Unique Places in Cleveland

Gray's Armory is a castle-like building that serves as the hub of the Civil War re-enacment group; The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K. The Armory is fascinating to peruse. They do offer tours, but you'll have to call or visit the website for more information about that, since I don't know. On-site parking is also available.

Inside are many rooms, filled with historical Civel war era pieces; weaponry, gear, photographs, etcetera. I became keenly fascinated, but didn't get to spend as much time familiarizing myself with the history of the Armory in Cleveland... I plan to eventually. If you can get an opportunity to go, do so! :) It's a truly unique place in the midst of downtown.

Head south to Holmes County, Millersburg and spend a day in Amish Country. Visit the shops which sell the wares of the Amish Farms and craftsmen in the area. While it's not all Amish, the entire communities values of hard work and handcraftsmenship have roots in the Amish Community. Be careful of the buggy's on the roads. They may be moving slow, but like cars, they have the right-of-way.
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My Holmes County page
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Holmes County is south of Wooster and you'll need an entire day to visit. Or plan a night in Holmes at one of the many motels that provide home quilted comforts. Don't miss dinner at any one of several Amish Restaurants. [The Amish don't really own the restaurants, but they're the cooks and the waitresses, bringing the goodness of their homes to you.]

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Interested in Coverd Bridges? Ashtabula County has one of the highest concentrations in northeast Ohio. It's quite a drive from Cleveland. If you're on the eastside, figure at least 2 hours each way. From the westside, make that 3 hours. Better yet, add a night to your stay, but make that night over near Ashtabula. Mentor, Painesville, Geneva and Ashtabula all have places to stay and things to do. Here are a few VT links to help you out.
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My Ashtabula page
VT's Mentor, Ohio page
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VT's Painesville, Ohio page
VT's Geneva, Ohio page
VT's Conneaut, Ohio page

The memorial to Leif Ericson was dedicated to commemorate the fisrt Viking Settlement in North America; they were the first Europeans to settle in North America.

To find it, you need to go the East Bank of the Flats (downtown) and walk along the West side of Shooters (not the dock side) and go to the end of the building, and it's right there, at the bottom of an old bridge. The monument is entirely as it looks in the photo; there's nothing else to describe anything further about why it was placed there nor are there any other acommodating signs/plaques.

I am placing this destination as an off-the beaten path tip, even though it's right downtown on Superior Ave, in obvious view to all. I do this because it's not seen nor treated as a major 'tourist attraction', nor should it really be so. It's just a lovely place to go if you want a relaxing spot to visit. There's a small garden outside where you can read and relax... and the library itself is huge, especially with the new Stokes Wing and its fresh modern architecture. The remainder of the library, on the outside, looks like a city hall or courthouse building... it's massive; if you notice in the photo; the buildings keep going into the horizon; it spans 2 blocks! :) Many floors also feature computers which are free to use for Internet access.

It's lovely to photograph outside and good fun to peruse inside, if you have enough time to wander through...

When around Cleveland, keep an eye out for these historical markers. They're not just in Cleveland, though; throughout the entire state. So, you'll probably come across a few while galavanting about Cleveland. Hopefully they'll be encouraging to do some walking through Cleveland and see more the city up close. These markers are a great little addendums to your understanding of Cleveland history. :)

The e-Tech Hatchery now occupies the former C-Tix 'hut' on Star Plaza, downtown. It debuted in February of this year, as an inexpensive opportunity for start-up business to build and grow with strength. They occupy the space for only a few months, and passers-by can observe the goings-on, because most of the walls are big plate-glass windows. I feel that it's a wonderful idea, and I really hope that it proves to benefit Cleveland and new businesses in the long-run. Check it out if you're over in Theater District! It is located at the intersection of Huron and Euclid (between E13th & E14th Sts), on Star Plaza.

If you end up staying at the Holiday Inn Select (it's right near the harbour and Rock and Roll hall of Fame) I suggest that if you want a great view of the harbour and Rock and Roll Hall of fame you should go to the top of the car park, it's especially beautiful at night when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has all sorts of lights lit up it'd be a great picture.