To many Clevelanders, the city is a life-long home. But some of us have left the city for extended periods, whether it was on an excursion or due to a move, and we’ve felt the undeniable pangs of homesickness. There are so many things in Cleveland that are worth celebrating, and it becomes especially hard to cope when you’re miles away from the best location in the nation. Here are just a few things that wandering Clevelanders have found that they passionately miss:
- The splendor of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr Over 23,000 acres of forested majesty surrounds Forest City. The extensive system of public parks offers endless opportunity for exploration, helping locals keep cabin fever at bay.
- Cleveland’s amazing freebies.
Erik Drost/Flickr In Cleveland, there are many fantastic activities that won’t cost you a cent, like the Museum of Art. It seems that few cities offer as many budget-friendly destinations as Cleveland, which definitely puts a damper on out-of-state day trips.
- The beauty of life on America’s North Coast.
Erik Drost/Flickr Living on the shore of Lake Erie is truly a remarkable experience. Breathtaking sunsets, nautical adventure, and coastal wildlife are all at Cleveland’s doorstep, and they’re made all the more amazing when the Cleveland skyline is silhouetted behind them.
- The buzz of exciting festivities.
Erik Drost/Flickr Throughout each year, Cleveland is home to some amazing and quirky festivities, including farmers markets, cultural celebrations, and food festivals.
- The ease of affordable public transportation.
Wyliepoon/Flickr Our Rapid Transit system is a spectacular asset to us. Plus, it’s honestly kind of an empowering experience to hop in a high-energy car after the Tribe won another game. The passengers are all smiles, high-fiving boarders, and unwinding from the strain of sitting on the edge of their seats.
- The Cleveland food scene.
Edsel Little/Flickr There are many restaurants in Cleveland that have become local icons, like Sokolowski’s University Inn and Slyman’s. As soon as you think you’ve adjusted to life in a new environment, cravings for Cleveland food kick in.
- Cleveland entertainment.
Erik Drost/Flickr Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, The Agora, Blossom Music Center. While these venues may all seem drastically different, they all host spectacular entertainers throughout the year. Boredom isn’t really something Clevelanders handle very well; we’re used to having amazing artists and events in town.
- The antique and thrift stores.
Tehusagent/Flickr Cleveland has some of the coolest shopping opportunities. At stores like Flower Child, you never know what you’ll stumble upon.
- The nostalgia.
Erik Drost/Flickr Do you ever drive past the Guardians of Traffic, for example, and flash back to a time as a child when you gazed up at them in awe? There is something particularly special about making memories in Cleveland.
- The wonderful weirdness of Cleveland.
Lagged2Death/Flickr Cleveland has a quirky reputation thanks in part to our giant stamp in Willard Park and the kinetic statue mocking politics sitting on the campus of Cleveland State University. Let’s face it… normal is boring.
- The inspiring architecture.
Peter Miller/Flickr Cleveland is a blend of antique and modern, a contrast which beautifully distinguishes Cleveland’s skyline. The devil is in the details of our buildings, and their hidden complexities will entrance you.
- The feeling.
Alex Toney/Flickr Cleveland just feels special. It has a certain energy about it that is contagious. You just can’t help but love Cleveland.
Let this be a warning to you sedentary Clevelanders: if you decide to leave the city, you will miss it. In actuality, Cleveland is a pretty splendid place, and you will find that it has left a permanent impression on you.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
Over 23,000 acres of forested majesty surrounds Forest City. The extensive system of public parks offers endless opportunity for exploration, helping locals keep cabin fever at bay.
Erik Drost/Flickr
In Cleveland, there are many fantastic activities that won’t cost you a cent, like the Museum of Art. It seems that few cities offer as many budget-friendly destinations as Cleveland, which definitely puts a damper on out-of-state day trips.
Living on the shore of Lake Erie is truly a remarkable experience. Breathtaking sunsets, nautical adventure, and coastal wildlife are all at Cleveland’s doorstep, and they’re made all the more amazing when the Cleveland skyline is silhouetted behind them.
Throughout each year, Cleveland is home to some amazing and quirky festivities, including farmers markets, cultural celebrations, and food festivals.
Wyliepoon/Flickr
Our Rapid Transit system is a spectacular asset to us. Plus, it’s honestly kind of an empowering experience to hop in a high-energy car after the Tribe won another game. The passengers are all smiles, high-fiving boarders, and unwinding from the strain of sitting on the edge of their seats.
Edsel Little/Flickr
There are many restaurants in Cleveland that have become local icons, like Sokolowski’s University Inn and Slyman’s. As soon as you think you’ve adjusted to life in a new environment, cravings for Cleveland food kick in.
Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, The Agora, Blossom Music Center. While these venues may all seem drastically different, they all host spectacular entertainers throughout the year. Boredom isn’t really something Clevelanders handle very well; we’re used to having amazing artists and events in town.
Tehusagent/Flickr
Cleveland has some of the coolest shopping opportunities. At stores like Flower Child, you never know what you’ll stumble upon.
Do you ever drive past the Guardians of Traffic, for example, and flash back to a time as a child when you gazed up at them in awe? There is something particularly special about making memories in Cleveland.
Lagged2Death/Flickr
Cleveland has a quirky reputation thanks in part to our giant stamp in Willard Park and the kinetic statue mocking politics sitting on the campus of Cleveland State University. Let’s face it… normal is boring.
Peter Miller/Flickr
Cleveland is a blend of antique and modern, a contrast which beautifully distinguishes Cleveland’s skyline. The devil is in the details of our buildings, and their hidden complexities will entrance you.
Alex Toney/Flickr
Cleveland just feels special. It has a certain energy about it that is contagious. You just can’t help but love Cleveland.
For more on Cleveland life, check out these 10 things we (rightfully) brag about.
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