Cleveland showed out — in a big way — running with the puppies during their big game.
No bones about it.
It’s clear that The Land knows how to strut its stuff, which was clear as the ad highlighted how our local sights, sounds and tastes combine to make this a paw-some destination for travelers and explorers of all stripes. Now, let’s walk the same path through CLE that our furry friend did during our ad in the pups' big game.
North Coast Harbor
Thanks to its amazing views and world-class attractions, North Coast Harbor is a hot spot for visitors of all breeds.
Einsteins of all ages love the Great Lakes Science Center because the words “don’t touch” are practically banned. Whether the kiddos are splashing in interactive water tables, controlling electricity, building their own tiny worlds with nanotechnology or touring the iconic Steamship William G. Mather, it'll be an afternoon of fun.
Nextdoor sits the one-and-only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This is the ultimate homage to rock 'n' roll, a term that was coined right here in The Land. Listen to the artists who defined your generation. Walk through interactive exhibits featuring the legends of rock, rockabilly, blues, punk, hip hop and funk. And then rock out at The Garage, where you can use real instruments and audio equipment to create your own masterpiece.
And it’s always tequila time at nearby Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio, sip an artisanal tequila and nosh on everything from candied pecan guac to birria quesadillas.
While the views anywhere along North Coast Harbor are incredible, you can really take in the jaw-dropping skyline views of Downtown Cleveland and gorgeous sunsets along Lake Erie during a cruise with the Goodtime III.
If history is your jam, be sure to make a stop at the International Women's Air & Space Museum inside Burke Lakefront Airport. Or, take your turn exploring the USS Cod Submarine Memorial, the only fully intact WWII fleet submarine and a veteran of seven war patrols.
In town on any given Sunday? Finish off the day by going to the Huntington Bank Field to watch the Cleveland Browns and, you guessed it, The Dawg Pound.
Lakewood
Just west of Downtown, Cleveland's Lakewood suburb has more dining, shopping, parks and entertainment options than you can shake a stick at, throw and/or fetch.
Studio West 117 is a 300,000-square-foot LGBTQ+ center that's a hive of activities, dining and community. Step inside Studio West’s Fieldhouse and get your heart pumping with a game of pickleball, fitness classes like Zumba and an 18-foot climbing wall out in the open-air courtyard, just for starters. Even better, you won’t have to venture far to fuel up as Muze Gastropub and Trellis (the only rooftop bar in Lakewood) operate on-site — and serve up bold flavors alongside can’t-miss social events like drag brunches and dance nights.
A few blocks away, Barroco Arepa Bar features mouth-watering delicacies from across Latin America, as well as weekend concerts out on the backyard patio to get you up and dancing. Sit down for a slice at the famous Angelo's Pizza — a favorite of national treasure Tom Hanks during his time living in The Land — then get a few frames of bowling in before heading to a concert (in the same building, no less) at trendy Mahall's.
Grab an exciting craft cocktail from viking-themed LBM or a cold beer from neighborhood brewery Immigrant Son in between stops at local shops. Take in a performance at the Beck Center for the Arts, then grab a pie from Boom's Pizza and head for gorgeous Lakewood Park to watch the sun set on the Solstice Steps.
East 4th Street
This pedestrian- and pup-friendly paradise in the Gateway District packs a big punch — teeming with some of the best food and nightlife you’ll find anywhere Downtown.
With strings of lightbulbs twinkling overhead and patios lining both sides of the street, from the colorful bowling lanes at The Corner Alley up north, to the modern Mexican cuisine of Blue Agave near the south, East 4th boasts an especially upbeat vibe that’s distinctly Cleveland. Swing by CLE Clothing Co.’s flagship store and deck yourself out in Cleveland apparel from head to toe. We’re not the (self-proclaimed) sports t-shirt capital of the world for nothing.
Any trip down East 4th must include a pit stop at Mabel’s BBQ. Here, celeb chef Michael Symon dishes out Cleveland-style barbecue (lovingly made with Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard and other Eastern European influences) served alongside local faves like kraut and pickles. Head across the street to Butcher and the Brewer for craft beer done right, delicious small plates and one of the coolest bathrooms you'll ever encounter ... seriously.
Sit down to Chef Vinnie Cimino's elevated, creative midwestern fare at Cordelia or enjoy expertly prepared sushi at Chef Dante Boccuzzi's Goma to experience just a taste of the amazing culinary accomplishments of Cleveland's wild food scene. Afterward, those looking for headliners can rock out to their favorite bands at House of Blues or laugh the night away at Hilarities comedy club.
Coventry Road
Every dog has their day on eclectic Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, where there is literally something for everyone, whatever your walk of life.
For more than three decades, The Grog Shop has been the beating heart of Cleveland’s music scene. This intimate venue pulses with energy — with live music on the docket every night — featuring a wide range of performers from local bands to household names. Every genre and style is included, with their subterranean B Side Lounge playing host to dance parties, karaoke and arcade games.
Elsewhere on Coventry, the siren song of Mac’s Backs calls out to book lovers of all sorts. After browsing the shelves for a while, sit down to diner eats done right at the Inn on Coventry or a famous milkshake from Tommy’s.
On the artsier side of things, Cain Park plays host to an unbelieveable slate of outdoor concerts every summer, along with hosting arts and craft events that draw makers from all over. Also, just a short drive away, Cedar Lee Theatre is the spot for grabbing some popcorn and enjoying the finest arthouse flicks and major releases that every cinephile needs in their life.
Gordon Square
Speaking of dogs (why stop now?), Happy Dog over on the corner of Detroit Avenue and W. 58th is a true Cleveland classic. Where else can you get a hot dog smothered in unexpected toppings like Froot Loops, Spaghetti-Os or peanut butter — go nuts, we won't judge — then head downstairs and play pinball to your heart's content or catch a band jamming up front? More uniquely CLE eats await at Brewnuts, where the secret ingredient for their ridiculously delectable donuts is, what else? Beer.
The Capitol Theatre’s eye-catching marquee serves notice that you’ve just entered arts central. This historic spot screens a mix of new releases, indie up-and-comers and time-tested classics on three digital screens. If you’re craving live performances instead, you’re in luck. Both the Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre are just steps away, the former showcasing experimental and local productions and the latter offering amazing community productions of well-known classics.
Each month, the nearby 78th Street Studios throws open its doors for the “Third Friday” art walk — giving visitors to Gordon Square a chance to scope out the latest creations from dozens of studios and galleries across multiple floors of this converted warehouse. Afterward, stop at XYZ the Tavern for a nightcap and a late-night slice.