Final Summer Fling in Cleveland Plus
In no particular order…
10. Enjoy an End-of-Summer Festival
Get to the the Sparx City Hop Sept. 11. This day-long event connects nine of Cleveland’s bustling neighborhoods and celebrates the visual, culinary and musical artists in each. Attendees can park their car in one location and then use free trolleys to explore the more than 60 galleries and 100 eateries along the way.
Presented by the Lake County Visitors Bureau, the Lake County PerchFest brings a weekend (Sept. 10 – 12) devoted to Lake Erie’s favorite fish – the perch! Enjoy a mouthwatering fish fry, local live entertainment, “Just For Kids” entertainment featuring a youth fishing tank, a perch fishing tournament, karaoke and more.
The Cleveland Museum of Art presents its 20th annual Chalk Festival Sept. 11- 12, an art that is a 16th century Italian tradition. Great for kids and adults.
Visitors can step back in time 200 years to the Yankee Peddler Festival at Clay’s Park in Canal Fulton Sept. 11 – 12, 18 – 19, 25 – 26. Visit pioneer America with master artists and crafters setting up rustic shops, food cooked over open fires and non-stop entertainment. Keep up to the hour with the Town Criers and visit with the militia and mountain men.
Celebrate both the edible gardening revolution and Northeast Ohio’s thriving commitment to local food at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. RIPE! Food & Garden Festival Sept. 24-26 lets visitors choose among three tracks of programs: culinary, gardening and children’s. Each track includes comparative tastings, demonstrations and appearances by gardening and local food experts. An onsite farmers market and garden marketplace lets you take home garden-related products, while local restaurants on-site sell harvest-inspired, ready-to-eat dishes.
9. All Aboard the Goodtime III and Nautica Queen
Take in the last wondrous moments of the summer weather aboard one of these passenger boats sailing Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River with good food, music and entertainment.
- The Goodtime III features a panoramic cruise of Cleveland’s lakefront and the Cuyahoga River. Daily tours, on-board entertainment and dining are available.
- Cruising April through New Year’s Eve, the Nautica Queen is a luxury ship featuring daily lunch and dinner cruises with elaborate buffet dining and on-board entertainment for sightseeing up and down the Cuyahoga River.
8. Take a City Tour
Spend the rest of your summer like a tourist – take a city tour of Cleveland.
Consider a one-hour, narrated tour of downtown Cleveland on a Segway. Thanks to Electronic Tranpsort LLC Segway Tours of Cleveland, you can learn all about the city while riding one these awesome gliders (weather permitting; year round).
And, while you may have seen those jolly red trolleys driving around the city every day, you might not know that these buses offer city tours and specialty city tours all over the town. Great for all ages and especially fun during warm weather months, check out Trolley Tours of Cleveland (year round).
Or, hop on a Take a Hike! Tour where you can experience three exciting tours through some of downtown’s most intriguing districts with the help of costumed historical characters from Cleveland’s past. Tours run until Sept. 12.
Want to guide yourself? Download a free walking tour from www.cityprowl.com and explore the art, architecture and history of Cleveland at your own pace.
7. Cedar Point
The thrills keep going until October 31 at the amusement park recognized as the “World’s Best” for 12 consecutive years. This year, check out the 14th Annual Halloweekends, which promises to offer more thrills and fun than ever before. Check out spooky musical performances, monster midway invasions, haunted houses and its ever-popular scream-worthy collection of rides. Event runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Watch the Halloweekends video here.
6. Baseball
Summertime wouldn’t be complete without giving some love to one of America’s favorite pastimes – baseball. And, Cleveland Plus is no stranger to the sport, as it enjoys another season of Cleveland Indians Baseball. Tickets are still available for home games until Sept. 29.
Or, head east of downtown Cleveland to watch the Lake County Captains, the Single A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Regarded as one of the most fan-friendly ballparks in the minor leagues, Classic Park offers “Thirsty Thursdays,” family fun games, fireworks and ethnic heritage events. Home games run now through Sept. 10.
Also check out the Akron Aeros, the Double A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Like the Lake County Captains, the Aeros offer a traditional baseball experience paired with creative family-friendly promotions and special events like “Dollar Dog Mondays,” “Two for Tuesdays” and “Fireworks Fridays.” Ticket prices range from $7 to $9. Home games run through Sept. 15.
Find more Cleveland Plus baseball information here.
5. Farming and Living History
Part of enjoying the summer means escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life for something a bit more down-to-earth.
Visitors looking to slow down should head back to the 19th century in this outdoor, living history museum. Guests of Hale Farm & Village can see Wheatfield Village, a small Ohio town struggling with the impact of the Civil War. Period crafts are made on the premises, with skilled artisans demonstrating glassblowing, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, candlemaking and basketmaking. Farm animals also are in residence with a “stable” of horses, pigs, cows and sheep. Hale Farm & Village is open weekends in September and October.
Also in the living history departments is the Historic Roscoe Village. Experience life in the 1800s in this beautifully-restored canal town with journey tour and horsedrawn canal boat ride. Also open in the fall and for Christmas tours, it’s a great “get outside” family activity for the end of the season.
