ClevelandFounded in 1796,
Cleveland became an industrial town with the opening of the
Erie-Ohio Canal that linked the
Ohio River to
Lake Erie, and the city's vast iron and coal supplies made it one of the most important steel and shipbuilding centers in the country, a sprawling mass of oil refineries, mills and warehouses along the shores of Lake Erie. Industrial success poured money into the city and wealthy tycoons built the downtown area that today has outgrown its 'steel town' image and is a bustling place, a city of green parklands and lively neighborhoods with a vibrant atmosphere.
Once the heavily polluted victim of much mockery, its industrial character has moved beyond the city limits and the downtown warehouses and factories now house trendy clubs and restaurants, while museums, and sporting and cultural events attract many visitors to the city.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the
Cuyahoga River, Cleveland has a growing cultural presence that has been enhanced by newly added attractions such as the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the enormous
Great Lakes Science Center and six-story OMNIMAX Theater, and the professional sports arenas and stadiums of the Gateway District that host major sporting events as well as live entertainment. These are welcome additions to a city already boasting a world-class orchestra, a celebrated art museum, lively theater district and the restored lakefront area. Neighbourhoods buzz with restaurants and shops, and the Flats, once the industrial heart of the city occupying both banks of the Cuyahoga River, is now the booming entertainment and nightlife district of Cleveland. The historic Warehouse District is downtown's oldest commercial quarter and is a national Historic Landmark with over 70 fine examples of Victorian architecture. Once housing merchants' and manufacturers' goods, the old warehouses are now home to music clubs, galleries and trendy dining spots.
Some miles out of the city center are two theme parks with some of the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster rides at the
Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, and the
Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora.
Getting Around: Cleveland's public transport system is currently being improved with the implementation of the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project that includes seven miles (11km) of bus lanes on arterial streets. This should be operational by the end of 2008. Electric trolley buses serve downtown and buses run to the suburbs. Most sights can be reached on foot or light rail. A car is not necessary downtown, but is more convenient for wider exploration of the city. To hire a car, drivers must be 21 years old (some require a 25-year minimum), and must have a valid driver's license and sometimes an international driving permit as well. A passport is required for non-US residents. Taxis are expensive and usually take a while once summoned.
Climate: The weather in Cleveland follows the Midwest seasonal pattern, but is modified quite strongly by Lake Erie which counters the worst of the summer heat waves, and makes for a milder winter season than in other northern cities. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are cold and snowy. Rainfall in Cleveland is moderate and fairly constant through the year.
Lake Erie IslandsThe Lake Erie Islands, including
Kelleys Island and the three
Bass Islands further north are popular destinations during summer, each offering their own attractions with a diverse range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and camping. Limestone cliffs, historic sites, wineries and sculpted caverns can be found on the different island retreats, and the warm waters of the shallow Lake Erie are a perfect resting ground for migrating birds making the islands one of the best bird watching areas in the country.
Formed during the glacial period, the islands consist of limestone bedrock that has much evidence of glacial scouring on the rock surfaces. The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on Kelleys Island is an enormous piece of limestone rock containing the most spectacular example of deep glacial grooves in the world, scoured by the advancement of the great glacier that carved out the Great Lakes.
The Lake Erie Island region was once inhabited by the
Ottawa and Huron Native American tribes before being ousted by European settlers in 1812, and evidence of these hunting grounds remain in over 70 archaeological sites found around the islands. Inscription Rock State Memorial, also on Kelleys Island, is a limestone boulder carved with ancient characters and images of men, animals and birds from about 500 years ago.
The naval Battle of Lake Erie was fought in Put-In Bay on
South Bass Island, an American victory over the British that ensured control of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, and is commemorated by
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on the island. South Bass Island, named for the excellent bass fishing in the surrounding waters, is the most visited of the American Lake Erie Islands and its Victorian-style village filled with gift shops, fine restaurants and lively pubs has been famous as a summer resort for over a century. In the 1860's grape production became extremely profitable and wine making has had a strong influence on the island culture, with several wineries still offering tasting and tours to visitors today.
