30. Fourth of July Fireworks Shows

While the Fourth of July holiday is not unique to Cleveland, there are many unique ways to take in the show that we all take for granted.  Whether you get out on the boat and watch them reflect off the water or go to Blossom and watch the Cleveland Orchestra play music with your fireworks, Cleveland has a lot to be greatful for this July 4th.  Here is a great list of fireworks times and dates by city: http://www.wkyc.com/life/community/events/fireworks/ 

Also check out the previous post on our Facebook Page as there were a ton of great suggestions.

29. Open Air in Market Square

The West Side Market is one of Cleveland's gems and during some weekends in the summer it transforms from a simple farmers market to a festival type atmosphere with live music and collections of eclectic hand made art that will truly make your home unique.  Open Air in Market Square is a good experience that you should at least try once.  This Saturday July 3rd, it starts at 11am and runs with 3 different live bands until 5pm.  For the full summer schedule check it out here..

http://openairinmarketsquare.com/

28. The Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival

The “semi-official” kick off to summer in Northeast Ohio is The Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival, held each Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cleveland at the Time-Warner Cable Amphitheater.

The event, which started in 1992, features live music (included in the admission price); BBQ'd ribs - and lots of fun. Great bands, great food … great time.  We hope to see you there!

Got Suggestions? Unique opportunity for fan page members

I started this page with the intent of posting something unique to do around the Cleveland area on a daily (or at least close to daily) basis. As time went on I began to have difficulty managing my time as I have been very busy with work, but I do feel that this page has value. With almost 20,000 area members there are undoubtedly people on this page with some different opinions and area experiences and I don’t feel that mine should be the only one that counts. Here’s what I am offering: If you have a unique and interesting activity, restaurant or other Cleveland area attraction that is either well known or an unknown area secret email a short paragraph about it to 365thingscleveland@gmail.com. If your idea is chosen I will email you back (or call if you prefer) with some details on what I do. There are some perks to submitting an article that I will review with those that are chosen. Thank You!

27. Boulder Creek Golf Club

For golfers in Northeast Ohio one of the best parts of the Spring and Early summer is getting out the golf clubs and enjoying the fresh air out on the course.  Boulder Creek Golf Club is one of the premier area courses that you absolutely must check out if you want a course that is great on the eyes that challenges your game.  The course features amazing views and many different waterfalls and an island green that will test your intestinal fortitude like no other.  Golfweek ranked Boulder Creek the #3 public course in Ohio for 2010 and the course won’t break the bank either.  They have specials frequently posted on their Facebook Fan Page and give away a free round of golf to one of their fans once a month!  Click here to become a fan of Boulder Creek!  Right now they are offering all you can play after 3pm for just $35.  Check it out today!

26. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Cleveland rocks, and The Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a great place for locals and visitors alike. You can travel back in time and see exhibits that will bring back your childhood with music that you grew up listening to. As cool as this place is to look at on the outside, you need to check out what it’s really made of on the inside. The Rock Hall is one of the truly unique Cleveland landmarks that you can go back to year after year and always see something new.


Music is something that brings us all together, while we all may have different tastes a catchy tune will get you moving no matter who you are regardless of where you come from or what kind of money you have. On top of the exhibits that the Rock Hall has there are special events held there including art shows and free concerts outside throughout the year. Check it out today!

The rock hall is open all year 10am until 5:30 PM Except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas and stays open on Wednesdays until 9PM. From Memorial Day until Labor Day also open until 9pm on Saturdays.

http://www.rockhall.com/
Shameless Self Promotion piece :

Buying a home? Search for free here: http://www.amyhoes.com/

Selling a home? You need an agent who will get your home in front of more people. Call me today to learn how I can market your home better 330-416-1597. Amy Hoes

25. The Cleveland Indians Home Opener

Through good times and bad there is one thing that causes people to play hooky from work and school year after year to travel downtown. The Cleveland Indians home opener is like a holiday for area sports fans. Tomorrow the Indians will play their first home game of the 2010 season and the place will be packed with people excited to see the first true sign of summer. Whether you go with some friends and have a few beers or take the kids down to their first game you are sure to have a good time win or lose!

Even though tomorrows game is sold out there are tons of ways to get tickets, you can buy on ebay, stubhub or buy from Purchasetix

Head downtown and root for the Tribe in 2010!

