An "Iconic" Family Adventure

Just before school started again we decided to try to get one last trip in. We looked on our list for something relatively affordable that we could drive to and so Cleveland was the winner. At around 8 hours’ drive it wasn’t too much of a drive for us and got there just after lunch. Walking up into the hotel we were just wowed.

The Hotel Cleveland was the iconic hotel and what a beautiful place it was. Very grand and historic, the hotel was very impressive and was just very lovely. The location was also great, right on the square where there were events going on daily. There were QR codes hidden in places all over the hotel that, when you scan them, provide historical facts about the hotel…A scavenger hunt of history!

We found a flyer in the lobby with events for the week and saw that Benson Boone was going to be in town that night, and I thought “no way we could score tickets a few hours before the show…” but I went online anyway and what do you know! Affordable tickets were available! We bought the tickets and saw the show…. It was great! The memories we made were amazing (the kids’ first concert) and I was so happy I took the chance.

Lesson learned: Take the chance and say yes!

Over our time in Cleveland we explored the library, the zoo, the Great Lakes Science Center, and Lake Erie. The city is so walkable we were able to walk most places except the zoo. The library was a beautiful building that made such an impression. We got to see an interactive art installation and learn about the “birthplace” of Superman. The zoo was a great size zoo and we were able to feed giraffes, do a 4d movie and zipline…All in all a great way to spend time. The Science Center was a hit as usual, playing with all the things and learning about space; the kids are still young enough to enjoy the interactive exhibits. We got to visit The Lindsey Family Playspace on Lake Erie during sunset, and they sky was beautiful! The playground was very nice, and it was right next to the beach and a great view of downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland was a very clean, walkable small city that had such pretty architecture. The kids loved it, and they want to go back and try some other things we didn’t get to like the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point Theme Park (about an hour away), the aquarium and more. Looks like we will be back!

Why is the Hotel Cleveland iconic?

• Charles Lindbergh spoke in a ballroom at the hotel in 1927, three months after completing his solo Trans-Atlantic flight.
• Eliot Ness questioned Francis Sweeney, a suspect in the Torso Murders, in one of the hotel’s rooms for over a week in 1938.
• The Beatles stayed there September 14, 1964