Vacations Blog

The Sun is Setting on Summer---My Mind is Still at the Beach

My summer is rapidly coming to a close and preparations are being made to ready my little ones for getting back to school.  But those of us fortunate enough to have taken a vacation this summer continue to long for the beach, the park, the open road, the relaxation that is, well—not work.  I have found that August, busy though it may be, is a perfect time to continue in a vacation mindset and nothing helps that better than a carefree Day-cation.

For our family, the perfect day-cation destination tends to be Read More »

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Cleveland, OH

The weekend of April 4, 2009 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will welcome it’s newest members.  Historically, the induction ceremony takes place at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City but this year the ceremony moves to the home of the actual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH.  This year’s inductees include Jeff Beck, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Bobby Womack, Run-DMC and Metallica.

I will not be attending the induction ceremonies or, for that matter, any of the numerous activities during the week prior to the ceremony.  My reasons are not quite as angst ridden and anti-establishment as those of Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols whose band was inducted in 2006.

Sex Pistols Hall of Fame Acceptance Letter

Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling to the city.  Cleveland has a world class art museum, the Children’s Museum is one of the finest around.  The zoo is fantastic.  And it’s home to three professional sports teams:  The Browns (football), The Cavaliers (basketball) and The Indians (baseball).  But the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?  Eh.  I’ve been there.  It’s been checked from the list and fortunately, you’re not required to repeat checked items–unless you want to.  I’m gonna pass even with the free admission they are offering on induction day April 4.

If you go, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located at 751 Eerieside Avenue in downtown Cleveland just a block east of the Cleveland Browns Football Stadium.  Take East 9th street and turn left just before you fall into Lake Eerie.  You can’t miss it.  The building, a seven story tower with an enormous glass pyramid extending from the front,  was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and I must say is absolutely amazing to see.  It’s breathtaking, actually.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (photo Jason Pratt)

Unfortunately, that’s where my fascination with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going to end.  The museum contains exhibits and memorabilia that chronicles the history of rock and roll from it’s earliest blues and gospel roots through today.  Heavy emphasis on the early period.  Unless you are a die-hard rock and roll historian, there’s probably not a great deal of appeal.

I was also perplexed as to why some of the bands I considered extraordinary were nowhere to be found in the Rock Hall.  At the time I was unaware, but a band or person is not eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until 25 years have passed from their debut.    Most of my favorites aren’t even eligible yet.

And I can almost guarantee that your children will know less than 15 of the artists represented there.  (I think that’s pretty generous.)  Unless you enjoy explaining rock history to your children and unless your children enjoy listening to you explain rock history to them, they will not have a good time.

I suppose there were some interesting things, though.  Some of the stage outfits were kind of cool and there were some pretty neat signed guitars and letters.  Did you know that Jimi Hendrix was a doodler?  And a pretty good one to boot.  But overall, it really just wasn’t enough to keep me intrigued.

The Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland (photo hardrock.com)

Should you get hungry, there’s an overpriced and very inadequate grill on one of the upper levels.   All in all, considering what you actually get for your admission fee (which at $22 per adult and $13 for children 9-12 could actually feed a village in Sudan for a month) it’s just not worth it.  I suggest that if you want Rock and Roll and memorabilia go to the Hard Rock Cafe on West Huron Road.  You’ll definitely get more bang for your buck–and the food is better.

Unless otherwise noted all photos public domain.

I would never suggest that you visit an airport with your children just for fun.  However, if you are stranded at an airport on your way home from holiday travel, let it be known that some of them have incredibly cool features that will help you kill the time and burn off the kids’ energy so they will pass out on the airplane.  Just don’t let them visit the ubiquitous airport candy store.

My holiday gift to you is a list, below, of links to the major US airlines and their hub airports.  Chances are, if you are traveling across the country, you may have to set foot in one of them, and you may even have to spend many of your precious hours there.  To all of our delight, I am sure, the city editors of Being Savvy, a guide for parents of preschoolers, have found interesting ways to kill time with children of all ages at many of these airports.

Do not be intimidated by the links.  Find your airline, then find the airport you where you will be sleeping changing planes.

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines (AS) uses Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) where Being Savvy helps you locate the children’s play area, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Portland International Airport (PDX).

Music scape at the American Airlines terminal at Dallas/Ft. Worth

American Airlines: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – (check out the terminal’s many cool larger-than-life sculptures), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (check out Being Savvy’s guide to O’Hare), Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport (STL), Miami International Airport (MIA).

Continental Airlines:  Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).

