Mums the word.

If you know me than you know how excited I get when fall arrives. Seriously, I can't get enough pumpkins, mums, candy corn, Halloween, hayrides, apple picking...you get the picture. It's my ULTIMATE favorite season for sure.



This past weekend I visited Petittis in Avon for their Fall Festival. It was a gorgeous site, mums of all colors for as far as the eye can see. I actually got cold chills when I stepped outside into the outdoor greenhouse, the sea of fall flowers filled me with excitement! Did you know that Petitti's all pumpkins are just $2.99, big, small, tall, squatty, no matter the shape or size $2.99. I bought eight of the brightest orange hue, two bags of decorative gourds and a few bails of hay for my fall yard. (Actually I may need to go back this weekend and get more!)



For fall decorations visit any of the Petitti's in Northeast Ohio. If you love fall like I do, you are in for a treat. Happy fall. :)

Oh, and if you are looking for something to do this evening swing by the Happy Dog on Detroit. The Cleveland Orchestra is performing a quirky chamber music performance, complete with piano. 8-11:30pm A beer, a hot dog and some Johann Sebastian Bach sounds delightful.

Inked for Ohio.

Another perfect weekend in Cleveland. Sunny weather. A yummy clambake. Riding bikes. Home improvement AND another fun Inked in Ohio tattoo to share.

So, I was at the famous Muni Lot yesterday and let's just say, it takes all types. From the die hard sports fans to the "girls who wanna have fun," from the fair weather fans to the downtown hipsters, everyone was psyched for yesterdays game.

One thing never to be missed (heads up!) are all the non-football players, passing the football through the crowds of people. Shirtless guys show their stuff as they perform the ball throwing tradition as if they were kids playing outside in the backyard.

Yesterday I happened to run into Brandon and little did I know he was sporting an "inked for Ohio" tattoo! I ran right up to him and asked to snap a few pics. Not only does he have this great skyline image of the city on his bulging bicep, he also has an outline of the state on his chest, but my pic was too blurry from dodging footballs to share. THANKS BRANDON for letting me share your ink.



Happy monday cleveland peeps. Oh, and BTW did you know Wednesday is Bar Cento's 3 Year Anniversary Party? Buy any carafe of beer or wine and your pizza is free! Cheers to a great week!

Hop around the City (09/11)

Sparx City Hop is a free all day event that celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts of Cleveland’s most central and metropolitan neighborhoods. Free trolley service by Lolly the Trolley allows individuals and families to “hop” through the neighborhoods of Downtown (Historic Gateway Neighborhood, Historic Warehouse District, PlayhouseSquare and the Campus District) plus the districts the connect directly to Downtown (Tremont, Ohio City, MidTown, AsiaTown and St. Clair Superior).



The trolley routes connect people to over 70 galleries & artist studios, over 100 restaurants, several markets and dozens of specialty retail shops. In addition, Sparx City Hop connects participants to a variety of sidewalk concerts, main stage performances, special gallery and studio events, the Terminal Tower observation deck (see details below), the Tower City Street Fair, the Sparx Classic Car Show, a variety of merchant specials and so much more.

Bring your family to the fully restored Terminal Tower Observation Deck to see an unparalleled view of the entire city! Originally opened in 1929, Terminal Tower has been a Cleveland landmark for over 80 years. The interior of the Observation Deck has been restored to resemble what it looked like in the 1930’s and 40’s. Tickets are just $5 and kids 5 and under are free. To purchase tickets for this weekend visit http://terminaltowerodeck.eventbrite.com/

Between 25,000 and 30,000 people participate in the Sparx City Hop each year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get out and explore what makes the core of our city so special!

Wierd Al (09/03)

I know that this Friday is the anticipated Rock Hall Ball..but has anyone heard the news? Wierd Al Yankovic is also performing in Cleveland on Friday! Remember him?

I can vividly remember singing the Madonna tune to the lyrics of "Like a Surgeon" as I pranced around my parents home as a young kid. Since those days "Al" has gone on to write and perform many hits such as "Canadian Idiot" and "Polkarama," a parody on polkas.



You can find Mr Yankovic at this years Taste of Cleveland running from Friday September 3rd through to Monday the 6th at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. Everything from Polish cuisine and spicy Cajun fare to Grammy Award-winning artists and radio rock stars are on the menu...fingers crossed no rain for the holiday weekend!!!

