# Tell me about Cleveland, OH
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [August 10, 2005, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435 "2005-08-10T13:59:39Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/21 "2005-08-11T00:07:09Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#):
>
> That’s where they set _Howard the Duck._
“Cleveland. Land of Cleves.”
–Howard the Duck (the comic, not the movie)
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### Author:  [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/22 "2005-08-11T02:33:34Z")
I’m a relatively newe Cleveland resident, so I’ll echo what others have said.
I live on the “East Side,” which is what natives call eastern suburban Cleveland. The cultural and tntertainment attractions east of the Cuyahoga are more high-end – the Coventry and Cedar-Taylor neighborhoods in Cleveland Heights, University Circle, Chagrin Falls, Shaker Heights/Larchmere, and so on. I’m learning that the action seems to be on the West Side, though – Ohio City, Lakewood and Cleveland neighborhoods west of the Cuyahoga. Clevland is really two different cities; East Side and West Side, and you’ll probably meet people who seldom cross the Cuyahoga.
Cleveland is economically depressed compared to most other US cities, but it’s definitely not unsafe, it’s very eeasy on the eyes, it’s oozing in high culture, and you might have a chance at experiencing North America’s gorgeous fall foilage when you’re around.
Go see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You only live once.
Second Dopefest in October, anyone?
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### Author:  [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/23 "2005-08-11T02:59:55Z")
By all means, go to hear the Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall. It’s one of the threee greatest orchestras in the world, and the hall has recently been beautifully restored.
And if you’re into film, there’s always something interesting playing at the Cedar-Lee in Cleveland Hts., not too far from Coventry.
And if you’re in Little Italy, stop by Corbo’s Bakery for their sour-cream donuts.
I can’t think of anything else to add, but I strongly disagree about the Amish areas. They’ve become totally commercialized, and most of the “handmade” crafts I’ve seen seem to be mass-produced and way overpriced. The Amish religion has indeed become a huge tourist industry. But I suppose you should go there anyway, especially since I don’t think there’s anything like it near London.
(Plus, I have a personal grudge against the Amish, due to their lock-step voting in the 2004 election.)
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### Author:  [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/24 "2005-08-11T04:24:37Z")
Don’t judge American radio upon what you hear in Cleveland. This is quite possibly the worst radio market I’ve ever been in.
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### Author:  [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/25 "2005-08-11T04:28:25Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#):
>
> That’s where they set _Howard the Duck._
And _The Drew Carey Show_!
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### Author:  [@MisterThyristor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MisterThyristor)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/26 "2005-08-11T05:31:31Z")
You don’t mention what kind of music you like.
If you happen to like the blues, be sure and check out Robert Lockwood, Jr. at [Fat Fish Blue](http://www.fatfishblue.com/cleve/index.htm), just one block south of Public Square. He studied at the feet of Robert Johnson, and is a living legend of the Delta style blues. Not everything he does is Delta style, however, since he currently is playing with a 6-piece backup band that plays more urban/Chicago-style blues. He plays every Wednesday – the food is New Orleans influenced, and the music is free.
Other musical venues of interest – check out some of the smaller venues such as the Beachland Ballroom, where they have a rather eclectic listing of touring acts at reasonable ($10 to $20) prices. (The October listings are [here.](http://beachlandballroom.com/shows.html)) Others are [Wilberts](http://www.wilbertsmusic.com/index.html) (they don’t have the October schedule up yet) and the local franchise of the [House of Blues](http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/).
**Happy Leddervedder** is generally correct about the poor state of Cleveland radio, which was once among the best in the nation. But check around the low end of the FM dial to find the true gems remaining – the college radio stations. WRUW (Case Western Reserve University) at 91.1 FM, for example, has a pretty unique set of offerings. [WRUW](http://www.wruw.org/)[WCSB](http://www.wcsb.org/) (Cleveland State) [WJCU](http://www.wjcu.org/about/) (John Carroll University) [WKSU](http://www.wksu.org/) (Kent State – not so much local, mostly NPR)
On the non-musical side, I agree with **Dorjän** the the West Side Market is a must-see – anyplace that has more than 200 types of sausage is near and dear to my heart!
**ZipperJJ** mentioned [Lolly the Trolley tours](http://www.lollytrolley.com/index.htm), if you like pre-packaged tours of an area, this is one of the best. Unfortunately, I don’t think that they are offering the “Eliot Ness” tour any more this year. It covered the Flats where the infamous Torso Murders took place, the University Circle area where Ness lived, and the Auto/Aviation Museum which shows cars of that period, ending at the Great Lakes Brewery where you can get an Eliot Ness beer! But they have other great tours, just check the website.
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### Author:  [@Bimble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bimble)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/27 "2005-08-11T09:33:33Z")
> [@Elza B](#):
>
> Both the Akron and Cleveland zoos are great. We just went to the Akron zoo last weekend and loved it.
The zoo in Cleveland is already on my To Do list!! I’ll probably be flying home with a plane-load of cuddly toy animals… 😃
> [@Hello Again](#):
>
> Cleveland gets mocked a lot but it’s actually a pretty neat little city.
This is what people tell me: it’s a great little city!! So, it ain’t New York or L.A., but it’s got character by the bucket load!! 🆒
> [@MisterThyristor](#):
>
> You don’t mention what kind of music you like.
Anything-and-everything (except opera, C&W, AOR and chart crud…) from jazz to …er… Nine Inch Nails - who are playing at the Gund Arena (what the HECK is a “Gund”??) on the 9th October and yes, a friend and I will be in attendence!! 🆒
Any good jazz clubs around?
> [@PigBoy](#):
>
> You could toast marshmallows over the Cuyahoga River.