Shameless Self Promotion piece :

Buying a home? Search for free here: www.amyhoes.com

Selling a home? You need an agent who will get your home in front of more people. Call me today to learn how I can market your home better 330-416-1597. Amy Hoes

24. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest is one of those places that is worth checking out year after year. There is always something new and interesting going on and there are many things about this place that even the most seasoned Clevelander doesn’t know.


The Zoo has the largest collection of Primate Species in North America, it has over 3000 total animals and 600 different Species. While the Zoo is not far from the heart of the city of Cleveland, you will feel as though you are thousands of miles away as you travel around to see exhibits of animals from other continents. The zoo also has many different plants from around the world and a couple of years ago it’s Titan Arum bloomed (the only time this has happened in the 15 years the plant has been here).

Want to know the coolest thing about this one? It’s FREE on Mondays (zoo only, not rainforest) for residents of Cuyahoga county and Hinkley Township.

Check out their website here : http://www.clemetzoo.com/

Shameless Self Promotion piece :

Buying a home? Search for free here: http://www.amyhoes.com/

Selling a home? You need an agent who will get your home in front of more people. Call me today to learn how I can market your home better 330-416-1597. Amy Hoes

23. Squires Castle

This one came off of our sister site, Check it out here : 365 things to do with kids in Cleveland

One of my favorite places to go as a kid, and a nice place for a date if you're sans kiddos. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee, and don't forget your camera this open air castle is picturesque all year round!

Features: Open shelter, picnic tables, grills, ballfield, physically challenged access, restrooms, parking.


Go To The Metroparks website Here !


Location:
off Chagrin River Road in North Chagrin Reservation
south of Chardon Road/Route 6 in Willoughby Hills.


Image Provided By: BrianInCleveland


Idea Provided By: Nicole Doubler Wisner

Continue to find 365 things to do with kids in Cleveland !

22. Cleveland Botanical Gardens

The one upside to winter is that it makes you enjoy the spring and summer more. In the next couple of weeks the trees, flowers, bushes and yards of Northeast Ohio will return from the dead and explode with color with new growth. Just taking a drive around town and seeing the new life will inspire you. This is a great time of year to check out the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The garden is located in University Circle which is right near Little Italy if you are looking for dinner after your trip. It is open year round but is absolutely amazing in the spring!


Check it out Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sundays 12 noon to 5pm and from Memorial Day to Labor Day it stays open till 9pm on Wednesdays. It is closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

http://www.cbgarden.org/

Shameless Self Promotion Piece: Search Cleveland area homes for free here : http://www.amyhoes.com/ If you are looking to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credits (they expire at the end of this month) I can be you single point of contact for all of your real estate needs! I will help save you money. If you are looking to sell I know a bit about how to promote your home, I have premium ad space on realtor.com and know how to drive more traffic to your listing (I do have 17,000+ fans on facebook, no other agent in Cleveland can say that!) Call Amy today 330-416-1597.

21. Sunset at Edgewater Park

Ok, the IX indoor amusement park is in town but the weather is just too nice tonight to talk about it.  There is nothing like those first few nice days after winter has left us and what better way to celebrate the spring than heading down to Edgewater park in the evening and watching the sunset.  Bring your camera because the view is really worth a million bucks and you may want to be able to re-live it next week when the clouds roll back in.  I'm not going to get long winded here because you only have a couple of hours, go check it out!

Shameless self promotion piece:
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Cleveland area? I will pay $250 towards your closing costs from now until April 30, 2010 if you buy or sell with me. Visit http://www.amyhoes.com/ or call Amy at 330-416-1597.

20. Slyman's Restaurant

Didn’t get enough corned beef on St. Patricks day? One trip to Slyman’s will fix that for you until next year. Slyman’s is a Cleveland original that has attracted national media, some celebrity visits and even the President of The United States! Esquire Magazine named Slyman’s Deli the best corned beef sandwich in America and they are HUGE!


Slyman’s is only open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 6:00 am until 2:30 pm and be prepared for a wait if you come during the lunch rush, it’s worth it.

Slyman’s is located at 3106 St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland.