And, while they’re opened year-round, Lake Metroparks Farmpark is also a wonderful option for those looking to enjoy the last of the summery weather. 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. Learn more here.
4. Head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Get to the Zoo before Sept. 12 to experience FLUTTER!, an exhibit that allows you to walk among dozens of free-flying butterflies from around the world; DINOSAURS!, where animatronic dinosaurs, including several “babies,” roar and move just like they did millions of years ago and Scoop on Poop, an exhibit teaching children about natural, umm…functions.
3. Get Wet with Great Lakes Watersports
Experience the extreme side of Cleveland Plus while jet skiing, boating and kayaking on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Great Lakes Watersports, located in the Flats, offers rentals including boat accessories like jet skis, wakeboards and tubes Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 19.
Whether you’re looking for a wild night or a relaxing getaway, Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass islands in Lake Erie eagerly welcome all visitors with a variety of vacation options accessible by the Jet Express, Miller Boat Line and the Goodtime I. Learn more about the islands here.
1. Charter Boat Fishing
Enjoy what’s left of summer aboard a charter boat where visitors can use the charter company’s fishing and boating equipment as well as their skilled fishing guides and captains for one last hurrah on Lake Erie. Some of our favorites include Fishin Boat Charters (30-foot Sport Fisherman) and Holiday Charters (56-foot steel-hulled, twin-diesel boat serving groups of up to 75 guests). Also check out these services:
- North Coast Charter Boat Association: NCCBA is a group of professional charter captains eager to provide an enjoyable and rewarding day of fishing on Lake Erie’s Central Basin.
- Wildwood Marina: A one-stop shop, Wildwood Marina offers boat charters for fishing, sightseeing and scuba diving for sunken ships. Other services provided with charters include bait, tackle, fishing licenses, rental rods, fish cleaning services and more.
Click here for more end of summer ideas from the Plain Dealer.
– Submitted by L.R.H.
RIPE! Food & Garden Festival
The Cleveland Botanical Garden presents RIPE! Food & Garden Festival Friday, September 24 through Sunday, September 26 in celebration of the budding culinary scene in Cleveland Plus.
RIPE! highlights the edible gardening revolution and Cleveland Plus’ thriving commitment to local food. At the time when nature’s bounty is at its peak, this joyous festival offers one-stop access to our most prominent local food purveyors and proponents, along with the farmers and gardeners bringing fresh food to our own backyards. Learn what, when and how to grow and eat, and how you and your family can enjoy doing this together.
RIPE! visitors can expect a leisurely fall day full of fun, delicious food and inspiring gardening ideas. Amidst 20 outdoor gardens, interact with the region’s wide array of local experts, including area farmers, farm-to-fork champions, restaurants specializing in local food, slow food practitioners, your kitchen and your healthy lifestyle – as well as recipes, tips and locally prepared goods from the minds, stoves and drawing boards of our area’s food and garden trendsetters.
Advance, discounted tickets are on sale now at www.cbgarden.com or at the Garden’s box office and all area Heinen’s Find Foods. Tickets purchased online will be held at the box office for pick-up during the event. Advance tickets are $5 member/$10 nonmember (children $3/$5) and tickets are the door are $7 member/$12 nonmember (children $4/$6). Children 2 and under are free.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is located at 11030 East Boulevard in Cleveland, Ohio.
*Information provided by Cleveland Botanical Garden
2010 Mother’s Day Specials + Offers
Celebrate Mother's Day in Cleveland Plus (Photo by Scott Meivogel)
Do you have the world’s greatest Mom?
Show the motherly figure in your life how special she is this Mother’s Day. Cleveland Plus has a variety of unique ways to spend the day with a special lady in your life. Have a delicious brunch aboard a Lake Erie cruise, get close with the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or attend a Cleveland Indians game. Here are a few ways to make this Mother’s Day one she won’t forget.
Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern
8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, OH; 330.486.2583; www.bluecanyonrestaurant.com
Don’t miss the popular Mother’s Day brunch (10am-3pm) or dinner (4-8pm) at Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern. The menu features special dishes by executive chef and co-owner Brandt Evans. Reservations are “a must” because these offerings always sell out.
Blue Point Grille
700 West Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH; 216.875.7827; www.hospitalityrestaurants.com
Get Mom to Blue Point Grille for Mother’s Day, voted Cleveland’s Best Seafood Restaurant every year since it opened. Blue Point Grille offers their full menu on Mother’s Day from noon – 10pm with happy hour at the bar from 5 – 9pm.
Buca di Beppo: Mama Mia!
23575 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH; 440. 356.2276; www.bucadibeppo.com
16677 Southpark Center, Strongsville, OH; 440. 846.6262; www.bucadibeppo.com
Make your Mother’s Day reservations at the delicious Buca di Beppo . . . their family-style Italian servings are perfect for an outing with the siblings in honor of momma. Reservations are recommended.
Canton Musical Dinner Theater: Mother’s Day at Tozzi’s on 12th
4210 12th Street N.W., Canton, OH 330.477.7515; www.facebook.com/CantonCabaret
Get to Tozzi’s on 12th to hear the sweet sounds of Bobby Darin while enjoying one of the area’s only musical dinner theaters with a full dance floor. Featured artists include Grant Holmes and The Rat Pack, Steve Dallas and Terry Everett. Tickets are $40 with dinner beginning at 6pm and the show beginning at 8pm.
