Leslie Across the USA

Cleveland - Paradise in Ohio?

So, Cleveland...who knew it was so striking? I didn't spend too much time in the actual city of Cleveland, but it's impressive from the road. The harbor on Lake Erie is darn nice, too. That's where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is. I have to say, I was a little disappointed by this place. Now, to be fair, I got there an hour before they closed, but seriously, their hours are soooooooo NOT rock and roll. Closing at 5:30? I mean, isn't that when rock stars wake up? Anyway, they told me I wouldn't be able to get in because they said it takes at least 3 hours to tour, and it costs 20 bucks (again, not very rock and roll). They said I couldn't finish my tour the next day on the same ticket, which I think is a big rip-off, so I just toured the free stuff and the gift shop. The gift shop was kind of lame. I thought the best souvenir was a set of earplugs, if that's saying anything. The free exhibits were interesting enough, but nothing you can't see for free at a Hard Rock Cafe. They had a rather strange exhibit of jewelry and art inspired by specific rock songs. I had never heard of most of the songs, and a lot of the stuff was pretty disturbing. It didn't really serve as a great marketing tool for cleaning up rock's image, but maybe that wasn't what it was supposed to do. Anyway, I bounced out of there and headed back east for a few miles to Willoughby, Ohio, where my aunt Rhonda's parents Elaine and Terry live. That's where I found paradise in Ohio. They have a great little house right on Lake Erie. The sunset was amazing, and so was sunrise the next morning. They also took me into the town of Willoughby, which is about as picturesque as any small town in the USA should be. Their son, TJ, has done a fabulous job with his brewery and restaurant that he started, and they treated me to dinner there. Then, Rhonda's mom Elaine set me up in the new bedroom she did for her grandkids (who will visit soon!) and I slept like a baby. I woke up with the sun and the sound of the lake lapping on the shore. Between the warm breeze and abundant flowers, I thought I was in Florida. They also have this magnificent birdhouse where purple martins come up from Brazil every year to breed. The same birds come to the same house every time...can you imagine? Nature is so incredible. Anyway, it was lovely. After freshly made homemade scones and bacon and eggs, Elaine sent me off to Chicago with a few goodies to eat. It was excellent! I want to return to Cleveland, at least to see Elaine and Terry and TJ again, but also to see if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can redeem itself to me. OK, on to Chicago......

posted by Leslie @ 10:41 PM