Cleveland, Ohio

Rising Star Roasters

I’m not sure what will attract you more to this local coffee chain: the copious amounts of caffeine, the seven-foot #2 pencil on the front law, the shop’s ultra cool old firehouse location, or the fact Rising Star’s is a neighbor to the Cleveland Vibrator Factory. Okay, okay,  that last one isn’t as risqué as it sounds, CVC supplies industrial equipment to factories around the world, and is a testament to the city’s roots in the coal mining industry, rather than its sexual prowess.  (1455 West 59th Street, www.risingstarcoffee.com)

Try: The Cardamom bomb is a chai lover’s wildest dream come true. Sub dairy for almond milk to get down right spiritual, and prepare yourself to meet the Guardians of Traffic. 

Jack Flaps 

Thick, syrupy stacks are the early bird’s reward at this Ohio City pancake and waffle house. Jack Flaps opens its doors at 7am, long before the sleepy brunch spots even think about dragging out their sandwich boards, making it the true urban breakfast shoppe it claims to be. (3900 Lorain Avenue, www.jack-flaps.com)

Try: The lemon curd jackflaps are like an alarm clock on a plate. Fluffy pancakes smothered in fresh lemon curd, seasonal berries, topped with graham cracker crumbs, are one sweet pay-off for getting up and moving before noon. 

Barrio

A taco bar in every sense, you really can’t go wrong with build-your-own tacos and mas tequila at this Gateway location. Barrio’s fill-in-the-bubble style menus may have you flashing back to standardized testing, but I assure you there is no failing combination. (503 Prospect Avenue East,  www.barrio-tacos.com)

Try: If you suffer from guac-coma like me, and can’t see straight until you’ve had your daily dose of avocado dip, I hiiiighly recommend checking out the Guacamole of the dia.  We were lucky enough to indulge in a generous heaping of edamame guac gone wild with crunchy sriracha peas. 

Toast

Farm stand meets vineyard in this cozy, local wine bar, nestled on the residential side of Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood. A charming combo of exposed brick, thoughtful lighting, and local eats are the perfect pairing with Toasts impressive wine offerings. (1365 W 65th Street, www.toastcleveland.com)

Try: If you, like I did, came expecting crunchy bread and not fermented grapes, you might be pleased to know Toast has you covered in all departments. Treat yourself to a Trio of Toasts, selected daily, along with an inventive menu of handcrafted cocktails. 

Playhouse Square

Best viewed at night, the theater district is the shimmering crown jewel of downtown Cleveland. Like many of its Rust Belt kin, Cleveland has seen the decline and resurrection of its local arts, particularly in the area of performing arts.  Even if you find yourself too short on time to snag show tickets, Playhouse Square’s twinkling marquees and chill vibe make for an enchanting evening stroll.  (Euclid Avenue and E 14th Street, www.playhousesquare.org)

Try: The colossal, crystal chandelier at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and E 14th Street is a beacon in the night, and a sight for weary motorists’ eyes. At an impressive 20-feet tall, composed of 4,200 crystals, the Playhouse Square chandelier is claimed to be the largest in the world.

Big Fun

Imagine this: every toy you ever asked for and never got jam packed into one Cleveland Heights location. Complete with funhouse mirrors, Zoltar, and photo booth, Big Fun is equal parts acid trip and toy museum. (1816 Coventry Road, www.bigfuntoystore.com)

Try: Peek inside the dusty drawers of the old library card catalog cabinets found throughout the shop. Each compartment houses its own set of treasures from vintage stickers to rubber mice to fortune fish, there really is no telling what you will find.

Rocket Fizz

What Big Fun is for toys and games, Rocket Fizz is for candy and chocolate. Expect floor-to-ceiling shelves of you, your parents, and your grandparents' favorite sweet treats, as well imported candies you've never laid eyes on. 

Try:  Scoop up a fat sack of saltwater taffy in unexpected flavors like PB&J, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Blueberry Muffin. Extra points for the first one to locate an Abba-Zaba bar. (530 Euclid Avenue, ww.rocketfizz.com)

Hope Memorial Bridge 

Even if you are lucky enough to catch the bridge at a quiet, carless hour, you’ll never quite be alone with the Guardians of Traffic looming overhead. Equal parts eerie and magnificent, the towering art deco carvings are a tribute to the city’s earl role in the automotive industry. Be sure to pay the guardians a visit before embarking on your next road trip, or else suffer the gridlock! 

Try: Early weekend mornings are the perfect time to see the guardians in all of their sandstone glory. You know they are satisfied when traffic is just sparse enough to jump out and take a picture. (Carnegie Avenue, www.clevelandhistorical.org)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

More than just a bunch of signatures on a wall, the Rock Hall is a time capsule to be opened yearly and enjoyed. Much like your mother’s attic, the Rock Hall contains both seminal, such as Les Paul prototypes, as well as the comical and the trivial, like John Lennon’s grade school report cards. No artifact is without value when it comes to Rock and Roll. 

Try: In 2015 Alternative Press turned the big 3-0, so to celebrate the Rock Hall threw it a party in the form of its very own exhibit. Pop in the dorm room-sized shrine to all-things AP, including the Macintosh SE founder Mike Shea used to crank out the magazine’s first issue in his actual bedroom, as well as the covers of every issue ever to hit the press. (1100 E. 9th Street, www.rockhall.com)