Shameless self promotion piece:
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Cleveland area? I will pay $250 towards your closing costs from now until April 30, 2010 if you buy or sell with me. Visit http://www.amyhoes.com/ or call Amy at 330-416-1597.

Shameless Self Promotion Piece

I established this page to generate some discussion about some of the better parts of this area. I intend to keep this page focused on this but I am taking the opportunity to offer something to the fans of this page. With the homebuyer tax credit expiring shortly I am offering to pay $250 towards your closing costs if you list your home for sale with me or buy a home through me between now and April 30, 2010. It is that easy, if you are looking to buy or sell give me a call, text, e-mail or visit my websites to get in touch with me and I will pay $250 towards your closing costs. If you are not interested you can tell a friend about this or simply ignore it.  You wouldn't walk past $250 sitting on the sidewalk so take me up on the offer or tell a friend!


Thank You,

Amy Hoes
Howard Hanna Real Estate
amyhoes@gmail.com
http://www.amyhoes.com/
http://www.amysellsmedina.com/
330-416-1597

19. The Cleveland Museum of Art

Don’t want to sit in the house on this rainy Sunday?  Looking for something free to do?  Check out The Cleveland Museum of Art, it is a great, free way to spend a day in Cleveland.  With over 43,000 works of art included in it’s permanent collection and additional exhibits that rotate several times a year (there is a charge if you want to see these) you can check this out over and over, it doesn’t get old.  The museum is currently undergoing a large expansion that should be complete next year so be sure to check it out when it is finished as well.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.  It is also open Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 9pm.  It is closed on Mondays.  It is located at 11150 East Blvd.

www.clemusart.com

18. Eggshell Land Easter Egg Display

Looking at Christmas lights is a tradition for many families but how about something new.  You need to check out the easter egg display at 1031 Linden Lane in Lyndhurst.  For over 50 years this home has put out an annual display of painted easter eggs that is absolutely incredible. 

This year's theme is "We Can Fly" and will feature mosaics made out of 40,000 eggs in 24 colors! Planned designs include: A bluebird,a goldfinch,a oriole and a scarlet tanager and the cavaliers logo!

They always include a 50 ft. cross and easter bunny too!

Free to drive by!

This year's display will be up from March 27 to April 5th.

17. Watch Z return to the Cavs

Ok, lets be honest, this city loves it's sports and is starving for a winner. The Indians have been close several times and the Browns have routinely broken the hearts of Cleveland sports fans for decades. The Cavs have given their share of close calls as well but their time is now.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas makes his return to the Cavs tonight at 8:15 which completes one of the most important trades in Cleveland sports history. There isn't much that can be said to quantify how big this is, you just need to sit back and watch the show for the next few months!

16. Christmas Story House Museum

This one is quite a bit out of season but is a must see.  Nearly everyone has seen the move A Christmas Story and watched 9 year old Ralphie's quest to get the ultimate Christmas present but did you know that the very home used in the movie is right here in Cleveland? 

The home used in the movie has been restored and turned into a museum that will take you back to a simpler time without cell phones, computers or the other modern convieniences where all a kid wants for Christmas is a Red Rider 200 shot Range Model Air Rifle. 

Inside you will find hundreds of behind the scenes photos from the filming of the movie, props from the filming, and even Ralph's father's car!  You will love it, don't forget to get your own "major award" from the gift shop to place in your front room window.

Check it out!

Hours:
Thurs-Sat 10am - 5pm
Sundays 12pm - 5pm

http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/

3159 W 11th St.

Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 298-4919

15. The Great Lakes Science Center

With spring break right around the corner there are probably a lot of people are looking for a place nearby to take the kids.  You have probably seen The Great Lakes Science Center used as a backdrop when watching the Browns, Cavs or Indians play and you probably know that they have a lot of cool shows at the OMNIMAX theatre but have you ever really stopped to check it out?  There is really nothing like being immersed in a six story high theatre with 11,600 watts of surround sound.  You actually feel like you are in the movie, EPCOT has nothing on this place!  Right now they are showing two different movies, one on the Hubble telescope and another on Sea Monsters, both of these films are incredible and you don’t need to go to Florida or California to see them. 

The Great Lakes Science Center also has rotating exhibits that change frequently so you will never have to say “I’ve been there before”. They are also running some summer camps and a spring break camp that you can get your kids into to help encourage them to become excited about learning (you will learn a thing or two as well)

The Great Lakes Science Center is truly a unique part of the city that we should all be proud of, stop down and check it out!

