pretty.

Just one reason why I love Ohio City...

The great alley ways behind the homes and the gorgeous gardens that line their paths.

Enjoy.

24 flavors.

The other night I was driving home during a summer storm and had to get gas...we are talking driving on fumes.

I pulled over at a random gas station that barely accepted credit cards at the pump, you know the kind. As the rain dripped through the over hang my gaze was drawn to a shiny red light of the neighboring business.

There it stood in the rain, parking lot filled with cars, people in raincoats with umbrellas, pushing and shoving their way into this random ice cream shop/grille. For a moment I thought to myself, "why on earth would this place be so hoppin, and who would actually make it a destination on a hot and humid night?"

Then somehow, my feet started walking towards the light, just like a bug zapper luring a mosquito. I was entering the Cone Zone & Grille, located in Cleveland (next to Westpark) at 4081 Rocky River Drive. There was a big banner on the front of the building reading "24 Flavors of Soft Serve"....Apricot. German Chocolate. Coconut. Peach. Peanut Butter. Just a few of the LOTS of flavors of soft serve.

I hadn't eaten dinner so it gave me a free summer dinner pass for a small cup of cheesecake soft serve and WOW, was it tasty. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Fill your car and head over to the Cone Zone for a variety of smooth creamy treats. Next time, I'm thinking a mixture of peach, coconut & banana, tropical fun.

Free Concert for the 4th (05/01)

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Join thousands of your neighbors, family, and friends in downtown Cleveland for a special evening celebrating Independence Day, brought to you FREE by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

The fun begins at 5 pm with a Pre-Concert Festival of performances by exciting local youth ensembles. The festivities continue with The Cleveland Orchestra Concert at 9 pm, led by assistant conductor Tito Muñoz, presenting the Orchestra's 21st annual community concert in downtown Cleveland. The program features all-American favorites by Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin, music from Star Wars, and a Salute to the Armed Forces, with special guest soloist, Cleveland’s own Grammy-nominated violinist Caroline Goulding. The evening comes to a rocketing end with Tchaikovsky's “1812” Overture and a spectacular fireworks display cascading over the skyscrapers of downtown Cleveland — and it's all FREE! This is a free concert presented as part of The Cleveland Orchestra's Community Music Initiative.

Free Twighlight! (06/26)

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hey i heart cleveland readers...join vitaminwater this saturday, at the Great Lakes Science Center for a 'prepare for the eclipse' evening. FREE to the public!

They will be screening the 'twilight' film at 6pm, intermission in the planetarium (because this is the date of the lunar eclipse) and afterwards screening of 'new moon'. (flyer reads 'new moon' screening at 10p, likely to be earlier) complimentary popcorn + vitaminwater. giveaways + chance to win eclipse premier passes. everyone is welcome! see you there.

a "sweet double feature"

This weekend stock your car with twizzlers, rasinettes and snowcaps, throw in your favorite blanket and a pillow and head out to the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre located in North Ridgeville.

The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In was built in 1965 by the Sherman family and is still owned and operated by a third generation of the Sherman Family. The Aut-O-Rama Drive-In became the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In for the 1972 summer season.

This weekends best double feature is Grown Ups (with Adam Sandler) @ 9:40pm and the Karate Kid @ 11:30pm. I think that this is by far the best double feature lineup they've had so far this season.

I also think this is pretty cool...rather than ban outside food at the Drive-In they give patrons a choice of weather or not to bring food or beverages into the drive-in. For a $5.00 fee, you can purchase an “outside food & beverage permit” at the box office to bring in your own goodies.

So, when the summer sun goes down, where will you catch your summer blockbuster hits? Hope to see you at the drive in!

Whimsy Art Show (6/26)

Saturday, June 26th 2010

Opening reception this Saturday at Local Girl Gallery.

Everyone can use a little bit of whimsy!

Clifton Arts Fest

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

This year marks the 23rd Clifton Arts & Musicfest in the lakefront Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood on the northwest side of Cleveland, on Clifton Blvd.

The Clifton Arts and Musicfest was established as a unique celebration combining fine arts and live musical performances – a true street festival located in a very attractive and vibrant urban neighborhood setting.

