Save yourself some time and avoid the crowds this holiday when you give the gift of experiences with these things to do in Cleveland.
This holiday, give the gift of experiences.
We all have those friends and family members that we’re never quite sure how to buy for. This year, why not give them the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime?
Last year, my husband and I decided to skip the gifts, okay, we didn’t skip them entirely, but we did minimize what we bought our grown kids and opted for a fun family getaway to Cleveland instead. We enjoyed our getaway so much that we’ve decided to repeat the occasion this year.
If you’re ready to provide experiences over gifts, I have a few ideas for you.
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Cleveland is one of my favorite cities to explore in Ohio. And it should be, I have written two books about it. But I've heard from many people that Cleveland is overwhelming and they don't know where to start. My suggestion would really be based on what you're interested in. Art? Cleveland has you covered. History? Yep, you'll find that too. Music? Cleveland is the rock and roll city. Sports? Uh-huh. The Outdoors? Cleveland's Metroparks will surprise you. There really is a ton to see and do. So much that you can't possibly do it in one or even two weekends. However, you can get a taste of Cleveland when you join one of the many tours that are offered in the city. Here are a few suggestions. Do you have an afternoon to spend exploring the city and you're fascinated by craft breweries? Why not embark on a fun brewery tour? This non-stop tour packs in stops to some of Cleveland's top brewers for an opportunity for some behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and in the process you'll sample 16 beers. What can be better than a brewery tour with your own built-in designated driver? Cleveland is big on breweries. This tour is better suited for those who want to explore a taste of the brewery scene but don't want to commit to a five-hour tour. This tour will take you to three Cleveland breweries for a glimpse of the production process. You'll get a beer flight at each location as well as Brewnut snacks and water. Embark on a walking tour of Downtown Cleveland and learn about the art, history and culture of Cleveland. Perfect for couples and groups, this is an inexpensive and interactive tour for those who want to explore at their own pace. Plan on walking just under two miles and spending about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the activity. Lolly the Trolley Tours are a great way to learn about the rich culture and history of Cleveland. Choose from an hour or two and a half-hour city tours or dig deep during an all-day specialty tour exploring the various ethnicities of the city, an Eliott Ness tour to learn about the days when the mob and corruption ran rampant and even a tour of the beautiful Lake View Cemetery and Little Italy. Lake View Cemetery is one of my favorite places to visit in Cleveland. Read this post to find out why. Groupon may not be the first choice when it comes to purchasing tours and discounted getaway packages but I'm here to tell you that the savings can really add up. Simply visit Groupon, select "things to do" in Cleveland and take a look at the offerings. As of this posting, Ohio City Glass is offering a great deal of introductory glass blowing, you can snag discounted tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, save on a visit to the SuperElectric Pinball Parlor and so much more. You can even search for discounted getaways. A day exploring is sure the lead to increased hunger. We're excited to share a tip we discovered over the years. Restaurant.com for restaurants that you may want to try and see if they offer any deals. I think we may give the House of Blues a try next time we're in Cleveland and a $50 certificate from Restaurant.com can save us $46 (the certificate will cost $4 to buy) that's not too shabby when you're buying a nice dinner for 6. I'd be remiss if I didn't plug my books. You can purchase Secret Cleveland: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure or 100 Things to do in Cleveland Before You Die, 2nd Edition and plan your own tour of the city. The books are available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and from me which has the benefit of signed copies. Oh, did you know I have a Roadside Attractions Adult Coloring Book too? Yep. And you'll find the famous free stamp depicted inside. If you're looking for a great hotel in Downtown Cleveland so you can extend your stay (or sleep off your beer, if needed) consider booking a room at Drury Plaza Hotel. Located right on The Mall (did you even know Cleveland had a Mall like D.C.?) this hotel provides easy walking distance to much of downtown. Plus, the property is housed in the former Board of Education building and many of the beautiful details, like the large murals in the lobby remain. Another hit with Drury hotels, they offer free popcorn and soft drinks throughout the day and evening, complimentary breakfast and even an evening meal and up to three free cocktails, glasses of wine or beer per guest over the age of 21. My big kids LOVED this. Mainly for the popcorn. Things to do in Cleveland
Cleveland: Brewery Tour with Craft Beer Tasting
Cleveland: Brewery Tour with Tastings
Let's Roam Scavenger Hunt- Downtown Cleveland
Board Lolly the Trolley for a Specialty Tour
Save Money on Experiences with Groupon
Search Local Restaurant Deals & Reviews in Cleveland - Restaurant.com
Plan Your Own Tour with the Purchase of Secret Cleveland
Book a Great Hotel and Extend Your Stay
Do you have a favorite experience in Cleveland that you would add? Leave a comment and share it below!
More posts on Cleveland:
Romantic Getaways in Cleveland
Visiting the Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery
7 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Ohio
debbie ann
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
Cleveland is my hometown and I love it. I always go to Tommy’s, as many times as I can. I also always go to the Cleveland Art Museum and hopefully hear the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. I also eat as much as Mitchells ice cream as possible. I try to see a film at cinematheque or at Cedar/Lee. Last time I checked out the medical museum on the CWRU campus. Also the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Tonya Prater
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
Thank you for sharing your favorite things to do in Cleveland! There is so much to see and do that it can easily be overwhelming. I have always loved the Cleveland Art Museum and try to visit each time I'm in town. The collection is amazing and it's so manageable. I'll have to check out the Museum of Contemporary Art next time I'm there. I've not seen that one. Have you been to the Lake View Cemetery? I recommend going if cemeteries don't creep you out. It is simply beautiful.