Having lived in Ohio nearly all of my life, you think I would’ve traveled to Cleveland pretty often. While I have made a few trips in recent years, it wasn’t until this past winter that I truly feel like I explored the city! After much research, both by experiences while there and per readers’ recommendations, I adore this list of what to do while in Cleveland! This city has so much to offer but you’ll see nearly half of the following recommendations have to do with food of some sort, and for good reason: Cleveland is definitely a foodie city! Looking at Cleveland’s history, it’s obvious that the area, and notably, the culinary scene, have influences from all around the world! Enjoy:

1. Grocery shop at the West Side Market in Ohio City.

Open since 1912 at its current location, this indoor/outdoor market is every food lover’s dream. Boasting an impressive array of fresh fruit, vegetable, meat, and cheese, this historic stop is a must when in Cleveland!

2. Eat & shop in Tremont!

This trendy and historic area of Cleveland is an area you don’t want to miss! Try Barrio for tacos, Lucky’s for breakfast, Velvet Tango Room for cocktails or The Treehouse for drinks, and Civilization for coffee!

photo credit: @caitlin_mccully

3. Visit beautiful Edgewater Park on Lake Erie.

Whether you want to walk, swim, take the dogs, boat, fish, or picnic, this shoreline park has it all!

photo credit: @leora.tova

4. Get cozy in Little Italy.

Walking around historic Little Italy, you’ll find numerous galleries, studios, and restaurants worth visiting! While you can’t go wrong with any of the neighborhood establishments, dinner at La Dolce Vita or Maxi’s, a cassata cake at Corbo’s Bakery!

photo credit: @woowaa

5. Explore a museum!

It’s commonplace to visit a museum while in Cleveland because they have some of the best in the country! You can’t go wrong with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, or the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

photo credit: @verooo_p

6. Dine and/or drink on East 4th Street!

Experience downtown Cleveland on this lively street! Dine at Chef Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro or Mabel’s BBQ. Or try Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s The Greenhouse Tavern or the locally-owned and operated brewpub, Butcher and the Brewer.

7. Eat & drink in Ohio City.

Just west of downtown Cleveland, Ohio City deserves its own number on this list because its eateries are just so darn impressive! Clevelanders rave about TownHall for a reason & I can personally attest to looking forward to visiting this delicious establishment that boasts a 100% non-GMO menu in the future! Also worth a stop: Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream and Great Lakes Brewing Co. brewpub. Also, the West Side Market is in Ohio City, too!

8. Visit the iconic A Christmas Story House and Museum.

Open year round in Tremont, you can tour the actual house where this 1983 Christmas classic was filmed! The Gift Shop even has leg lamps you can buy, if you so desire. 🙂

9. Go to a Cleveland Cavaliers game!

You didn’t think I was going to let this list go without mentioning the Cavs, did you? Well, I hope not! 🙂 Even if you’re not a fan, you can’t miss seeing Lebron play! Quicken Loans Arena is located downtown just a block from East 4th Street. Try dinner on E. 4th and then hitting up the game!

10. Don’t miss a photo opp with the Cleveland Script signs – there are 5 around the city!

• Edgewater Park, Tremont, North Coast Harbor, Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and Euclid Beach all boast these very Instagrammable signs!

What did I miss? Please leave a comment below to add to the conversation!

If you’re looking to take a day trip from Cleveland, hop on over to Put-in-Bay!