As a juried art competition, only the finest artisans from Ohio and around the United States are admitted to the show. Prize money in the amount of $7,500 is awarded annually in the Juried Art Show.

It is always a fun, colorful show. Ride your bike, walk, throw on your roller blades and enjoy your Saturday afternoon taking in some fabulous local art.

LOVE!

I've been stalking this necklace for some time now. I go back and forth about "needing" it. The heart is actually on Columbus not Cleveland, but the artists sells the piece as "i heart ohio," (the whole line is called "a world of love") so I guess officially I could wear it.

Wouldn't it be so cute with a fun t-shirt or sundress this summer? One of these days I'm gonna break down and just buy it. Check out the artist's Etsy store, she does the same design for other states as well. Enjoy!

Hot in Cleveland

I saw the first episode last night and I have to say, I thought it was pretty funny. This morning Matt Lauer and Valerie Bertinelli were on the Today Show talking about tonight's premier and I couldn't help but give it two thumbs up!

Tune into TV Land tonight at 10pm.

Bier Markt Run (6/19)

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

On your mark...get ready...go! Runners throughout greater Cleveland will be pleased to know that this weekend marks the annual Ohio City Run & Crawl, an evening 5K run through the streets of Cleveland's historic Ohio City neighborhood followed by a pub and restaurant crawl featuring dozens of local establishments.

Hundreds of runners are expected this year to fill the Ohio City streets and take in the sights, sounds and suds of the neighborhood. PLUS, after you run 3.25 miles, you will have no problem downing those fries and sunnyside up pizza!

Place : Market Square Park (West 25th & Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113)

Start Time : Registration - 5:30 PM : 5K - 7:00 PM

Distance : 5K Night Run/Walk

Registration Fee : $25

To register visit the Hermes website.

Summer Solstice Party

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

It’s the longest day of the year — time to have fun, let loose and be cool at one of Cleveland's most festive parties. Last year I had the privilege of getting one of the sold out tickets to the smashing soireé and let's just say it had to be the BEST party of the summer!

This Saturday, join the members of the Cleveland Museum of Art at their second annual Summer Solstice bash.

Stroll through the museum’s new galleries of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, medieval and African art, as well as prints, drawings and more, while international musicians from Africa, the Middle East and the US turn up the tunes. DJ's and performers will keep you intrigued and excited all evening long!

For tickets visit the Cleveland Museum of Art website. I would advise you get your tickets early this week, word on the street says it will sell out!

Wade Oval WOW

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

I got to attend once last year, and this year I plan on trying to live at Wade Oval Wednesdays each and every Wednesday. Have you ever been?

If not, it is quite the treat that you won't want to miss. What started out as a small Wednesday evening concert series has grown into a weekly “party in the park.” More than 10,000 visitors each summer bring their families, friends, blankets, and lawn chairs to dance, relax, and enjoy music at WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays. This one-of-a-kind concert-going experience combines the outdoor charm of Wade Oval University Circle with the excitement of live music. Whether you’re a fan of rock & roll, jazz, folk, or reggae, there’s a concert that’s perfect for you

This week the folks at UCI welcome Carlos Jones and the Plus Band to kick off the summer festivities. Get there early for a great seat, a good place for your picnic basket and plaid blanket and first pick at many of the yummy treats all the area vendors bring to sell. See you at the Oval!

Peony Monday

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The most perfect, pink peonies have invaded your local Heinen's. They are GORGEOUS!!!

Even though they are grown in Michigan the $5.99 price per bunch is enough to smooth out all sports rivalries. I may have to scoop up a few for my desk this week! Enjoy.

FREE Hot in Cleveland Preview Party Tickets!

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Tower City and Positively Cleveland has provided me 5 pairs of tickets to give out our faithful blog readers. The red carpet will be rolled out for you and a friend, complimentary valet at the Prospect Avenue Southside Valet, a stylish happy hour filled with delicious treats & cocktails and a screening of the new show Hot in Cleveland from 6-8pm at the Skylight Room in Tower City.

To win these HOT tickets to this HOT party just tell me where you go, what you do or your favorite outfit that makes YOU HOT in CLEVELAND!!! BE SURE to include your email, so I can send you the tickets. Winner will be notified end of day on Monday. Pass it along to your friends.

