Beach Review #2

Beach Review #2

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful weekend in Cleveland. Blue skies (mostly), a warm breeze and so many things to do, see and explore. With a close friend visiting from the big apple I was constantly reminded time and time again how lovely our city is. Relatively no traffic, easy to get around, cheap tickets to an afternoon baseball game, great “boutique” bars, I could go on and on, but we already know how great Cleveland is anyways.



A few months ago I reviewed Mentor Headlands Beach and today I am pleased to report another positive report on an area favorite, Edgewater State Park. After spending the afternoon in the sun, lunching on soft pretzels and bud light at “Jacobs Field,” we decided to make a pit stop down at the beach on our way to the airport. The beach was hopping. Families having large picnics. Dodge ball games. Lots of gorgeous kites flew above. A guy on his electric guitar strummed tunes overlooking the beach. A group of performance BMX riders displayed their tricks. People reading. People sleeping. Lots of dogs (Chihuahua's to be specific?). Runners. Couples on their motorcycles. The visual display of summertime overwhelmed the senses. Everyone was enjoying the beach, the park and taking in summer.

This beach/park is more than just a pretty sand lot to dip your toes in the water; although the water was warm and clean-looking. Spending time at this beach reminds you how lucky we are to live in an urban community. It’s a small oasis from city life. It’s cool; has a great breeze rolling off the city. The skyline of downtown shines across the beach pier; a perfect place to read and people watch. Next time you want to feel as if you just want to get away, swing by Edgewater Park, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised.

For directions, park hours and more visit www.ohiodnr.com/parks/clevelkf/tabid/721/Default.aspx

Music in the Park (6/22)

Sunday, June 22nd 2008

Want to enjoy the summer evening breeze rolling off the lake while humming the tunes of the beloved Beatles? Grab a picnic blanket and head to Rocky River Park this Sunday evening for the sounds of “Revolution Pie” a Beatles cover band!

Rocky River Park, 20250 Beachcliff Blvd. 7:00-8:30PM

Beach Review #1

As many of you might know I live on the west side of Cleveland. Since I am a “transplant” to the area the entire “east side vs. west side” concept baffles me. What is it, a total of twenty minutes to get from Lakewood to Beachwood? Not far.

Anyways as a total beach enthusiast, I have taken it upon myself to fully explore many of our beaches around the Northeast Ohio Region...East, West, North and South and report back to you. I tend to go to the beach on Sunday afternoon’s for a day of rest and relaxation. A way of closing the week past and gearing up for the week ahead. I will drive miles for sun, sand and an afternoon filled with catching up on my multiple magazine subscriptions.

Yesterday I am happy to report I spent the afternoon at Mentor Headlands State Park (www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/tabid/742/Default.aspx). This beach was unlike ANY lake beach I have ever experienced. The white sandy beach that stretched out for an entire mile is actually the largest natural sand beach in Ohio and made me feel like I was on vacation...Florida perhaps. The subtle waves, shiny rocks and sea glass were enough to keep me entertained while in and out of the clean, refreshing water (water temp 74 degrees!). One unique feature of this beach is it’s picturesque lighthouse with a long pier; perfect for an evening stroll. This beach also has two refreshment stands one at either end of the beach just in case you forget your large diet coke and twizzlers.




I couldn’t have asked for nicer weather for my adventure out East. If you’ve also been there let me know what you think. Or, if there are other beaches I may not know about please drop me a line. Otherwise, you know where to find me on a Sunday...somewhere by the water.