Historic Sites in Cleveland

"Moored along the city’s Lake Erie shoreline, you can find the incredible USS Cod that is now preserved as both a moving memorial and museum. Set right next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it offers fascinating insight into life aboard a submarine and the service it saw during the Second World War and Cold War. One of the best-preserved submarines in the country, it served between 1943 and 1971 and was impressively awarded seven battle stars in World War II."

"The USS Cod Submarine Memorial is located very near to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. In fact, it’s right next to that famous Cleveland, Ohio location. This memorial is a National Landmark Memorial and was commissioned in 1943 by Commander James Dempsey."

"Definitely take a peek inside Wade Memorial Chapel at the Tiffany-designed interior. Afterward, head down Mayfield Rd. and into Little Italy. There are mom-and-pop galleries and shops galore, but, let's be real, we're here for the food. Have lunch at one of the local favorites like Mama Santa's for Sicilian pizza, Mia Bella for upscale Mediterranean, or Guarino's for Italian home cookin'."

"The Bonfoey (1710 Euclid Ave., 216/621-0178; Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am-5:30pm, Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Sat. 9am-noon) has rightfully earned a reputation as one of Cleveland’s largest and finest art galleries. Established in 1893, it is certainly the most venerable. Located near PlayhouseSquare, the large space is filled with original 19th-century paintings, signed lithographs, photographs, pastels, glass, and sculpture."

"Another staple art gallery on the Cleveland regional art scene is the Bonfoey Galler, established in 1893. Sadly, a series of fires caused the gallery to move several times. Currently located in downtown Cleveland, the 4,267 square meter facility became renowned for its displays."

"In its formative stage, this gallery was merely a small printmaking studio for its owners. In little more than a decade, it has developed into the most important nonprofit fine-art printmaking collaborative in the region. Located in an old warehouse in the artistically blossoming Quadrangle District, Zygote Press (1410 E. 30th St., 216/621-2900; Wed. noon-4pm and 6pm-9:30pm, Sat. noon-4pm, and by appt.) exhibits a full panoply of printed works of art, including letterpress, waterless lithography, etchings, relief, screen printing, and photo-crossover."

"Boney Fingers BBQ, a breakfast and brunch spot that offers barbecue and more located downtown, is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 70 Yelp reviews. Head over to The Arcade Cleveland at 401 Euclid Ave. to see for yourself."

"This hip coffee shop in Lakewood does indeed serve up lots of caffeinated beverages (their vanilla lavender latte is a favorite of mine), but also has fresh croissants, crepes, smoothies, salads, and more on offer. The inside space at Caffeine is high-ceilinged yet cozy feeling, and would make a great place to come and work if you can get here early enough to snag a couch or prime table. Caffeine only opened in Lakewood in 2019, but has already earned a reputation of being a great local, independent coffee shop."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art, more commonly referred to as the MOCA, features rotating, temporary exhibits by national and international artists as well as local artists in the Cleveland area. The museum's new building, which opened in 2012, is a unique and impressive structure designed by Farshid Moussavi. This mirror finished structure begins from the ground as a hexagon and rises to become a square at the top, creating all kinds of angles."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the top 10 must-see sights in Cleveland. It houses some of the world’s best selection of modern art from a variety of artists, both local and international. This includes over 2,000 artists’ work, a mix of permanent fixtures and traveling showcases, and plenty of enchanting and fresh pieces by newcomers to the scene."

"Built in 1924 by the Cleveland Railway Company, the Transformer Station was originally a vital cog in providing power to the Detroit Avenue Streetcar Line. However, from 1949 onwards its purpose changed, and in 2010 it became a contemporary art space. Following renovations by Process Creative Studio, the Transformer Station is now a fusion of classical architecture with modern details; the building’s original masonry and ironwork was preserved."

"Interestingly, this art gallery sits in a landmark historic building built in 1924. Previously, the Transformer Station, owned by the Cleveland Railway Company once held the role of a vital transformer station until 1949. Auctioned off, it served as an artist’s foundry from the 1980s until 2010."