When we first moved to Pittsburgh, people kept asking us if we’d been to visit Cleveland yet.
And I literally had zero interest in going to Ohio. It was just one of those states that I was like, “ya, no, I’m good, thanks.”
But then when I was eight months pregnant, I was absolutely DYING to go on one last vacation, but like, terrified that I would go into labor and not make it to my planned hospital, and not have my planned doctor and my whole plan would FUCKING GO UP IN FLAMES.
At only two hours and 12 minutes away from my hospital, Cleveland was starting to look pretty damn good for a quick weekend getaway.
Here’s the part where I point out that I was wrong about Ohio. Ok, I don’t actually know much about the rest of Ohio. I did go to Toledo once for a PBR event (Professional Bull Riding, not the beer, come on!), but that’s a whole. different. animal.
Anyways, Cleveland surprised the hell out of me. Culture. Food. History. Architecture. Nightlight. You name it…Cleveland’s got it.
We had such a great time that once Aurora arrived (that’s our daughter, come on now, keep up), we decided Cleveland would be the first vacation we took her on.
Must eat:
BREWNUTS
You absolutely gotta get donuts at Brewnuts. Like if you do nothing else in Cleveland, GET THE DAMN DONUTS AT BREWNUTS.
If it’s a weekend, be prepared to wait in line. People are super friendly though (this is the Midwest, after all) so chat up your line-mates. Ask for local recommendations. Tell them your life story. Whatever.
Why are the donuts so good? What’s so cool about this place? Well, let me ask you something: do you like beer? Yes? Great. Do you like donuts? Also yes? Dope.
Because Brewnuts is all about bringing those two things together to “make Cleveland’s most unique and delicious donuts.”
Just try them. Thank me later.
Also, the wallpaper in the restroom is super cute. Like, it’s worth a trip to Brewnuts just to take a selfie in the bathroom mirror.
Address: 6501 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102
Website: https://www.brewnutscleveland.com/
Must do:
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
Bro, if you’re into music like, at all, you can’t miss this. Even my five-month-old baby had a good time.
Plus, there are ample photo ops and the building itself is cool as hell to look at.
Address: 1100 E 9th St. Cleveland, OH 44114
Website: https://www.rockhall.com/
CLEVELAND SCIPT SIGNS
This is kind of like going to Nashville and trying to find the mural with the giant angel wings. Everyone does it and everyone posts on social media about having done it. So like, you can’t miss out on that, can you?
In all seriousness, they are actually super cool to see in person.
What is it, exactly, you ask? It’s legit just a giant sculpture of the word “Cleveland” in cursive. And you thought cursive wasn’t a thing outside your third grade classroom.
According to Cleveland Traveler, “As part of a tourism push in 2016, three Cleveland script signs were installed around the city in some key locations that visitors were likely to find. The three original signs were so popular (with locals and visitors alike) that by the end of 2018, there were 6 of the photo-ready signs scattered throughout the city.”
Since there’s six altogether, you may not make it to all of them. Or maybe you will. That might be a fun little activity. Depending on what you consider fun.
Here’s a helpful article that provides more information:
the northeast ginger 