Positively Cleveland Winter Fun: Snow Days, Indoor Waterparks, and More!

Obviously, I live in Florida. I am originally from up north and with the recent blizzard that hit the north-east, the longing for snow has hit our family like a hard, frozen chunk of ice. Alex saw snow when he was little, but we moved when he was 22 months old. Abbie has never seen snow except in movies or television, and in half of them it was animated or "fake" snow. We still have family up north (the majority of which are still in New York, but some through Pennsylvania and Ohio,) and seeing the photos of their kids making snow forts, igloos and snowmen is really making me miss it.. for the kids.

While checking my in-box and facebook today, I saw an article from Positively Cleveland promoting the winter activities in the Greater Cleveland area. You all know that I had such a blast last spring when I attended the media tour of the greater Cleveland area, and have been gushing about it ever since, but it was so super cool to watch this video and see Progressive Field in a different type of setting!

How much fun does that look like?! My kids would flip. Seriously, aside from needing an overdose of hot cocoa, I really think they could spend the whole day at the Cleveland Indians Snow Days sledding, skating and playing!

If that's not enough, Cleveland offers many fun outdoor activities during the winter from ice-skating in Cleveland's University Circle, to ice fishing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and even feeding the chickadees by hand at a variety of Cleveland Metroparks.

Now, I know that snow isn't as exciting for all of you northerners that have to shovel and de-ice everything that Mother Nature touches, but Cleveland has something for your needs, too. This mid-winter recess stay warm and pretend to be far-far away while you and your family catch Shrek the Musical or South Pacific, or one of the many shows offered in Playhouse Square.

Whatever you are in the mood to eat, there's a restaurant for that. Whether you want a thick, juicy steak, pasta, amazing pierogi or bratwurst, or something light, delicious or vegan, Cleveland has what you're looking for.

Catch up on your family fun time at any of the beautiful indoor waterparks like the gorgeous, African- themed Kalahari Resort & Spa, the cozy, Carribean inspired Castaway Bay, or the down to earth, eco-friendly Great Wolf Lodge. Water-slides, splash parks, and beautiful rooms make you feel as if you took off for your vacation half way around the world!

While you're in Sandusky, the horror-film lover in your family (or the person 10 and up who LOVES haunted houses!) can check out the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. Spend the evening rollerskating, playing in the arcade, & experiencing an XD 3D movie that truly feels like you are "in" it.

You can still play tourist in the City of Cleveland and visit the great Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ralphie's house from the movie "A Christmas Story," check out the "Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage & Screen" exhibit at the Kent State University Fashion Museum, wander the halls of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, or the Cleveland Museum of Art, or stay and play for awhile at the Great Lakes Science Center.

No matter how you decide to do it, experiencing Cleveland Plus in the winter and creating memories like these means making your winter vacation something you and your family will never forget.

Please visit Positively Cleveland for more information on restaurants, hotels, museums or other tourism in the Greater Cleveland area.

Read more...

More about Cleveland-Baseball, the Arts, and an excellent sense of community!

The first day of my trip was exhausting because of the early morning flight and excitement I was facing. Continental was great; super friendly flight attendants, and an interesting neighbor made my trip all the more enjoyable. The moment I arrived, I was whisked away to begin my day. Here's a little of what I experienced:

Families vacationing in or around the heart of Cleveland can enjoy an Indians Baseball game at Progressive Field all season long. Enjoy a hot dog with Cleveland's own Stadium Mustard, a refreshing local brew or classic Bud, or Pepsi at one of the nations most beautiful ballparks. Prices range from $7 a ticket to $85, depending on seat location, special event, or who’s playing the Indians. Families and fans can take advantage of box seats, (starting at only $17/ ticket!), social media seating, the Indians Fan Cave, or suites at anytime. Make reservations or purchase tickets online at http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/.

Yearly, visitors and residents can take part in the Parade the Circle event, sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Art. People come from near and far with their artistic expressions, costumes, floats, and mascots--all handmade and extraordinary to parade down the streets of Cleveland into the heart of the city at University Circle.  The museum offers the community a chance to come in and work on their projects or costumes year round with the staff and volunteers.

The Artistic Director Robin VanLear organized the first Parade the Circle in 1990, in prepararation of the Museum's 75th birthday. Twenty years later, the program has continued and delights the community annually, attracting local, regional and global artists and spectators alike. This year the Parade of Circle will be held on June 12th and as always, no matter rain nor shine.

The Cleveland Museum of Art offers a wide array of collections from Ancient Art, to African Art, to Contemporary Art and Photography and Prints, and everything in between. Family programs are offered to locals and on specific event days throughout the year. Although the Museum was going through renovations when I visited earlier this month, of the collections I experienced, it was exquisite.

Don't let the cover fool you, The Children's Museum of Cleveland is jam packed with fun stuff for children from birth up to age 7 to discover and learn. Young children will enjoy endless opportunities to explore, create, and play while learning with their family and new friends while at the "Splish Splash!" water tables downstairs, or while pretending to farm at the "Big Red Barn".  Be sure to explore their current exhibit, "Healthier Ever After" and learn all about proper portion size, exercise, and the food pyramid like never before!

