Photo courtesy of Jill Jankowski, owner of SUP Cleveland
The calm waters of Lake Erie are popular during the summer months for a variety of exciting water sports — but stand up paddle boarding is one our absolute favorites. Paddle boarding offers the opportunity to work the core, legs and arms while soaking up the sun and enjoying the lake scene! Make it a point this summer to try something it out. SUP Cleveland offers adventurers the chance to try stand up paddle boarding in a fun group environment, including yoga classes and events on the water. Rentals, lessons and a good time are all provided!
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Brewing Co
After all that adventuring, why not wind down the day with a pint? There are plenty of breweries in town to choose from if you're just looking to sip a cold one, but taking a tour enriches the experience. Our favorite tour is the option at Great Lakes Brewing Co, which leads you through a major brewery's production facility as well as giving you a glimpse into Cleveland's history. Of course, drinking beer is a quintessential part of the tour, so grab a brew and join in the fun!
Photo courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks
If you ever thought out connections to the outdoors were limited, think again. Cleveland is home to 18 metroparks featuring more than 100 trails to choose from. Some of the parks host fun concerts throughout the summer, and eight of the parks have spectacular lake views perfect for watersports or picnicking. All you have to do is pick one and get ready for a new adventure! Bonus: Don't miss out on the Centennial Fireworks event on July 22, which will celebrate the Cleveland Metroparks' 100th anniversary! Expect live music, food trucks and outdoor recreation activities during the day, concluded with a spectacular fireworks show over the water at Edgewater Beach.
It's summertime — aka time to celebrate. Grab your party shoes and get ready to rumble, because there are plenty of festivals planned this summer in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Here are a few we're looking forward to.
Huron River Fest | July 7-9
A roadshow, a pet parade, live music, vendors, fireworks and a duck race — what more could you want?
Cleveland Pizza Fest | June 23-25
Endless pizza — need we say more? We will. There's also live music, family-friendly games and activities, a motorcycle and car show, a 5K and more than 20,000 pizza lovers from near and far joining in the festivities.
Island Fest | July 14-16
The Island Fest features the best of Kelleys Island, including great food, great beer, nighttime dancing, watersports and fireworks — and was voted the number one festival by readers in Lake Erie Living Magazine.
Christmas in July | July 21-23
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well, almost. Luckily you don't have to wait until December to celebrate Christmas. This jolly festival features all of your holiday favorites, including garlands, Santa hats, holiday drinks and a Christmas parade.
Sure, super markets are great — but no one can deny that meals taste better when prepped with farm-fresh ingredients. Cleveland hosts a variety of farmers' markets during the summer months, each filled with fresh fruits and veggies, warm pastries, hanging flower baskets and more. Whether you're looking to stock up on groceries or simply take in the sights, visiting a farmers' market is a quintessential summer activity. Check out the North Union Farmers Market, which actually hosts nine markets around Northeastern Ohio. You're sure to find one nearby!
No summer day is complete without dessert! Make it a point to stop by a new ice cream shop this season — in your neighborhood or elsewhere. Treat yourself and support the local community! If you're willing to venture south, here are some of our favorites in Akron and Canton.