They are open every day 10am to 5pm (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

http://www.greatscience.com

14. Momocho Mod Mex Restaurant

We have actually seen the blue sky several times in the past week. Are we still in Cleveland Dorthy?


What better way to thank the almighty weather gods of Cleveland than raising a toast with Margarita in hand. Even better...while sitting on an outdoor patio! Welcome to Momocho otherwise known as “Mod Mex style baby”.

Owner and head chef Eric Williams named his eclectic establishment Momocho interpreted as “helion little boy” after his son Jaxson. From the décor right down to their home concocted margarita flights (cucumber, blood orange, hibiscus, pinapple or just plain traditional) he hits the target dead on.

Momocho has received national acclaim for their unique approach to fresh and modern Mexican cuisine. They have been featured on the Food Network with a personal visit by Guy Fieri (absolutely loved the place and confirmed with his very own wall signing). Located in the heart of Ohio City the menu lives up to the hype.

Start off with one of their concoted gourmet guacomoles only limited by the strangeness of your mood.

Pick from garlic confit, blue crab, goat cheese smoked trout or stick with traditional. They also offer a guacomole flight for those with decision disorders.

Bring on the main course! The braised duck and yam enchiladas are a house specialty, along with seared sea scallops, pepper crusted trout, or Kobe Beef meatballs. Their taquitos come from a different planet. I would almost kill for the Hangar Steak or wild boar while my wife's downfall is the artichoke heart taquito.Others include coffee beef brisket, garlic shrimp and spiced chicken.

Here is the smokin part...from Tuesday through Friday 5:00-6:30 PM all taquitos are half off!! Same with their house margarita. You better get a designated driver. There is absolutely no better deal from the east side to the west of Cleveland. (you can even buy a T-shirt with a man in a bondage mask on the way out the door)

Momocho (Mod Mex)
1835 Fulton Rd
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216-694-2122
http://www.momocho.com/

13. Boston Mills Brandywine

Are you looking for something to do today?
http://bmbw.com/

JOIN US for our SEASON FINALE--WINTER CARNIVAL and A DAY IN THE PARK--on Saturday!!! Celebrate the first day of spring with some wonderful WINTER FUN:
•Boston Mills: 9am-6pm*
•Brandywine: Parks Only, 4pm-10pm*
•Polar Blast: Snow Tubing is Closed for the season... thanks for a great season at the Tubing Park!
10am-?
Party Zone:
Our Now Famous BBQ Ribs and Chicken with all the fixin's...will be featured in our Party Zone! Beer tent, music and fun!
Where : By the Bar Deck
Activities include:
NEW! Kids' Race
Garbage Bag Race
Firehose Race
Slosh Pit---try the little brother and the ole' Grandaddy! Featuring our new 65 foot pit and our smaller 15 foot pit!
Bikini Race
Zipflbob Racing
and to end the day ............Music in the Bar 6pm to 9pm at Joe Riders

Go have some fun and play in the snow one last time!

12. Yours Truly

I want to introduce you to one of Northeast Ohio's hidden gems.  Yours Truly is such a good restaurant, I really cant say enough good things about it.  With 8 locations you really don't have to drive too far to get to one .  The restaurant is family friendly with an activity table for the kids to play at while they wait for their food to come and crayons to draw on their placemat.  The menu is delicious and very reasonable in price from breakfast to dinner with dessert.  So whether you are going for a Kill-it Skillet or Monte Cristo you will not be dissappointed by your choice , I love the YT Eggs Benedict yum ! If you have never been you must go and give it a try and get the monster hash !
http://www.ytr.com/

locations= Beachwood, Mayfield Village, Rockside, Chagrin Falls, Medina, Hudson, Shaker Square, and Mentor

11. The 34th Cleveland International Film Festival

( Courtesy of Steve Presser at Big Fun )
THE 34TH CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IS HERE! This is a great way to escape winter's last gasp by meeting up with thousands of film fans to catch ten days, March 18-28, featuring 140 feature length films and 160 short films from more than 80 countries. Every day from about 9am to 11pm, you can see a film in one of seven theatres in downtown Tower City's Cleveland Cinemas.