Chester’s Legacy Tavern: Mother’s Day Brunch
11 Chester Street, Painesville, OH; 440.354.5000; www.chesterlegacy.com
Start Mother’s Day with a delicious brunch buffet at Chester’s Legacy Tavern. Chester’s offers a Mother’s Day buffet that includes made-to-order omelets, waffles, ham, prime rib and a wide variety of brunch foods. Price is $20 for adults and $10 for children12 years and under.
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
10730 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH; 216.791.7144; www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org
Daughters, on Saturday, May 15 bring your favorite females (family or friends) to The Children’s Museum of Cleveland for an evening of pure luxury. Celebrate Mother’s Day together with crafts, food and “Fancy Nancy” story time. Work together to decorate flower pots and plant a flower, participate in a cooking demo, and make lip gloss and feather boas. Registration required.
Cleveland Indians Baseball, Progressive Field
2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH; 216.420.4200; http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/
Cheer on the Tribe with your Mom this Mother’s Day. Swing by the Cleveland vs. Detroit game at 1:05pm. All women and all children under the age of 14 years receive a free pair of Slider Slippers. Or, if you want to make sure you hit a homerun, the Indians are enhancing their popular “All You Can Eat Buffet” on the Bud Light Party Deck for Sunday, May 10 to celebrate Mother’s Day. Cost per person is $75 ($40 per person for groups of 25 or more). Buffet served when gates open until one hour after first pitch.
Cleveland Marriott East Hotel: Mother’s Day Grand Buffet 2010
26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, OH; 216.378.9191; www.clevelandmarriotteast.com
Give Mom a break from cooking and take the family to the Cleveland Marriott East Mother’s Day Grand Buffet. The buffet features a mouthwatering assortment of soups, salads, a made-to-order breakfast station, dinner entrées and dessert station. $32.95 for adults, 24.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children ages 5-12, and children ages four and under eat free.
Cleveland Metroparks, Rocky River Nature Center
Rocky River Reservation, 24000 Valley Parkway North Olmsted, OH; 440.734.7576; www.clevelandmetroparks.com
This Mother’s Day, take mom out for a tranquil and relaxing morning at the Cleveland Metroparks. Mom can enjoy a peaceful breakfast surrounded by family, nature, soothing music and tasty refreshments at the EarthWords Nature Shop in Rocky River from 10am – noon. The continental breakfast includes muffins, tea and coffee. Have a free family photo taken to remember the special day. Browse EarthWords merchandise for a “naturally” unique gift for mom. All merchandise will be 15% off for everyone. Moms also receive a 25% of coupon for one non-sale item. Register by May 5.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo + Rainforest
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109; 216.661.6500; www.clemetzoo.com
Check out the new babies at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this Mother’s Day. Bring your mom to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on May 9 from 10am – 5pm when all moms receive free zoo admission. Mother’s Day at the zoo spotlights resident animal moms, their youngsters and some unique parenting behaviors. Throughout the day, educational interpreters answer questions and educate visitors about various animal mothers and “Get-Close” programs allows guests to visit face-to-face with some of the Zoo’s smaller animals.
Country Acres Campground: Mother’s Day Breakfast Special
9850 Minyoung Road, Ravenna, OH 44266; 330.358.2774; http://countryacrescamping.com
Escape the hustle and bustle and take mom to enjoy the beautiful and relaxing Country Acres Campgrounds. More than 200 clean, family-friendly campsites are situated around a five acre fishing lake. Country Acres offers free Mother’s Day breakfast for all campers during that weekend.
Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom: Mother’s Day Brunch
777 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114; 216.373.3340; www.clevelanddowntownhotel.com
Join the Crowne Plaza for in celebrating Motherhood with an elaborate Brunch Buffet. Pricing includes complimentary parking in the hotel’s garage and a long stemmed rose for Mom. Pricing for the buffet is $26.95 for adults, children ages 7 – 12 13.95, Golden Buckeye Members 19.95, and children ages 6 and under are free. Please call 216.373.3340 for reservations.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
2325 Stine Rd. Peninsula Rd., Cleveland, OH; 800.468.4700; www.cvsr.com
This Mother’s Day, show Mom a side of Cleveland Plus that is truly unique. Take a scenic and relaxing trip aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, as it rolls along the Cuyahoga River and dips in and out of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. All tickets on regular excursions are just $10 per person. Times: Rockside Station 10am and 1:30pm, Akron North Side Station 11:35am and Peninsula Depot 12:10pm.
The Emerald Necklace Inn: Mother’s Day Tea
18840 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126; 440.333.9100; www.emeraldnecklaceinn.com
Situated at the threshold of the Cleveland Metroparks with easy access to a multitude of outdoor activities, the Emerald Necklace Inn features three charming guest rooms and a tea room. On May 9, enjoy a Champagne Mother’s Day High Tea complete with live piano and a gift for mom. Seating times are 11:30am and 2:30pm. Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children six years and younger.
