are welcomed into the homes of Civil War era residents whose holiday traditions are as diverse as their backgrounds, Dec. 1-23.
- There’s nothing more seasonal than dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, so head to Burton for Ma & Pa’s Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, an authentic sleigh or buggy ride experience that’s so cozy and warm, it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside.
- While visiting a cemetery during the holiday season may be one of the last things your to-do list, visit Lake View Cemetery on Dec. 8 as they decorate a Christmas tree at the gravesite of Rev. Henry Schwan, who is believed to have started the tradition of lighted Christmas trees in America.
- Explore the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 165-acres and 3,000 animals during December Days from Dec. 17 – 30, where families also can take part in special seasonal activities including holiday crafts, live music, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Wolf Lodge, cookie decorating and more.
- Experience the thrill of tobogganing down two 1,000-foot-long refrigerated ice chutes at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.
- Spend an evening with Rudolph’s long-lost cousins feeding the elk herd at Bonnie Brae’s Farm in Wellington, about 50 miles southwest of Cleveland, where families can visit the barn with a decorated tree and receive a free handmade ornament available Dec 22-23 and 29-30.
- Hit the slopes during Midnight Madness, late night hours lasting from 8pm to 2am, on Dec. 28 at Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts. Ohio’s largest ski resort, Boston Mills/Brandywine boasts 19 slopes, 16 lifts with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, snowblading, terrain parks and 100 percent snow coverage, typically open in mid-December when the temperatures allow for production.
– April Ingle, Communications Assistant
Fall Foliage Sightings
This year, the relatively dry summer has created the opportunity for a great fall foliage season, which could peak during mid-October in northeast Ohio. And, the warmth from Lake Erie ensures that the first half of fall has nice temps – perfect for pumpkin picking, football watching and all the wonderful activities that make autumn a special time of year.
Below are some ideas on where to truly experience the beauty of fall in the region.
GEAUGA COUNTY – AMISH COUNTRY
Many are unaware that the Northeast Ohio region plays home to the largest settlement of Amish people in the country. The rural sections of Geauga County (just 20 minutes outside Cleveland) are a must-see during September and October with the ultimate in fall foliage viewing along with the quaint and ever-popular visits to Amish Country. Visit the Geauga County CVB website to download a driving tour of Amish country where you’ll make stops throughout the farms and rural towns inhabited by this welcoming and friendly group of people – all while enjoying the beauty of autumn.
CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD – TAKE A RIDE THROUGH A NATIONAL PARK
Watch the changing leaves aboard the historic rails of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This vintage steam train rolls along the Cuyahoga River and dips in and out of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the sixth most visited national park, is 33,000 acres of land. From river floodplain and steep cut valley walls to ancient stands of evergreen, guests aboard this beautiful train journey through a world of historic sites and timeless natural processes – a truly special experience during the fall. Looking to add more to your experience? Purchase tickets to one of the railroad’s wine or beer tasting events that occur on board.
ASHTABULA COUNTY – 17 HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGES
Or, head east to Ashtabula County, home to 17 historic covered bridges. Take in the beautiful, natural landscape of this county as you take a self-guided drive to explore these awesome structures. Get to the area Oct. 13- 14 to enjoy the Covered Bridge Festival including crafts, entertainment, historic vehicles and engines, farmers market, quilt show, draft horses, parade, and food vendors galore.
LAKEVIEW CEMETERY – URBAN BEAUTY
Just outside of the city in a metropolitan neighborhood sits the 285-acre Lakeview Cemetery, offering an unmatched fall hotspot. Lake View Cemetery is an outdoor sculpture museum filled with gardens, rich architecture and tributes to those who made great contributions to the area’s industrial and civic development. A great destination, the garden cemetery provides an unmatched skyline view of Cleveland from atop the James A. Garfield Memorial. James D. Rockefeller, Elliot Ness, 22 Cleveland mayors and more. Take trolley tours through the massive cemetery or drive yourself.
