I don’t know about all of you, but I love that Cleveland has been the backdrop to many recent films. Most noticeable were the Captain American and Avengers’ movies, due to their high-intensity action shots, but we still have a slew of other films coming to town and taking over the streets of downtown Cleveland.
The most recent announcement includes Criminal Activities, which began filming yesterday. Be prepared to welcome stars like John Travolta, Michael Pitt, Dan Stevens and Rebecca Da Costa with open arms as they film this drama about four young men who get mixed up in a bad deal with a mobster! And since Cleveland has so much to offer, I wanted to provide a list of places for these fabulous actors, writers, producers and crew to visit! Enjoy!
For culture and cuisine: Cleveland Museum of Art and Provenance Cafe
Cleveland is home to some fabulous museums. Just a short distance from downtown, you’ll hit University Circle. Here you can find world class museums, which includes the Cleveland Museum of Art, which features a stunning 39,000 square foot atrium and a delicious restaurant to match. Provenance Cafe has an open kitchen concept so visitors can watch their meals be prepared. Art isn’t your thing? Check out the Natural History Museum, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum or the Cleveland Botanical Gardens!
For exercise: Paddle boarding with Nalu SUP
While Lake Erie isn’t the Pacific Ocean, it still has a lot going for it. And what better way to wash away the stress of filming than to experience the city through standup paddle boarding? And if you are really crazy, check out one of their SUP yoga classes! Rentals begin when the water hits 65 degrees!
For a great patio: Gamekeepers Taverne, Chagrin Falls
Nestled behind the restaurant is a charming patio area that is both secluded and a bit hip. You’ll find a brick bar area to the one side and a fireplace and tables to the other. And what makes it even more appealing is that you can swing down to the falls after you’ve had a drink or two!
For great brews: Happy Dog, Cleveland
Nothing ends a day better than a nice, cold beer. Happy Dog provides an extensive beer list, with tons of options on draft. And to top it all off you can create your own happy dog with a huge selection of toppings. Vegetarian hot dogs are available too!
For peace and quiet: Cleveland Public Library
Looking to hide from star struck fans? Hit up the Cleveland Public Library and get lost in the beauty of the architecture or hide behind a stack of books. Okay, so it may not be the best hiding place as I just gave it away, but it still deserves a stop. Check out the beautiful murals in the old library or relax in the outdoor park nestled between the old and new libraries. Ah, relaxation right in the heart of the city.
For something sweet: Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe, Mitchell’s, and Piccadilly Artisan Creamery
This one is hard because Cleveland has some phenomenal options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe is consistently rated as one of the top ice cream parlors in Cleveland and is a personal favorite as their ice cream is made with honey. Try the legendary Honey Pecan or Orange Blossom, which is my favorite. Mitchell’s is another sure bet. Also local to the area, they just opened a fabulous new location in Ohio City that offers tastings and tours of the attached factory. And last up is the feature of my most recent post, Piccadilly Artisan Creamery. All of the ingredients are organic and they make your ice cream right in front of you with liquid nitrogen!
For sun and sand: Edgewater Lakefront Reservation or Mentor Headlands
Sometimes you just want to be a bum, a beach bum that is! Lucky for you, we have several beaches where you can kick back and relax. If you are looking to stay in the city, Edgewater Lakefront Park is the way to go. Swing by on a Thursday evening and you’ll get to hear live music and grab some grub at the food trucks. Want to get away from the city? Head to Mentor Headlands, where soft sand and cool lake breezes will have you thinking you’re somewhere tropical (or as close as you can get!).
For a swanky night out: Crop Bistro & Bar, Ohio City
There is no shortage of fabulous places to get all dolled up for. I could give you a list a mile long, but for now I’m going to recommend Crop Bistro & Bar. The dining area of Crop is massive, formerly the United Bank and Trust Building, and features beautiful art and gorgeous ceilings. Plus the food is fabulous! Feel free to check out the West Side Market, which is right across the street, for some fresh food!
For yoga: Harness Cycle Community Yoga
Join a community yoga movement, and take a free class at Transformer Station in the up and coming Hingetown area of Cleveland. Classes start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. After class, swing into Rising Star Coffee for some fresh brewed coffee and relax on one of their outdoor picnic tables.
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