From independently owned music venues to a homegrown arts scene, Cleveland's a hotbed for all things indie. Come check out the locally owned and locally loved.
Day 1
Breakfast
From the simple biscuits and sausage gravy to the quirky pumpkin pancakes, the menu at Grumpy's Café is as colorful and exciting as the ever-changing local artwork on the wall.
Morning
Explore independent art vignettes at the 78th Street Studios, a historic space chock full of more than 40 working artists, makers and other creative businesses. Best time to visit? During the wildly popular Third Thursday evening open houses.
Next, go Downtown to get some retail therapy at the CLE Clothing Co., where you can buy trendy Cleveland-themed apparel, unique housewares and cool artwork.
Lunch
East 4th Street recently got a whole lot tastier thanks to its newest edition, Mabel's BBQ. Owned by Cleveland chef Michael Symon, Mabel's specializes in it's very own "Cleveland style" of barbeque.
Afternoon
The quickly emerging AsiaTown neighborhood boasts authentic restaurants and eateries like Koko Bakery and Superior Pho, as well as unique shops inside Asia Plaza.
Late Afternoon
Schedule a tour at the independently owned Gotta Groove Records, one of very few vinyl record pressing plants in the country.
Dinner
Citizen Pie, which specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza pies and calzones. Get the "Collinwood Supreme," loaded with salami, Italian sausage, and green chilies, or a white ‘za with pesto or pistachio cream.
Evening
If edgy is your thing, make your way to the Collinwood neighborhood to check out vinyl record store Blue Arrow Records.
Late Night
From pop rock to rock-a-billy and everything in between, the Beachland Ballroom is a mainstay of indie music in Cleveland.
Day 2
Image by Cody York
Breakfast
The coffee craze has moved beyond talls and ventis thanks to establishments like Rising Star Coffee, which offers discerning customers free trade coffee grown in sustainable ways.
Morning
Enter the West Side Market, a food lover's paradise, with its maze of vendors and family-owned stalls selling everything from fresh meat and vegetables to baked goods and fresh flowers.
Then, examine contemporary art from around the world that now finds a home in the Transformer Station, a historic substation that is an anchor destination in the rapidly evolving Hingetown district.
Lunch
A hot dog piled high with 50 gourmet toppings (or, not-so-gourmet, like Froot Loops) of your choosing, a delicious beer and live performances — that's Happy Dog.
Afternoon
Experience Lake Erie on paddleboard or kayak with a rental from the independently owned 41° North Coastal Kayak Adventures.
Dinner
Prosperity Social Club is a retro Americana hangout that offers an extensive beer list and menu, an old-school bowling machine, a well-loved jukebox and live music throughout the week.
Evening
Enter the Capitol Theatre with its 1920s vibe, pick a movie, order a beer or glass of wine and enjoy flicks ranging from blockbuster to independent.
