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.
Playhouse Square
Image © Cody York
Your January may be dry, but you can always wet your cultural whistle in Cleveland’s beloved theater district. This month, get a dose of the world with "Life of Pi" (Jan. 7-26), and if you're into hilarious, interactive shows, "Flanagan's Wake" hits the stage in early January (Jan. 3 - Apr. 26).
BOSS Pro-Karting
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.
CIA Cinematheque
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.
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.
Boston Mills – Brandywine Ski Resort
Switch out the hot toddy for a hot chocolate in the ski lodge at Northeast Ohio’s premiere skiing destination. There are plenty of ways to hit the Boston Mills slopes, whether you're skiing, snowboarding or tubing. No gear? They've got rental packages for every occasion.
affoGato Cat Café
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.
Tabletop Board Game 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.
The Cleveland Orchestra
The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra starts the new year with a punch. Enjoy the season's first show, "An American in Paris" (Jan. 9-12). Engage in a night of spirited music, including the iconic 1928 symphonic poem that inspired the Gene Kelly film, then head back month after month for an impressive 2025 season. You can enjoy classical music without a glass of wine. I believe in you.
Silverspot Cinema
Located in the Pinecrest, Silverspot Cinema turns Orange Village into a film lover’s dream. Lounge in their luxurious reclining seats while ordering food for in-theater dining, like flatbread pizzas, steak frites, or even a creme brulee trio.
