I’m lucky to have a job (my normal day job outside of the blog!) that takes me all over the U.S., and recently it took me to Cleveland for a conference. While I was excited about the conference and seeing my company’s new office there, I was a little iffy on the location. I had been to Cleveland as a kid, to see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but didn’t really remember much. I have to say, while it might not be at the top of most people’s wish lists of places to visit, Cleveland far surpassed what I had expected. For a somewhat smaller Midwestern city, it had a lot to offer.

Apparently the downtown has really come a long way over the last several years. Especially since they found out they would be hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention. That brought a lot of needed upgrades and change to the city. I was truly amazed by how clean it was. You don’t see that usually even in small towns. I also thought the architecture was really neat. (Living in Chicago, surrounded by great architecture all the time, I feel like I focus on that when I visit a new place.) Fun fact, Superman was created in Cleveland. And no joke, it really does feel like you are walking around his Metropolis. Who knew walking down a street in Ohio could transport you into a real life comic book scene.

Another thing that surprised me was the food scene. Apparently a lot of well known chefs have brought their culinary specialties to Cleveland. For breakfast, or a healthy snack, I highly recommend Restored Cold Pressed. They had one of the best acai bowls I have had…and I have had many! East 4th  Street is a must stop for great food. It is a cute area to wander under the twinkle lights, do a beer tasting with tapas at The Butcher & The Brewer, or get dessert at Colossal Cupcakes. If you are looking to take in a show and enjoy the lively Flats district, check out the Music Box Supper Club. For fun and games, fancy bowling included, go to Punch Bowl Social. P.S. they have delicious pulled chicken tacos.

If you are looking for family fun, a stroll along Lake Erie is never a bad idea. And while you are walking over that way, check out Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or the Great Lakes Science Center. An ideal spot to stay, for both the location and the great views of the city, the lake and Browns stadium is the Westin. You might even spot a celeb, depending on who is in town…Maroon 5 was staying there the nights I was!

Moral of the story, give Cleveland a go guys, it really does rock!

Signed with Style,