January 09, 2023
John Luteran
The holidays are over and we’re all heading back to the daily grind. For many folks, January — a time when the nights feel longer and the temps drop — is a month to escape the buckets of holiday beer imbibed during the constant barrage of December merrymaking.
It’s called “Dry January” and everyone is looking for something to do that doesn’t involve popping a cork or tapping a keg. [Why anyone would want to deny themselves simple joys at a time like this is beyond me, but here we are.]
Are you doing Dry January? We’ve got your back.
Your January may be dry, but you can always wet your cultural whistle in Cleveland’s beloved theater district. This month sees beloved Broadway favorite "Hamilton" returning to Cleveland (Jan. 10 - 15) and the hilarious musical based on Tim Burton's film "Beetlejuice" (Jan. 10 – Feb. 29).
The Formula E racing karts at BOSS Pro-Karting are not your everyday go-karts. Their max torque and race-tuned chassis, combined with the competitive racing you’ll experience on the indoor track, is sure to get your adrenaline flowing and bring out your inner-Earnhardt. PSA: Drive sober or get pulled over.
Image © Larry Highbaugh, Jr.
The Cinematheque is Cleveland’s best-kept secret for cinephiles. There's always something for every taste in the theater's repertoire, whether it's a celebrated masterpiece, cult classic or a foreign language hidden gem from a faraway land.
Image © Cleveland Candle Co.
Did you know you can use the same wax they use to seal bottles of Maker’s Mark to make candles? I know, right? Cleveland Candle Co. offers classes at locations in Mentor, Coventry and Ohio City that allow visitors to make their own custom-blended candles, lip balm and bath bombs.
Image courtesy Boston Mills / Brandwine
Switch out the hot toddy for a hot chocolate in the ski lodge at Northeast Ohio’s premiere skiing destination. Now through January 22nd, the Boston Mills slopes are offering $5 rental nights for skiing and snowboarding packages on select midweek days.
There’s a quiet comfort in being ignored by a cat and a warming thrill when you’re deemed worthy of nuzzling. Grab your favorite coffee drink from the café, then head into the cat lounge to visit with over a dozen rescue cats from the Cleveland Animal Protective League. If you and your feline friend hit it off, you can adopt them on the spot. Reservations encouraged.
Image courtesy Tabletop Café
Yes, Tabletop was mentioned in our Drinking Games article, but a variety of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will keep you going when that one friend (who is frustratingly good at board games) sinks your battleship in like four guesses. With over a thousand games to choose from, there’s got to be one that will exact your revenge, even if it’s “Uncle Wiggly.”
The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra starts the new year right by welcoming acclaimed conductor, Franz Welset-Möst, for "Schubert's Mass" (Jan. 12 - 14). Engage in a night of sweeping, adventurous music in January and beyond as the 2023 season is just as impressive. You can enjoy classical music without a glass of wine. I believe in you.
Billed as the largest indoor adventure park in the nation, Play:CLE is the place to burn off those holiday feasts and have fun doing it. Head to Avon, Ohio to tackle the zipline, climbing wall, ropes course, ninja course and more (like an on-site bar/restaurant that we are going to ignore until February).
Image courtesy Discover Pinecrest
Located in the Pinecrest district in Orange Village, Silverspot Cinema is a film lover’s dream. Lounge in their luxurious reclining seats while ordering food for in-theater dining, like BLT lobster rolls, flatbread pizzas and steak frites. You’ve been doing movies wrong your whole life.