CLEVELAND (Jan. 10, 2018) - With winter in full swing, Clevelanders need to think outside the box when it comes to finding new adventures. Locals are lucky enough to have an array of hidden gems right in their backyards. From unconventional museums to far-out family fun to different cuisine options, Destination Cleveland recommends residents explore these unique locations throughout the region.
Day at the Museum
Baseball Heritage Museum
- Residents who are anxiously awaiting the day pitchers and catchers report for spring training can get a baseball fix before that day arrives. Housed in the renovated ticket office of Cleveland's historic League Park - the oldest ballpark in the world - the Baseball Heritage Museum features exhibits that showcase the rich history and diversity in baseball. Locals can peruse rare memorabilia at the free museum like programs, uniforms, signed baseballs and other keepsakes from various baseball leagues that helped shaped the history of America's favorite pastime.
- 6601 Lexington Ave., Cleveland
- Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dittrick Museum of Medical History
- Located at Case Western Reserve University, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History explores the unnerving yet fascinating history of medicine. Residents can learn about the evolution of the medical field, from treatment and illnesses to the history of childbirth. The museum has more than 175,000 artifacts on display including historical surgical instruments, midwifery manikins, a Civil War-era amputation set and one of the world's most comprehensive collection of historical contraceptive
devices. Locals can stop by the museum free of charge, and groups up to 15 people can schedule
tours during the week.
- 11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Monday - Tuesday, Thursday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Troll Hole Museum
- Northeast Ohio is home to many unique attractions, but one of the more whimsical places that call the area home is the world's largest troll doll collection. Located an hour outside of Downtown Cleveland, the Troll Hole Museum tells the history of trolls from ancient mythology to modern toy. Visitors will find waterfalls, grottoes and floor-to-ceiling troll dolls on their guided tour, as well as a gift shop which carries vintage troll dolls. Before heading home, residents can stop by Grumpy Troll Coffee for sweet treats and a cup of java.
- 228 E. Main St., Alliance
- Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Throwback Thursday
Gotta Groove Records
- With Cleveland's rock and roll roots, it only seems appropriate for it to be the home of Gotta Groove Records, one of the only companies in the world that does everything for musical artists from manufacturing, to design services and warehousing (in industry speak that's a fully vertically integrated vinyl manufacturing store). Locals have a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the process. To date, Gotta Groove Records has worked on more than 8,000 individual vinyl releases.
- 3615 Superior Ave., Cleveland
- Contact Gotta Groove Records at (800) 295-0171 to schedule your tour.
Superelectric Pinball Parlor
- Everyone can feel like a kid again with a stop at Superelectric Pinball Parlor. Located in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, this groovy arcade has more than 20 games ranging from the 1950s to today. Residents can take a stroll down "Memory Lane" with the bowling-themed pinball machine or rock out with the new Kiss-themed pinball machine. Whether it's date night or an outing with a group of friends, Clevelanders can partake in a little friendly competition and try to top each other's high scores.
- 6500 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
- Sunday, noon - 8 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday, noon - 11 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, noon - 1 a.m.
Fun for the Family
Perplexity Games
- For a fun twist on family game night, locals can try to break out of one of Cleveland's escape rooms. Located in the Ohio City neighborhood, Perplexity Games offers two versions of mind-boggling escape rooms. One scenario allows groups to be "an investigator" for famed Prohibition agent Eliot Ness and take down a corrupt city commissioner. No matter which version visitors choose, they only have one hour to put together the clues and solve the mystery.
- 2515 Jay Ave., Cleveland
- Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; visit www.perplexitygames.com to schedule your trip
Castle Noel
- Clevelanders can have every day feel like Christmas by visiting the country's largest year-round Christmas attraction, Castle Noel. Just 45 minutes south of Downtown Cleveland, Castle Noel takes decking the halls to another level. Visitors will find the world's largest collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes from everyone's favorite classics like "A Christmas Carol" and "Elf."
- 260 South Court St., Medina
- Prices and times vary throughout the year, check out www.castlenoel.com for more information.
Carol & John's Comic Book Shop
- Comic book fans need to hold on to their capes because this place is going to blow their minds! Locals who are looking for the newest edition of their favorite comic book or searching for a rare back issue need to check out Carol & John's Comic Book Shop in the West Park neighborhood. Their staff is knowledgeable on everything in the comic book world and can help customers find the perfect book or suggest a title based on interests. Residents should also make note that every Wednesday the shop features all of the new comics for the week.
- 17462 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
- Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; Monday - Friday, noon - 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Eat Up!
The Rowley Inn
- Clevelanders know all about A Christmas Story House, but how about where the cast spent time in between filming? Located across the street from the famous house, the upstairs of The Rowley Inn served as a location for wardrobe and makeup, and the cast found time to unwind after a long day of work at the bar. The Rowley Inn has embraced this part of its history by creatively naming cocktails "Red Ryder" and "Triple Dog Dare Ya." And the food is just as good as the drinks. Residents will love the burger named after their favorite city, which is topped with pierogies, kielbasa, kraut, beer cheese and stadium mustard!
- 1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland
- Sunday - Tuesday, 5:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Wednesday - Thursday, 5:30 a.m. - midnight; Friday - Saturday, 5:30 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Wok and Roll
- Cleveland is known for being the birthplace of the term "rock and roll", but what about Wok and Roll? The Wok and Roll food truck takes a spin on Asian cuisine and frequently pops up at The Side Quest bar in Lakewood. From the Korean twist on poutine to classics like rice bowls and Vietnamese sandwiches, residents will not leave hungry. There are even handmade drinks like hibiscus berry soda and mango lemonade. Don't worry herbivores, Wok and Roll can make any dish vegan - including vegan cheese and sauces!
- Visit www.clewoknroll.com to find out what time you can catch them next.
Murray Hill Market
- Residents that are searching for a casual yet delicious meal while exploring Little Italy need to check out Murray Hill Market. Locals can not only get an authentic home-cooked Italian meal, but they can also pick up their groceries for the week at the traditional corner store. Must-eats on the menu at Murray Hill Market include signature sandwiches and famous zucchini pancakes made fresh every day.
- 2072 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
- Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.
For more hidden gems or to learn more about new attractions and activities or Destination Cleveland, please visit thisiscleveland.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Pinterest.
DON'T FORGET: Destination Cleveland's Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact our team through email at cleconcierge@destinationcle.org, live chat at thisiscleveland.com or stop in the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private, non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.