Wil Lindsey for Destination Cleveland
In Cleveland, where expansion work finished on the Huntington Convention Center in time to welcome the American Society of Association Executives' Annual Meeting in July, participants had a host of options for free time after the event.
Photograph by Sarah JF BraleyMmmm, Good
The hot spot for dinner was just around the corner from the convention center at Fahrenheit. Among the standouts we tried: Vietnamese chicken spring rolls, the can’t-miss fresh seafood tower, and seared scallops on spinach with crispy potatoes in a bacon cream corn sauce (above), followed by the eye-popping cotton candy tree for dessert.
Photograph by Sarah JF BraleyUp and Coming
Preservation and redevelopment have been full steam ahead on both sides of the Cuyahoga River, which winds through the city as it connects to Lake Erie. In the Flats, you’ll find the open-air Jacobs Pavilion, the Music Box Supper Club and more, including Collision Bend Brewing, which offers this view from its riverfront tables.
Photograph courtesy of Destination ClevelandNatural evolution
In December, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s expansion and renovation opens with a more community-focused design. Old favorites still will be on display, such as Balto the rescue dog, and 3.2-million-year-old Lucy, one of the earliest female skeletons ever found.
I wanna hold your hand
You never know what will catch your eye at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — like these Beatles bobbleheads from 1964. The facility is adding more event space for up to 3,500 guests. rockhall.com
Photograph courtesy of Destination ClevelandStroll and sample
In the Ohio City neighborhood, the West Side Market entices with bakeries, delis, produce stalls, a popcorn store, spice vendors, a cheese shop and more. Plenty of spots offer up lunch options, such as the West Side Market Cafe, Jacob’s Oasis (Middle Eastern fare), Johnny Hot Dog and Crêpes de Luxe.