The Best of Cleveland: The Land That I Love

• Cleveland Botanical Gardens: A lovely place to visit complete with two tropical glasshouses and a bevy of beautiful outdoor gardens connected by a walking trail. Now a part of the Holden Arboretum, which is also worth a visit if you’re up for a drive.

• Cleveland Metroparks: An absolute gem. The Metroparks covers about 25,000 acres and features over 325 miles of trails perfect for biking, hiking, running or walking. It also includes several golf courses, lakefront parks and the wonderful Cleveland Zoo.

• Great Lakes Science Center: Situated right along Lake Erie, this is fun place to explore with lots of hands-on activities. Be sure to check out whatever is showing at the DOME theater.

• Lake View Cemetery: This might sound strange, but this historic cemetery is worth a few hours of your time. The grounds are lovely, particularly in the fall, and self-guided walking tours are welcome. Highlights include the James A. Garfield Memorial, John D. Rockefeller Obelisk and hauntingly beautiful Haserot Angel.

• Ohio City: A wonderful neighborhood located just across the river from Downtown. This is the home of the fabulous West Side Market and well-known Great Lakes Brewing Company. There are a slew of other breweries, restaurants and bars nearby, all conveniently located on/around West 25th Street.

• Playhouse Square: This is the second-largest theater district in the U.S. and truly shines from its dazzling outdoor chandelier to beautifully restored 1920s-era theaters.

• Progressive Field: Real Clevelanders still refer to this as the Jake, but it’s the home of the top-notch Cleveland Guardians MLB team. Snag some tickets to a game and enjoy this beautiful ballpark full of great local brews and food options. I recommend parking in Ohio City and walking over the Art Deco Hope Memorial Bridge to get there. You’ll pass under the four sets of stone guardians, who have been towering above the traffic since 1932 and inspired the team’s name.

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Architecture and music lovers alike should pay a visit to this lakeside hall of fame built by the famed I.M. Pei. Be sure to walk over to Voinovich Bicentennial Park before you leave for some iconic shots of the Rock Hall with the city in the background.

• Severance Hall: This absolutely beautiful concert hall is home to the world class Cleveland Orchestra. Treat yourself to a performance, perhaps preceded by dinner in nearby Little Italy.

• West Side Market: Hands-down my favorite place in Cleveland. This historic market was built in 1912 and is comprised of an outdoor produce arcade and glorious main hall with a vaulted Guastavino tile ceiling. Browse the cases, chat with the local vendors and be sure to wander up to the balcony with a coffee or tea to take it all in from a catbird seat by the window. My favorite vendors are Boutros Brothers, Czuchraj Meats, Irene Dever, D.W. Whitaker, Kate’s Fish, Ohio City Pasta, Rita’s and the White Flower Cake Shoppe. Oh, and if you’re into bratwurst, Frank’s Brats is the place for you.

Day trips:

• Cedar Point: Located about an hour’s drive northeast of Cleveland, Cedar Point is one of the best amusement parks in the world. Stay the night and visit the nearby island of Put-In-Bay to enjoy a slower pace of life.

• Chagrin Falls: This charming village town is located about 30 minutes southeast of Cleveland. Wander around the downtown area with its local shops, restaurants and scenic waterfall. If you’re an oenophile, Chuck’s Fine Wine shop is definitely worth a stop.

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: An unexpected oasis for nature lovers along the historic Ohio and Erie Canal. You can bike, hike, run or walk along the extensive Towpath Trail, which is over 100 miles long. I recommend taking the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway one way and stopping by the Boston Mill Visitor Center to browse the gift shop and grab a snack.

• Amba: Enjoy shareable plates and well-crafted cocktails at this modern Indian restaurant from local chef Douglas Katz. Located in the Hinge Town neighborhood of Ohio City.

• Barrio: Fun spot for delicious create-your-own tacos. There are several locations, but I like to frequent the original Tremont location. Order the chips and queso, but make sure you save room for your main course!

• Butcher and Brewer: Casual brewpub on East Fourth with great food and drinks.

• Cordelia: This might just be the best new restaurant in town. Located on East Fourth Street, it offers fresh and absolutely delicious options for dinner and Sunday brunch. Dishes are meant to be shared, but that just means that you can try more of the menu.

• Dante: Indulge in excellent Italian by Michelin Starred Chef Dante Boccuzzi. Located in the trendy Tremont neighborhood.

• Herb & Twine: Located just a few blocks from the West Side Market, this carry-out only shop has the best sandwiches in town. They bake their bread fresh every day and once they’re out, they’re out.

• Juneberry Table: Great little spot in Ohio City for breakfast and lunch. It’s pretty tiny, so consider putting in your name and then walking a few blocks to explore the West Side Market until your table is ready.

• Momocho: An Ohio City staple that is fun, festive and delicious. Live a little and order both the guacamole and margarita trios.

• Rising Star Coffee: The best coffee in Cleveland. They now have multiple locations, but I like going to the one in Hingetown before I head over to the West Side Market. Try the Cardamom Bomb.

• Velvet Tango Room: Classy cocktail bar located between Ohio City and Tremont. Call ahead to reserve a table in the back room.