Delta Air Lines:  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (here’s Being Savvy’s guide ),Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with fully equipped children’s play areas on three concourses, Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Frontier Airlines:  Denver International Airport (DEN) where Being Savvy found five fun frolics.  Until December 31st, 2008, kids under 12 fly, ski, and stay free in Aspen.

Jet Blue :  John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) where Being Savvy visits the Kidport – Also, if you get a chance, show the older kids Logan’s 9/11 memorial.

The Kidport at Logan

Midwest Airlines:  Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

Northwest Airlines:  Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) where Being Savvy locates the family services and hits you with family travel tips, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Southwest Airlines:  technically does not have hubs, but has main activities at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), Las Vegas’s McCarran International Airport (LAS), Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Spirit Airlines:  calls their hubs “bases” which are at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) where Being Savvy finds you kid-friendly activities, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

United Airlines (UA) uses Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with its in-house aquarium!, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – (check out the Being Savvy layover lifesaver ), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

US Airways (US) uses Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

[Photos courtesy of Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport and Logan International Airport]

Join fellow Clevelanders on July 4^th, 2008, to celebrate Independence Day on Public Square. Be a part of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 19^th annual free Public Square concert, “A Star Spangled Spectacular.” This year’s main festivities take place on Wednesday, July 2, at 9:00 pm EST.

Don’t wait until 9:00 to show up, though. Prior to the concert you and your family can enjoy musical entertainment on Cleveland’s historic Public Square. The pre-concert festival features a broad range of Northeast Ohio music groups. It begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 8:15pm.

“A Star Spangled Spectacular” will be led by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and will also feature soprano Indra Thomas. The program, which will be hosted by WCPN’s Dee Perry, will include a tribute to Leroy Anderson in celebration of the composer’s 100th birthday. This year’s concert will also celebrate the 200th birthday of Cuyahoga County.

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July if the evening didn’t conclude with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a fireworks display certain to bring out the patriot in everyone in attendance. Be sure that you and your family are on the scene to celebrate.

If it’s summer in Cleveland, it means it’s time for a visit to Blossom Music Center. With gas prices so high, I hope more people are taking advantage of local entertainment options, and Blossom is a definite local gem.

The 2008 concert series looks like it’s going to be great, with acts that will accommodate just about everybody’s tastes. From music legends Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood, and James Taylor, to country artists Brooks & Dunn and Rodney Atkins, to rockers Iron Maiden and Poison, the music varies as much as the crowd at Blossom.

For those who like a laid back and more contemporary sound, check out John Mayer with Colbie Caillat or Jack Johnson, or consider seeing the Dave Mathews Band for a more blues-infused rock sound. If you are a little alternative, then you’ll want to catch Radiohead with Grizzly Bear. And when you are ready to really get things pumpin’, pick up tickets for Projekt Revolution featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, Bravery, Ashes Divide with Street Drum Corps, Atreyu, 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights, and Armor for Sleep.

For the more sophisticated Clevelander, consider the 2008 Blossom Music Festival, which runs through the months of July and August. The Cleveland Orchestra takes the stage, as it has for the past four decades, to delight music lovers of all ages. The 2008 season will include Broadway Today, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, A Bernstein Celebration, and more. Of course, it would be the Fourth of July without Blossom’s, “An American Salute,” where the Cleveland Orchestra invites guests to enjoy their great American Holiday Program of family favorites, including a salute to the Armed Forces, Sousa marches, soloists, and Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture. Needless to say, there are fireworks!

There’s no reason not to head to Blossom this summer. Take a picnic basket and some lemonade or wine, sit under the stars, and enjoy some wonderful music. What could be better?

Mother’s Day gets all of the attention. What about Father’s Day????? This Sunday, treat your dad to something special, whether it’s a ball game, a movie, or lunch at a favorite restaurant.For something a little different, try the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland’s Collingwood neighborhood. I was there about three years ago with my hubby, oldest step-daughter, and her husband to see Butterfly Boucher and we had a blast. The opening act that night was Griffin House, and we are big Butterfly Boucher fans in this house….coupled with good drink and grub, and we loved it!The Beachland Ballroom has since expanded its menu and also now offers breakfast. This would be a great stop for Dad—it’s a laid back, low-key crowd, but still in a fun and historic atmosphere.The Ballroom was built in 1950 as the Croatian Liberty Home and Ballroom. A kitchen was added in 1976 and in 2000 the landmark building became a concert club, still retaining much of its historic charm. The beach is about a half mile north of the club, but the entire neighborhood actually carries the “Beachland” designation, a carryover from the days when Euclid Beach Park was just up the road.Today, the Ballroom hosts a full schedule of regional, local, and national musicians throughout the year. The club is particularly noted for its excellent sound system and boasts two stages, the Ballroom and the more intimate Tavern.Every Sunday the place opens up to all ages for Sunday Brunch. From 11am to 3pm, The Tavern welcomes the entire family for DJs and live music. Also available during this time are their delicious brunch items:

