Discover The Hidden Underbelly Of Greater Cleveland When You Visit These 5 Hard-To-Find Spots
When you live in one place for so long, it’s easy to settle into a routine. You know what stores you like, which restaurants you prefer, and which parks are perfect for your schedule and hiking level. It might feel like you’ve done everything there is to do in your city, but the truth is that there’s always something more to discover. Today, we’re going to take a look at a few hard-to-find spots in Greater Cleveland that just might be hiding in plain sight in your neck of the woods. Are you ready to discover something new? Let’s dive into local adventure!
1. Quintana's Speakeasy (2200 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights)
At first glance, Quintana's Barber & Dream Spa is just like any other relaxation destination... until you pass through its secret bookcase passage to reach Quintana's Speakeasy upstairs. The vintage-inspired space will take you back to the Prohibition era with an environment that's almost undetectable unless you know where to look. Grab a drink and relax, or plan to visit during one of their events for an experience you won't soon forget.
Hiding deep in the woods of the Cleveland Metroparks' Hinckley Reservation is a site you almost have to see to believe. At Worden's Ledges, decades-old carvings of faces, mythological figures, and more are waiting to greet unsuspecting hikers. Carved by Noble Stuart in the 1940s, these petroglyphs have a story to tell... and they're hidden along a 0.7-mile trail alongside sandstone cliffs. You'd never guess the woods of Medina County are hiding such a spectacular secret!
At the aptly-named Vault, visitors can enjoy craft cocktails and a taste of Cleveland history inside a century-old bank vault. Located under the iconic Cleveland Trust Rotunda building, this hip lounge embraces an upscale atmosphere that aligns beautifully with the history of the Cleveland monument it operates under. With small plates, creative cocktails, and comfortable seating, this lounge is well worth seeking out!
4. Henry Church Rock (Hawthorn Pkwy, Bentleyville)
Believe it or not, Worden's Ledges isn't the only artistic treasure hidden in the Cleveland Metroparks. Tucked away in South Chagrin Reservation is one unique rock with a story that still mystifies visitors to this day. The Henry Church Rock is named for its creator, and it depicts a serpent, an eagle, a woman, and other odd carvings. It was made circa 1885, but its exact meaning has been lost to the sands of time. Visitors can only guess at the story it's trying to tell as they soak in its majesty alongside the mighty Chagrin River.
5. International Women’s Air & Space Museum (1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland)
The coveted International Women’s Air & Space Museum is one of the best free museums in Cleveland, but it's one that many people don't even know exists. It's hiding in the Burke Lakefront Airport lobby, and it is open for self-guided tours seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Exhibits often rotate here, so each visit will almost certainly reveal a new bit of information! However, you can always expect to encounter fascinating trinkets and artifacts that tell a story about the history of women in aviation.
These hard-to-find spots in Greater Cleveland are downright incredible, though they’re tucked away in places that you might not think to look. Have you been to any of these awesome local spots? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Looking for one more hidden Cleveland gem to add to your local bucket list? Check out Main Gate Restaurant, which is tucked away in the most unsuspecting place.
Address: Quintana's Speakeasy, 2200 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, USA
Address: Vault, 2017 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
