For visitors looking to shop like a local during their time in Cleveland, these unique businesses offer creativity, culture and community. In town for the 2025 National Association of Black Journalists Convention & Career Fair? We’ve got your itinerary covered.
Bring a Piece of Cleveland Home
In the heart of Downtown, Self‑Made Couture provides a refined menswear experience, blending high fashion with personal expression. Known for crafting bespoke suits that celebrate individuality, the showroom offers a personalized styling experience perfect for journalists who want to stand out at NABJ’s 50th Anniversary events.
For thoughtful gifts and stylish accessories, Cleveland offers an array of independent boutiques. CouCou Sentiment, a Black-owned establishment in Lakewood, curates chic cards, home décor and locally designed goods that blend whimsy and elegance. Be sure to stop at BOXSPOT. It’s not just a retail center; it's a vibrant hub of local entrepreneurship, offering a diverse array of services and products. Nestled within its walls are unique offerings like handmade jewelry, vintage apparel and artisanal home decor. Whether you're seeking a new hairstyle, a delicious meal, or a one-of-a-kind gift, BOXSPOT promises an enriching shopping experience that celebrates community and creativity.
Cleveland Creatives
In the Waterloo Arts District, Framed Gallery stands as a pillar of Cleveland’s art scene, spotlighting contemporary Black art from local and global creators. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time art buyer, Framed is a powerful space to connect with cultural narratives and support Black creatives. Over in Cleveland Heights, Blank Canvas CLE adds to the artistic energy with its mix of paint-and-sip sessions, custom framing services, and local artwork. It’s the kind of intimate, community-focused stop that leaves you inspired — and maybe heading home with a piece of Cleveland in your hands.
Grab Grub and Culture
After a busy day of shopping, check out more of the Cleveland scene, which offers plenty of places to vibe and connect, especially at hangouts that reflect the city’s rich history and creative energy. You can check out Black Frog Brewery, founded by Toledo native Christopher Harris, which opened its Cleveland taproom on East 66th Street in Midtown’s Collaboration Center in early May 2025. This vibrant brewpub blends 40+ house-crafted beers with food and live music in an indoor-outdoor space, supporting a warm, community-driven atmosphere. Nestled alongside Pearl’s Kitchen and local training centers, it serves as both a cultural anchor and gathering place for Midtown residents and travelers alike.
You can also hang out on East 4th Street, a pedestrian-only strip in Downtown Cleveland known for its lively nightlife, string lights and signature restaurants like Mabel’s BBQ. It's the perfect place to grab dinner or drinks after a full day of convention events. A short ride away, Shaker Square offers a more historic feel, with a mix of local markets, cafes, and a seasonal farmers market that brings the community together.
Coventry Village, located in Cleveland Heights, is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. This eclectic district is packed with indie bookstores, vintage shops, coffeehouses and murals that make every corner Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re sipping a latte at Phoenix Coffee or browsing records at The Exchange, Coventry has a laid-back, artsy charm that encourages you to slow down and take it all in.
Whether you're looking to chill with friends, meet fellow journalists, or enjoy a solo stroll, these Cleveland hangouts offer a taste of local life and Black culture woven into the fabric of each space.
Nightlife Done Right
After visiting some local hangout spots, you can visit Lounges CLE in Downtown Cleveland. This Black-owned lounge serves as a vibrant hub where creatives, entrepreneurs and professionals converge in a cozy, art-forward coworking and event space. Regularly hosting community events — from comedy nights and open mics to gallery exhibits and yoga flows — Lounges CLE keeps the calendar buzzing with creative programming. Whether networking at a professional mixer or unwinding at a mic night, this space offers an inclusive, culture-rich hangout showcasing the city's Black-led creative energy.
You can also head on up to Bar 32, located at The Hilton Cleveland Downtown. This elegant rooftop lounge, situated on the 32nd floor of the Hilton, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Erie, the downtown skyline and nearby attractions through floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air terrace. With a chic yet welcoming atmosphere, live music sets the vibe on Wednesday through Saturday evenings, making it an ideal spot for toast-worthy moments during convention nights. draws both locals and visitors alike seeking a stylish urban perch — no reservations, first-come, first-served—where style meets city views.
Whether you’re looking to shop, sip or chill, The Land has something for everyone.