Trip Planner: Women’s History Month in The Land

Women’s History Month is all about celebrating the fierce women business owners making their mark in Cleveland and worldwide. Whether you’re a local, visiting your family, or stopping for a weekend vacay, there’s so much to see and do here.

So, celebrate Women’s History Month all year long by spending 48 hours in The Land supporting women-owned businesses.

Day One: Cleveland’s West Side

Morning

If you’re only here for the weekend and have decided to bring your dog along for the ride, you’re probably staying in one of our pet-friendly hotels here in CLE. If you don’t want to take them in and out of public transportation (or if they don’t do well in cars), Max & Alayna's Paws Play is the place for them. There, your best friend(s) will be pampered while you’re out and about exploring all that Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Breakfast

Start your day with a sweet treat at wife-and-husband-owned Bigmouth Donut Company in Rocky River. Those with dietary restrictions will love their gluten-free and vegan options. And while you can get your caffeine fix right there, you might also choose to stop by The Blue Café for a cappuccino or cold brew.

Late Morning

Get your blood flowing at Inner Bliss Yoga Studio, or for a more chill start to your day, treat yourself to a facial at Folicle. With Rocky River and Lakewood being so close, it’s easy to weave back and forth with whatever schedule you choose.

Afternoon

Pick up some presents — for yourself or for others — around town. The amount of women-owned shops is always growing here, but there are a couple we always circle back to. For a gorgeous gift, Sweet Designs Chocolatier is the place to go … especially for a post-yoga snack. Their hand-painted chocolates will blow away your recipient if you choose to give them away. Pick up a card at CouCou Sentiment, whether you’re looking for something snarky or sweet. And a bouquet from Blossom Flower Bar is sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Lunch

Thai food enthusiasts can’t miss a chance to stop at Thai Thai for some Nam Tok or Pad Thai. If you have a bigger party, it might be best to opt for takeout since seating is limited. You can always eat on Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps, depending on the weather.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Head to the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood to permanently celebrate your time in Cleveland with a tattoo from Olive Ink. If that’s not your thing, do some shopping at Recreational Pots and Plants for a long-lasting commitment that won’t be on your body forever.

Nearby, Océanne offers dainty jewelry that’s easy to pack in your weekend bag to take home (if home isn’t Cleveland). Plus, Gypsy Beans Baking Co. is open until the early evening if you want to kick back with some tea and people-watch.

Dinner

Try a variety of small plates at The Judith, which will be easy to get to if you’re still in Detroit-Shoreway or just a quick drive (or less than a mile walk) to Gordon Square. Alternatively, Flight Cleveland has cheese and charcuterie boards, plus plenty of wine to whet your whistle.

After Dinner

Catch a show at Near West Theatre. There’s always a good variety of shows, and they often use a pay-what-you-can model for their tickets if you’re tight on cash. No shows happening? Cleveland Eclectic Dance and Beachland Ballroom & Tavern aren’t too far away, but it’ll be about a 15-minute drive for any option.

Day Two: The East Side of CLE

Morning

Flow into the day by spending some time at Callie’s Pilates. Or if that’s not your cup of tea, take a walk around Downtown, weather permitting, for a quintessential Playhouse Square Chandelier pic.

Late Morning

On your way to the Heights, stop at the Albanian Cultural Garden to see the statue of Mother Teresa (which was built thanks to Cleveland City Councilwoman Dona Brady’s efforts). In the Polish Garden, you’ll see the first female Nobel Prize recipient, Marie Curie. Writer and feminist activist Lesya Ukrainka is the centerpiece of the Ukrainian Cultural Garden. (If you happen to find yourself in Cleveland in August, don’t miss our massive cultural celebration at the Gardens: One World Day)

Brunch

Cleveland landmark Bialy’s Bagels has been serving up the best bialys outside of NYC since 1966. For some gluten-free options, try Luna Bakery & Cafe on Fairmount Hill. Or, for a classic breakfast, stop into the Inn on Coventry. All of these are pretty close to public transportation options if you’d prefer not to drive or take rideshares.

Afternoon

Larchmere has lots of shops to keep you occupied in the afternoon: including Loganberry Books and Fine Points (for the knitters and crocheters out there). If you need a snack, HoneyBirch Bakehouse will do the trick — with both sweet and savory bourekas/stuffed puff pastry.

Early Evening

For the plan-in-advance visitors and locals, (literally) heat things up at Larchmere Fire Works. They have both glassblowing and blacksmithing classes available, so you can decide how adventurous you’re feeling.

Dinner

We have quite a few wife-and-husband-founded restaurants in The Land, and Cleveland Heights is no exception. Aladdin’s has a location at Fairmount Hill. (Although Lakewood is the original location.) Or eat with your eyes — and your hands — at Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant. Or, if you’re in the mood for good food fast, minority- and female-owned The Crispy Chick is just a short drive away, serving crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering chicken tender comfort food that will hit the spot.

After Dinner

Beneath the Grog Shop, you’ll find B Side Lounge. Grab a drink and play a retro arcade game. You might even catch a show, which can be pretty much any type of music — from Latin jazz to DJs spinning 2000s bops.