You never know where you’ll find true love, but a gorgeous waterfront, romantic green spaces and a tantalizing food scene sure help. That’s why we weren’t surprised that ABC’s “The Bachelor” decided to make a trip to the shore of Lake Erie for a series of dates. In a memorable episode, Bachelor Peter Weber and his potential soulmates visited some of our city’s most uniquely Cleveland spots.
Here’s your chance to walk in the footsteps of the Bachelor himself. Check out these CLE locations as seen on “The Bachelor.”
There’s no better place in Cleveland for that than Bar 32 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, where Peter and the ladies overnighted in The Land. Check your vertigo at the door, sip handcrafted signature cocktails and take in glimmering views of the skyline and Lake Erie from this epic lounge.
We all know love can be a roller coaster, but Peter and Victoria found that out quite literally when they went on their date at the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point. In 2020, this beloved amusement park, located just 60 miles from Downtown Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio, celebrates its 150th season with new attractions like Snake River Expedition.
Peter and Victoria shared a romantic private dinner in the city of Cleveland’s stunning Grand Hall Rotunda. You can also experience more of Cleveland’s historic architecture at The Arcade, Heinen’s of Downtown and the Marble Room restaurant.
Cleveland is a football town and the passionate people of The Land love their Browns through thick and thin. So, when it came time for the Bachelor to go on a group date, a friendly game of football with the ladies at FirstEnergy Stadium — along with a visit to the state-of-the-art locker room — was a surefire touchdown.
Windows on the River, located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse, is one of the premier event spaces on the West Bank of the Flats. The views of the Cuyahoga River and the Cleveland skyline are fodder to get yourself to a fete at this Cleveland institution. But level up your experience with a trip down the stairs to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. It’s a great place to explore with your date, especially the walkthrough shark tank.
Sometimes love is fleeting, but true love lasts forever. When Peter and Kelsey started their date, they met at the Fountain of Eternal Life hopeful to snag just a small piece of forever. The statue, located in Downtown Cleveland’s Civic Center district, is meant to symbolize humanity rising and reaching toward peace, in honor of Clevelanders who fell in military service for the country they loved. It’s one of Cleveland’s most iconic pieces of public art. Click here to see more public art in Cleveland.
Public Square has been a gathering place for Clevelanders since the city’s inception, but its recent multi-million-dollar makeover has taken that to the next level. You never know what kind of gathering or celebration you’ll find there — whether it be ice skating, fireworks, concerts or special events. Peter and Kelsey found this out on their own when they stumbled upon a polka band, polka dancers and a food stand selling the unofficial food mascot of the city: buttery, delicious pierogis. Here’s a few Cleveland hotspots to chow homemade pierogi.
Once your souvenir game is sorted, head across East Fourth Street to The Corner Alley for some date night fun. Grab a trendy cocktail or some delicious gastropub fare, throw some strikes on their upscale-but-classic bowling lanes, or engage in some friendly, flirty competition on one of their many arcade games, like Peter and his date.
The dazzling and historic Playhouse Square district, located in Downtown Cleveland, is one of Cleveland’s crown jewels, boasting 10 world-class theaters — many of which have been beautifully restored to showcase their vaudeville opulence. Whether you’re scoping Broadway, ballet, nationally touring musical acts, comedy or (literally) just about any kind of performance, Playhouse Square is the spot to be (plus it’s got cred as the nation’s largest theater district outside of NYC). Sparkling above it all is the massive crystal GE Chandelier, the largest outdoor chandelier in the nation, which makes for a great photo-op for young lovers.
Image © Chelsea Brady Photography
The twisty, turning Cuyahoga River, which breaks Cleveland into east and west sides, provides a way for barges and other seafaring traffic to move through the region’s waterways. It also presents some pretty insane sightseeing adventures with its mind-blowing views of the skyline, music venues and all the bustle of the The Flats entertainment district. Take a cruise aboard the Nautica Queen where you’ll nosh (and dance) the night away.
The historic McKinney-Hayes Manson at the Cleveland History Center, located in the University Circle neighborhood, has hosted its fair share of glamorous cocktail parties in its day. Now it can add a Rose Ceremony to the list. Explore the many artifacts of Cleveland’s storied and colorful past — including LeBron James’ championship kicks and the historic Euclid Beach Carousel — before checking out where Peter handed out roses on his final day in The Land.
After that’s done, up your date ante with a few stops through University Circle, which swanks itself as the most concentrated square mile of arts, culture and education in the country. Maybe take in a few Picassos and Warhols at The Cleveland Museum of Art; engage in a little PDA under the waterfall or amidst the stunning flora at the Cleveland Botanical Garden; sit close during a concert by the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra; or get cozy during a planetarium show at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Watch “The Bachelor”
This episode from the 24th season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” aired on Jan. 27, 2020. Learn more here.