Fat Fish Blue
21 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115; 216.875.6000; www.fatfishblue.com
Enjoy food, fun and a Happy Mother’s Day while listening to vintage pop, classic rock anthems, blues/rock standards, easy-listening ballads and country classics from skilled musician Jeff Sherman. Show starts at 4:30pm on May 9 and tickets are free.
Geauga Lyric Theater: Hay Fever
101 Water Street, Chardon, OH 44024; 440.286.2255; www.geaugatheater.org
On Mother’s Day take Mom to experience a weekend in the 1920s with an eccentric British family prone to antics. Be prepared to laugh out loud at this feverishly fun-filled and flirty performance. Mother’s Day performance begins at 2pm and all Moms receive a special gift! Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at 440.286.2255.
Geneva-on-the-Lake: Spring Kickoff Weekend
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041; 800.862.6751; www.visitgenevaonthelake.com
With warm weather, Geneva-on-the-Lake’s restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues begin to show some life. Take Mom to share in the excitement as the resort town kicks off the summer season Mother’s Day weekend.
Goodtime III: Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner Cruise
825 East Ninth Street Pier – North Coast Harbor, Cleveland, OH; 216.861.5110; www.goodtimeiii.com
Enjoy Mother’s day on Lake Erie aboard the Goodtime III. Choose from a brunch cruise from 12:20 – 3pm or the dinner cruise 5 – 7:30pm. Discount prices available for children.
Grovewood Tavern & Wine Bar: Mother’s Day “Hybrid” Brunch 2010
17105 Grovewood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44110; 216.531.4900; www.grovewoodtavern.com
The perfect place for brunch this year is the Grovewood Tavern & Wine Bar. Guests may choose one made-to-order hot brunch item and accessorize with a house-made salad, pastry and dessert buffet. Hours are 11am – 3pm. Price is $16 for adults, $8 for children 10 years and under and $4 for children 4 and under.
Grumpy’s Cafe
2621 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216. 241.5025; www.grumpys-cafe.com
Grumpy’s Café, located in Tremont, offers a brunch menu on Mother’s day from 8am – 3pm. The local favorite restaurant accepts reservations on Mother’s Day for parties bringing the whole family.
Hale Farm & Village: Mother’s Day Brunch
2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, OH 44210; 330.666.3711; www.wrhs.org
Take Mom back in time this Mother’s Day at Hale Farm & Village for a 19th century-style buffet brunch. This includes olive royals filled with sausage & mushrooms, potato and bacon quiche, baked French toast, fried green tomatoes, smoked sausage, apple cobbler and more. Guests also can enjoy 19th century music, games and lessons in serving Victorian tea. The brunch begins at noon in the Gatehouse Visitor Center. $40 members/$45 non-members, $20 child member/$25 child non-member, children under age three years are free. Reservations required.
Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland Airport: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet & Stay Package
7074 Engle Road, Cleveland, OH; 440. 234.0206; www.hamptoninn.com
Give Mom a little relaxing getaway for Mother’s Day weekend. The Hampton Inn & Suites offers a Mother’s Day package including a whirlpool suite and a brunch buffet at Tony K’s restaurant on Sunday, May 9 from 11am – 2pm. The cost is $139 for one night and buffet.
House of Blues: Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch
308 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH; 216.523.BLUE; www.houseofblues.com/cleveland
Celebrate Mother’s day with the sounds of Gospel during the House of Blues Gospel Brunch. Included in this lavish brunch are HOB’s famous cornbread muffins with maple butter, pecan caramel sticky buns, homemade biscuits and gravy and much more. Local gospel groups will get visitors singing, dancing and praising in the aisles. The House of Blues Gospel Brunch is great experience for people of all faiths and ages.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
26300 Chagrin Boulevard, Cleveland, OH; 216. 464.0688; www.hydeparkrestaurants.com
4073 Medina Road, Akron, OH; 330.670.6303; www.hydeparkrestaurants.com
123 W Prospect Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.344.2444; www.hydeparkrestaurants.com
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Hyde Park with a delicious three-course sea & shore menu for $39.90 or the two-course $19.90 menu. All patrons enjoy an elegant, upscale ambience with their regular dinner menu available all night.
InterContinental Hotel Cleveland: Mother’s Day Brunch
9801 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.707.4100; www.ichotelsgroup.com
Spoil your mom’s tastebuds this Mother’s Day at Table 45, the award-winning restaurant located in the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland. Presented in the Mother’s Day brunch is Chef Zack Bruell’s signature world cuisine. The brunch features a buffet of flavorful entrees, fresh sides and desserts. Reservations are required. Brunch is served from 11am – 4pm, $35 per person and $15 for children ages 6-10. Children under five eat free.
John Q’s Steakhouse: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
55 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.861.0900; www.johnqssteakhouse.com
Enjoy downtown Cleveland this Mother’s day at John Q’s Steakhouse located on Public Square. Treat your mom to their indulgent Mother’s Day buffet that begins at 11am for breakfast and switches to a dinner menu from 4 – 9pm. Reservations are recommended. Price is $29.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 10 and under.
