I was going to mention many of the same things Cholenpot did about Cleveland - so I'd echo that post. There are a lot of things in Cleveland and the surrounding cities you may find interesting. It's a bit difficult to think of them when living in the general area - we seem to take them for granted.
There are areas you have to be careful in, but if you're from New York City, you probably won't have any issues and would likely find them quaint, lol.
Basically Downtown Cleveland:
I've not been to the Mather steamship or USS COD submarine in a long time.
You have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which I find a bit disappointing), and it's practically next to a science museum that I quite like.
I'm not into sports, so I'm not sure of the status, but the baseball field had a statue of Bob Feller. There is an old Cemetery right across the street:
Erie Street Cemetery - The City's Oldest Existing Cemetery | Cleveland Historical
On East 9th Street, enclosed by a 19th century iron fence and Gothic gateway, is the Erie Street Cemetery — the final resting place of some of Cleveland's most notable pioneers and combatants. Located right next door to Progressive Field, even the popular baseball stadium is easily forgotten...clevelandhistorical.org
There is a giant rubber stamp downtown:
World's Largest Rubber Stamp, Cleveland, Ohio
The Big Rubber Stamp with the word "FREE" on it is a creation of artist Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022), who sculpted giant versions of everyday objects that turn up in public parks and on city sidewalks.www.roadsideamerica.com
On the square you can see the Soldiers and Sailors monument:
You can find some nice old architecture, even though much is vacant anymore.
The Lorain-Carnegie Bridge has nice artwork on the pylons
Lorain-Carnegie Bridge - Home of the Guardians | Cleveland Historical
The Lorain-Carnegie Bridge opened in 1932, becoming the second fixed high-level span in Cleveland. It was built in part to relieve traffic on the Detroit-Superior Bridge (the city's other fixed high-level bridge) which opened in 1917. Construction began on the bridge in 1930, though plans for...clevelandhistorical.org
There is also the West Side Market. It's historic, and unfortunately they are trying to gentrify it:
Public Market in Cleveland, OH | West Side Market
West Side Market is Cleveland's largest public market has served fresh food to Cleveland residents and visitors since 1912.westsidemarket.org
A bit further from downtown (not too far):
Cleveland State University (CSU), where I work, has a couple old mansions. I'm not sure if you can get inside. They aren't locked-down, but they may be a bit leery of strangers with cameras (though I've done it... but I'm not exactly a stranger). Parker-Hannifin Hall is not terribly interesting, but nice. Mather is the better one.
The cynical part of me would direct you to CSU's Central Garage, which is falling apart and has areas inside supported with scaffolding, lol.Mather Mansion - A Remnant of Millionaires' Row | Cleveland Historical
In the days of horse-drawn carriages and booming industry, one street in Cleveland showcased the elite among the city's citizens. Millionaires' Row, a length of Euclid Avenue, was where prominent figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Marcus Hanna, and Charles F. Brush built their mansions. The...clevelandhistorical.org
Further away there are a number of museums along East Boulevard (just don't go too far off the main roads - there be dragons):
https://www.cmnh.org/ (Wade Oval is off of East Blvd)Welcome to the Crawford Auto Museum | WRHS | Explore the tangible history of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
Few people know that Northeast Ohio was a crucial hub of development in the transportation industry The Crawford AutoAviation Collection brings the history of transportation alive through the over 170 antique automobiles 21 noncar transportation artifacts motorcycles bicycles and boats 12...www.wrhs.org
Depending how far you want to go from downtown (and how you feel in areas that are not terribly safe), there are a number of old "living" cemeteries you can visit.
The the surrounding area of downtown Cleveland you have the Cleveland Zoo, with many photogenic areas.
Cleveland used to have an Aquarium, then didn't, then there was a new one (not sure if it still exists).
The "Greater Cleveland Area" (surrounding cities) will also have things you may be interested in.
What route(s) will you be taking into and out of Cleveland?
If following the lake (Route 90, turnpike, etc.) towards Toledo, then Detriot, there are some charming old cities on the way.
I think even the most hardened NYer would think twice about getting lost in East Cleveland.
We have a new aquarium in the flats, some really cool views of the river front just outside the aquarium.
East Cleveland or the East side of Cleveland? Two different things... kinda sorta, lol.
I've not been to the new Aquarium. When we were kids, my Aunt would take my brother and myself to the old one.
Oh - the Mayfield Cemetery in Cleveland Heights. I don't know if it's still the case, but the tall fence on Mayfield Road had barbwire on top, angle INTO the cemetery, as if they were trying to keep things from getting out
Too bad Sokolowski's is closed - great place to eat. Some interesting views from the rim of the valley that was their parking lot.
I find the industrial area of the flats interesting - large piles of debris and such, but I don't think you can wander around there. You may not want to wander on the "safe" side either. I've seen people chasing cars with baseball bats, guns, etc. That's usually at night, though, when going to a concert.
Speaking of which, the old Power House could be photogenic, and that one drawbridge - though I can't remember where it was exactly.
Oh, forgot, Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Some old theaters. Wonder if they let people inside to tour when there isn't a show, I know you can cut through the lobbies.
In Playhouse Square, they hung a huge chandelier over the intersection of Euclid and East 14th. I think it's kinda stupid and gaudy, but might make for interesting photos. Also the adjacent U.S. Bank Building and plaza.
America’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier
Cleveland’s dazzling Theater District landmark features more than 4,200 acrylic crystals.www.ohiomagazine.com
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