By Kristen Bannerman
Welcome to Cleveland! As NABJ hosts its 50th annual convention, take time to explore the city locals know as The Land. You can find a thriving arts and music scene, gorgeous landscapes and tasty eateries. Here are eight recommendations from a Cleveland local.
#1 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
0.5 miles from convention The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a destination museum nationally for music lovers and hub locally for weekly live performances and events. In 2024 the museum inducted legendary voices including but are not limited to Mary J Blige, Cher, Kool & The Gang and A Tribe Called Quest. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance and visit the site to learn more.
#2 Cleveland Museum of Art
7.1 miles from convention
Ranked the seventh best art museum in the U.S in 2024 by Washington Post , the Cleveland Museum of Art remains a standout attraction. In the heart of the University Circle neighborhood—home to many cultural and educational institutions–the museum is surrounded by the Fine Arts Garden, which includes beautiful sculptures and walkways bordering a relaxing lagoon. The museum offers a diverse range of global collections spanning from Africa to Europe, and admission is free. When taking a break, stop by the Provenance Cafe and restaurant for a bite to eat before heading to view one of the many special exhibitions. These displays include “Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow,” “Refocusing Photography: China at the Millennium,” and “Karamu Artists Inc.: Printmaking, Race and Community.”
#3 Cleveland Botanical Garden
7.3 miles from convention
The Cleveland Botanical Garden serves as an oasis for nature lovers and an escape from city life. Sitting on 10 acres, the location includes both indoor and outdoor attractions. The glasshouses feature exotic vegetation and animals from Costa Rica and Madagascar. The outdoor areas have specially curated gardens including a Restorative, Japanese and rose garden.
#4 Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
7.9 miles from convention
Looking to immerse yourself in artwork that is innovative and thought provoking while promoting diversity? Visit MoCa Cleveland. This non-collecting museum functions as a prime location for the display of contemporary artwork from emerging and regional artists. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or attend Target Talks everyday at 2 p.m., where an engagement guide will lead deeper discussions about the gallery’s work. Admission is free for Ohio residents and $10 for non-residents.
#5 Wyne Tasting and Cocktail Bar
2.5 miles from conventionWind down from a day at the NABJ convention with a visit to the Wyne Tasting and Cocktail Bar just five minute uber ride from the Huntington Convention Center. This intimate space offers a selection of 32 wines dispensed through a tech-savvy wine preservation and pouring system. Additionally, customers can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and shareable sweet and savory bites ranging from $3–$26.
#6 House of Creole
1.1 miles from convention
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, House of Creole offers a taste of Southern kitchens of Louisiana. The menu includes flavor exploding cuisines, ranging from delicious bayou rolls to melt-in-your-mouth shrimp and grits. This Black-owned restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit location for visitors.
#7 The Lakehouse
0.9 miles from convention
For scenic waterside views of the Cuyahoga River and a casual dining experience, visit The Lakehouse in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank. The menu features shareable firecracker shrimp, pigs in a blanket, and a renowned smashburger. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Check out the website for operating hours.
#8 Rejuv Eatery
0.6 miles from convention Committed to nutritious eating, Rejuv Eatery serves food that not only tastes good but also feels good. This eatery provides an expansive breakfast and lunch menu: freshly pressed juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches and more. And good news for many: Rejuv has a robust menu for customers who are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
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