Lake View Cemetery: 14th Annual Mother’s Day Walking Tour
12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.421.2665; www.lakeviewcemetery.com
Reflect on the influential women of Cleveland’s past this Mother’s Day. Lake View Cemetery is filled with sculpture, architecture and tributes to those who made great contributions to the area’s industrial and civic development. This Mother’s Day, Lake View Cemetery offers a walking tour spotlighting notable women buried there. Stroll with local author Vicki Vigil to rediscover the notable women that shaped Northeast Ohio. Tours will take place from 2 – 4pm and costs $6 per person. Reservations are required.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
26300 Cedar Road #1103 Cleveland. OH; 216.755.3000; www.maggianos.com
Bring your mom to the Maggiano’s Little Italy Mother’s Day Family Style Buffet where she can enjoy appetizers like stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta, an omelet station, carving station and the option to build your own salad. Seating is 11am – 7pm and also welcomes parties of six or more. Prices are adults $29.95 and children ages 5-12 $14.95 with a kids menu available.
Maxi’s- Little Italy
12113 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.421.1500; www.maxisinlittleitaly.com
Treat your mom to one of the fine bistros of Little Italy at Maxi’s. The welcoming atmosphere and reasonably priced cuisine makes Maxi’s a great spot to take mom on her special day. Mother’s Day hours are noon – 10pm. Case Western students and employees receive a 10 percent discount on their order.
Moxie, The Restaurant
3355 Richmond Road, Cleveland OH; 216.831.5599; www.moxietherestaurant.com
Spoil your mom with the delectable menu, featuring exciting twists on old favorites, offered at Moxie this Mother’s Day. Enjoy brunch 10:30am – 2:30pm or dinner featuring Moxi’s new menu 5 – 9pm. Prices are adults $39, children 12 and under $19.50 and children under five are free. Reservations are recommended.
Nautica Queen
1153 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113-2324; 216.696.8888; www.nauticaqueen.com
Make Mom feel like a queen this Mother’s Day aboard the Nautica Queen. The Nautica Queen features a brunch cruise from 11am-1:30pm and an early dinner cruise from 4-7pm. Families will be cruising under historic bridges and experiencing the unique views of downtown Cleveland’s ever-changing skyline. Reservations required.
Pickwick & Frolic: Mother’s Day Brunch
2035 East Fourth Street, Cleveland, OH; 216.241.7425; www.pickwickandfrolic.com
Make Mom laugh this Mother’s Day! The elegant-but-fun Pickwick & Folic brunch is the perfect place to experience delicious food and entertainment. Brunch price is $32.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 2-12 and children four and under are FREE. Brunch hours are 10am – 3pm. That evening, get to Hilarities East Fourth Street Theater to see comedian Greg Morton. Reservations suggested. Moms get in free!
Playhouse Square – State Theater: After the Love has Gone
1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH; 216.771.4444; www.playhousesquare.com
Take Mom to enjoy Donald Gray’s Mother’s Day inspirational stage play After the Love Has Gone on Mother’s Day only. This unique play features R&B sensations Johnny Gill, Kelly Price, Christopher Williams, Montel Jordan and Syleena Johnson. Tickets are $42.50 per person.
Quaker Steak & Lube: Mother’s Day Buffet
5935 Canal Road, Cleveland, OH 44125; 216.986.9500; www.quakersteakandlube.com
Quaker Steak & Lube Mother’s Day Buffet is fun for the whole family. Order your mom a strawberry daiquiri or pina colada served with a free fresh cut rose. After, enjoy delicious food on the buffet including snow crab legs and spring lamb. Price is $24.99 for adults, $21.99 for seniors 62 and older, $14.99 for children ages 8 – 13 and $6.99 for children 8 years and under.
Quail Hollow Resort: Mother’s Day Brunch
11080 Concord Hambden Road, Painesville, OH 44077; 440.497.1100; www.quailhollowresort.com
A tradition for over 30 years the Quail Hollow Resort brunch is a wonderful way to treat your mother on Mother’s Day. The menu is prepared by award-winning Chef John Buchner. The buffet is $28.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 12 – 4 and children under four years eat free. Reservations are required.
Ridgeview Farm
5488 Kinsman Road, Middlefield, OH 44062; 440.693.4000; http://ridgeviewfarm.com
Take your mother to Ridgeview Farm this Mother’s Day to create new memories and have fun as a family. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to see how food is grown in their greenhouse. The petting barn will be open to the public including a calf, sheep, goats, puppies, bunnies, chickens and “Red” the rooster.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
1515 West Third Street, Cleveland, OH; 216.623.1300; www.ritzcarlton.com
Mother’s Day Tea in Lobby Lounge on 6
On Saturday, May 8 spend a special afternoon with the mother in your life as you enjoy the relaxing tradition of afternoon tea in Lobby Lounge on 6. This popular afternoon tea event includes one flute of champagne, a selection of tea sandwiches, assorted tea pastries and a pot of tea. Mothers also receive a beautiful rose. Prices are $36 for adults and $18 for children. Seating begins at noon. Please call for reservations.
Mother’s Day Brunch in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Celebrate Mother’s Day by treating your mom to one of Cleveland’s favorite traditions: The Ritz-Carlton Mother’s Day Brunch. A delicious array of seasonal offerings complement a selection of their chef’s culinary creations on May 9 from 11am – 4pm (last seating at 3:30pm). Reservations required. Prices are $48 for adults and $24 for children 12 and under.
