Cleveland

Today I visited several different neighborhoods in Cleveland. At the recommendation of Samanthia from the front desk, I first walked a few blocks to the historic district to visit to The Arcade , a Victorian era structure originally erected in 1890. This was well worthwhile as the architecture is magnificent. It now houses a hotel and shops, but fortunately they have not destroyed the ambiance.

I then walked over a bridge spanning the Cuyahoga river to the West Bank of The Flats, a neighborhood spanning both sides of the river that has been revitalized as a nightlife hub. It was pretty quiet on a Sunday morning. I hope to visit the East Bank tomorrow - it is actually the side closer to my hotel and is reputed to be the more upscale of the two.

From the West Bank of the Flats, I continued through a very industrial area to cross the Willow Avenue drawbridge to Whisky Island (actually a peninsula). During the time I was walking around, I had the opportunity to see it raised and lowered several times. It is unusual in that the entire roadway lifts up using pulleys, rather than the bridge breaking in the middle. The waterfront along Lake Erie has been developed nicely into a series of parks and a casual venue called The Whiskey Island Still and Eatery , that also features live music. I walked over to get a drink and saw that a large crowd had gathered at outdoor tables to hear a band. Everyone seemed to be enjoying a mellow Sunday afternoon.

On the second bridge over the railroad tracks to get to Whisky Island, I spoke to Lisa and Mike, both local residents. They gave me some additional suggestions for Cleveland, and Mike who works at the water plant, gave me a rundown of how the city drinking water is collected and distributed. By the time I walked back I had covered over 8 miles.

Tomorrow I will visit a main Cleveland destination, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.