Want to explore the streets of Cleveland like a local? You can start by getting to know the landscape in a fun way. Today, we're going to embark on an epic adventure across Greater Cleveland to explore some of the weirdest, coolest, and most striking landmarks in the area. On this scavenger hunt through Cleveland, you'll enjoy an opportunity to peek into the history of some of our most interesting places... and some are downright quirky. Lace up your walkin' shoes and prepare to traverse the city, because you'll want to visit these quirky and cool places in Cleveland:
1. Trinity Cathedral
At Euclid Avenue and East 22nd Street, Trinity Cathedral delights passerby with its magnificent architecture. Before the massive church was built, a small wooden one occupied the site and had the privilege of being the first-ever church in Cleveland. This cathedral was designed by Charles F. Schweinfurth, the thinker behind some of Millionaire Row's finest homes. If you look closely, you'll spot that this church is actually shaped like a giant cross.
2. The Cleveland Public Library's Eastman Reading Garden
Locals love the Cleveland Public Library, but many have yet to discover the joys of the Eastman Reading Garden. This outdoor retreat can be found tucked amidst the library's massive campus, but it's a rather subtle reading space. It's filled to the brim with art like these adorable little bronze guys designed by Tom Otterness... and it even has internet access to provide you with a quiet place to knock out some work.
3. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Tucked within the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is a Learning Center and Money Museum like no other. It's free to visit and it tells the story of us through the money we spend. Keep your eyes peeled for its 23-foot-tall money tree!
4. Oldest Stone House Museum of the Lakewood Historical Society
Craving a trip back in time? The Oldest Stone House Museum just might satiate your hunger for adventure. This home was built in 1834, and it has actually been moved to accommodate a growing town a few times throughout its history. Today, it is well-preserved and is filled to the brim with antiques from old Lakewood.
5. Guarino's Restaurant
Guarino's is Cleveland's oldest restaurant, and boy, does it have a story to tell. It was born during Prohibition and definitely was not a speakeasy (yep, that was sarcasm... that's actually how it started its life). Wine and beer were served in coffee cups to keep things subtle, and the kitchen began churning out delicious meals to help fill up the patrons. It enchanted a number of famous patrons over the years, including Frank Sinatra. Today, charm abounds at this historic restaurant.
6. Free Stamp
The Free Stamp is, believe it or not, a fairly polarizing monument. It was originally commissioned by Standard Oil of Ohio to be displayed in front of their Public Square office, but they had a change of management... and a change in heart. It stayed in storage for years before finally being donated to the City of Cleveland. Today, some love it... and some hate it. Either way, it's hard to drive past Willard Park without noticing it.
7. Dittrick Museum of Medical History
Here's a museum that's not for the faint of heart. Dittrick Museum of Medical History is a massive collection of amazing and disturbing medical advancements that have been used throughout the course of human history. More than 175,000 artifacts line its showcases... and some are almost unbelievable.
These quirky and cool places in Cleveland belong on every visitor's radar... because we locals sure love them!
Love unique landmarks? Check out some of Greater Cleveland's weirdest roadside attractions for more adventure.
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