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History provides a great display of my son's ultimate favorite- DINOSAURS like T-rex and "Happy" (pictured above)- as well as a hall of gems, a planetarium, an outdoor habitat and garden, a hands-on Discovery Center, and so much more. Learn about the discovery of "Lucy", a 3.2 million year old ancestor of man, and how she has provided key evidence into the evolution of man. This summer, experience the Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Wildlife exhibit, which demonstrates the songs and sounds of some of natures biggest and smallest creatures. Enjoy animal sounds from the city, ocean, and forest, and learn about the difference between the human voice and the sounds animals use to communicate and sing.

After exploring the arts and museums, unwind while strolling down Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. The small-owner operated storefronts welcome tourists and passer-bys with quality service and smiles to all.

Big Fun is one of the stores on Coventry Road, and holds true to their name.. the store is truly "Big Fun"! Head "Back to the Future" as you walk through the doors and experience toys and collectibles from your youth, and perhaps even from your parents youth. As you weave through the store, shoppers of every age seem to squeal as they recognize a childhood favorite toy. From Star Wars to Shrek, to Trolls and Mad Libs; to stickers, bumper stickers and Garbage Pail Kids trading cards; to the A-Team, GI Joe, band memoribilia, and more- every nook and cranny holds a new and exciting surprise.

Finish off the day with dinner at Tommy's Restaurant and one of his 'famous' milkshakes. (My strawberry milkshake was phenominal- seriously the best shake I have ever had in my life!!) The menu caters to palates of all walks of life. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, 'meat-a-tarian', kosher, or can't eat glueten, you'll find something on the menu that will make you happy. The home cut french fries are out of this world, and you can taste the freshness in all of the food. Learn more about the history of some of the menu items, and how Tommy's supports local farmers and dairies in our interview clip on YouTube.

The rooms at the Doubletree Hotel in Cleveland were clean and inviting, with a beautiful window view of the lake- perfect for watching the gorgeous lightning, as a storm rolls through. The bed was super comfortable, and the shower refreshing and clean.

For more information on hotels, lodging, accomodations and tourism in the greater Cleveland area, be sure to visit Positively Cleveland or contact their visitors hotline at 800.321.1004.

Read more...

More to Cleveland than Meets the Eye

When most people think of a relaxing family vacation, the streets of Cleveland usually aren’t the first thing that pops into their head. Most people think of beautiful sandy beaches, perhaps a concert or show, a romantic dinner out in a fabulous restaurant, a cultural day spent museum hopping, or a fun-filled day at a theme or water park with the family.

When POSITIVELY CLEVELAND asked if I would be interested in coming to town for a Family Familiarization Tour of the Greater Cleveland area, I had no idea what to expect, but accepted the offer. I have some family who live outside of the city and have always heard wonderful things about the area, but never had the chance to go and visit, or truly discover all that Greater Cleveland has to offer. I spent four days, (aka: almost 12 hours each day), being whisked around to all of the spots that families should visit on vacation. I hope you can experience how much fun I had by my posts and pictures.

The sense of community from the very first day truly overwhelmed me. From the stong art influence in the city and community, to hearing stories of camaraderie and brotherhood from the local businesses, to the warmth of a strangers smile on the streets of Coventry Heights--it really struck a chord that reminded me of the small town I grew up in. Shopping at Big Fun and grabbing something to eat at Tommy's really completes a busy day; whether you're vegetarian or not, you'll find something for every picky eater.

Typically, I wouldn’t be a museum hopper with my kids, on the mere fact that they like to touch everything. After experiencing the Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Great Lakes Science Center, I would have to say that the museums in Cleveland should be on the top of everybody’s “to-do” list. Spacious and clean, the artifacts, memoribilia and legends tucked into every nook and cranny seem to tell a story from the entrance all the way back to the exit. Inside and outside, children of any age can appreciate and learn about history.

The gorgeous Sandusky area is home to more than just the fabulous Cedar Point Amusement park. All year round get the ba-geezus scared out of you at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center while the little ones cruise on the skating rink, enjoy a relaxing walk in the town of Sandusky, grab a little bit of heaven from The City Bake Shop, take the ferry and relax at Lake Erie Shores and Islands, or pop into the Merry-Go-Round Museum or Maritime Museum for a different experience, something you never thought you'd get from looking at the outside of either building.

Whether you're staying at the Doubletree, Kalahari Resort, Castaway Bay, The Great Wolf Lodge, or the Crowne Plaza you'll find the accomodations relaxing, clean rooms, friendly staff, and local events and attractions are just steps away. From apes to zebras, and everything between- including dinosaurs- the Cleveland Zoo is fun for kids of every age. No matter where you are staying, what you are seeing, fabulous restaurants are all over the Greater Cleveland area.

You'll find famous chefs, dive bars, the House of Blues, Grumpy's, or take a turn away from the city and visit Mapleside Farms for an amazing Waldorf salad and apples the size of softballs.

If you enjoy going to plays and need a relaxing and enjoyable time indoors, be sure to head to Playhouse Square to find a matinee or family friendly show. Cleveland really surprised me--I never expected to find the many family friendly attractions. I can't wait to start planning a family trip so that my little munchkins can enjoy all that the city has to offer! Be sure to keep an eye out over the next few days for more photos and information about all of the wonderful places I visited on my trip to Cleveland.

Read more...