Welcome back to stylishly good vibes! I’m back on the blog to share my most recent trip to Cleveland—complete with an itinerary of some of my favorite spots. For those who don’t know, I’m from Cleveland, so every time I visit, I’m filled with a strong sense of nostalgia about places I used to frequent. Needless to say, I consider myself a pretty great tour guide of Cleveland, and I hope you enjoy these recommendations as much as I do.
What to Do
Lake View Cemetery
If you love a good walk, I can’t recommend this spot enough. Now, I know what you’re thinking—a cemetery? Really, Alicia? Yes! It’s one of my favorite places to walk, especially in the spring and summer months in Cleveland.
The scenery is stunning when everything is in bloom—and Daffodil Hill is a can’t-miss spot at the end of March or the beginning of April. Plus, if you walk all the way up to the tallest hill in the cemetery, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland!
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Wade Memorial Chapel and the Garfield Monument.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Whether you’re a fan of art or not, the Cleveland Museum of Art is unlike any other. For a smaller metropolitan city, Cleveland’s art museum is renowned and outstanding! The curated collections and special exhibitions are among my favorites. I love wandering through familiar exhibits and revisiting paintings I’ve come to love over the years.
Grab a bite to eat in the atrium, and spend countless hours exploring the various rooms for inspiration. Plus, if you plan a trip this summer, you have to get tickets to see the Takashi Murakami exhibit, which opens May 25, 2025. Also, for those who haven’t been, the museum is completely free to visit! The only time you need to pay is for special exhibitions. My pro tip: Park on the street nearby instead of paying for parking in the garage.
Patterson Fruit Farm
Nothing completes a trip to Cleveland quite like Patterson Fruit Farm! This family-owned staple has been a favorite of Clevelanders for years, and it’s where we went for countless field trips growing up. They offer the most delicious apples, plus a charming farm shop. You can also pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, and apples!
Don’t miss out on a donut from the farm shop, and make sure to grab a big jar of maple syrup, some maple candies, and a jug of apple cider before you head out!
Gingham Market
I stopped by this adorable market for the first time on this last trip, and it did not disappoint. A friend of mine posts about it on her Instagram Stories all the time, so I had to see what all the hype was about. If you’re looking for a selection of Cleveland-made products and other trending food items, this is a must-see. They also offer a variety of made-to-order items—from sandwiches and salads to charcuterie boards.
E 72nd Fishing Area
I discovered this lakefront reservation while living in Cleveland Heights, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots to spend a quiet moment by the lake. Even if it’s just for a few minutes to stand or sit on the rocks by the water, I highly recommend this peaceful, not-too-crowded spot.
Where to Eat
Rising Star Coffee Roasters
I love Rising Star with all my heart! Cleveland has so many great coffee shops, but this one is definitely a classic. I like going there to work for a few hours during the week. The Promised Land latte is delicious and probably the most popular item on the menu, but I’ve been on a matcha kick lately, which is equally as good.
I prefer the Cleveland Heights location on Lee Road, but you can’t go wrong with any of their locations around the city!
Coffee at Cafe Blanc
I hadn’t heard of this coffee shop before this trip, but my friend Elise mentioned wanting to do a work-from-home day there, so we gave it a try! It’s a Ukrainian-owned and operated coffee shop, and it’s absolutely stunning. It opened less than a year ago, and I can say with confidence that it’s here to stay! They offer every coffee drink under the sun, and they also serve food. We didn’t eat while we were there, but everything I saw being delivered to other tables looked amazing.
Plus, the aesthetics of this cafe are unmatched! Although it was a bit of a drive from where I was staying, it was 100% worth it.
Dinner at Amba
Amba has been on my list of restaurants to try since it opened in 2022, just before I moved. The best way to describe it is a tapas restaurant serving Indian food. Douglas Katz is a well-known restaurateur in Cleveland, famous for Zhug in Cleveland Heights and Fire in Shaker Square—and he’s the brilliant mind behind Amba!
Because the dishes are designed to be shareable, my friend Elise and I ordered six dishes between the two of us. Everything we tried was incredible, but my top two favorites were the herb raita yogurt with gluten-free flatbread and the ghee-basted shrimp. Seriously, one of the best meals I’ve had in Cleveland!
I hope you enjoyed this post filled with my favorite Cleveland recommendations. I’m sure I’ll be back on the blog with another list because I have so many favorite spots I try to frequent when I’m in town.
Until next time!
