by Scott Kolecki

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

When considering a weekend getaway, many of us consider the warm, sunny beaches of the Carolinas, the majesty of Niagara Falls or the sizzling nightlife of Las Vegas. It might surprise you that you can find all this in a single city, if you know where to look. Northeast Ohio is home to a hidden gem for anyone looking to get away for the weekend and cut loose, enjoy some downtime or find family adventure.

Cleveland, Ohio is perhaps best remembered for the infamous Cuyahoga River which burned three times in the early twentieth century. What is not known is that since that time, Cleveland has become a thriving Metropolis full of museums, parks, tourist hotspots and an assortment of restaurants that would rival much larger cities. It is an ideal place for adults and children alike to find family fun and it is equally inviting for the young and the young at heart that are looking for a little weekend excitement.

For families, Cleveland hosts several wonderful museums. Located in the heart of downtown, the Great Lakes Science Center features several floors full of scientific, hands on discovery that promises to fascinate and inspire children of all ages. The family friendly museum features hundreds of exhibits, most of which not only encourage, but require interaction from anyone willing to explore the way an engine works, how a tornado is formed or how the human heart pumps blood through our bodies. Discovery abounds in this wonderful museum which also features an incredible 6 stories IMAX movie theater.

Just a few minutes drive from downtown, Cleveland is also home to three other incredible museums. The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the largest Metropolitan art museums in the country and features endless exhibits of priceless art from around the world. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History allows visitors to explore our planet through the ages, with exhibits that include dinosaurs, wildlife from around the world and a hall showing the evolution of early man. In addition to the displays, the museum is home to a great planetarium which allows visitors to enjoy the heavens without leaving the museum. Last, but certainly not least is the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, which is home to a magnificent glass house that contains a Japanese Garden, a Children's garden, a woodland garden and much more. All three of these museums are within walking distance of one another and promise a weekend of exploration and discovery for all ages.

If music is your interest, Cleveland

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