75 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Trip to Cleveland

According to American Express, Smartertravel.com and other industry experts, the economy has pushed “staycations” (vacationing closer to home), “flashpacking” (no frills, low cost travel that can include hostelling or camping), national parks trips, family driving vacations and online value vacation packages  to the top of the travel trend list for 2009.   Tourism pundits also see “second tier” cities like Cleveland as hot options for those looking to stretch their dollars this summer. A trip for a family of four that includes activities like a trek to the zoo, a day at the amusement park and a little hands-on experimenting at the science center can cost 30-40% less in Cleveland than in a bigger city.

“In the current economy, saving money may save your plans for a summer vacation,” notes Tamera Lash Brown, VP of Marketing for Positively Cleveland, the region’s convention and visitors bureau. “Saving money could also let you extend your trip a bit, giving you more time to spend with your family or friends.”

Positively Cleveland has been promoting Cleveland Plus as an outstanding business meeting and tourism destination to grow the region’s economy for 75 years.  To mark our diamond anniversary, we created this list of 75 ways to save money and spend more time on your next trip to the area.

1. Weigh your options before you take flight. The more airline options you have, the better your chances of getting a good flight fare. Cleveland Plus is serviced by two airports—Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) and Akron Canton (CAK).  This gives travelers their choice of airlines like Air Canada Jazz, AirTran Airways, American Eagle, Continental, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Midwest Connect, Northwest Airlines, Southwest, US Airways, United Airlines, USA3000 and US Airways.

2. Put the rubber to the road. Vacationers may be able to save some dough by piling into the family car and hitting the highway. Since it is within 500 miles of 43% of the US population, Cleveland Plus is a “doable” drive for most.

3. Try some R&R in a B&B. With your morning meal included, bed and breakfasts have both charm and added value. Cleveland Plus is home to many B&Bs, each with their own character.

4. Hitch a ride (in a manner of speaking). There’s no need to rent a car when you can take a shuttle, bus, train or rapid line into the city. RTA’s Red Line is quick and convenient, offering direct service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Public Square downtown in less than 30 minutes. Hop on right near baggage claim and hop off inside Cleveland’s Terminal Tower for just $2. 

5. Smile! It gets you places. Cleveland’s downtown RTA trolley-styled buses are sponsored by local businesses that make them “smile and ride” operations … simply smile and your ride is free. The E-Line, or entertainment/education route, links entertainment venues, from the Warehouse District at West Ninth Street, down Euclid Avenue past PlayhouseSquare to East 21st Street near Cleveland State University. The B-Line, or business route, connects downtown Cleveland businesses and circles Superior and Lakeside Avenues between West Sixth and East 12th Streets.

6. Whenever possible, walk. It’s good for your health and your wallet … no taxi fares and no additional charges to come and go from the hotel garage. Downtown Cleveland is walkable and most downtown hotels are within a 5- 25 minute walk of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Progressive Field, The Warehouse District, East Fourth Street, PlayhouseSquare and other major attractions. And, if you’re headed to University Circle (home of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Orchestra’s Severance Hall and other impressive attractions), you can board the HealthLine, RTA’s hybrid-technology rapid transit route that spans nearly seven miles and allows quick access not only to University Circle, but to PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland State University, Cleveland Clinic and so much more.

7. Let us help you find the deals. Planning ahead ultimately can save you time and money. Contact the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center (by phone: 216.875.6680, by email: visinfo@positivelycleveland.com or by LiveChat online to determine the best hotel location for you, discover discount ticket options or map your itinerary. You can also request visitor guides and/or sign up for Visit Cleveland Plus, a monthly email detailing upcoming events and offers. And best of all? The sage advice of Positively Cleveland’s trained travel counselors is entirely free. The Cleveland Plus Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm.   It's located at The Higbee Building, 100 Public Square, Downtown. 

8. Become a follower or a fan. Most destination marketing organizations are into social media now. You can ask questions and get trip ideas by becoming a Facebook fan or “following” representatives of the destination on Twitter: @PositivelyCleve, @Flee2theCleve and @CleveMtgs.

9. Stay at a hotel with perks. Most people choose a hotel based on location, cleanliness, service and user reviews. This summer, consider factoring in other cost-saving benefits to the list like a mini-fridge (so you can make your own meals), free internet access (so you can book your concert and play tickets while you’re in town if need be), inclusion of a Continental breakfast and a pool (to entertain the kids in the downtime). 

10. Consider rockin’ the suburbs. So, your first inclination is to stay downtown, in the heart of it all. But, families can head 10-20 minutes outside of the city for free parking, an abundance of kid-friendly chain restaurants and, quite often, lower rates. 

11. Surf for free. If your hotel charges for internet access (or you’re staying at a hostel, a family member's house or in the great outdoors under a pup tent), grab the laptop and head for free Wi-Fi locations like Tower City Center or the Cleveland Public Library. It's a great way to book tickets, make reservations or start a LiveChat session with a Visitors Center staffer. For the most up-to-date locations visit www.wififreespot.com/oh.html.