In addition to the main World Tour program, there are sidebars that add interest and diversity to the overall Festival. These include 10% Cinema (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender films), American Independents, Cinema En Español, Documentaries, Eastern European films, Family Films, It's Easy Being Green (films dealing with environmental issues), Jewish and Israeli Visions, Pacific Pearls, Pan-African Images, Standing Up (films with a conscience), and Women of the World (films made by women or focusing on women's issues). And once again the CIFF will include a LocalHeroes section, which spotlights 13 works by local filmmakers. There are also two new sections: Illuminating Hope and Tour of Duty.

How can you find out more? Pick up a program guide at Big Fun, go online to www.clevelandfilm.org friend the Festival on Facebook or follow CIFF on Twitter. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 5th. Because advance tickets for many screenings sell quickly, patrons are advised to purchase tickets as early as possible.
YOU CAN RECEIVE $2.00 OFF EVERY TICKET YOU PURCHASE FOR THE 34th CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR BIG FUN DISCOUNT
Online: Use the code "BIGFUN" when purchasing tickets at www.clevelandfilm.org (available 24 hours a day).
Phone: Use the code " BIGFUN" when calling the Cleveland International Festival Store at 877.304.FILM (3456).
Store: Use the code " BIGFUN" at the Ulmer & Berne Film Festival Store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas.
Ticket prices (before discount):

$10 Cleveland International Film Festival Members

$12 Non-members

$10 Students and Seniors (day of show only)
This coupon is good for any Festival film screening. Additional restrictions may apply.
Advance tickets are available at the Ulmer & Berne Film Festival Store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas (230 W Huron Rd / Cleveland). Store hours between March 5 and 18 are as follows: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Store hours between March 19 and March 27 are as follows: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily. Store hours on March 28 are as follows: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
"Day of Show" tickets are available at the Tower City Cinemas Box Office.

FREE PARKING WHEN AVAILABLE is offered to CIFF patrons in the Tower City Center Self-Parking Garage and Tower City Amphitheater Parking (off Canal Road.
Patrons must have their parking ticket validated in the Tower City Cinemas lobby.
Visit www.towercityparking.com for additional parking options.
Please visit www.clevelandfilm.org for very important self-parking information.

10. Cleveland's Irish Parade (better known as St. Patricks Day Parade)

Every St. Patrick Day for the last 143 years the city of Cleveland has continued a tradition that marks the beginning of Spring for many. We are usually fortunate to have some decent weather this time of year and tomorrow is looking to be a beautiful day to get out, have some green beer, eat some corned beef and watch the parade downtown.


The parade starts at 1:04 PM so you can choose to either take the day off work or get "sick" and have to go home early. The Parade will begin at the intersection of Superior Ave. and East 18th St. It will travel southwest on Superior Ave. to East Roadway. The parade will head northwest on East Roadway for one block; and then it will head northeast on Rockwell Ave. The Parade ends at the intersection of Rockwell Ave. and East 6th St.

Remember there are many area bars that are running shuttles to and from the parade so parking is not an issue. Please drink responsibly.

If you are looking for more information on this year's parade you can find all that you need to know here: http://www.clevelandsirishparade.org/.

9. Great Lakes Brewing Company.

If you don't know about the beer that Great Lakes makes you are quite possibly living in a bubble. You probably know that Great Lakes is brewed right here in Cleveland. What you might not know is that there are a host of activities that take place at the brewery during the year. With St. Patricks Day and The Cleveland International Film Festival right around the corner, Great Lakes is serving up some great reasons to come down and have a good time. On St. Patricks Day they will open at 10am and provide an Eco-friendly ride down to the parade in their vegtable oil fueled bus. You can watch the parade and catch a ride back for traditional Irish food along with live Bagpipers and an Irish Drummer while sipping on a Conways Irish Ale.


If you aren't into the festivities of St. Patricks Day there is still something for you. Great Lakes is offering you a chance to view a free private screening of Ingredients at the Cleveland International Film Festival (while supplies last). This film highlights the local food movement and tells us how we can eat healthier and support a more sustainable food system. Supplies are limited and you must call ahead to RSVP Contact Felicia Jackson at 216.771.4404, ext. 222.

