Evan & Lydia
Things To Do
Explore Downtown Cleveland
Cleveland has a ton of history, a lot of which can be seen walking around its Downtown. Some highlights include: - Public Square: The central heart of Downtown. Includes recently updated walking paths and seating areas as well as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, commemorating the Civil War. - The Arcade: An historic and beautiful architectural landmark. If a movie was filmed in Cleveland, there's probably a scene here. - Cleveland Trust Company Building: A noteworthy historic building with a modern grocery store inside. Check out the beautiful rotunda, and imagine doing your daily grocery shopping here! - The Mall: A large public area with green spaces. Walk to the top of Mall C for views of the lakefront. - Playhouse Square: The 2nd most concentrated theater district in the US! - E 9th Pier & Cleveland Script Sign: Walk down to the E 9th pier for the Rock Hall as well as one of Cleveland's script signs - a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
An internationally renowned art museum - especially for Asian and Egyptian art. Plus it's FREE! Check out some exhibits and then walk around University Circle or grab a bite to eat in Little Italy.
West Side Market
West Side Market is Cleveland’s largest and oldest continuously operating public market. The Market has served fresh produce, meats, bakery, dairy, prepared foods and more to Cleveland residents and visitors since 1912. Located in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, the Market is home to 70 family-owned businesses and more than 250 employees.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
If you love music, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit while you're in Cleveland. This iconic museum celebrates the legends of rock with interactive exhibits, legendary memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind artifacts from artists like The Beatles, Elvis, and Beyoncé.
Edgewater Beach
Edgewater Park features 9000 feet of shoreline, dog and swim beaches, boat ramps, fishing pier, picnic areas, playgrounds, grills and a pavilion.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, nestled between Cleveland and Akron, is a hidden gem that blends natural beauty with rich history. Unlike many national parks, it feels more like a peaceful retreat than a rugged wilderness—home to winding trails, scenic waterfalls like Brandywine Falls, and the meandering Cuyahoga River. Visitors can hike, bike the Towpath Trail, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or explore charming historic towns nearby. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing escape into nature, without straying far from the city.
Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Metroparks is a sprawling network of nature reserves, trails, and recreational areas that circle the city. Covering over 24,000 acres, it offers everything from wooded hiking and biking trails to fishing spots, golf courses, and even a zoo. Whether you're looking for a quiet walk in the woods, a scenic picnic, or a day of adventure, the Metroparks has something for everyone—right in Cleveland’s backyard.
Lake View Cemetery
Modeled after the Victorian and Edwardian garden cemeteries of France and England, Lake View is filled with dramatic natural landscapes, curved roadways, artful plantings, and carefully designed monuments. It was designed as a rural retreat for urban dwellers to reconnect with the beauty and healing qualities of nature.
The Holden Arboretum
For those up for a drive, the Holden Arboretum is one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States, with more than 3,600 acres, including 600 acres devoted to collections and gardens.
House from A Christmas Story
The House from a Christmas Story, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.
Mitchell's Ice Cream (Ohio City Kitchen & Shop)
The location on W 25th Street is their flagship store, which includes the factory where they make all of the ice cream. We guarantee that this will be some of the best ice cream you will have in your entire life.
Superelectric Pinball Parlor
One of Evan and Lydia's favorite spots for fun! A staple in the Gordon Square neighborhood, challenge your friends to a few games of pinball and check out the rest of our favorites in the area, like Brewnuts, Happy Dog, and Edgewater Beach Park.
Mahall's
This throwback venue (circa-1924) offers bowling, live music, a cocktail bar, dancing, comedy & a hearty pub-grub menu in a unique set of spaces in the nearest westside suburb of Lakewood.
Eat your way through Asia Town
Smokestacks and steeples rise above indoor shopping plazas, live-work lofts, and tree-lined streets. Located in the heart of Cleveland, AsiaTown offers unparalleled views of Downtown and Lake Erie. This neighborhood offers Asian grocery stores, gift shops, beauty salons, and a wide selection of dining, from Cantonese dim sum and Vietnamese pho to Korean bbq and Szechuan hot pot. Some of Evan and Lydia's favorite Cleveland memories are of the meals shared in this awesome neighborhood!
Bar Crawl the W 25th Breweries
With more than 40 breweries scattered across the metro area, Cleveland is a great spot for craft beer lovers. W 25th St has a number of breweries, restaurants, and bars to check out - great for a simple dinner or a night out on the town!
Cedar Point
Halloweekends is in full swing at Evan and Lydia's favorite amusement park. An hour drive west of Cleveland, you'll enjoy daytime delights and nighttime frights during Cedar Point's spookiest season.
Algebra Tea House
Stop by this quirky tea shop in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood for a diverse menu of teas, cozy atmosphere, unique decor, and peaceful ambiance. One of Evan and Lydia's favorite spots to relax while working or socializing.
Brewnuts
Lydia's favorite local donut shop, located in the Gordon Square neighborhood. Their festive atmosphere is just the start, with their weekly themed menus making it an impossible decision for what to get. Also check out other Gordon Square favorites like Super Electric Pinball Parlor and Happy Dog.
Happy Dog
Gordon Square's neighborhood bar offering hot dogs, burgers, and tater tots with 50+ toppings (sweet, savory, and anything you can imagine!) with vegan options available. Live music playing multiple nights a week. Evan and Lydia love trying new crazy topping combos and enjoying the local bands. Round out the evening with Brewnuts and Super Electric Pinball down the street.
Cleveland Bucket List
Want the complete low-down? Check out the Cleveland Bucket List, a lifestyle guide celebrating life in Cleveland. It highlights all things from exercise classes to local experiences, events, food, and culture. It's designed for both longtime residents and visitors.