13 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Cleveland Do
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Conor Battles
Author
Cleveland is a unique city. From its relatively isolated location on America’s North Coast to the unusually lush greenery of the Emerald Necklace there is a lot that makes living in Cleveland different from other cities in the country. But, as these 13 things show, those differences go much deeper than appearance. And, the truth is… some things about Cleveland are just downright weird.
1. We make giant stamps
"The Big Rubber Stamp" sits in Willard Park, and it's definitely one-of-a-kind. If you haven't taken your photo next to this iconic Cleveland landmark, what are you waiting for??
2. We know how to combat any type of weather
Come rain, sleet or snow, there aren't conditions harsh enough to keep Cleveland down. Plus, it's not unusual for Clevelanders to experience all four seasons in the same week!
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3. We play a game you've never heard of
Bocce is a strange thing to explain to someone unfamiliar with it, but the centuries-old Italian game has found new life in Cleveland. Whether you're interested in catching a Major League Bocce ball game or up for a few rounds at your favorite local bar, Cleveland has you covered.
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4. Our beach days are on fresh water
Cleveland's location right on the shores of the massive and beautiful Lake Erie means many summer days spent lounging on the beach. We're huge fans of Edgewater, Huntington, and Headlands in particular.
5. We embrace the lake effect
As lovely as Erie is when it's warm outside, the mighty winters we get from it provide their own brand of fun. Every Clevelander you talk to will have their own story about driving downtown during a snowpocalypse, dealing with parking bans, and slip sliding through town.
6. We're all a little Irish (or we're willing to fake it if we aren't)
St. Patrick's Day is a big deal here in Cleveland. The city all but shuts down every year in order to properly celebrate. And if you aren't technically Irish, no worries! Nobody really cares after the first couple of Guinnesses anyway.
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7. And if you're not Irish, you're Italian
Cleveland's Italian side comes out just as heavily as our Irish side. Little Italy is a gorgeous neighborhood, and our Italian cuisine is the best this side of the Atlantic. Whether you're in the mood for some primo pizza or pasta to die for, Cleveland's Little Italy is the place to dine.
8. We still root for the Browns
Even when there are a rough few years for Browns fans, that won't stop us from filling the Dawg Pound every game or tailgating in the Muni Lot. Losing has actually become part of the tradition and we've learned not to mind it so much.
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9. We take off work for Dyngus Day
Each April, hundreds of Clevelanders take to the streets on the city's west side to celebrate the local Polish heritage and be part of the fastest growing polka party in the world. The Monday after Easter, Clevelanders look forward to traditional Polish eats, plenty of beer, and getting a glimpse of Miss Dyngus herself!
10. We take our beer very seriously
It's almost an insult when someone offers us a Bud Light but that's just because we've been drinking liquid gold from the likes of breweries such a Great Lakes, Market Garden, Nano, Bottlehouse, and Platform for years. There's nothing like Cleveland beer. Period.
11. Opening Day is basically Christmas Day for us
You won't find us at home, work, or school on Opening Day for the Cleveland Indians. That's because we're either already at the stadium or have been staking out a seat at our favorite downtown bar since 6 a.m. There's no better day of the year.
12. We're obsessed with eating local
Zach Bruell, Michael Symon, and Becca Ritterspach are pretty much household names here in Cleveland. On Friday and Saturday nights, we'd rather starve than be found at a Cheesecake Factory when there's so much delicious local fare to be eaten.
13. We're Clevelanders above everything else
The most defining characteristic about people from Cleveland is that we are proud of our city and each other. In a world where friendliness and compassion are increasingly rare, it might be "weird" to see a city so united.
Life in Cleveland is still amazing and wonderful - just look at some of our incredible natural wonders like Ash Cave and Hocking Hills State Park:
Life in Cleveland is still amazing and wonderful - just look at some of our incredible natural wonders like Ash Cave and Hocking Hills State Park:
Living in Cleveland may have its quirks, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Have you noticed any other weird things about Cleveland and its people? Tell us about them in the comments!
Let’s go even deeper down the Cleveland rabbit hole. Here are a few fun facts about Cleveland that you may not know.
14 Quirky Facts About Cleveland That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
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