Wedged between the economically depressed areas of Michigan and western New York, in the heart of the so-called "Rust Belt," Cleveland is not a city listed traditionally as a vacation hot spot.
In fact, Cleveland, unlike Orlando or Las Vegas, is probably best known for what it doesn't have rather than what it does.
However, the so-called "Sixth City" may surprise you with all that is has to offer.
Cleveland is a concentrated city, with most of its attractions limited to a small square downtown. The baseball field is there, so is the arena, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the science museum, the football field and dozens of other prime Cleveland locations.
If so inclined, a Cleveland vacation could be confined within the general Public Square area and still be very fulfilling.
Cleveland, however, is more than a few downtown blocks. To the west, in the Ohio City neighborhood, sits the Westside Market, a European-style market that has been operating in some capacity since the mid-19th century.
A large grocery market might not seem all that interesting, but the sheer diversity of foods and cultures make the gigantic enclosed market a sight to behold. Nearly everything from white cherries to pickle flavored popcorn to whole goats can be purchased at the Westside Market, fresh and on the cheap.
The abundance of fresh ingredients has led to a profusion of fine restaurants and breweries in the Ohio City area, including the Great Lakes Brewery, which names its beer after moments in great Cleveland's long history such as "Burning River" and "Eliot Ness."
To the west of downtown are Case Western Reserve University and the museum mall. A collection of Cleveland's most treasured cultural landmarks encircle Wade Park here, including the Cleveland Art Museum, the Cleveland Historical Society and the city's botanical gardens, complete with an impressive two-story butterfly house.
Cultured fooderies and intellectual galleries aside, probably the best known non-downtown Cleveland attraction is an hour outside the city, in the town of Sandusky, the Cedar Point amusement park.
You can make fun of northern Ohio all you want, but when rushing down the rails of one of Cedar Point's 17 highly acclaimed roller coasters the only words you'll be able to find are "Cleveland Rocks."
Cedar Point is the undisputed capital of the roller-coaster world, with more than a half-dozen of the park's physics-defying metal behemoths receiving praise as being world-class.
The park has even expanded into water attractions, topping Cedar Point out at over 70 rides.
Cedar Point is not without its issues, however. The park's distance from Cleveland's downtown and frustratingly long lines make a Cedar Point excursion seem sometimes unrealistic.
However, as a leaping pad for your Cleveland vacation, Cedar point makes some sense. Two tickets plus parking at the site are just a hair over $100, far cheaper than Orlando, Anaheim or even Wisconsin Dells, and tickets can be bundled easily with hotel rooms, restaurants and even some popular downtown Cleveland attractions.
Cleveland may be nice, but there is no denying that the city falls short in comparison with many of the more traditional travel destinationsOrlando, Honolulu, Las Vegaschiefly because of its geographical location.
However, while Cleveland might not be a prime destination for the entire United States, as a short family excursion for Chicagoans trying to have fun on a budget, the city may have no equal.
Roughly six hours away by car, a Cleveland trip is easily doable in a long weekend, with many of its major attractions well within a vacationer's slim budget. Passes to the justifiably famous Rock and Roll Hall of fame, for instance, are just $22 for adults while tickets to a Cleveland Indians game start at only $7. Still many more of Cleveland's cultural destinations start at nominal fee a or are free to the public.
In spite of these cheap entertainment prices, Cleveland doesn't present itself as a second-class destination. It's downtown, nightlife and cultural galleries give the city a distinct aura of class. And although its strengths may be cloistered within a few select neighborhoods, Cleveland should be seriously considered in any vacation plans to the Great Lakes.
To see more about what Cleveland has to offer, visit www.positivelycleveland.com .