– April Ingle
2012 Cleveland Classic
The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission kicks off the second annual Cleveland Classic presented by McDonald’s football game on September 15, 2012 when Morehouse College battles Winston-Salem State University at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Cleveland Classic is more than just a football game…it’s an entire weekend full of dynamic activities and events for all ages while celebrating premier historically black universities.
All are invited to participate in the official weekend festivities which are FREE with a game ticket starting with the United States Marine Corps presents the Cleveland Classic Greek Step Show on Friday night, September 14, at Quicken Loans Arena. On Saturday, September 15, join head to the Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals, the College/Career Experience presented by Verizon, the Key Bank Marching Band Halftime Show and the Cleveland Classic presented by McDonalds game at Cleveland Browns Stadium at noon.
To receive your special $5 Positively Cleveland discount to the game, please visit www.clevelandclassicfootball.com, click on “Buy Tickets Here” and enter the code “PC.” Receive $40 tickets for $35 or $15 tickets for $10.
Cleveland Weekend Update: July 20-22
After a long week in the office, Cleveland has the perfect weekend events to help you enjoy the summer! Take this weekend to sit back, enjoy great food, music and maybe even a sporting event or two.
Burning River Festival, Whiskey Island (July 20 -21)
Good Cheer. Good Cause. Good Beer. This year marks the 11th year of the Burning River Festival. Since 2001, people from all over the Great Lakes region have been attending this festival to remember the burning of the Cuyahoga River in 1969, and to celebrate the improved sense of eco-consciousness throughout the city as a result of the fire. The festival educates attendees about environmental issues currently affecting the Cuyahoga River and the Great Lakes region, all while providing rockin’ music, food and drinks.
Interactive and educational displays attract guests of all ages. Some of the exhibits include Baldwin Wallace University’s Instrument Petting Zoo as well as Whole Foods Market’s “Art On Wheels” recycled art booth. In addition to educational exhibits from local environmental groups, the Burning River Festival features live music. This year, more than 25 bands and musicians will play throughout the three-day festival on three different stages. Whether you like funk, blues or rock, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to bring your appetite to the festival because it is sure to have lots of fresh, all-natural local food. All of that eating can make anyone thirsty. No fear, the Great Lakes Brewing Company will serve handcrafted beers to quench your thirst along with a special appearance of the fan favorite, Christmas Ale!
Without a bad view in sight, the Burning River Festival takes place on Whiskey Island on Lake Erie. Amidst all the fun, take some time to soak up all the beautiful scenery Cleveland has to offer.
All proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways. Enjoy yourself this weekend for a greater cause while celebrating the future of the Cuyahoga River and the Great Lakes region.
Pro Football hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (July 20 – August 6)
Spanning over two weeks, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is celebrating seven football players who will be inducted into the Class of 2012. Kick off the Enshrinement Festival with the Balloon Classic July 20 – July 22. Marvel at the hot air balloons while enjoying musical entertainment, mobile tours, food and beverage vendors, and children’s activities. Early risers can watch the balloons lift off and glow in the sky just before sunrise on Friday morning. The Balloon Classic is one of 19 events scheduled from July 20 – August 6 to celebrate the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement. Other events include fireworks, races, community parade, rib burnoff, fashion show, celebration fan party and much more.
Other Weekend Events:
MAMA MIA!, Playhouse Square – July 13-22
Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks, Quicken Loans Arena – July 20
Dive-In Movie, Hinckley Reservation – July 20
Lake Erie Crushers v. Evansville Otters, All Pro Freight Stadium – July 20-21
5th Annual Hudson Wine Festival, Hudson – July 20-21
Irish Cultural Festival, Berea – July 20-22
Cleveland Indians v. Orioles, Progressive Field – July 20-22
Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5k Race & Street Party, Lakewood – July 21
Seal w/Macy Gray, Cain Park – July 21
Willoughby Arts Fest, Willoughby – July 21
Cleveland Gladiators v. Chicago Rush, Quicken Loans Arena – July 21
The Factory of Frozen Fun, Lake Farmpark – July 14 – September 3
– MaryKate McHugh, Communications Intern
Weekend Update July 13-15
Hungry for the weekend? Hit up the Taste of Tremont and spend Sunday afternoon tasting a variety of delicious dishes in this artsy neighborhood created by some of the city’s best Chefs.