Weekend review (06/11-12)

There is lots to do this weekend in the "CLE"

> You can party in Gordon Square during their big celebration day.

> You can enjoy an outdoor “spooking” with the cast from Sweeny Todd at Cain Park

> It looks like it may rain on Saturday, perhaps an indoor independent film fest will be your Saturday fix?

> Ladies love your horse? Join Rebecca Wilde of Q104 at Ladies Day at Thistledown

> Want FREE art and music for the whole family (aka for the kids), don’t miss Parade the Circle.

> I've said it before, but I'll say it again...216...216...216!

(image taken at Stash Style)

Gluten Free Cupcakes (06/11)

Friday, June 11th 2010

The Hudson location of Main Street Cupcake has let me in on their latest creation....for those of us with food preferences or food allergies you can now find gluten free sweet cupcakes every Friday for your and your friends at their bakery.

Each sweet cake will be offered in three flavors at $3 a piece. For those of us "sans-allergies" Main Street offers SO MANY adorable flavors, every day (closed Monday's)...my favorites are Champagne and Raspberries & Lemon Drop! Yummm..

Burton Antiques (06/12)

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Do you like to be outdoors? Are you the guy still holding on to your childhood Star Wars characters? Girls, are you following the trend of vintage pins, purses an scarves?

This Saturday, for one day only stroll through the Geauga County fairgrounds for the annual Burton Antique Celebration. Vendors from all over come to sell their vintage finds, it's like a museum of history outside.

Burton is about an hour east of Cleveland but the show is completely worth the drive. So pack your hand sanitizer, a big bottle water and plan to pick up an elephant ear or two (carnival food will be served) and enjoy the day, or a few hours at the show.

CELEBRATE (food) CARTS (06/10)

Thursday, June 10th 2010

Have you heard the buzz? Food delivered right to your place of work? Or how about gourmet food to cure your late night cravings? yes, Cleveland has recently upped the ante by adding a series of food carts to our already stellar lunch and dinner options.

Cleveland Public Art, The Zygote Press and Ohio City Near West are hosting an event to celebrate the latest and greatest. Swing by West 26th Street (in front of CPA) the street will be closed so we can eat from the carts & drink in the street! Zygote Press artists' prints will be on display in CPA's office gallery.

Fingers crossed the sun shines. Sounds like it will be such a fun evening.5:30-9:00pm

Wine & Goat Cheese (06/12-13)

Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13th, 2010

I don't know about you, but a good glass of Malbec and a spoonful of goat cheese might be my ultimate favorite "snack."

This weekend at Heinen's they will be pairing Northeast Ohio's Mackenzie Creamery with complimentary beer & wine. There is even a discount $1.00 off each flavor (except truffle flavor), which is a great savings if you are feeling like stocking up! Entirely free to taste, I'll try to schedule my grocery shopping time to coordinate with my own personal "happy" hour!

See you at Heinen's!

Made in the 216 (06/11&12)

I shouldn't have to remind you, but just in case "the 216" is less than 4 days away! (Friday June 11th & Saturday June 12th)

For up to the minute show details visit miss mastermind Danielle's blog I'm sure she will have fun stuff to say this week. We are so excited to see what creative displays and new artists she has unearthed. Hope to see you there.

She & Him THIS THURSDAY!

While I know it says they are already sold out...there are still plenty of tickets to be had on Craig's List. Ms Deschanel & Sir Ward (She & Him) have sold out almost every show. I actually couldn't believe they were stopping in to visit with us, but I am so glad they are!

For a free sample of their sound visit the Levis (jeans) website to download a free tune. (LOVE FREE TUNES!)

Isn't this concert poster so charming? Designed by The Small Stakes, it made me think how this show may have such cute concert merchandise. Music AND shopping...my fave. :)

First JUNE weekend.

With summer just around the corner, I’m starting to crave...

> Long bike rides in the dark.

> Sweet treats, especially PEACH!

> Outdoor FREE Movies! Transformers, Men in Back, or Jurassic Park?

> Yummy Spirits & brunch on the patio.

> Ooooommm (Yoga) on the lake

> Pizza, Chianti & ART

Happy first weekend in June!

Trmont Yard Sale (06/06)

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Tremont's Annual Neighborhood Wide Yard Sale
9am-4pm

Rain or Shine