Here's The Perfect Itinerary For A Day Trip Through Cleveland's University Circle
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 28, 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.
Beauty, art, and culture. University Circle has always been the heart and soul of the city, housing its most prestigious institutions and most ambitious works of art. Locals have always been fascinated by this neighborhood, and it was recently named one of the loveliest places in the nation by Forbes. While one could easily long to spend a lifetime here, it’s best to start out with a day trip or two through the neighborhood.
Prepare for the most memorable day trip Cleveland has to offer, because we're hitting the streets of one of its loveliest neighborhoods.
Few realize that the East Cleveland Township is no longer in existence, but the remnants of its former inhabitants are still present. This gorgeous cemetery was founded in 1859 and encompasses a great deal of local history.
Ingredients from Northern Ohio playfully interact to reconstruct the flavors of Northern Italy in this chic restaurant. If you bring an appetite, you can even indulge in the epic 12-course Menu Bianco.
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3. Maltz Performing Arts Center (1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland)
It's safe to say that the campus of Case Western Reserve is home to some of Cleveland's coolest attractions. The Maltz Performing Arts Center is housed in the old Tifereth Israel Temple that dates back to the Jazz Era. Many people flock here to catch performances by student musicians and to catch lectures. Silver Hall even continues to host a congregation.
As the sparkling crown jewel of University Circle, one can't help but be drawn into the lovely landscape of Wade Lagoon. All around this lovely lake are examples of gorgeous sculptures, and keen visitors may even spot all 12 zodiac signs hidden in the art.
This gorgeous destination houses one of Cleveland's most prestigious musical ensembles. As the home of The Cleveland Orchestra, this gorgeous historic structure is filled with beautiful music.
6. Dittrick Museum of Medical History (11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland)
On the enchanting campus of Case Western Reserve University is a little museum that has made a huge impact on our community. Overflowing with bizarre artifacts, this museum documents the evolution of medical history. From the macabre to the amazing, this museum has a little bit of everything... that is, if you're not too squeamish to enter its campus.
7. Melt University (11038 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland)
Hidden in the Tinkham Veale University Center is a restaurant that Clevelanders are obsessed with. Melt produces some of the most gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches in the world, and their flavors have become legendary. As the first Melt location on a college campus, this location features a special Case Western-themed sandwich.
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8. The Sculpture Center (1834 E 123rd St., Cleveland)
There are so many incredible free attractions around Cleveland. In fact, one could spend hours in the city and only invest in parking. However, one of the most incredible free attractions is The Sculpture Center. Never heard of it? You're not alone. A lot of Clevelanders are still discovering this gem that connects Ohio artists to our grand city. The incredible works of talented artists are displayed in great quantity here, and some of the loveliest works may even be for sale.
9. Lake View Cemetery (12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland)
This gorgeous cemetery is almost 300 acres in size, and it is home to some of Cleveland's most prestigious residents. James A. Garfield, Alan Freed, Eliot Ness, and John D. Rockefeller all rest eternally within its breathtaking campus.
BONUS: Baseball Heritage Museum (6601 Lexington Rd., Cleveland)
Take me out to the Baseball Heritage Museum, take me out to the crowd... This destination may not look like much, but that's because this petite building was merely the former ticket office of Cleveland's old baseball park. League Park, as it was known, is a site that's well worth exploring. All of the greats of baseball history played here, and it also set the stage for the Indians' only at-home World Series win. It is a bit out of the way to add to a walking tour of University Circle, but it's near enough to visit by car.
This pretty place is Cleveland’s cultural hub, and there are almost too many attractions within it to comprehend. One could spend years touring University Circle and still uncover something new every day. What would you add to our itinerary?