Hello Cleveland!

This Wednesday, I'll be flying to Cleveland for a series of feature stories, including the 25th anniversary of A Christmas Story. Ralphie's house is there (as well as a leg lamp warehouse!), and we've been invited to have some fun, shoot our eyes out, etc. I'll also be trying to find different angles on the rock and football halls of fame.

Anyway, I've NEVER been to Cleveland, so I need help. Who has travel tips? Zany places of interest? Good joints to get a hearty pint of Great Lakes Nosferatu? I'm out there for a spell, so I'll have time to kill. Not sure if I'll blog, but I'm leaning towards yes. Idle hands and all that...

Comments

[Marissa]

Good morning, Sean. It's good to see you're alive and well.

I have a good friend who lives in Cleveland. I have never been there. Yeah, so I'm basically of no use.

[Sean Daly]

"Alive"? Yes. "Well"? In time, I imagine.

[Marissa]

I won't ask. I've been scolded by an anonymous commenter for being too inquisitive. I'm such a bawdy little monkey.

[Lori]

SD: not that I'd take your betting advice (where is Becks?) but are you thinking the Rays wrap it up today or go to game 5?

Riss, you're getting hammered lately. Ignore, ignore.

[John Hays]

I was watching the Iron Man dvd extras and noticed that not only does Peter Billingsly appear in the film as a scientist (complete with shaved head and mustache), but he's also an executive producer! Cool to see him again.

Did they film in various locations? Someone told me that the school was filmed in Canada.

[Marissa]

Lori, thanks for noticing. I'm amused by the pseudonyms, though.

John, when my son and I went to see IRON MAN in the theater I noticed Billingsly was an exec producer and squealed "Ralphie!" at the sight of his name in the credits.

[Stephanie Hayes]

My cousins are obsessed with this place:

http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com/

[John Hays]

Oh God, that looks sinfully good! Wow....

[DG]

The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame

[Sean Daly]

Stephanie Hayes is obviously trying to kill me. But in a nice way. Might have to stop by that joint. It looks cheesetacular.

[Lori]

My kids were raised on the motto, "There is no such thing as too much cheese."

Also, "Use real butter."

And "Tell the truth."

[Forever Fiancee]

Peter Billingsley also plays the husband to Joey Lauren Adams, Jennifer Aniston's BFF in The Break Up. Small role with very little dialogue, but you can tell it's him as soon as you look at him.

And I think - SD, correct me if I'm wrong - Billingsley is good friends with George Clooney in real life. That's gotta count for something when you're trying to keep your career afloat!

[Sean Daly]

Not sure about Clooney. But he's best pals with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Love to get him for the story.

[Erin]

Sean, even after living in Cleveland for five years Chris and I had a hard time coming up with a good list for you. The Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame & Cleveland's science center are right next to each other...both great places and the architecture of the RRHOF is amazing.

The Westside Market, just over the river from downtown would make for a good lunch spot as would anywhere in Little Italy (especially Mamma Santas).

I'll see if Uncle Crappy can give you any suggestions...he get's over there every once in a while and could probably give you some more places like the melt bar and grill.

Make sure you bring a jacket...it can get chilly up there in October.

[Gino G]

Here are my recommendations:

Great Lakes Brewery
RRHOF
Little Italy

Some good entertainment areas/food:
E. 4th
Playhouse Square
W. 6th

Here's also a decent blog breakdown:
http://blog.believeincleveland.com/