Clara & Joseph
Things To Do
The Cleveland Museum of Art
The CMA is where we went on our first date! Plus, it's just overall one of our favorite places in Cleveland and it was designed by the same architects who designed our wedding venue. It has a great, accessible collection and did we mention that it's free to the public?
West Side Market
West Side Market is a Cleveland icon. The market is over 100 years old and is home to roughly 100 vendors. It's impossible to step inside its doors without your mouth immediately watering. Stop by for breakfast (crepes, bread, pastries) or lunch (crepes, Italian sausages, falafel), or simply stroll amongst its aisles taking in the sights and sounds of some of Cleveland's best butchers, bakers and cheesemakers (sorry, no candlesticks).
Platform Beer Co.
Like beer? We recommend Platform for any and all beer lovers. They have an extensive beer list and are constantly rotating in new brews (they release something fresh almost every Friday). Not a beer lover? No worries! Platform recently started making their own hard seltzer, which Clara can vouch for as being pretty delicious.
Bialy's Bagels
Cleveland has some pretty good bagel joints, but as loyal East-siders Bialy's is definitely our favorite spot. John Carroll, our alma mater, used to get the bagels for their cafeteria from Bialy's, so Clara (a snobbier eater in her college days) knew at least those would be edible, even if nothing else was. If you're going to go, go early and get the bagels while they're still warm. Only a short drive (or walk) from The Church of the Gesu, we wouldn't blame you if you stopped by to pick up a dozen before the ceremony. Clara recommends the asiago cheese (they put cheese on the top AND the bottom), and Joe has always been a fan of the blueberry.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The name speaks for itself and anyone who is a fan of rock and roll should check out the Rock Hall (as the locals call it) while they're in Cleveland. Situated on the shore of Lake Erie it features rotating exhibits, as well as permanent installations, all dedicated to the history of rock and roll.
Angelo's Pizza
Looking for a slice? We recommend Angelo's in Lakewood. It is consistently rated one of the best (if not the best) pizza joint in Cleveland and both of us can attest that it is VERY good. If you're looking for something a little closer to downtown, Edison's in Tremont is also wonderful and if you're looking for something a little more artisan, we recommend Harlowe's in Lakewood. It's a bit further from the city center, but it is wonderful Neopolitan pizza.
Griffin Cider House & Gin Bar
So, there's obviously a food and drink theme going on here (what can we say, we like food and drink). If you're a fan of cider, beer or amazing craft cocktails, it's worth your time to check out Griffin Cider House. It's also an awesome destination if you want to feel like you've stepped into a classic English pub. We cannot recommend it enough.
Cleveland Bike Tours
Okay, so the weather might not be super for a bike tour in November, but if it isn't snowing/raining/hailing/minus 48 degrees outside, it could be a nice day to bike around Cleveland and learn a little bit about the history of the great city we call home.
Little Italy
Like every little Italy in America, Cleveland's Italian neighborhood boasts incredible pasta and pizza (Mama Santa's is a personal favorite) and of course, all the cannoli you could possibly want.
Tremont
A vibrant neighborhood on the very-near west side, Tremont boasts great bars (The Spotted Owl and Hi & Dry are a couple of favorites) and wonderful restaurants (Lucky's has the best breakfast in Cleveland, if you ask us).
Felice Urban Cafe
If you're coming into town on Friday night and need a place for dinner, consider Felice. It's a favorite spot of ours, housed in an old three-story home in the Larchmere neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland. The food is always wonderful and the ambiance is unique. Looking for after dinner drinks? They also do reverse happy hour, with discounted beer, wine and cocktails AFTER 10 p.m.