How the HECK does one pronouce “Cuyahoga”?? 😕
> [@romansperson](#):
>
> As far as the weather goes, October in Cleveland is pretty similar to October in London. The nights tend to get cooler, though.
**makes a note to pack thick socks** 🙂
…
I’m making notes, so keep your suggestions coming folks! Methinks I’m gonna be dragging my poor friend(s) around all over town all-day-every-day until they wear their poor little footsies out…!!
😃
(Thankfully, there seems to be Starbucks by the gazillion in Cleveland! PHEW!!)
(Have you ever SEEN what happens when you seperate a Londoner from it’s daily coffee ration? It AIN’T pretty…)
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### Author:  [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/28 "2005-08-11T12:19:57Z")
> [@Bimble](#):
>
> The zoo in Cleveland is already on my To Do list!! I’ll probably be flying home with a plane-load of cuddly toy animals… 😃
You’ll love the zoo. When the Metroparks organization took it over, they vastly improved it. The rainforest exhibit is especially cool.
> [@Bimble](#):
>
> Anything-and-everything (except opera, C&W, AOR and chart crud…) from jazz to …er… Nine Inch Nails - who are playing at the Gund Arena (what the HECK is a “Gund”??) on the 9th October and yes, a friend and I will be in attendence!! 🆒
Gordon Gund is a minority owner of the Cleveland Cavliers basketball team, which plays there. He comes from a very wealthy philanthropic family. That’s where the name comes from.
> [@Bimble](#):
>
> Any good jazz clubs around?
There is one, but I can’t think of the name. I’ll see if I can find out.
> [@Bimble](#):
>
> How the HECK does one pronouce “Cuyahoga”?? 😕
KY-A-HOE-GA
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### Author:  [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/29 "2005-08-11T12:26:26Z")
> [@Happy Lendervedder](#):
>
> Don’t judge American radio upon what you hear in Cleveland. This is quite possibly the worst radio market I’ve ever been in.
You clearly haven’t been to Raleigh then.
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### Author:  [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/30 "2005-08-11T12:31:46Z")
Jazz:
[Nighttown](http://www.nighttowncleveland.com/events.html)
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### Author:  [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/31 "2005-08-11T12:52:02Z")
Why don’t you think about picking a Saturday night in October and we’ll meet you at the Great Lakes Brewery, first ale’s on me.
And don’t limit yourself to Starbuck’s, when in Cleveland you have to try [Caribou Coffee](http://www.cariboucoffee.com/locations/locations.asp?state=oh) .
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### Author:  [@Isosleepy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isosleepy)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/32 "2005-08-11T15:06:09Z")
Pittsburgh is only a couple of hours away. Easily the best thing about cleveland.
Or so I’ve read on a t-shirt…
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### Author:  [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/33 "2005-08-11T15:16:39Z")
> [@BMalion](#):
>
> And don’t limit yourself to Starbuck’s, when in Cleveland you have to try [Caribou Coffee](http://www.cariboucoffee.com/locations/locations.asp?state=oh) .
Is Arabica still around? I simply loved walking into that place and inhaling deeply, and I don’t even drink coffee.
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### Author:  [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/34 "2005-08-11T15:19:09Z")
For Jazz there’s also the [Bop Stop](http://www.clevelandbopstop.com) which was around for a long time on w 6th (the warehouse district) and then built a beautiful new building on w 29th and had a good year but ran out of money and now does shows sparingly, but has some of the best local jazz around (many of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s members play in small groups there). Check the site sometime before you go to see if there’s any performances when you’re in town.
Also check out the [Cleveland Jazz Orchestra](http://www.clevelandjazz.org) themselves.
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### Author:  [@Bimble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bimble)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/35 "2005-08-11T15:46:12Z")
OooOOooo!!!
Coffee and jazz: I’ll think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!
🙂
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### Author:  [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/36 "2005-08-11T15:48:58Z")
> [@belladonna](#):
>
> Is Arabica still around? I simply loved walking into that place and inhaling deeply, and I don’t even drink coffee.
I don’t believe the original Arabica in Coventry exists anymore - they are now franchised and much changed from those days. I’ve heard good things about the one in University Circle, but I have not been there.
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### Author:  [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/37 "2005-08-11T17:02:22Z")
Arabica is still around, but it’s franchised and they are a bit spread out now. I still prefer their coffee over Caribou and definitely over Staryuck’s.
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### Author:  [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/38 "2005-08-11T21:17:42Z")
> [@Dorjän](#):
>
> Arabica is still around, but it’s franchised and they are a bit spread out now. I still prefer their coffee over Caribou and definitely over Staryuck’s.
And in Cleveland, yhou’ll hear the natives’ unique pronunciation of the word “Arabica.”
Yes, terrestrial radio here is really awful. There’s much better listening in Buffalo and Detroit. Cleveland radio drove me to Sirius satellite radio.
One of the best beer bars I’ve encountered, La Cave du Vin, is in the Coventry area. If it’s brewed in Belgium, they’ve got it.
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### Author:  [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2005, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/39 "2005-08-12T13:49:39Z")
> [@elmwood](#):
>
> One of the best beer bars I’ve encountered, La Cave du Vin, is in the Coventry area. If it’s brewed in Belgium, they’ve got it.
I plan to pay a visit to this place when I’m back in Cleveland in October.
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### Author:  [@zamboniracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zamboniracer)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2005, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cleveland-oh/316435/40 "2005-08-12T14:46:56Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#):
>
> Pittsburgh is only a couple of hours away. Easily the best thing about cleveland.
> Or so I’ve read on a t-shirt…
That reminds me. While you’re in Cleveland try not to wear clothing that combines the colors black and yellow. You don’t want people in Cleveland to think you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. 😃
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