CLEVELAND WEST

Rocky River Reservation. The character of the Rocky River Reservation is strongly influenced by the Rocky River. Massive shale cliffs rise above the sycamores and cottonwoods, and many trails wind thru the valley’s deep floodplain forests, meadows and wildflowers. Wildlife is common in the valley. Visit Rocky River Nature Center to learn more. The Rocky River Valley was settled early in the area’s history and reflects many of the sights common to the first settlers.

Frostville Museum. Named for the first postmaster in North Olmsted, this is a group of old homes and a carriage house, which dates from 1857 and before. They have been moved from the city down into the Rocky River part of the Cleveland Metro Park. Among the buildings to visit are the Prechtel House (1874), the Jenkins’ cabin (early 1800’s), Briggs’ Homestead (1836), General Store, John Carpenter House (1830). The Olmsted Historical Society maintains the museum and offer tours.

Bay Village. Nearest to the lake, you can drive down Lake Road and see the lake, houses and a rose garden, containing old and new roses. Rose Hill Museum is the homestead of the Cahoon family. They settled in 1810 and built Rose Hill in 1818. They first lived in a log cabin on the lake. Rose Hill Museum has three floors, all furnished in Colonial to Victorian periods. Also located on the grounds are a replica of the cabin, completely furnished, and the Smoke House. Nearby, in lovely Cahoon Park on Lake Erie, is the original barn, which is now the Community House. Museum hours are Sunday, 2-4:30 PM. No admission charge

Lake Erie Nature Center. The center has displays of animals and birds naturally living in the area, including some rescued from injuries. Wolf Road, Bay Village, about 2 miles from the Hotel.

Huntington Park. The lakefront park is about 2 miles north of the hotel, good for a stroll along the lakeshore and for watching sunsets. The Baycrafters are a group of artists who work in Huntington Park, in their own buildings, and display their work.

CLEVELAND

Lolly the Trolley. Looks like a trolley but is actually a sightseeing bus. The trolley will pick up at the hotel, take us on a tour of Ohio City, a restored old area, downtown Lake Erie shore including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center; Playhouse Square; the Westside Market; The Warehouse District; The Flats; Rockefeller Greenhouse; and more.

Great Lakes Science Center. More than 350 hands-on exhibits explain scientific principles and topics relating specifically to the Great lakes region. Features an Omni Max domed theater.

Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo. Seventh oldest zoo in the country with more than 3,300 animals occupying 165 rolling wooded acres that can be seen on foot or on a complimentary zootram. Special exhibits include a 2-acre rainforest, birds of the world, northern trek area, waterfowl lake, monkey island, public greenhouse and more.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A striking composition of geometric shapes, this building is home to more than 50,000 square feet of exhibition space exploring rock’s ongoing evolution and its impact on culture. Interactive exhibits on R&B, soul, country, folk, and blues music.

High-Level Bridges. Main Avenue Bridge, Lorain-Carnegie Bridge, Innerbelt Freeway bridge, all spanning the Cuyahoga Rover.

Cruise of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. On the “Goodtime III”. The ship leaves the dock on the lake Erie lakefront at noon and 3 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in September. The ship has three decks, two of which are covered. The tour takes about 2 hours and the cost is $12.50 for adults, $11.50 for seniors, and $7.50 for children.