Ohio City Blues Fest (08/21)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

This year marks the third annual Ohio City Blues Fest on Saturday, August 21, from 4:00- 11:00pm at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island. A full day of great blues music on the shore of Lake Erie, along with great food provided by Fat Fish Blue and a variety of traditional and hand-crafted beers.

The line-up for this year's event, which is presented by Ohio City Pasta with generous support from Vitaminwater,is as follows:

4:00-5:00 Real Deal Blues Band
5:15-6:15 Memphis Cradle
6:30-7:30 Frankie Starr
7:45-8:45 Wallace Coleman
9:00-10:30 Walkin’ Cane

Rotoflora Dedication (7/25)

Free Concert (07/21)

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

For more information go to the Rock Hall's website for additional details.

Back to Basics!

Another weekend in Cleveland is upon us, and what fun! TGIF.

You guys know I am always up for a party, a soirée perhaps? But this weekend I am hoping to get back to summer basics. Throw on my flip flops, braid up my hair and take my bike out for a spin or two.

The beach seems like a perfect plan, or perhaps my city pool. If I’m in the mood to roll down my windows and drive out of the city a burger from the festival might be yummy. If I can get out of bed from all the summer fun, a bit of downward dog to LIVE music on Sunday followed by some tasty treats in Tremont.

There is always something fantastic to get yourself into in Cleveland...JUST DO IT!

Five Bucks!

...and I'm not talking about dollah dollah bills yo! (cracks me up every time!)

I seemed to have created a monster...while my parents were in town last week I was telling my dad about the blog, my awesome readers and how much I enjoy letting people know what's going on around town.

With that said, my Dad spent an afternoon playing golf at our amazing Metropark System-Big Met. While enjoying the great summer weather we've been having, he spotted FIVE BUCKS crossing the Rocky River and instinctively snapped this photo from his cell. He then proceeded to tell me my readers would like to see it too!

So, here is a small post thanks to my Dad, enjoy.

Thanks Dad, great pic!

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.

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!

Trmont Yard Sale (06/06)

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

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

Rain or Shine

Tremont Farmers Market

After a long holiday weekend, why not spend your Tuesday night in Tremont.

Buy your fresh veggies at the Farmers Market to stock your fridge with local good greens and more. Baked goods, meat, fresh eggs and more are available at the market as well. Every Tuesday now through October. Located in Lincoln Park.

You could also grab a glass of wine from the Visible Voice Wine Bar to enjoy in their charming courtyard.

There is lots to do in Tremont, Where do you like to hang when you visit?

celebrate earth day!

Celebrate Maple Syrup & Pancakes (03.13-21)

Saturday, March 13th - 20th, 2010

Celebrate the "pancake capitol of the world" with the arrival of springtime and maple sap = SYRUP!

Drive around and enjoy the 2010 March Maple Madness "Drive it Yourself" Tour. For the details of the driving tour click here.



For the details on the pancake feast click here.

Winter Fun (2/27)

Looks like chilly winter fun. Bundle up and head outdoors.



For more information, visit britewintercleveland.wordpress.com

Snow surf!

They are predicting snow for Tuesday in Cleveland. With that said, it could snow, be sunny, rain, be foggy or all of the above.

To some of us the winter snow hinders our morning jogs, keeps us in bed those extra fifteen minutes, warrants an extra large latte rather than the daily grande.



To these guys, winters in Cleveland equals the perfect surfing weather. Jeff Sierputowski’s photos of a group of surfer dudes gave me chills but then I thought...how COOL is that?



You may not want to dunk yourself in our fair Lake Erie at this time of year, but try and get outdoors, bundle up, breathe the brisk air and imagine if YOU picked up winter surfing as next years hobby!

2010 Cleveland "to-do"

Hello all!

Welcome back to iheartcleveland. Hope everyone had an amazing holiday season. I know I did. I am rested, relaxed and ready to rock and roll as we dive into this new year.

