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Cleveland, Ohio Rocks The Weekend

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If you consider the physical limitations fickle attention span, shortened daylight hours, and periodic bouts of famine under which most teenagers operate, you'll understand why cities with a compact core of entertainment, dining and nightlife are ideal for a short family break. Cleveland, Ohio, a simmering cauldron of energy on Lake Erie, has an incredible music museum, marina, sports avenues and clubs within walking distance of well-priced hotels. That energy is the city's youth, a group described by a Case Western University alumnus as "always ready to party." Cleveland boasts a population so proud to be Clevelanders that it's infectious.

Cleveland's a Capital of Music & Entertainment

The city that spawned D.J. Alan Freed, hosted Elvis' first concert appearance in the North (at Brooklyn High School), originated the syndicated "Upbeat" rock TV show, and gave us countless musical luminaries, was chosen by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum for its museum site (216/781-ROCK, 888/764-7625.)

Since it opened in September 1995, the Temple of Rock has greeted more than 500,000 fans each year. The dramatic, glass and steel space designed by I.M. Pei cantilevers high above Lake Erie. Anyone dancing into its soaring atrium to the music of the Rolling Stones, Madonna or Tupac is immediately taken with the coolness of the place.

Visitors over 30 (who aren't yet dead) will recall most of the Hall of Famers (artists are not eligible for the Hall of Fame until 25 years after their first recording) especially after seeing the entertaining review of past induction ceremonies. Note the many Baby Boomers who are ogling Jimi Hendrix's childhood drawings and John Lennon's jacket from the album cover of the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Depending on how many kids or grandkids they're toting, most parents are at the clever multi-media exhibits designed to explain rock's rebellious spirit to today's more complacent audience. The scratchy black & white "Mystery Train" and the racy "Kick Out the Jams" explore the influence of gospel, blues and folk on the genre, while the 22-minute "Rock Is" gives you pure Joplin profanity, snippets of Woodstock nudity and other moments of low/haute rock culture.

While your teens probably need no introduction to the music of Jerry Garcia, The Beatles or Bruce Springsteen, they'll be surprised by "The Beat Goes On." Fans select one tune from a computer display, see the musical styles that influenced its creators, then hear the original artists (quite a revelation for my son, who thinks *NSync is innovative.) Once you've gotten the kids to listen to all your favorites, let them loose with big change in the superior gift and memorabilia shop operated by FYE.

 
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Samantha Fryberger on 12 August, 2009
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A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points--for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world--Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
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anonymous on 24 March, 2008
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Little Italy is a great spot for gelato and family-style Italian food. And the suburb of Westlake (about 15 minutes from Cleveland) has a huge pedestrian area and shopping village called Crocker Park with tons of shops, eateries, and kid-friendly stops.
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