Exploring Cleveland: A Hidden Gem on the Shores of Lake Erie
Day 1 – Welcome to The Land We gathered at Dublin Airport and flew direct with Aer Lingus on it's inaugural flight to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. After a smooth flight and quick U.S. Customs clearance (including access to the 51st & Green Lounge), we arrived in "The Land" in the early evening.
Our home base for the trip was the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown — a charming, centrally located hotel housed in a historic building, complete with comfortable rooms and generous amenities. Dinner that night was relaxed, with options to dine at the hotel’s "Teacher’s Lounge" restaurant or explore nearby hotspots like East 4th Street or the Warehouse District, both buzzing with energy.
Day 2 – Culture, Cuisine & Cleveland Icons After breakfast at the hotel, we kicked off the day with a guided walking tour of Downtown Cleveland, uncovering the city’s fascinating architecture, history, and revival story.
Lunch was served at the riverfront Collision Bend Brewing Company in the Flats East Bank — a fantastic spot for local brews, great food, and views of the Cuyahoga River.
The afternoon was spent in University Circle, Cleveland’s cultural heart. We toured:
The Cleveland Museum of Art (free admission and world-class collections),
The Cleveland History Centre, and
The stunning Cleveland Botanical Garden.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the Irish Cultural Garden — a scenic and symbolic tribute to Irish heritage in Cleveland.
Dinner was a short walk from the hotel at Cordelia, a local favourite offering a modern twist on Midwestern comfort food. The evening wrapped up with optional nightlife back on East 4th Street.
Day 3 – Natural Beauty & Local Flavour Sunday began with a visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a lush green escape just 30 minutes from the city. Highlights included a stop at Boston Mills Visitor Centre, a short hike, and a photo op at Brandywine Falls — one of the park’s crown jewels.
We returned to Cleveland for lunch at Happy Dog, a casual eatery famous for its creative hot dog toppings and relaxed vibe in the Detroit Shoreway neighbourhood. Afterwards, we explored the Gordon Square Arts District, stopping at local shops and the delicious Brewnuts (donuts + beer = genius).
From there, it was off to City Goods in Hingetown, a stylish local makers’ market, followed by a nostalgic tour of the A Christmas Story House, an iconic film location turned museum.
Dinner that evening was at Mabel’s BBQ, a Michael Symon restaurant offering some of the best BBQ I’ve tasted outside the South.
Day 4 – Rock & Roll Farewell Our final day began with a photo stop at the Cleveland Script Sign at North Coast Harbour — perfect for Instagram. Then we visited the Great Lakes Science Centre, including the excellent NASA Glenn Visitor Centre, before heading next door to the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s easy to spend hours here exploring music history, legendary performances, and interactive exhibits.
Lunch was at Great Lakes Brewing Company, a pioneer in Cleveland’s craft beer scene, followed by a fun “Make Your Own Candle” experience at Cleveland Candle Company and a quick tour of West Side Market, one of America’s oldest public markets. A sweet treat from Mitchell’s Ice Cream rounded off the trip perfectly before our return to the airport.
Final Thoughts: Why Sell Cleveland? Cleveland is an ideal destination for travellers looking for something a little different — a place with rich history, genuine hospitality, a strong Irish-American connection, and a thriving arts and food scene. It’s compact, easy to explore, and offers exceptional value for money.
Whether it’s a city break, a Midwest stop on a U.S. road trip, or a cultural immersion for history and music lovers, Cleveland delivers. I’m excited to share this gem with future clients.
If you’d like help building a Cleveland itinerary or incorporating it into a U.S. adventure, I’d love to help. Let’s chat!