Mother’s Day Dining in MUSE
On Mother’s Day, MUSE will serve its Breakfast Buffet from 7 – 11:30am and then open its doors for lunch dining until 2pm.
Bed & Breakfast Package
A well-deserved getaway weekend! Treat your mom with an unforgettable weekend escape, where she can relax and be pampered. Reserve the Bed and Breakfast package and enjoy deluxe accommodations and a delicious breakfast for two.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303; 330.836.5533; www.stanhywet.org
Enjoy the beautiful Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens this Mother’s Day. Each year, thousands of visitors enjoy Stan Hywet’s artfully landscaped gardens and grounds. Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day lunch in the new Molly’s Shop & Café. All moms get free admission on Mother’s Day. Self-guided Manor House tours are also available on Mother’s Day.
Sergio’s in University Circle and Sergio’s Sarava at Shaker Square
Sergio’s 1903 Ford Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.231.1234; www.sergioscleveland.com
Sarava 13225 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120; 216.295.1200; www.sergioscleveland.com
Treat mom to one of Cleveland’s best local independent restaurants on her special day. Sergio’s in University Circle and SARAVÁ at Shaker Square will both be open early @ 4 pm on Mother’s Day. Enjoy regular menus & chef’s seasonal specials. Reservations are recommended.
Settlers’ Village: Mother’s Day Event
14279 Old State Road, Middlefield, OH, 44062; 440.632.1124; www.vancuragallery.com
Settlers’ Village celebrates Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 8th with the start of the 2010 special event season. Enjoy live music, Amish bakery, craft and art vendors plus special activities at select shops. Make a one-of-a-kind card for Mom at The Craft Cupboard, a home-made apron at Tiny Stitches Quilts or attend a doll-making workshop hosted by Susan Lucas at the Artisans’ Barn. Several female artists hosted by Vancura Gallery share originals and demonstrations. Check online for activity schedule and prices.
Zocalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria
2071 East 4th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115; 216.781.0420; www.zocalocleveland.com
Have a Mother’s Day Fiesta at Zocalo offering specials on 1800 Margaritas and a brunch menu from 11:30am – 3pm. As part of Zocalo’s “10 Days of Cinco De Mayo,” the restaurant is giving away a series of Yankees vs. Indians tickets.
Ways to help others…
Cleveland Botanical Garden: Mother’s Day Blooms-To-Go
11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH; 216.721.1600; www.cbgarden.org
Don’t just get Mom flowers this Mother’s Day. Take her to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Whether she’s strolling through one of the garden’s ten acres of colorful, landscaped gardens or exploring the Glasshouse featuring interesting global climates, plant and animal life, she’ll be having a great time. And, those looking to do something for others can come in on Saturday, May 8 from 11am-1pm to help create blooming arrangements that will be donated to the Community Women’s Shelter.
Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center
5310 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH; 216. 431.3510; www.thecitymission.org/laurashome
Help moms in need this Mother’s Day by donating personal and practical gifts for women and children taking refuge at Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Or, join Art on Wheels, Inc and Enchanted Makeovers by making a monetary donation to help provide an afternoon of hands-on-activities. To find out how you can get involved or to make a monetary donation, email Carolina@artonwheels.us.
The Young and The Restless
Snoopy at Cedar Point Amusement Park (west of Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio).
Kids are always looking for their next kingdom and Northeast Ohio is a treasure map of interesting activities that will excite and entertain.
Take for instance the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and its newest program this spring — The Scoop on Poop! Fish do it, frogs do it, pythons, eagles and elephants do it, yet poop is one of those subjects we find difficult to talk about with a straight face. “Kids however are positively fascinated by it,” says Sue Allen, manager of marketing and public relations at the Metroparks Zoo. “Poop is interesting stuff — really.”
Zoo visitors can improve their No. 2 IQ in Stool School by listening in on an animal’s digestive system, learn the language of poop in countries around the world, compete in dung beetle races, track wild animals by clues left in scat and much more. This is, of course, on top of everything else awesomely interesting about the Metroparks’ zoo including its animal shows, dinosaur exhibit and more than 3,000 creatures roaming 168 rolling, wooded acres.
Most things about planet earth are pretty interesting, but everything about space is totally engrossing. At the Great Lakes Science Center (one of the nation’s leading science and technology hubs and home to the awe-inspiring OMNIMAX Theater), the Return to the Moon exhibit will be sweeping young minds off their feet and placing them squarely on the lunar map.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of University Circle
About 15 minutes east of downtown Cleveland, University Circle shines as a world-class arts and culture destination. There’s a lot to see and do in the circle so we made it our mission to discover the things you absolutely cannot miss when you visit. Read on for tips for making the most of your University Circle experience or watch the Positively Cleveland video below.
Cleveland Institute of Art
Founded in 1882, The Cleveland Institute of Art is an independent college of art and design that also offers a wide array of public programming.
11141 East Boulevard, 216.421.7000, www.cia.edu
Reinberger Gallery open 10am-5pm on Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. and 10am-9pm on Fri.
