Writers Rock in Cleveland
Writers Rock in Cleveland
By Bobbie Green
Here we were, a group of approximately 130 travel writers and Public relations people from the North American Travel Writers Association wandering through the “closed to the public” legendary Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Awesomely privileged is how each of us feels. No rushing, no crowds, the “A” band is performing rock & roll hits in the lobby for our dancing and listening pleasure adding to the total-experience atmosphere of the great musical legends we were encountering and learning about in this interactive museum.
The open bar and deserts are hosted by “Positively Cleveland” the Cleveland convention and visitors bureau. These wonderful “perks” make up for the continuous 12-hour days, with no more than 30 minutes to change clothes and brush your teeth in the life of a travel writer. No complaint intended, I love my job, just the facts.
The unique design of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a sight to behold, especially at night with the lights shining through the glass structure. Visitors if possible, time your visit at sunset.
The question I was most asked before leaving Mesquite was “Why are you going to Cleveland?” “Positively Cleveland” positively answered that question for me and all the other travel writers with a whirlwind tour of their city. Time did not allow us to see all they had to offer, but what we did encounter gave us a new and positive opinion of Cleveland and its many unexpected culture and tourist attractions.
Visitors will discover Cleveland has the second largest performing arts center in the nation, Playhouse Square. University Circle host the most concentrated square mile of arts, culture and educational institutions in the country, all of the beautiful buildings are located in an easy-walk park setting.
For ethnic culture and cuisine the iconic neo-classical West Side Market is a landmark. It is the oldest publicly-owned market in the city with 180 vendors who have been there for generations selling their cultural heritage foods, from Hungarian Sausage to Slavic pierogis. Go there hungry so you can try everything. It is crowded, noisy and fun.
Families will not want to miss the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Located on 165 wooded acres they have everything from the rainforest to the Australian outback. Of course Ralphie Parker’s house from A Christmas Story (now a museum) is located in Cleveland and no child at heart wants to miss seeing Red Ryder BB guns and Little Orphan Annie decoder rings. The Great Lakes Science Center located next door to the Hall of Fame is not to be missed especially if you have children.
The six-story high Omnimax Threater also located in the center will thrill adults and children alike. Soaring over the Great Lakes is an experience I won’t soon forget.
A visit to Cleveland would not be complete without a visit to Little Italy where you may dine Italian style in generational family owned restaurants. I can personally recommend Gusto’s- the food is “magnifico” and is served Italian style with live accordion music by the owner. On your visit you must not forget a brewery like the Great Lakes Brewing Company, they offer tours of the brewery, in their restaurant one can see the bullet hole that was meant for Eliot Ness while he was seated at the bar.
Cleveland has not forgotten its sports fans with games at Quicken Field and Browns Stadium.
Still rocking in Cleveland we writers weren’t finish yet. On our last night there we again were treated to another private party this time at the House of Blues. After our Southern Style dinner, we were treated to a performance for our listening and dancing pleasure by their Sunday Morning Gospel Group. I did not count them, but the stage was full of singer and back up music. We were told they were going to “raise the roof” and they did again and again, yet another unreal and totally awesome experience for us. The singers were thrilling and moving, when in Cleveland one must not miss the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on Sundays, where the “Raise the Roof” Prayer Warriors perform.
Why did I go to Cleveland? To Rock, man, positively to rock.
I think you are good writer, keep us posting