Maybe you’re not from the frigid climate of the Midwest, so allow us to welcome you to the magic of a Cleveland spring — a time when 51 degrees signals the season for short sleeves, beach walks and drop-top convertibles.
Sure, it might still be a little chilly, but that’s no reason to keep your winterized skin under wraps. Plus, spring is the perfect time to visit Cleveland as residents everywhere climb out of their caves and hit the great outdoors to peruse, booze and eat their way to a banging summer bod.
Here’s how to do it in 48 hours.
Day 1:
Image courtesy Cleveland Botanical Garden
Breakfast
History runs deep in Cleveland, so get acquainted early by pulling up a patio seat at Yours Truly in iconic Playhouse Square. Family-owned and operated, this local mini-chain serves up everything that breakfast dreams are made of, including their famous Killit Skillet: two eggs, bacon, sausage, golden hash browns with onion, green pepper, mixed cheese and toasted ciabatta.
Morning
Cruise over to the Cleveland Botanical Garden where you’ll find 11 different outdoor areas, each with their own special charm. Don’t leave without taking a trip through The Glasshouse, an indoor section of the gardens that mimics the deserts of Madagascar and the rainforests of Costa Rica. Alongside indigenous plants from those regions, you’ll also rub elbows with over 50 species of native butterflies, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Lunch
There's nothing like dining al fresco in the springtime, when the air is cool, crisp and sweet smelling. While it's not a picnic, hitting E. 4th Street and the fantastic patio at Saigon is the next best thing. This authentic Vietnamese eatery serves up unbelieveable flavor through traditional cooking techniques. Their pho is phenomenal, the stir-fry's to die for and their rice dishes are perfect for early afternoon dining.
Afternoon
Spring is prime people watching time since the city is bustling when the weather soars above 50 degrees. Hit the pavement with a walking tour through Downtown, one of the most architecturally rich places in the city. Hit up Tours of Cleveland for a two-hour learning sesh through The Land.
Dinner
For dinner, get yourself to Il Rione Pizzeria, a humble shop with a cult-like following. If you haven’t noticed a trend yet, businesses in Cleveland love to repurpose old buildings and Il Rione is no different. The 1917 brick-walled former pub now turns out simple New York-style pies with high-caliber, no-frills toppings. Fan favorites include the Green Pie and the classic Margherita, plus the Rione Salad with gorgonzola, pecans and cherry tomato.
Evening
It’s not a trip to Cleveland unless you’ve downed a few local craft beers. And, Terrestrial Brewing Company makes a strong case for a top spring pick. Housed in a chic industrial building with a myriad of windows, light pours in from all angles, but it’s the patio seating that’ll catch your eye and beckon you outside. Overlooking Edgewater Park and Lake Erie, there are few places better to throw back a few signature IPAs, pet a couple of dogs and soak in the first rays of the season.
Whatever you do, do NOT head back to the hotel to call it a night. Instead, stay outside and enjoy that refreshing sping air coming off the lake for just a little longer. A short trip down the road at Lakewood Park stand the famed Solstice Steps. Take a seat on the enormous stone steps on either the upper or lower promenade and watch the sun sink slowly into Lake Erie.
Late Night
Keep the island vibes rolling with a nightcap at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room, a fun dive thematically decorated with tropical flair serving up inventive cocktails using fresh-squeezed juices and house-made mixers. This joint is pretty tiny and fills up fast, but it’s worth the wait to close out the evening on a high note.
Day 2:
Breakfast
Channel the romance of Paris to kick off your morning at Le Petit Triangle Cafe in Ohio City. The adorably quaint cafe opens at 10, so sleep in like a true Parisian artist before snagging a coveted sidewalk seat. Order an espresso and a croissant or opt for the heartier ratatouille crepe stuffed with decadent house-made ratatouille and your choice of chicken or ham.
Morning
Continue your artistic daydream with a morning of retail therapy in the Gordon Square Arts District, a two-mile stretch of independent businesses in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. Get lost in the modern, handmade jewelry at Océanne, pick up some new (old) vinyl at Hausfrau Record Shop, or stop into Himiko's Cool World for some funky fresh gifts.
If your sweet tooth wasn’t satiated at breakfast, pop into Brewnuts for a donut infused with local beer. Just be warned: these babies usually sell out by midday.
Lunch
Head next to the Hingetown district of Ohio City where the James Beard-nominated delicatessen Larder awaits your arrival. Helmed by an ambitious trio of chefs, Larder is located in a reclaimed fire house that pays homage to the neighborhood’s past.
On the menu are any number of Eastern European-inspired delights, including fall-apart-tender pastrami, koji fried chicken and a rotating collection of fermented pickles and krauts. With a classically trained pastry chef also on staff, you won’t want to leave without sneaking a piece of babka or one of the deli’s black and white cookies.
Afternoon
What’s a visit to Cleveland without getting in on some CLE sports fun? Catch the Guardians in action at Progressive Field and root, root, root for the home team with all the rest of The Land's diehard fans.
If sports aren;t your thing, Hop on board a 15-person-powered Cleveland Cycle Tours bike and peddle around town learning about Cleveland’s diverse history while periodically stopping to imbibe at the local watering holes. Solo travelers can buy an individual seat and meet a few new friends.
Dinner
After working up an appetite on the bike, check out Barrio’s huge patio for tacos and margs. The menu features “build-your-own” options with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices clearly marked, so everyone eats happy at this relaxed spot.
Afterwards? Two words: ice cream. Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream is the first place that comes to every Clevelanders mind. With over 30 flavors including coffee chocolate chunk and wlidberry crumble, you're sure to please the whole fam.
Evening
Afterwards? Two words: ice cream. Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream is the first place that comes to many Clevelanders' minds. With over 30 flavors including coffee chocolate chunk and wildberry crumble, you're sure to please the whole fam.
Late Night
To round out the night, slide over to Pins Mechanical Company for bowling, booze and tons of pinball machines and old-school arcade games. It's a nostalgia dream. Plus, the 80s and 90s-themed cocktails help set the scene — from a literal bomb pop in your drink (the "Hulk Hogan") to the "Carrie Fisher," complete with rock candy on top.