Cleveland: The New American City

Though six and a half hours might seem like a long drive, it is well worth your while to visit Ohio's second largest city, Cleveland. Known as "The New American City," Cleveland is the 30th largest city in the United States and has the seventh fastest-growing downtown area. But these are all just numbers. To really experience this city, make sure you have a couple of good CDs and hop in the car. \nWant shopping? Cleveland has it. Want amusement parks? Cleveland has two. Want history? Want a great night life? Want rock and roll? Cleveland has it all. Like most big cities, Cleveland caters to people with many different interests.\nIf you are a hardcore shopper, you will enjoy The Avenue at Tower City Center and Galleria at Erieview, which house many brand-name stores as well as unique specialty shops. For you bargain shoppers out there, Aurora Premium Outlets and the Prime Outlets at Lodi offer more college-friendly prices. If you enjoy antiquing, Shaker Square, Larchmere and Lorain Avenues offer small boutiques filled with interesting and hard-to-find gifts. \nInterested in sightseeing? Hop aboard the Goodtime III or the Nautica Queen for a dinner cruise or simply a great view of the city. And for you land-lovers, Lolly the Trolley is here. This narrated trolley ride through Cleveland points out nearly 100 interesting sites and saves you the walk.\nThere is always fun to be had in Cleveland for the sports fans. With six professional teams, including the MLB Indians, the NBA Cavaliers and the WNBA Rockers, visitors to Cleveland almost always can catch a game of some sort. If it's golf you are looking for, you can visit one of the 300 golf courses in Northeast Ohio, six of which are located in Cleveland. \nAfter long days out in the sun, there are endless options for evening entertainment. The second largest performing arts center in America, The Playhouse Square Center, is the place to go to see Broadway shows and operatic productions. Just down the street, the Cleveland Play House presents new works as well as timeless classics. \nIf opera is not quite your thing, laugh your way through the evening at the Improv Comedy Club, which offers dinner and up to three shows a night. Featuring a large restaurant, cabaret room, martini bar and live stand-up comedy theater, the Pickwick and Frolic Restaurant and Club is an alternative for fun and laughs all night.\nIf you are in the mood to dance, Cleveland's more than 300 clubs and bars provide everyone with somewhere to jive to their favorite music.\nIf your appreciation for music is not exhausted by listening all night long, head over to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With an array of permanent displays accented by featured exhibitions, the Hall of Fame is a great place to get lost in the world of music for an afternoon. \nSo, get rid of the school-time blues and get ready for a road trip. As long as you found those great CDs, nothing can stop you from an exciting visit to Cleveland. With something for everyone, from shopping to rock and roll, you are guaranteed a wonderful time that is well worth any travel expenses.