14 Things That Come To Everyone's Mind When They Think Of Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
When you see images of the New York City skyline, you might find yourself imagining scenes of immense, unforgiving skyscrapers, bustling city streets, the neon signs and sounds of Broadway, or maybe even financial professionals with pencils and monogrammed pens tucked in their pockets. But what comes to mind when you think of Cleveland? This city, dubbed the Best Location in the Nation, has a rich history and much to celebrate.
Cleveland is a melting pot of cultures, but pierogies are a local delicacy like no other. Local restaurants have a unique approach to crafting these delectable dumplings, filling them with interesting ingredients or incorporating them into dishes like pizza as a delicious topping. The local foodie scene can't be beat!
When it comes to sports, Clevelanders are ride or die. We've endured "perfect seasons" with no wins, but we can't help but root, root, root for the home team. Whether it's the Guardians, the Browns, the Cavaliers, or any other local teams, Cleveland is a sports town and we're proud to say it.
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Our vibrant ethnic groups, accents, and lifestyles create a vibrant environment. You can't walk around without hearing a unique voice, catching the scent of delicious cultural cuisine, or spotting the influence of international architecture. You might even find yourself celebrating diversity at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, which are beautiful in every season (and they make a stunning backdrop for One World Day, which is pictured above).
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Here in Cleveland, our architecture ranges from Brutalist, Modern, and Postmodern to Chic and Art Deco. Whether you're on the East Side or the West Side, you're bound to encounter incredible buildings that are hiding massive ideas and stories.
Sure, Cleveland is no exotic paradise with warm weather and endless sunshine, but that won't stop us from enjoying the day on the beach. Lake Erie has a number of incredible beaches. It can be chilly out on the water, but the temperatures in the sand are perfect for swimming or sunbathing. And if it's not, then the beach may become an otherworldly garden of ice... which is beautiful in its own right.
The Cleveland Metroparks is just one of several charming park districts in Northeast Ohio, but it's a bragging point for locals. The Emerald Necklace has preserved an incredible 24,000 acres of green space in the area, which makes for an almost endless number of trails to explore.
From Crocker Park to the local arcades and stretches of local businesses throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area, Northeast Ohio is filled with incredible retailers. We have the gumption to support locally-owned businesses that are proud to serve the people of our community.
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One of the best parts of life in Northeast Ohio is the small local celebrations that pop up throughout every season. From the Slavic Village Pierogi Dash to the Cleveland Garlic Festival, we love celebrating food and our unique local culture.
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Polish boys, anyone?! Melt's unusual approach to grilled cheese sandwiches? There's something to be said for our local knack for creating unusual and memorable food combinations... everywhere you go, it seems, we Clevelanders find an interesting way to celebrate food.
From the Cleveland Museum of Art to unexpected gems like The Sanctuary Museum, this area is filled to the brim with memorable institutions. The best part? Many local museums and art galleries are free or cheap to visit, so gaining knowledge is easy.
Unbeknownst to many U.S. citizens, Cleveland is quietly home to some of the loveliest sunsets in the nation. With rich pinks, yellows, and blues in the sky, Lake Erie and its horizon serve as a constant reminder of the beauty all around us. It's the perfect backdrop for the perfect picture.
From the Fountain Of Eternal Life to the Free Stamp, there's no shortage of unusual local landmarks in The Land. Public art is Cleveland's love language, and we display it with a particular flair for the dramatic. A sightseeing tour through Cleveland is the perfect way to spend a staycation.
Speaking of the local landscape, we locals don't shy away from preserving our lore in stories. From tales of the Melonheads to witches' graves and crybaby bridges, Northeast Ohio has a wonderful amount of fascinating urban legends. The best way to get to know local life is to dig into our myths... and take some time to debunk them!
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From green spaces to beautiful beaches, Cleveland is a breathtaking place to live. The sights and sounds of our area create a welcoming atmosphere that is truly unlike any other city in the country.
When you think of Cleveland, do any of these things come to mind? What places, things, foods, and sounds remind you of home? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Cleveland has been the birthplace of many inventions and genres over the years. To learn more about local innovation, check out our article on incredible inventions that came from Cleveland.
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