Cleveland has gotten a bad rap over the years. Naysayers call the city "mistake on the lake," not to mention the endless joking about The Browns, Indians and the Cavaliers. But, the tides have turned over the past few years, the northeast Ohio city is quickly becoming one of the must-Visit cities on the map. Now that Lebron James and The Cavaliers are in the NBA Finals again and The Indians are hot, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway and see what Cleveland has to offer.

Eat and drink

Perhaps one of the newest restaurants to open is Wahlbergers. For those unfamiliar with Wahlbergers, it’s restaurant chain started by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul. Made famous by the A&E reality show of the same name, You will find made-to-order burgers, sandwiches and salads, all customized to your liking.

The full bar highlights their own craft beer -- The Wahlbrewski and adult frappes.

Looking for something a little fancier? Have no fear, Lola Bistro and Wine is waiting for you. Lola’s is owned by Cleveland’s very own Michael Symon. Lola’s offers a unique menu in an elegant, relaxing setting.

A few paces away from Wahlbergers, you will find the Jack Casino. At Jack’s, you will find everything from poker to slots and live entertainment. If you are an out-of-towner, book a room at the nearby Ritz-Carlton.

If you haven’t heard, Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Visit and get a close-up look at iconic instruments and costumes. Watch a film and check out one of the latest exhibits. The Rock Hall is constantly adding to their collection so there is always something new.

Other cool Cleveland offerings

Looking for some family-friendly hotspots? Visit the Cleveland Zoo. The zoo, which opened in 1882, offers exhibits like:

  • African Elephant Crossing
  • Australian Adventure
  • Rainforest
  • Giraffe Encounter (where you can feed the Giraffes!)

Looking for culture?

Visit The Museum of Art which features a vast, permanent collection for free.

Around the corner from the Art Museum is the Museum of Natural History where you will find dinosaurs, a live animal exhibit, and the planetarium, among many other things. This museum doesn’t disappoint.

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Great Lakes Science Center and check out all of the hands-on exhibits that are fun for adults and children alike. Then, take a tour of the historic steamship William G Mather. The 618-foot ship was built in 1925.