There’s no need to make reservations for this event, but make sure to bring your appetite for a day filled with spectacular food and drinks at the 10th annual Taste of Tremont. The street festival showcases the best of what Tremont restaurants and local businesses have to offer, in the casual laid-back summer atmosphere perfect for locals and visitors alike.
The Taste of Tremont is free to attend; attendees only need pay for food and drink at the various vendors! While you walk around, eat and browse, listen to musical entertainment throughout the neighborhood. Performances by SLAP and the Big Ship in the Beer Garden, various performers on the Tremont Farmers Market Stage and restaurants such as DANTE and Fahrenheit host special guests on their patios. More than 20 food vendors (including Lolita, the Istanbul Grill and the famous Solowski’s University Inn) in addition to various galleries, artists and other Tremont businesses will participate in the event.
All the walking around may make you thirsty, if so, stop by the beer garden. Here, attendees can cool off with a brew for $5 (or, hydrate with water for $2.) But, despite the name, food and drinks aren’t the only items that can be purchased at the Taste of Tremont. This year, vendors range from Cleveland Browns, CLE Clothing, Inc., the Banyan Tree and more.
The Taste of Tremont is held on Professor Avenue, between Starkweather and Fairfield. Plenty of Street parking is available in Tremont or find a spot at a neighborhood church. Annunciation Greek Church and St. John Cantius will have additional parking for guests of the Taste of Tremont.
Other Events:
Tremont Art Walk, Tremont – July 13
Toby Keith, Blossom Music Center – July 13
Cain Park Arts Festival, Cain Park – July13-15
Akron Aeros v Altoona, Canal Park– July 13-15
MAMA MIA!, Playhouse Square – July 13-22
Nature at Night, North Chagrin Reservation – July 14
Sunflower Wine Festival, Rocky River – July 14
7th Annual Luau on the Lake, Whiskey Island – July 14
Art in the Park, Medina Court House Square – July 15
– MaryKate McHugh
7 Events to Celebrate Independence Day in Cleveland
Different days provide different ways to show your patriotic side this upcoming Independence day. Whether it’s the fireworks on Lake Erie or the red, white and blue animals at the Zoo, Cleveland is bursting with patriotic pride for the Fourth of July!
JULY 1
Morris Cadillac Buick GMC Liberty Fest at Crocker Park, Westlake
Start to celebrate the Fourth of July early at the Morris Cadillac Buick GMC Liberty Fest at Crocker Park, full of Family friendly activities throughout the day. Visitors can take a ride on a Ferris wheel, stop and listen to Jersey Band, a Bruce Springsteen tribute, or take in the sounds of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Various vendors and booths will be set up alongside the regularly open stores of Crocker Park. Entertainment for children will not be in short supply and there will be a beer tent to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for adults. Then, end the night with a boom while watching the fantastic fireworks display!
JULY 2
Cleveland Symphony Star Spangled Spectacular, Downtown
There’s no better place than the heart of Cleveland to celebrate Independence Day with The Cleveland Orchestra. Join the patriotic festivities and attend this free concert in Public Square. At 5pm a pre-concert festival will kick-off the night with local performing arts organizations and, make sure you come hungry because Cleveland’s gourmet food trucks will be on site to provide a variety of cuisines to concertgoers. The concert begins at 9pm and will end with Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture followed by a patriotic display of fireworks.
JULY 3
Cleveland Indians vs. Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland
What would be more patriotic than celebrating America’s greatest past time at a Cleveland Indians baseball game? On July 3rd, the Cleveland Indians play the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Tribe games are enjoyable for fans of all ages, especially with the newly-opened Kids Clubhouse play area that allows kids to play while adults watch the game. The Indians will donate $5 from each ticket sold on Tuesday to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. Following the tribe game will be remarkable display of fireworks.
