CLE Trip Planner: Basketball in The Land

Cavaliers fans have been on quite a ride over the last few years. From crossed fingers (and lucky bow ties) at the NBA Draft Lottery, to the joys of a curse-busting championship in 2016. Now, we’re reloading for another shot at glory. Not surprisingly, Clevelanders stuck with the team through all the highs and lows. That’s just what we do.

Gear up for a season full of Kevin Love splashing threes, Larry Nance, Jr. crashing the boards and a bevy of big-time young talent. Oh, and the completely transformed (and renamed) Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Take the whole weekend and bring your hoop dreams to life in The Land.

Day One

Brunch

Tip off your basketball weekend at Grumpy’s Cafe in Tremont. Their “feel good” food provides an authentically Cleveland start to the day. Feeling a little crazy and a lot hungry? Say hello to the “Morning After” omelet. Sausage, bacon, cajun home fries, chorizo, peppers, ten(!!) eggs and more. Wow.

Afternoon

The Cavs’ championship parade in 2016 was something else. Over a million fans packed downtown streets for a party that none of us will ever forget. At The Emily Roggenburk Shop in Crocker Park, pick out one of her stunning aerial photos of that historic day. Talk about a perfect souvenir to rekindle that championship feeling from a whole new angle.

Pregame

Stop by Great Lakes Brewing Co. for a glass of “The Wit Is Over”. This Belgian wit (or white beer) commemorates Cleveland’s miraculous comeback in the 2016 Finals. Originally called “Wit Till Next Year”, GLBC buried that old name for good after the Cavs’ title win.

Dinner

Be first through the doors at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to fully soak in all the changes. Don’t miss the new Power Portal, an LED tunnel at the northwest entrance that welcomes fans with a unique mix of color, video and sound. Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, beat feet up to Loudville’s Budweiser Brew House or Overlook Bar for a bite to eat (and drink).

Game Time

No better place to catch the game than up with the diehards in Loudville. This area went from cramped to revamped — with more room, better sightlines and two of the FieldHouse’s new “Neighborhood” gathering spots. The new-look Cavs should score lots of points, so take your seat early and don’t miss a minute of the action.

Late Night

Take a victory tour of the Gateway District after the final buzzer. There’s lots and lots of places to tip back a few celebratory drinks after another Wine and Gold winner. Pick from The Clevelander, Panini’s, City Tap, or even just a stroll down East 4th Street.

Day Two

Breakfast

Still recovering from last night? A trip to Bigmouth Donut Company in either Hingetown or Rocky River should do the trick. Their handcrafted donuts — made from scratch — are all incredible, but we’re partial to the Ohio Buckeye.

Morning

LeBron James plays in SoCal these days, but he’s not forgotten here in The Land. Scope his impressive Size 16s from the NBA Finals at the Cleveland History Center. Those sneakers rank among our city’s top relics — a reminder of the Cavs storming back from 3-1 down to upend the Golden State Warriors.

Lunch

Speaking of LeBron, the man loves a good taco. Have you seen his Taco Tuesday Instagram vids? We like where his head’s at. Hit up Barrio Tacos in the Gateway District — or several other NEO locations. Our pick? The “What the Pluck Taco” off their weekend brunch menu.

Afternoon

Work off any pregame nerves at Forest City Shuffleboard on Lorain Avenue. Indoor and outdoor courts rent by the hour and there are plenty of adult beverages to wet your whistle. Yep, even White Claws. If you’re still peckish, their Forest City Kitchen also highlights up-and-coming local chefs.

Evening

There aren’t a ton of back-to-backs on the NBA schedule anymore, so take advantage when they do pop up. Before tipoff, swing by the FieldHouse’s South Neighborhood for some pregame fuel at local faves like Saucy Brew Works, Greenhouse Kitchen or Market at the Fig. Let’s end the weekend with another big Cavaliers win.