Cleveland offers a little bit of everything: scenic beauty, rock and roll, history, sports, and fine museums. I had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland for a three day weekender with my son, and we had the opportunity to see a lot in those three days. It was the first time there for both of us, and it was not disappointing.
Before we get to the sights of Cleveland, we were able to make this trip on a small budget. Spirit Airlines had a low fare going from Las Vegas to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (base fare was $92 round trip per ticket/plus any extras) and we found some low rates on the Extended Stay America in Middleburg Heights (approx $56 per night for a 2-queen room).
Our first stop, and primary reason for going to Cleveland was for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The timing of the trip was perfect for the turning of the fall colors and cool temperatures. The park is tucked between Cleveland and Akron, and sprinkled with townships throughout the area. The park preserves the history surrounding the Ohio and Erie Canal region, and features a large trail, the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trail. The area is popular with locals as they walk, jog, and bicycle the trail frequently. Here are some photos from the trail:
A major feature of this park are the Brandywine Falls. This area features a 30 foot waterfall and a scenic boardwalk.
Our next stop in the park was the Canal Exploration Center. They have canal lock demonstrations on select weekends.
The Everett Covered Bridge area is an incredible location with several trails through some wooded regions of the park. This is well worth the stop.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be explored in a couple of days, and is perfect for some reasonable hikes with extreme scenic beauty.
Our next stop was Lakeview Cemetery and the memorial for President James A. Garfield. He had the second shortest presidency in history, and he spent half of the time trying to recover from an assassin’s bullet. He is interred under a large monument, complete with rotunda, stained glass, and a detailed statue.
The final stop was a trip near the shore of Lake Erie, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nearby, there is also a science museum and the stadium where the Browns play. The Hall of Fame is currently featuring a Rolling Stone magazine 50th anniversary exhibit on multiple floors.
The Road Travelers 
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