12. Cover more ground when you “hub and spoke.” This is truly where Cleveland excels. You can stay centrally and, within a 30-45 minute drive, experience a different destination in each direction. Lake County winery tours, Amish Country quilts and cooking, Cedar Point Amusement Park thrills or charter fishing on Lake Erie … it’s all in reach. 

13. A package can be the best present. It’s the return of the hotel package. This once sought-after travel incentive dropped in popularity when online booking engines like Travelocity, Priceline and others took center stage. But now, tech-savvy travelers are creating custom trips after conducting their own price analysis.  Whether your stay includes tickets to the Cleveland Wine Festival or free breakfast, lunch and dinner, hotel packages can save the overnight traveler time and money.

14. Grab the free publications. Looking for a show or exhibit? Pick up the free alt-weekly, Cleveland Scene, in streetboxes, coffee shops or local stores and restaurants to help make your "day of" decisions. In your hotel, you should find a complimentary copy of the official Cleveland Plus Spring/Summer Visitors Guide with maps, contact numbers and activity suggestions. Or, consult City Visitor (also in many hotel/motel/inn rooms around the area) for more restaurant and attraction ideas. 

15. Camp out under the stars. Whether you want to pitch a tent, rent a cabin or park an RV, there are plenty of ways to save money by staying in the great outdoors. Rates in summer vary by location and needs, but a tent with water and electric hookups can run less than $30 a night for a family of four with an auto. Country Acres Campground (Ravenna), Clay’s Park Resort (North Lawrence), American Wilderness Campground & Event Center (Grafton) and Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA (Streetsboro) are just a few campgrounds in the area. 
 
16. Save 30% or more with a multi-attraction discount pass. With the Cleveland Plus Pass,  one ticket gives you admission to 10 attractions over two, three or five days at a discount of 30% or more, plus special savings offers.  The Cleveland Plus Pass is good for general admission to the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland and Western Reserve Historical Society.  Passes can be purchased by clicking here, at the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center on Public Square or at the University Circle Visitor Center. 

17. Make the Shores Savings Card work for you. The Lake Erie Shores & Islands annual travel planner has a removable, wallet-sized Shore Savings Card for valuable discounts and special offers like a free game of bowling at Cedar Lanes, nine holes of golf with the purchase of nine holes at Mills Creek Golf Course or a $4 discount on Jet Express's adult "Island Hopping" package. (And, the travel planner also includes a bonus Cedar Point coupon good for $5 off per person for up to six people on a two-day “Ride and Slide” admission ticket, valid any two days of the 2009 operating season open to the general public.)

18. Take advantage of meal deals and happy hours. You’re on vacation. Your schedule is flexible. So, why not eat and drink when and where you can get the best deals? For starters, consult Cleveland Independents’ website (a group of independent Cleveland Plus restaurateurs) for dining special events, offers, prix fixe mealsand wine tastings. Then try the Plain Dealer’s Happy Hour Guide online and see where you can get the most bar for your buck.

19. Instead of combo meals, try combo deals. Attractions package tickets to encourage you to cross promote and encourage you to do more in the area. This can definitely work in your favor. Take, for example, the “Rock and Ride” promotion between Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (one ticket to both is $53, a savings of $17 for adults) or the “Hall Pass” deal between the Rock Hall and the Pro Football Hall of Fame which gives you $4 off.

20. You don’t necessarily have to choose wisely. Smart Seats lets you take a chance on seeing something new with exceedingly affordable $10 tickets to a broad variety of performances at PlayhouseSquare. Be sure to check the website regularly because new Smart Seats-participating shows are added throughout the season.

21. AAA membership still has its benefits. A little more traditional, perhaps, now more than ever travelers can use a little extra help getting a cost effective trip. AAA offers discount travel packages, airline savings and deals on tickets for local attractions, national stores and more. Whether it is dinner at the Hard Rock Café or parking at the airport, don’t forget to show your card and save.

22. Make it a “two-fer.” House of Blues email subscribers and members know all about "Two for Tuesday," a special promotion available every Tuesday from 10am to 10pm for selected events and venues. If you buy one ticket for a show, you'll get the second ticket free. What's better than seeing a big name act on stage at the House of Blues on East Fourth Street in downtown Cleveland? Getting your date in for free.

23. Explore reciprocity. Many museums and zoos have reciprocity agreements, meaning that if you are a member of one of them, your membership can apply to discounts and freebies at others. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest has just such a reciprocity offer and Cleveland Zoological Society membership opens doors at the Columbus, Toledo and Akron zoos. The Great Lakes Science Center is part of the Association of Science Technology Centers, which includes a “passport” reciprocity program.

24. Ride the “Fatty” wagon. Here’s a money-saving idea that is also good for the environment. Grab a brew at Great Lakes Brewing Company before an Indians game. Park for free (or for a minimal fee) in Ohio City and catch the GLBC “fatty” wagon, run on fryer grease, over to the ballpark. One dollar roundtrip gets you to and from the game where cheap seats can cost you less than ten bucks.

