9 Privileges Clevelanders Have That The Rest Of The U.S. Doesn't
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 22, 2018
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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.
Many Clevelanders have always called the city home, but other locals have been lured in by the region’s charm. There’s something about this lovely city that is irresistible, and many have found themselves entranced by its splendor. There’s a lot that makes this place wonderful, from its architecture right down to the unique blend of people that call it home. The city, it seems, loves to give back to its residents – we’re treated to some incredible privileges here, and time only brings more and more bragging rights each day.
1. Most people can't say that they live in the best location in the nation...
While this nickname may seem modern, it actually has quite the history. Cleveland has always been the best location in the nation (obviously), but locals didn't acknowledge it with a cute rhyme until the end of World War II. While its exact origin may be disputed, one can dig up references to the best location in the nation that are nearly 70 years old!
2. ...Or that they hail from the home of rock and roll.
You know that the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is a Cleveland landmark, but the history behind rock and roll in The Land is much more obscure. Alan Freed, a local disc jockey, first coined the term "rock and roll" to describe one of the genres he loved to play while working the night shift at WJW Cleveland. He promoted the term, encouraged its use, and even coordinated what many would come to cite as the first rock and roll concert in Cleveland. Our city is one rockin' place, and it continues to delight visitors with its sights and sounds alike.
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3. Though Lake Erie is far smaller than an ocean, residents on its shores still get to see some incredible marine life.
Many Clevelanders have pondered over what that odd whale-themed building is doing on Lake Erie's coast, but its origins are anything but mysterious. "Song of the Whales" has adorned the Cleveland Public Power Plant since 1997, the 75th such whale wall to be created by artist Robert Wyland. The goal of the mural is to raise awareness, and it has certainly piqued a great deal of interest locally.
Mmmm, paczkis... if you have never had the pleasure of trying one, they are deep-fried dough balls filled with all sorts of deliciousness, whether it is fruit-flavored or chocolate. These traditional Polish delicacies have become hugely popular in Cleveland, to the point that every Fat Tuesday has become a paczki-fueled day of deliciousness.
Pierogies are a local favorite, but no pierogi was ever quite as magnificent as this monster main course created in 2017. A crew of students and chefs at Cuyahoga Community College labored to combine 170 pounds of peeled potatoes, 15 pounds of cheese, and nearly a hundred pounds of dough to create Cleveland's craziest bragging right.
6. Each year, locals get to (unwillingly) participate in a real-life horror movie reenactment.
Each summer, midges and mayflies flock to Cleveland in droves, sticking to everything and everyone in their path. Then, they die, leaving piles of bodies everywhere near Lake Erie. It's honestly really messy, but it is also kind of cool if you think about it; these swarms are a sign of a healthy lake! The annual midge and mayfly invasion is kind of like a horror movie, only without blood and guts... okay, maybe the invasion isn't a privilege, but it is certainly odd enough that Clevelanders frequently find themselves equally fascinated and creeped out by it. Our ability to withstand the event is just a tribute to our toughness.
7. Your taste buds can easily travel the world without ever leaving Cleveland.
From Little Italy to the streets of Tremont and AsiaTown, restaurants serve up authentic dishes inspired by recipes from all around the world. Our cuisine scene proves that Cleveland truly is a melting pot of culture, and locals just can't get enough of it.
8. We get to experience an incredible museum for free.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is an incredible addition to the cityscape, and its collections add even more culture to our lovely little city. It opened to the public in 1916, and it continues to enthrall nearly a million visitors each year. As you may imagine, this incredible museum is one of the most visited in the world.
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9. There is no shortage of incredible architecture for locals to enjoy.
From the majestic details of the Old Arcade to the unusual design of the Peter B. Lewis Building, there is a great deal of diversity in The Land to entertain the eye.
Cleveland may be mockingly known as “the mistake on the lake,” but locals know better than to believe that falsehood. We’re very privileged to call this pretty place home, and we can’t express enough pride for our homeland!