Cleveland, Ohio

It was such a beautiful morning to enter Lake Erie for our cruise from Grand River to Cleveland.

Anticipation built as we saw the Cleveland skyline in the distance!

As we got closer, we recognized the Cleveland Browns stadium.

Spiritus docked at the "Rock and Dock Marina" in downtown Cleveland to spend 4 fun-filled days.

After we tied up, we had the BEST surprise visitors from Pittsburgh!  

The son-in-law and daughter of lifetime friends came to greet us and show us around Cleveland.

Rachael & Patrick met while attending university here.

A trip to West Side Market showed us where to get locally grown produce, meats, and baked goods.

They took us to the Craft Brewery where they went on their first date and where Patrick had his bachelor's party!

We spent an entire day at"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame".

This extensive collection of memorabilia and interactive displays is a must-see for music lovers! 

One of Eddy's bucket list items completed . . . . and the experience ROCKED!!!

The oldies that we loved to listen to and still know the words to . . . .

. . . . and the brilliant groups that transformed music!

And, Motown music lives on forever!

 Eric Capton wrote "Tears in Heaven", using this guitar, for his 3-year old son who died tragically.

Rock & TV burst on the scene together in our living rooms and shaped the way we saw the world.

Televisions were so simple in the 60's, weren't they? 

If you ever visit Cleveland, we strongly recommend the 2 1/2 hour tour on Lolly the Trolley!

The trolley tour took us through historic downtown, enjoying unique architecture . . . .

. . . . past several monuments, including the Soldiers and Sailors Monument . . . .

. . . . public square with it's parks and modern style buildings . . . .

. . . . the iconic Tower City Center, once the tallest building outside of New York City . . . .

. . . . across many of the thirty bridges in Cleveland . . . . 

. . . . through the beautiful, flower-filled Roosevelt Park . . . .

. . . . and while riding in the trolley we enjoyed seeing distinctive public art throughout the city.

Who knew that Superman was filmed jumping from the Tower City building right here in Cleveland?

This is the view from the third floor of Cleveland's incredible, one-of-a-kind, public library.

The art deco "Fountain of Eternal Life" was impressive from the library window but even more so as we walked up to it in person.

The 3rd floor of the library had unusual collectibles, like this SMALLEST printed book.  

Eddy is holding a nickel above the tiny printed book which you need a magnifying glass to read!

The John G. White Chess Collection, one of the largest in the world, is housed in the Cleveland Library.

  This unusual chess set was one of our favorites!

The 10th floor of the library offered an observation deck and another incredible view!

  

The Arcade, once known as Cleveland's Crystal Palace, was a forerunner to indoor shopping malls in America.

The pedestrian-only 4th Street provided international cuisine, live music, and plenty of shops.

Mabel's BBQ was our choice for a yummy meal before we headed to a baseball game.

Progressive Field was located between three downtown streets, offering a fan-friendly, fun evening!

Which one of us is volunteering to go get the beer and peanuts??

The Indians scored 4 runs in the first two innings so the screaming . . . .

. . . . kept getting LOUDER!!

The "Free Stamp" is a famous piece of pop art displayed outside of City Hall.

Can you see Linda standing next to it?

City Hall, built in 1916, has a highly detailed marble rotunda . . . . 

. . . . which houses the nationally recognized "Spirit of 76" by Cleveland artist Archibald Willard.

The Cleveland Wall of Fame honored dozens of  leaders and inventors, such as the inventor of the modern traffic light and Sherwin and Williams, producers of the nation's most popular paint products.

We visited the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland, one of 12 regional reserve banks in the U.S.A.

The statues at the entrance represent trust and strength. 

The impressive interior has marble floors and pillars with an ornately painted vaulted ceiling.

We enjoyed the "Money Museum" inside the Reserve Bank.  Eddy even found a money tree!

Who says money doesn't grow on trees?? 

The question of the day is: "Whose face will be featured on the next dollar bill?"

Our four days in Cleveland were absolutely fabulous!  The revitalization that has taken place over the last 5 years has definitely made this a vacation destination.

We watched the city lights twinkle on the water outside of our Spiritus as we reflected on our memories here.

Cleveland, we thank you and, YES, we plan to return!!