CITY GUIDE: Cleveland

Today’s City Guide is brought to you by Shelley Turk of Cleveland!

I’m sure I could do one million variations of a Cleveland City Guide. There is so much to do and explore in this city and I attribute that to the creatives and die hard Cleveland fans. I’m not talking sports fans, I’m talking about the ones that get up every day and say, “I love this city!” I highly consider myself one of these fans. So here is a collection of my favorite locations throughout Cleveland, Ohio.

Whether you like it or not, vintage will always be around. History often repeats itself and individuals are becoming more creative. In a society filled with big box stores, it is nice to find mid-century furniture pieces or a floppy hat that can make your normal spring outfit stand out. Flower Child at W. 116th and Clifton is exactly the place to find these unique digs. 30’s – 70’s are featured in this two level store so if you are in the mood for shopping or just some vintage inspiration stop into Flower Child.

We might not be Portland or Seattle but Cleveland takes their coffee very seriously. Root Café in Lakewood is just down the street from Flower Child and roasts one amazing coffee. They also feature a vegan and vegetarian kitchen as well as an organic bakery. I love in the winter when the windows get all steamy from good coffee and great conversation. If you head down to Ohio City, you can stop into Koffie Café. A smaller venue tucked right next to Market Ave Wine Bar, across the street from Great Lakes Brewery Co. and just caddy corner from my favorite location in the entire city, The West Side Market.

The West Side Market has been a staple in Cleveland dating back to 1840. I LOVE this place. I could spend hours here. From the fresh produce outside, to the meat, fish and cheese market inside, the market is a great location to pick up your weekly groceries or prepare a special meal. And if you head to the south west corner of the building, you can catch the stairwell up to the balcony. It’s a great location to drink a coffee or enjoy a sausage sandwich. Be sure to grab a picture while you are up there; the market is absolutely gorgeous!

After the Market, explore the neighborhood of Ohio City or head down into the flats to view the industrial river bank. The West side of the Cuyahoga River provides some amazing views of the city skyline as well. I personally like all of the texture from the bridges and machinery that make our city work.

Downtown is a whole other world of fun and excitement. East 4th just off Euclid Avenue has home dining, entertainment and shopping adventures. East 4th features Lola, owned by Cleveland’s very own Top Chef Michael Symon, The Greenhouse Tavern and the newest addition NoodleCat. If shopping is more your style, head into Dredgers Union for fashion and home goods. Designed and styled by owners Danielle Deboe and Sean Bilovecky, Dredgers is absolutely beautiful! You also have West 6th, East 9th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Little Italy, Tremont, The Museums, Wade Oval…I mean I could go on forever. For me, the options above are my favorites and that is what matters right? So the next time you’re up for a weekend road trip be sure to stop into CLE. We’ll be waiting with a nice smile and a warm cup of coffee.

You can keep up with Shelley over on her blog or follow her on Twitter!

Featured image by ifmuth.