Various alternative and arts film showings at the CIA Cinematheque.
Tips:
- CIA’s Cinematheque shows more than 250 domestic and international films each year, films you probably can’t see anywhere else. Admission is $8, parking is free (right next to the building) and concessions won’t break the bank. Tickets may be purchased at CIA’s box office before each film. View the schedule here.
- Just inside the doors of CIA’s Gund building, visitors are welcome to browse the FREE Reinberger Gallery where local artists as well as major traveling exhibits are displayed Tuesday through Saturday.
- The Visiting Artist Program invites artists of regional, national and international renown to CIA to present free lectures showcasing a wide variety of topics in fine arts and design. These lectures are free and open to the public.
Severance Hall
Long considered one of America’s great orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra performs in Severance Hall, located in University Circle on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.
11001 Euclid Avenue, 216.231.1111, www.clevelandorchestra.com
Various concert and event times.
Tips:
- Silver aluminum decorates the entire hall and the acoustics are prime, making it a fantastic place to hear a concert.
- The Cleveland Orchestra packs their schedule with family-friendly events throughout the concert season. Browse the events calendar to find something for the whole family.
- The Orchestra has two homes. Severance Hall , the orchestra’s winter home is in University Circle. In the summer, picnic with the orchestra at Blossom Music Center, a large outdoor venue.
- Severance Hall offers free public tours on selected Sundays at 12pm and 1pm during the Severance Hall season. Call 216.231.1111 for reservations. Private tours can be arranged for a fee by calling 216.231.7421.
- Severance offers on-site parking, dining and a music-inspired gift shop.
The Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle (view from Wade Lagoon side)
Cleveland Museum of Art
One of the nation’s most preeminent art museums, featuring 6,000 years of the world’s great art and significant special exhibitions. The current expansion project re-imagines the museum.
11150 East Boulevard, 888.CMA.0033, www.clevelandart.org
Open 10am-5pm Tues., Thurs. and Sat. and 10am-9pm Wed. and Fri.
Tips:
- The Cleveland Museum of Art is FREE (excepting some special exhibitions)
- Coming soon are galleries for Asian, antiquities, ancient Americas, medieval European and Sub-Saharan African art, textiles, and prints and drawings.
- Head to the second floor to experience CMA’s newly renovated art research library, the 3rd largest in the United States, including 401,918 volumes. Open to the public free everyday for leisurely reading.
- CMA hosts some of Cleveland’s most popular events, including Parade the Circle
Cleveland Institute of Music
CIM is an internationally known observatory of music boasting a gorgeous recital hall where faculty, visiting musicians and students of the highest caliber perform hundreds of free concerts each year.
11021 East Boulevard, 216.791.5000, www.cim.edu
Various concert and recital times.
Tips:
- The public is encouraged to attend one of more than 400 free concerts performed each year by students, faculty and well-known guest musicians.
- As part of the curriculum at CIM, students are required to perform individual recitals (open to the public) to help prepare them for large audiences.
Cleveland Botanical Garden Winter Show
Voted “Best Holiday Display” in Scene’s 2009 “Best of Cleveland” issue, the Cleveland Botanical Garden Winter Show is an impressive display of festive holiday cheer. Gingerbread houses judged in competition and Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local organizations sprinkle the hallways leading the way to model trains and Santa’s workshop activity center.
When you’re finished pretending it’s summer inside CBG’s glasshouse, head outside for some ice skating on The Rink at Wade Oval. Skating is free (skate rental is $3 if you don’t have your own) and guests can purchase hot beverages and snacks at the nearby concession stands.
Visit www.cbgarden.org for more information. –Submitted by CA
Kick, Push and Glide
University Circle skating rink at dusk (Photo: KFCrisafi)
Winter brings beauty to the Cleveland Plus landscape in many unique ways. Visit the snow-blanketed ski resorts of Peninsula, race the Chalet Toboggan Chutes in the Mill Stream Reservation of the Metroparks, or spy the Hinckley Ohio buzzards coming home to roost in their Medina Township nesting grounds. For fans of frozen sports, one of the more unique winter attractions has to be the polymer ice skating rink at University Circle’s central park Wade Oval.
“The Rink enjoyed tremendous success in its inaugural year, with more than 10,000 visitors taking advantage of the only outdoor skating rink in Cleveland,” says Sheila Obrycki, director of marketing at University Circle Inc.
Because of its unique plastic polymer surface, The Rink requires no electricity or water to maintain, which means it’s open from November 21 to sometime in March when the weather starts to warm up again. Plus, it skates like real ice, almost indistinguishable when practicing your patented triple lutz for family and friends. And, perhaps best of all–admission is free and skate rentals are only $3, so it’s great budget-friendly fun.
In-Laws Out on the Town (08.26.08)
Tinkerbelle was a small boat.
My in-laws were in town for our son’s second birthday this weekend, so my husband and I took a couple of days off from work to spend time with them. On Friday morning we decided to head over to University Circle. We originally had planned to go to the Vatican Splendors exhibit at Western Reserve Historical Society, but realized $20 a person might be too much to pay to have to rush through the exhibit with a two year old. We probably could have planned that better. Since we were already there (and our son discovered the massive room full of cars in the Crawford Auto-Aviation area of the museum), we decided to pay the general admission to explore the rest of the place. Our son had a great time checking out all of the cars, all of which have been restored or rebuilt and are in gorgeous condition. I was amazed to find out that in the 1960′s a man from Cleveland sailed by himself in a very small boat called “Tinkerbelle” across the Atlantic Ocean. The actual boat was there, and it was pretty small.