As I was thinking about what my first post of the year should be I started thinking about all the things I have always wanted to do, but somehow never have. Take a look at my list and feel free to let me know what your 2010 Cleveland resolutions are!



my cleveland "to-do-taste-see" 2010 resolutions list

Go to the Orchestra
I have been to Severance Hall for a gorgeous wedding once, but I have never seen the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra play. This year I want to experience the magic of the talented area musucians. Can't wait! In the meantime I may enjoy one of the free tours that are being offered on Sunday January 10th. For more information visit their website, reservations recommended.

Get to know Malleys
Ever wondered how they make the 3 foot Easter bunnies and the millions of luscious Buckeyes? This year I'd love to get a group of fellow choco-holics together for a trip to the 60,000 square feet of chocolate fantasy at the Malleys Chocolate Tour. The tour is self-guided and best of all it's free! Anyone interested?

Celebrate the Jump Back Ball
I've always heard the buzz but I've never attended the massive party explosion called the Jump Back Ball. This year I plan to don my feathers and sequins and celebrate Carnival (this years theme) with my fellow arts supporters. I hear tickets are going fast...so get yours today...then we can all party together!

Ghost Hunt
Ever since I've moved to North East Ohio over ten years ago, I've been tempted to take a walk through the old Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield. For those of you who know me, I'm not one for blood or guts, but the idea of ghosts is a bit intriguing. Did you know you can go on a ghost hunt year round in Mansfield? Spooky!

Ride the path
I love to ride my bike. I love to ride my road bike down Lake Ave, fast. I love to tool around town in my Schwinn Cruiser with my sweet basket & coffee cup holder. I love to ride my mountain bike through the muddy metroparks in spring. This past fall a friend of mine and I got to sample parts of the towpath, this year, I would love to start on one end and make it all the way to the end...tackle the towpath! Time to look for a new helmet. :)

Get schooled in Beer
I've drank an Elliott Ness, I've snacked on a pub pretzel and recently I've enjoyed one too many Christmas Ales...but as an Ohio resident I feel I should have a better understanding of the happenings and beer types at or our world famous Great Lakes Brewing Co. I think this is the year I'll make it a point to attend a free brewery tour, a tasting or a brewmasters dinner to enhance my palette and enjoy those porters and pale ales to the fullest.

Spend the day at the fair
I post about it every year. Every August I crave funnel cakes and corn dogs. I dream of the biggests blueberry pie and adorable pot belly pigs. This year I promise myself I am going to spend an afternoon at the Cuyahoga County Fair. Perhaps I can get one of you to come with me...if you're up for it, perhaps we can even dress alike..everyone's doing it. :)

Get spooked at the Zoo
I don't have children so there really should be no real reason why I want to spend my afternoon navigating my way through the sea of strollers at the Cleveland Metroparks annual event...Boo at the Zoo. I don't know if I am drawn to the idea of elephants and monkeys in costume or an entire bag of candy corn that i can destroy as I watch the lions, tigers and bears devour their haunted treats. This year I really want to go to the fun alternative to average neighborhood haunting, who wouldn't want to go to an event with candy "Stations?"

Tour of Pasta
If you've ever been to the Westside Market on a saturday morning then you've seen the confetti colored Ohio City Pasta's whimsical little raviolis. Every time I go to buy some I have such a hard decision what flavor to choose...SO, this year I plan on working my way through the glass case and savoring each little pasta creation one flavor at a time. Perhaps a few a month..I'll keep you posted! Any recommendations which ones to start with?

Pumpkins for Joe at the Zoo!

Dodging Sniffles

As fall arrives, and the swine flu sets in we find ourselves armed with a pack of tissues, vitamin c and perhaps switching from the morning latte to a hot cup of Echinacea..

This weekend Nolan predicts cold temperatures and chilling rain to blow through the North East Ohio neighborhoods. If you are looking for a little hideaway to keep you warm and toasty, here are a few of my favorites.



> InnerBliss Yoga : for a hot yoga class to sweat away the bad toxins
> La Petite Triangle Café : for a pot of french press coffee
> Brown Aveda Institute : for an upper body relaxation massage ($17!) to move those nasty germs out of you
> The Cleveland Botanical Garden : for a tropical, butterfly infused adventure
> Chelseas : for a bit of therapeutic searching/shopping for vintage fall frocks (1412 W 116TH St)
> The Great Lakes Theatre : For a comfy lounge chair, a stiff drink (don’t they say alcohol cures a cold?) & Shakespeare