The Arcade opened as early as in 1890 and was the first indoor shopping center in America. It still sports a Victorian facade and consists of three buildings with a glass skylight spanning over four balconies. Restaurants include Chocolate Bar, Greek Express and Presto Sandwiches among numerous others. Stores include flower shops, clinics, clothing boutiques and more. The space is available for events, too.
Opened in 2012, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is Cleveland's one of the top tourist attractions. The aquarium consists of 70000 square feet (6503 square meters) of exhibits and activities for the whole family. Exhibits cover topics such as pollution, tropical reefs, and coastal sea life. Take part in exciting interactive programs such as Feet First, which allows certified divers to swim with sharks, or Zzz's in the Seas Overnights, which allows visitors to spend the night in the aquarium.
When Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the phrase “rock and roll,” he was laying the foundation for a cultural phenomenon and, incidentally, this museum. In 1986, three years after the creation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Cleveland became the home of the dramatic glass and steel pyramid called the Rock Hall, designed by the architect I. M. Pei. With an impressive multimedia permanent collection and continually changing temporary exhibitions, visitors can enjoy listening to songs, watching films, and looking at rock memorabilia ranging from a Cub Scout shirt worn by Jim Morrison to Madonna's bustier.
Theater lovers and art enthusiasts lovingly named the stretch between East 14th Street and East 17th Street Playhouse Square, for this is where the great Cleveland playhouses were located. Playhouse Square houses several famed theaters: the Ohio Theatre, the Allen Theater, the State Theater and the Palace Theater. Later on the Hanna Theatre was reopened. If you are interested in the arts, plan an evening here while visiting Cleveland.
West Side Market brings together a group of more than 100 vendors selling their wares to locals and tourists alike. The heritage building housing the stalls was constructed in 1912 as an indoor marketplace and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The market itself began operations in 1840 and is Cleveland's oldest public market. People come here as much for admiring the building's marvelous architecture as buying fresh produce and local specialties. Aromatic herbs, spices, oils, nuts, poultry, seafood and meat are just a few of the food categories found here. You can also shop for processed foods, baked items, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products and flowers. Groups can arrange a planned tour of the market in cooperation with the Market Office.
Wendy Park is named after the daughter of its founder Dan and Marge Moore. Nestled besides the Lake Erie it offers breathtaking views of the lake, The Flats and downtown. Stroll through the shoreline trails or play at one of their sand volleyball courts. Dotted with greenery, this tranquil place is a haven for everyone. It also features a prairie garden and a cafe.
The history of the Halcyon Lodge can be traced back to 1875 when the temple was first founded by A. D. Bigelow. The lodge has since developed a somewhat notorious reputation for its unusual, progressive and sometimes unpopular actions which eventually pitted it against the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The lodge itself is a splendid sight, and boasts some fine architectural details. It also plays host to events from time to time, the most noted of which has been the Bal Ingenieux.
Karamu House is one of the oldest African-American theaters in the whole of the United States. It is located on the east of Cleveland and offers a rich foundation for a lifelong love for theater and performing arts. Professional tutors are appointed to impart knowledge and the basics of art, dance, music and cultural art forms. The fees are on a steeper side but it proves its worth going by the array of activities on offer. With a history that spans across more than a century, the Karamu House plays a significant part in preserving and depicting the Afro-American culture and its values.
Established in 1826, Case Western Reserve University has evolved from being just a technical institute to a full-fledged research university home to students from across the world. Considered to be one of the best universities in the country, it provides education to up to 10,000 students in undergraduate, post-graduate and research programs under the guidance of researchers and expert staff that comprises industry leaders and noble laureates. Spread across 550 acres (220 hectares), its campus comprises some of the well known educational institutes like School of Dental Medicine, Franklin T. Backus School of Law, Weatherhead School of Management and Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. With the focus to provide facilities for an all-round development of students, the Case Western Reserve University campus hosts cultural and recreational events from time to time. The university organizes campus tour on working days, so call ahead to schedule a tour to the university.
University Circle is a neighborhood in Cleveland that serves as one of the city's cultural and entertainment centers. It is named for the abundance of educational institutions nearby, including Case Western Reserve University. There are plenty of high-end dining options, museums, shops, and medical facilities in the area, making it one of Cleveland's most important economic centers. A variety of festivals and events for the whole family are held here throughout the year.
The James A. Garfield Monument was built to honor James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States. Tours are offered where you can learn about the history of his life and the significance of his presidency, as well as details about the monument itself. It features marble accents, stained glass windows, and gold mosaics. His casket is on display, draped in an American flag. Walk up to the balcony and you'll have a great view of Lake Erie.