• Eggs Beachland: Poached egg & peppercorn on a grilled baguette, topped with smoked gouda sauce
• Egg & Cheese Strata: Fluffy baked egg, cheese, & bread casserole
• PB&J: Crunchy peanut butter & today’s jelly dipped in whole-wheat batter and deep-fried
• Breakfast Quesadilla: Chorizo, beans, & cheese in a corn tortilla (substitute vegetables for chorizo to make vegetarian)
• Oatmeal Pancakes: with maple butter
• Breakfast Polenta: Creamy, buttery corn goodness with roasted garlic, cheddar, and bacon
• Stuffed French Toast: whipped cream cheese & fruit
• Fruit Cobbler: Seasonal fruit baked with granola and topped with honeyed yogurt
• Bacon, Sausage, Roasted Potatoes, Corn Bread, Grilled Baguette, or Seasonal Veggie

There are several vegetarian options as well as specialty and non-alcoholic beverages, so there is clearly something for everyone. Which means there is no excuse for not letting Dad know how special he is to you on Father’s Day!

The weather for Memorial Day weekend is going to be gorgeous in Cleveland, so those of you who have been holding off on making plans, the time has come to move forward!

A great way to kick off the summer is by spending the weekend at The Great American Rib Cook Off and Music Festival, held each year in downtown Cleveland. Your price of admission includes live music, BBQ ribs with all of the fixin’s, and lots of fun. The 2008 dates are May 23 through may 26, which makes this a great little holiday weekend getaway.

BBQ masters from all over the country arrive in the Midwest to show off their rib skills with the goal of receiving the prize for Greatest Ribs, Greatest Sauce, and/or People’s Choice Award.

Live entertainment this year consists of KC and the Sunshine Band, Jonny Lang, Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, Dennis DeYoung, and Seether.

The Rib Cook Off is not only family-friendly entertainment, it is also economical. The Cook-Off and Music Festival is open Friday (May 23) from 11am to 11pm; Saturday (May 24) from Noon to 11pm; Sunday (May 25) from Noon to 11pm; and Monday (May 26) from Noon to 8pm. Admission prices for 2008 are $7 for adults. Children under 12 are free. The concerts are included in the admission and food prices vary. Friday lunchtime (Noon – 4pm) admission is free.

Above and beyond that, there are discounts available. Two dollar discount coupons are available at Marc’s stores and via the WKYC Website and you can also receive a $2 discount by showing a Memorial Day Cleveland Indians ticket stub.

Now there is no reason to stay home this weekend. Pack up the family and head to downtown Cleveland for sunshine, live entertainment, and great food. As always, be safe, and have a WONDERFUL holiday!

I started out intending to write about several things to do on Mother’s Day in Cleveland. But as I began my research, I found nothing that excited me as much as the Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG). And let me make it clear that I do not garden, and much to my husband’s annoyance, I don’t notice when he gardens, either. I just can’t pull myself away from this place, though, so I have to make it the entire focus of this blog.

The CBG is having Mother’s Day Brunch at the Garden on Sunday, May 11^th, from 10am to 3pm. The menu will consist of traditional buffet fare such as carved beef, homemade soup, salads, and a pancake station. Cost and additional menu items can be found on the site.

The neat thing about this is that it’s not just a meal—your group will have access to the gardens and their special exhibit, Zensai:The Horticulture of Japan. After that, be sure to visit the other gardens, including the Hershey’s Children Garden, the Mary Ann Swears Sweetland Rose Garden, and the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden. There are several others as well, so there is plenty of beauty to enjoy on the grounds.

One thing I did not realize is how much goes on at CBG. In addition to the outdoor gardens, there is also a Glasshouse which houses the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica and Spiny Desert of Madagascar exhibits. The CBG also offers a wide selection of programs including classes, lectures, and travel programs for area residents. And you can rent the CBG for weddings, corporate events, and other private events, with catering provided.

I think this is a wonderful place to add to your Places to Visit list in the Cleveland area. If you can’t make it for Mother’s Day, be sure to check it out at another time. It’s simply stunning!