Immerse Yourself In Fall Foliage At The Cleveland Cultural Gardens
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 21, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is a melting pot – a fact that has brought us diverse architecture, gorgeous places of worship, and an absolutely mouthwatering dining scene. This has also brought us the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, an East Side gem hiding amidst the 276 acres of our most urban park. If you’re in search of the most splendid fall hikes in Cleveland, you owe yourself a visit to these fabulous cultural sites.
There's nothing quite like a walk through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in the fall.
These 30-plus gardens line the expanse of Rockefeller Park with flowers, trees, and statues that pay homage to the cultures that have helped shape Cleveland's identity.
The oldest portions of the gardens date back to 1916, but they're in a constant state of growth.
Back in 1916, the Shakespeare Garden was inaugurated. The flowers and plants given life in the immortal lines of Shakespeare's poems provided inspiration for the design of the garden we now know as the British Garden.
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The iconic Italian Garden was the fourth to be established and has attracted visitors ever since its inception.
The Italian Garden is famous for summertime operas and Renaissance-style architecture. The fountain pictured was modeled after the one in the Villa Medici in Rome. Visitors are also charmed by a statue of Dante Alighieri and an extravagant amphitheater.
While many traditional gardens die during the cooler months, the statues, bronzes, and busts of this cultural hub keep the gardens interesting through every season.
As the leaves fall, they provide brilliant contrast with the man-made features of Rockefeller Park. When fall transitions to winter, the same glorious contrast continues, enhanced by the sparkle of freshly-fallen snow.
Once the leaves drop altogether, the gardens take on a decidedly spooky atmosphere.
The internationally-inspired elements of the park make it feel like ancient ruins. There's nothing more awe-invoking than traveling along the congestion of East Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and suddenly arriving upon elements straight out of Medieval Europe and Ancient Rome.
And there's nothing more humbling than this giant monument to the cultures that influenced The Land's personality.
All of the cultures in the garden have, in some way, influenced the growth of Cleveland. Some are still present in culturally-rich communities like Little Italy, but some have quietly introduced us to community and religious leaders. Others have brought us family and extended family members. Throughout your walk in the garden, you'll also see a focus on the figures from each culture that contributed to the entire world.
There's nothing like fall hikes in Cleveland, but one of the dreamiest autumn walks is hiding right here in town.
