This Historic Vacation Rental Is the Perfect Home Base for Ohio’s Best Food and Drink Trails

One of my all-time favorite states to eat in—yes, eat in—is Ohio. Specifically, Cleveland. And before you roll your eyes, let me say this: Cleveland’s restaurant scene is cooler than a record store barista wearing vintage denim. I’m talking historic diners, enchanting garden cafés, and cozy candlelit spots with enough ambiance to make your Instagram beg for mercy. There are so many fantastic places to eat in Cleveland that it’s borderline overwhelming... in the best possible way. We’re talking saucy, spicy, buttery, wood-fired, herb-crusted, truffle-dusted deliciousness on nearly every block.

Which is why, if you’re going to feast your way through the city, you need two things. First, a solid home base that doesn’t feel like a bland hotel cube. You need something with character, charm, and a hot tub for the food coma recovery phase. That’s where this dreamy historic vacation rental in the Flats comes in.

Second, you need a strategy. For that, may I suggest progressive dining? If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s like bar hopping for food nerds. You start with apps at one place, move to entrées at another, and then dessert somewhere completely different. It’s dinner as a full-blown Cleveland adventure.

Here’s how you do it: Start at Guarino’s in Little Italy (the oldest restaurant in Cleveland)for a round of pasta or a plate of classic meatballs so good you’ll wish they came in snack size. Then make your way to Sora, a vibrant garden-themed spot nestled in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank where cherry blossoms and pink florals create a whimsical vibe. The sushi rolls, ramen, and truffle avocado crispy rice taste like a delicious trip abroad without leaving your seat. For dessert, indulge at Dante with its Michelin-starred three-course dessert tasting menu or the mocha mousse cake: a decadent chocolate cake layered with coffee mousse, Bailey’s anglaise, and café au lait ice cream... perfect for a sweet ending in a stylish, historic setting.

Once you’ve eaten your weight in carbs, you’ll want a place to crash, and this historic Airbnb in the Flats is a knockout. It's the kind of spot that makes you wonder if HGTV has been secretly filming your stay. Located steps from the brand-new Towpath Trail and walking distance to the West Side Market, Ohio City’s buzzing food and drink scene, and even downtown Cleveland, this house nails the trifecta: location, vibes, and comfort. There’s a hot tub for soaking, a fire pit for storytelling, and a patio grill that’s practically begging you to try your hand at post-farmers-market skewers. Inside, you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen, a 65-inch smart TV, arcade games, life-size darts (yes, really), and beds that strike the perfect balance between supportive and “I might never get up.”

The bathrooms come stocked with Pantene and Dove products, which, let’s be honest, is one step closer to feeling like a hotel suite without the hotel carpet. There's central air and heating, free laundry, fast WiFi, and, perhaps most importantly, plenty of space to stretch out, snack on leftovers in peace, and plot your next culinary conquest.

Here’s your call to action, hungry traveler: make Ohio your next foodie getaway. Explore Cleveland’s unforgettable food and drink trails, taste the city's history one bite at a time, and stay at this gorgeous Airbnb that’s basically a vacation all by itself. Whether you're sipping cocktails in Ohio City, brunching in Tremont, or foraging for pierogis like a noble explorer, you’ll be glad you brought your appetite and best stretchy pants. You’re gonna need ’em.