There are many other things that Great Lakes offers such as Tours, Beer School, Beer Tastings and many others. If you want to be updated daily with the goings on at Great Lakes Join their fan page by clicking Great Lakes Brewing Company
 

8. Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Do you have a bad case of cabin fever?  I sure do, but there is great news, the weather in the latter part of this week is looking great again which means it's a great time to dust off the bike or your running shoes and check out one of the areas finest walking, biking or running trails.  The Towpath is currently about 80 miles long and is planned to run from Cleveland to Dover.  It is going to eventually become a part of the Ohio to Erie trail which will be a 325 mile trail that runs between Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinatti.  You can pack a lunch with you or stop at one of the many spots along the way to grab a bite.  There are many natural (and free) attractions along the way.  You can see covered bridges, a marsh with great bird watching and several waterfalls as you move down the trail next to the river.  One of the waterfalls (brandywine falls) is over 60 feet tall.  Whether you get on the trail in Peninsula, off Rockside Road or anywhere else, this is a great way to spend any afternoon be it spring, summer or fall.  So get out, enjoy the park and maybe even lose a couple of those extra pounds you picked up this winter.

7.Burning River Roller Girls Season Opener Tonight doors open at 5:00 pm!

The movie "Whip It" was based on Roller Derby, and it is some of the most intense skating ever.  These girls train and practice so hard for their bouts. The Burning River Roller Girls are Cleveland’s first all-female, skater-owned, flat-track derby league, following the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) rules and regulations, including how bouts are run, the size of the track and equipment. The league consists of 60+ players over five teams, Burning River All Stars (travel team), Cleveland Steamers, Hard Knockers, Hellbombers and The Rolling Pin-Ups.  Tonight is the season opener Saturday, March 13th .
Wolstein Center - Cleveland State University
2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland
Doors open 5PM / Bouts begin at 6pm.
STUDENT ID NIGHT! Only $10

Show your student ID at the Wolstein Center Box Office and your ticket is only $10. Limit one discount per ID.
Game 1: Rolling Pin-Ups vs. Hard Knockers

Game 2: Cleveland Steamers vs. Hellbombers
Special Halftime Guest - 216 Beat Riders
The best in professional break dancers featuring b-boys from a variety of crews throughout the U.S.

If your looking for something fun and different this is definitly for you! Go support the girls and have a blast doing it!
http://www.burningriverrollergirls.com/

6.Swenson's

Drive-ins have become somewhat of Americas past but with places like Swenson's you can still enjoy something that our parents and grandparents grew up loving.  Swenson's has been around since 1934 first opened by Wesley T. "Pop" Swenson on South Hawkins.  It is a drive-in and very convenient because you don't have to change out your pj's if you don't want to!  Their burgers are out of this world and really it isn't just the burger it is the bun and whatever you decide to add that makes it outstanding too!  There is no way I can explain what this mouthwatering food tastes like, you really have to eat it for yourself.  The menu is delicious and the shakes and rootbeer are to die for (if you like rootbeer and shakes) which I love! They have a great variety of different foods for every palette, they also have an online shop for their "Swenatics". It was voted Best Burger by Cleveland Metromix,and Best Burger by Fox 8 hot list 2008, Best Burger 2000-2007 by Northern Ohio Live.  They have 7 locations, West Akron, North Akron, Stow/Kent, Montrose, Seven Hills, North Canton, Jackson.

http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/
Go try it , it is a good time and something out of the ordinary!

5. Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival

This one is a bit of a drive but well worth it. This weekend (and last weekend) is the ice wine festival at the wineries of the Grand River Valley. Ice wine is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that were frozen while still on the vine. The water inside the grapes freezes but the sugar and solids do not which creates a more concentrated and sweeter wine.

The wineries that participate are Debonne Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyards. The price is $5 for each winery you visit ($4 if you donate a can of food). There are many activities including ice carving, dog sledding demonstrations, jewelery shows along with wine samples and appetizers. Bring your can of food to support a local food bank while enjoying some time with family and friends.