We also walked through the areas of the history museum that is actually a large, restored mansion–the “Hanna” house. (It’s all attached to another house that has been kept mostly as a house, the “Hay-McKinney” mansion.) It was so neat to see how this space has been used and incorporated into the museum and has been kept in such great condition. I loved looking up at the ceilings in the various rooms to see the detailed woodwork and paintings on the ceilings and the attention to detail. Plus, there apparently was a wedding scheduled for that day in the interior gardens of the mansion. It looked so beautiful out there I asked my husband if we could get married again so we could have our wedding there.
Transfixed by the fishies.
As I said, we had a toddler with us, so we were only at Western Reserve Historical Society for an hour or so. Then we walked over to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. At this point I actually was thinking to myself, “the new multi-attraction pass that’s available in September would have been useful to have.” But that’s okay because I have to say, I really need to take our son back to the botanical garden. The indoor glasshouse was nice and we were all amazed at how many butterflies there were in the Costa Rica cloud forest area of the glasshouse. They were everywhere with plenty of gorgeous blue butterflies whizzing past us.
Bring a change of clothes for the kids.
I am a little sad that we didn’t spend more time at the gardens, because I really wanted my in-laws to see how expansive the outdoor gardens are. We never made it past the Hershey Children’s Garden. Our son played and splashed in the fountain, dug around in the sandbox, filled up water pails with the hand pumps and got up close and personal with the inhabitants of the fish pond. One recommendation–bring a change of clothes for the little ones–I did and I am grateful. If we could have pulled him away from this area, I think he would have enjoyed running around the rest of the outdoor gardens as well. If we’d had two or three hours, all of us would have easily been occupied. I’ll have to keep this in mind if the in-laws come for another visit next summer.–LS
Rediscovering Cleveland with Friends (08.07.08)
Public Square Downtown
This past week I had some Italian friends in town, so of course I put my money where my mouth is and tried to show them that Cleveland is full of interesting things to do. We were disappointed, but not for lack of activities—with all there was to see and do, we actually ran out of time. We spent three days out sightseeing, shopping and museum-hopping and didn’t even fit in one-third of all the things I would have liked us to have done.
On Wednesday we went to University Circle to visit the newly-reopened art museum, then dashed over to the botanical garden for a delightful trip through Madagascar, Costa Rica and the outdoor gardens. (By the by, if you museum hop in University Circle, present your admission ticket from one museum at another and get a $2 discount!) We finished up that day with a stop inside the Frank Gehry-designed Peter B. Lewis building, and then recuperated with mochas at Arabica, a local coffee shop.
Thursday was our shopping day, starting off at funky Coventry in Cleveland Heights. City Buddha, Record Revolution and Big Fun did not disappoint. Next we went for a melt-in-your-mouth lunch at the Melting Pot and took in the sights and stores of Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. By the time we finished with all those stores we barely had time to tour the shops down the street in La Place across from Beachwood Place and take a peek at the incredible delicacies at the White Flower Cake Shoppe. That evening I was proud to take my friends to Nighttown, a neighborhood joint with an Irish soul and world-class jazz. We indulged in flourless chocolate cake and watched the jazz trio work the crowd like the pros they were.
Friday was the big downtown day. We headed to Tower City on the rapid with plans to do a quick tour of the building and the downtown area, then head over to the Great Lakes Science Center for an afternoon of interactive exhibits. We never made it inside the museum—Cleveland itself proved too distracting. First, there were all the cute shops in Tower City. Chic et Mode enticed me to buy a watch, the Hard Rock Café enticed my friends to see Jimi Hendrix’s purple velvet pants, and the guitars placed all around the mall beckoned us to come and take a picture with them. We then headed out to Public Square where we admired the architecture of the Old Stone Church, and reveled in the cool marble hallways of the Cleveland Public Library. As we meandered over towards North Coast Harbor, one friend said to me, “Cleveland is so big!” I informed her that Cleveland is actually about half the size of her home city. She was incredulous and concluded that everything here just felt big.
Great Lakes Science Center on a sunny day.
We got our first good view of the lake walking down West 3rd Street, heading towards Browns Stadium. Although it’s not an afternoon in Cleveland without running into diehard fans of the Indians, the Cavs or the Browns, we didn’t know the Browns were holding an open practice that afternoon. When we reached the stadium there were throngs of people decked out in brown and orange, along with food, games and live entertainment. From the edge of Browns Stadium, the view of the science center was gorgeous, the glowing white of museum and wind turbine silhouetted against the blue sky and blue lake. I was thrilled that my friends would have this picture of Cleveland in their mind. I also thought it was a shame that my Cleveland friends don’t have the same picture. Hopefully, with my newfound appreciation of all there is to do and see here (plus 475 Cleveland photos courtesy of my friends), I can help change that. –LB
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