Game begins at 7:05pm
JULY 4
July 4th Fireworks Cruise, Cleveland
Board the Nautica Queen and enjoy a night filled with dining, drinks, entertainment and fireworks. View Cleveland’s spectacular Fourth of July fireworks from the Nautica Queens open-air observation deck alongside the beautiful night sky. There’s no doubt about it, this location is one of the best seats in town! The fireworks cruise will leave at 7:30pm and returns upon the conclusion of the fireworks.
Limited tickets for the open-air observation deck are available, other guests will be able to view fireworks from the bow and stern.
Red, White and Brew, Downtown
Check out the Greater Cleveland Aquarium this Independence Day for Red, White and Brew! Experience some of the aquarium’s favorite exhibits such as the Touch Pool or Underwater Sea Tube, then enjoy the Cityview Patio and Riverview Patio Bar and Grill exclusively open to Red, White and Brew guests. Here you can take in the beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River and the Cleveland skyline while listening to some outdoor entertainment and watching the Cleveland fireworks. Concessions and beverages are available throughout the night.
Red, White and Brew begins at 6pm and the last aquarium admission is at 8pm
Free drink vouchers with purchase of admission (2 per adult, 1 per child)
www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Red, White & Zoo, Cleveland
Let out your wild side and celebrate Independence Day with the animals of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo! To show their patriotic pride, the animals enjoy red, white and blue enrichment treats between 11am and 3pm on Wednesday. Make sure to complete your own “Parade the Red, White & Blue” to check out the special list of red, white and blue animals, including the red kangaroo and the blue poison dart frog. And, a trip to the Zoo wouldn’t be complete without checking out Professor Wylde’s Live Animal show or the new live animal presentation in Australian Adventure.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10am to 7pm
Rock and Boom, Downtown
Climb aboard the William G. Mather Steamship, “The Ship That Built Cleveland,” and experience one of the best views of the fireworks over Lake Erie. Families can participate in the Fourth of July science-themed work shop, watch indoor fireworks as well as view the Cleveland fireworks from the deck of the William G. Mather. This event allows visitors to take in a bit of science and history while celebrating the Fourth of July.
Rock and Boom is offering family group tickets that include the workshop, admission to Rock and Boom, as well as food and beverages.
Rock and Boom begins at 7pm
OTHER LOCAL AREA FIREWORKS
East
June 30: Mayfield at the Gazebo
July 1: Bedford at Chanel High School
July 3: Cuyahoga Falls at Blossom Music Center
July 4: Cuyahoga Falls at Blossom Music Center
July 4: Shaker Heights at Shaker Heights Middle School
July 4: Solon at Solon Community Park
West
July 4: Bay Village at Cahoon Memorial Park
July 4: Westlake at Clague Park
July 4: Lakewood at Lakewood Park
July 4: Avon at All Pro Freight Stadium
South
June 30: Brecksville on the Square
July 1: Brecksville on the Square
July 3: Independence at Elmwood Park
July 4: Strongsville at Foltz Athletic Fields
– MaryKate McHugh
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
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
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
Brite Winter Festival 2012
Cold temps, falling snow and blustery winds? Bring it. It’s winter in Cleveland and there’s no better way to celebrate than at the Brite Winter Festival.
On Saturday, February 18, Brite Winter Festival lights up the city again. Live music rules the stage; bonfires burn bright against the dark winter sky and nearby restaurants and bars invite festival-goers in for a warm beverage or two. A lighting design competition sponsored by GE and art installations centered on light, fire and ice brighten things up while a giant skeeball game, fire performers and homemade instruments keep you moving all night long.
Brite moves to a new location this year in Ohio City. Located just five minutes from downtown, on Cleveland’s near west side, Ohio City has become incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. Named one of the best places to bar hop in the world, Ohio City offers a warm neighborhood feel with lots of energy making the perfect setting for outdoor winter fun.
This year’s festival promises to inspire us all to embrace winter in Cleveland. For more information visit www.britewintercleveland.com and for up-to-the-minute additions to the festival follow @britewinter on twitter. See you there!
- Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist
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