The festival runs this Saturday, March, 13, 2010 from Noon to 5 PM.

http://www.debonne.com/

http://www.ferrantewinery.com/

http://www.grandrivercellars.com/

http://www.laurellovineyards.com/

http://www.saintjosephvineyard.com/

4. West Side Market

I am going to try and do the best that I can and explain the amazingness that is The West Side Market!  This market is unlike any I had ever been to ( I am from a small town in W.V.).  The hustle and bustle makes for a one of a kind experience that you truly have to be there to really get what I am talking about.   West Side Market has roughly around 100 vendors and 180 stands , there is 99 in the main building and 81 in the fruit and vegetable arcade.  The vendors are fascinating to watch as they try and sell you their products ranging from meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables,jellies, pastas, sauces and much more.   I could go on and on but there is such a wonderful variety it is too hard to point out all of the awesome things that makes it what it is today!  They have free samples which is always alot of fun, and they love the kids : ) !  I want anyone who has never been or may have forgotten about the West Side Market to go there and see what makes it unique and different and a part of many families traditions since 1902. It would be a great day trip with the family no need to spend money just go and enjoy your day !
HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY & WEDNESDAY: 7am - 4pm FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 7am - 6pm 

http://www.westsidemarket.org/

3. Big Fun

Have you ever wanted to take a walk back in time just to see your old toys from your childhood?  I did and it was so much fun. Do you remember slap bracelets , Teddy Ruxpin, and of course everyone knows Nintendo and Atari but what about Coleco Vision?  I can't explain the feeling I got when I saw my old Strawberry Shortcake dolls, My Little Ponies and Rainbow Brite.  You don't have to go and buy anything but just take a stroll down memory lane through the aisles of toys and books and games.  Steve Presser is the owner and he has a pretty cool job I think.  Big Fun is exacly that , and he has two locations one on Clifton and the other on Coventry.  We spent about 2 hours there going through drawers and cabinets full of little trinkets and barbies, the concept is very cool he buys and sells old toys.  In his store window on Clifton is one huge Lite Brite, and everything that I saw was priced to sell at very good prices.  So if you want a break from reality even if for just an hour , go see what Big Fun is all about. 

http://www.bigfunbigfun.com/           
Big Fun Cleveland
11512 Clifton Blvd .
Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Store Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11-8  
Friday & Saturday: 11-9
Sunday: 11-7

Big Fun Toy Store

1814 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
Store Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11-8
Friday & Saturday: 11-10
Sunday: 11-7

2. Melt Bar and Grilled - Lakewood

Who knew that a grilled cheese sandwich could be so amazingly delicious.  Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood is an eating experience.  Matt Fish has managed to create a whole new food group, Gourmet Grilled Cheese.  Matt's creations have not only created a local cult following but have also drawn the attention of national media.  His sandwich "The Melt Challenge" brought in The Travel Channel's "Man Vs Food" Series which was filmed February 27 and airs June 2010,  and Food Network's show "Diners, Drive ins and Dives" recently aired this February.

 Melt also likes to keep it fun, they have a promotion where anyone who incorporates one of their 3 logos into a tattoo will receive 25 percent off for life!  There have already been 88 people in the local area to receive their 25% off for life cards.

There is a good chance that you may have heard of  Melt before on Facebook amongst the comments but if you haven't tried it yet you need to get out and find out what you're missing.

 Melt is located at the corner of Warren Road and Detroit Road in Lakewood and will be opening another location this spring in Cleveland Heights.

They are open:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday-Saturday: 11:00am - 12:00 midnight
Sunday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday Brunch served 10:00am - 3:00pm. Dinner menu all day.
Bar open till 2:00am every night

http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com/

1. Hinckley Buzzards Returning !

Every year since 1957 on March 15 the buzzards return to Hinckley, Ohio.   The buzzard is a turkey vulture, the welcoming of these interesting creatures starts at 6:30 am .  Dress warm and come with binoculars and cameras but if you can't make it on the 15th you can still get in on the action, March 21st is buzzard Sunday it is a family day of nothing but buzzard activities.  Hope to see you there !  Check this site out for more information: http://www.clemetparks.com/events/buzzards.asp

Welcome to 365thingscleveland.com!

There are many things to do in and around the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Whether you are relocating to Cleveland or have lived here your whole life, this blog is intended to provide you with a unique and interesting activity to do every day that you are here. I would like to help draw your attention to all of the wonderful attractions near our city that you either are not aware of or have forgotten about.  I will be posting a different activity, event or restaurant/bar every day to showcase what our area has to offer.