Cleveland – Positively

Ten Top Sites in the City by the Lake

By J. J. Scott

Cleveland didn't need the Christmas Story House to put it on map but it hasn't hurt. The Christmas Story House was restored to the way it looked in the 1983 movie and opened to the public 2006. Open year round, baby boomers and their children flock to the house to see Ralphie Red Ryder B-B Gun and walk away with the iconic Leg Lamp. It is just one of the many places that makes Cleveland a fun destination for the whole family.

1. You'll shoot your eye out!
A major portion of the movie was filmed at the house now known as the Christmas Story House. Across the street the museum highlights some of the favorite episodes from the film and the museum shop sells items from the film: the Leg Lamp, Red Ryder B-B Gun, and Lifebouy soap. Open all year. www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

2. The Cleveland sound:
In 1998 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened a new wing dedicated to honoring those artists, producers, songwriters and other industry professionals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Cleveland lobbied hard to be chosen as the location, citing the fact that one-time Cleveland disc jockey, Alan Freed, is widely credited with promoting the new genre (and the term) of "rock and roll." The multi-media presentation features the honorees and their music that range from Elvis Presley to Black Sabbath. www.rockhall.com

3. It is all relative:
"Blink your eyes." In the time it takes you to blink, light has traveled two times around the world. Amazing! And so is the Great Lakes Science Center where visitors learn about the Theory of Relativity, the human body, and explore all phases of flight from gliders to landing the shuttle. Plus, there is a great view of the lake. www.glsc.org

4. The Thinker:
The Museum of Art has one of six statues of Rodin's The Thinker. It is unique in that the feet are missing due to a bomb attack in 1970. The museum is in the midst of a massive building project and a side benefit is that they are currently displaying Impressionist and Modern Masters from the museum's collection. Many have never been on display before. Also on display are newly acquired items from India. The docent tours are free and excellent. www.clevelandart.org

5. Celebrate Life:
The spiny desert of Madagascar with the strange-looking baobab tree and the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica with the strangler fig tree topped with a canopy viewing platform are just two diverse aspects of the Botanical Gardens. Wander the herb, rose, and woodland gardens, relax by the lily pond and restorative garden then let the children explore their own special garden. www.cbgarden.org

6. Know thyself:
From our position in the vastness of the universe to a Field Guide to Humans that explores to the mysteries of our bodies, the Museum of Natural History unravels life of the present, past, and future. Stop by to say "Hello" to Balto, the Alaskan sled dog that brought serum to the people of Nome, Alaska and to Happy, the 70-foot-long Haplocanthosaurus delfsi, the oldest sauropod on exhibit anywhere in the world. www.cmnh.org

7. A lucky dime:
All cemeteries are places of history and art, and Lake View Cemetery is no exception. Founded in 1869 and modeled after the great garden cemeteries of Victorian England and France it is the final resting place of the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield and his wife. And, also John D. Rockefeller. Leave a dime on the Rockefeller monument and wish for financial success. www.lakeviewcemetery.com

8. A smorgasbord:
Stop by the West Side Market for any grocery needs, a cup of coffee with a yummy eclair, or a falafel with tabouli. The West Side Market began operating in 1840 across the street from the market's current location and opened in its present location nearly 100 years ago. Before making a purchase walk by all the vendors, don't be afraid to ask questions, there are sure to new treats to savor. www.westsidemarket.com

9. Be a sport:
Sports is huge in Cleveland! Football fans cheer for the Cleveland Browns at their namesake lakeside stadium. Jacobs Field is the home field of the Cleveland Indians, the 2007 American League Central Champs. The Quicken Loan Arena is the place to watch NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and the AHL hockey team, the Lake Erie Monsters.

10. Architectural treasures:
From the palatial grandeur of The Arcade, America's first indoor shopping mall built in 1890 to St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its onion domes and ornate interior Cleveland's architectural treasures are many and found in every neighborhood. Take an architectural tour with www.cityprowl.com.

There is more, much more, to experience. Explore Cleveland's connection to water by taking a lake or a river cruise, then visit the museum steamship, the William G. Mather, moored nearby, or the U.S.S. COD Submarine Memorial the last remaining WW-II Fleet Submarine to retain her original configuration. For more to see and do visit www.positivelycleveland.com or call 800-321-1004.