When people think of great getaway vacations, Cleveland, Ohio may not be the first place that comes to mind. But maybe it should be. This Rust Belt city on the south shore of Lake Erie has reinvented itself into a vibrant destination that's seen an upward swing in visitors over the past five years. The revitalization of its downtown area packed with entertainment, architectural gems, sports venues and fine dining is just one of the reasons why people are rediscovering Cleveland. Its surrounding neighborhoods, such as historic Tremont, University Circle and Ohio City, are well worth exploring, too.
    

DOWNTOWN

What to do:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

One of Cleveland's biggest attractions is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which has drawn more than 10 million visitors since its opening in 1995. This musical mecca follows rock music's rich history from its roots in the blues all the way to the latest hit-makers and innovators. The bottom floor walks you through a rock & roll timeline, with an abundance of memorabilia including clothing, instruments, photos, films and handwritten lyrics. The upper floors house changing exhibition spaces that honor the greats and celebrate the new inductees and everything that shaped rock & roll.

Designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, this modern marvel of glass and steel is interesting to look at from every angle. Be sure to take a short walk to the waterfront, where you can view the museum from across the North Coast Harbor and see the large Cleveland sign, sure to give you a perfect photo opportunity.

The Flats

One of Cleveland's growing new hot spots is an area called The Flats. This industrial area along the banks of the Cuyahoga River has experienced a $750 million facelift and is brimming with trendy bars, music and comedy clubs and restaurants on both sides of the river. There is also a boardwalk where you can catch the water taxis that will shuttle you from one side of the river to the other. The Cleveland Aquarium and the Jacobs Pavilion (an open-air concert venue) are also located in this popular area.

Playhouse Square

Look for the 8,500-pound glittering chandelier hanging over Euclid Avenue: That's how you'll know you have arrived at Playhouse Square, the second-largest performing arts center outside of New York. You can see everything from a ballet performance to a Broadway play here. Cleveland's theater district attracts millions of people each year and boasts the highest number of theater season-ticket holders in the country.

Where to eat:

East 4th Street Area

This pedestrian-only block in the heart of downtown is the place to eat and drink. This charming street has both fine and casual dining, a House of Blues, a comedy club and a bowling alley. Also located on East 4th Street is Iron Chef Michael Symon's Lola Bistro, which is one of the crown jewels of Cleveland's fine dining options. Lola has a sophisticated but fun atmosphere and a creative menu, which showcases the best foods from local purveyors. Be sure to save room for one or two of its unique desserts.

In The Flats, be sure to visit Coastal Taco, right under the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway overpass (just look for the giant chess set out front!). This popular spot features gourmet tacos and other tasty Mexican favorites. The back patio opens out to the boardwalk, which gives you some great river views.

Where to stay:

Aloft

The Aloft hotel is perfectly situated for your visit to Cleveland. This hip and modern hotel is located in the heart of The Flats. All of the area's restaurants, bars and nightclubs are within walking distance, so you can leave your car behind. Other downtown Cleveland attractions, such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, East 4th Street and all of the city's sports venues, are also close by, making this a convenient place to stay.

UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

What to do:

For culture, arts and learning, the University Circle area is the place to be. In fact, getting there is a cultural experience in itself. From Interstate 90, exit on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where you will wind through a beautiful green parkway with several cultural gardens representing 11 different countries.
University Circle is home to the world-class Cleveland Museum of Art, which has an incredible collection encompassing works from the ancient world to recent creations by current artists. The museum sits at one end of the Wade Oval, which is surrounded by many other cultural attractions.
Just off the Oval, you can visit the stunning Severance Hall, home to the renowned Cleveland Orchestra since 1931. The grand foyer is magnificent, and shimmering aluminum leaf adorns the Art Deco ceilings and stage inside the performance space. Now celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1918, the Cleveland Orchestra is considered one of the Big Five of American orchestras.

Where to eat:

Bruell's L'Albatros

Chef Zach Bruell's L'Albatros is a traditional French brasserie in a charming old carriage house with a great outdoor patio. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, and the food is marvelous. The hanger steak and frites with bearnaise sauce was cooked to perfection and the escargot was delicately flavored with a toasted garlic and fennel butter. Also known for its extensive wine and cheese selections, L'Albatros is a perfect place to dine after a day at the museums or before an orchestra performance. Reservations are suggested.

HISTORIC TREMONT

What to do:

Tremont is one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Once home to a large immigrant population, Tremont is a diverse and walkable area with lots of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and popular bars. Walkabout Tremont ñ which encourages people to walk the neighborhood and experience street performers, pop-up art and food and drink specials ñ is held on the second Friday of every month. There are also walking tours to show off the area's architecture, parks and historic churches.

Are you one of those people who never miss the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve? Have you ever imagined yourself in Ralphie's living room, gazing upon the famous leg lamp? Then do not miss a chance to visit the famous house in Tremont, where much of the movie was filmed. The home's interior has since been remodeled to match the film set. You'll have plenty of free time to roam the house and take photos before heading to the museum across the street. The museum houses original props from the movie, including the vintage fire truck from the scene when the firemen come to free Flick's tongue from the frozen lamp pole after a triple dog dare. Whether you are a fan of the movie or just love 1950s nostalgia, this is a fun stop for all ages.

Where to eat:

Lucky's Cafe

Lucky's Cafe is a farm-to-table cafe and bakery. A great stop for breakfast or lunch, Lucky's is dedicated to locally sourced and carefully crafted foods. One of the specialties of the house is the biscuits and gravy, which are, trust me, a life-changing experience!

OHIO CITY

What to do:

West Side Market

A must for all foodies is a visit to the West Side Market in Ohio City. This bustling market is filled with more than 100 vendors selling everything from fresh meats, produce and seafood to pastries, breads and hot foods. A favorite is Crepes De Luxe, serving made-to-order crepes stuffed with your favorite fillings, both savory and sweet. Grab a bite and head up to the observation area for an impressive view of this grand structure. Opened in 1912, this historic market and its 137-foot-tall clock tower have been featured on both the Travel Channel and Food Network. The surrounding area also boasts several local craft breweries and a Cleveland favorite, Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream shop.