25. Take a hike! On Thursday evenings (6pm, The Arcade) and Saturday (10am, Constantino’s Market) and Sunday mornings (10am, Settler’s Landing RTA station), April 26-September 26, 2009, you can take a free walking tour of Cleveland’s history. The tours are guided, last 1-1.5 hours and include the opportunity to “meet” historic characters like inventor Garrett Morgan, entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller and President Abraham Lincoln.  The program is free of charge. 216.771.1994, visit www.historicgateway.org for more details.

26. Putter around the Metroparks. Cleveland Metroparks has seven public courses in Cuyahoga County. Some are suited for beginners while others can challenge even the most experienced player. Discounts apply on holidays and weekends, shoulder season play (spring/fall) and twilight tee-offs (starting about one hour before dark).

27. Monday night movies and Wednesday night happy hours. Cleveland Cinemas, the Cleveland-owned chain of theaters that shows indie movies and cult classics at several of its locations, has deals galore. See an offbeat flick on Monday at Cedar Lee Theatre or Shaker Square Cinemas for just $5 and get a small popcorn as part of the deal. And, on Wednesdays from 4-8pm, both Cedar Lee and Shaker Square offer half-price beer and wine. (Yep, that’s right. You can drink at the movies.) Visit www.clevelandcinemas.com for details.

28. Breakfast is fresh and inexpensive at the West Side Market. Built in 1912, this indoor/outdoor market was named one of America’s greatest public spaces.  It features more than 175 booths with the freshest selection of produce, meats, dairy, bakery, ethnic foods and international delicacies.  Admire the neoclassical architecture and grab a little fresh fruit, gourmet coffee and a sweet homemade pastry from one of the vendors. Or, stop in the West Side Market Café for an affordable diner breakfast. The market is open Monday and Wednesday from 7am-4pm and Friday and Saturday from 7am-6pm.  Call 216.861.5250 or check out www.westsidemarket.org for more information.

29. Bike aboard.  Journey through the heart of beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along the Cuyahoga River and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway between Cleveland and Akron.  Cyclists can bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in one direction, then ride one of the oldest, longest, scenic excursion railways in the country in the other for only $2. Different excursions and special events are available throughout the year.  Call 800.468.4070 or visit www.cvsr.com for schedules.

Free Museums

30. It’s a masterpiece. The world-renowned (and generally free except for major exhibitions) Cleveland Museum of Art features more than 34,000 works of art from all over the world.  The museum is open while in the process of a multi-year renovation and expansion.  On June 29, 2008, the first renovated galleries reopened, showcasing 900 works of art on the main floor of the original, historic 1916 building. Another wing opens in June of this year.  Call 216.421.7340 or visit www.clevelandart.org for more information.

31. Try not to get arrested. Delve into the history of Cleveland law enforcement at the Cleveland Police Museum—free of charge.  See confiscated firearms, uniforms, artifacts and more from Cleveland’s past including things from the legendary crime fighter, Eliot Ness, and the Torso Murders investigation.  Call 216.623.5055 or go to www.clevelandpolicemuseum.org for info.

32. Here’s to your health! Discover the roots of modern medicine as you explore the medical instruments, 14th century medical books and fully-equipped Western Reserve medical offices dating from the 1800s at the Dittrick Museum of Medical History. Call 216.368.6391 or check out www.cwru.edu/artsci/dittrick/site2/ for visitor information.

33. Who knows better than they do that it doesn’t grow on trees. At the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Learning Center & Money Museum you’ll see examples of currency from the U.S. and abroad, from past and present.  Check out the 23-foot Money Tree featuring replicas of U.S. currency.  The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 10am-2pm and closed on bank holidays.  Groups of 10 or more need reservations in advance.  Call 216.579.3188 or visit www.clevelandfed.org/learningcenter/planvisit.cfm.

34. Free to take flight. The International Women’s Air and Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport documents women’s past and present accomplishments and contributions to the fields of aviation and space.  A collection of memorabilia and historical artifacts preserve the memory of women aviation pioneers.  The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm.  For more information, call 216.623.1111 or visit www.iwasm.org.

Free Historic Sites
 
35. So, the quilt you buy will cost you, but the trip is free.  Share in the Amish heritage through the discovery of horse-drawn buggies, homemade family-style foods and exceptional craftsmanship in Northeast Ohio’s Amish Country.  You’ll find antique stores, craft houses, traditional Amish restaurants and excellent inns.  Call 877.643.8824 or head to www.visitamishcountry.com.

36. Inspired exploration. Historic Kirtland is a meticulously restored and reconstructed 19th-century settlement that showcases the vitality and spirit of the early American frontier.  It also offers a colorful glimpse of history as it tells the story of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Its open Monday through Saturday from 9am-7pm, and Sunday from 11:30am-7pm.  Call 440.256.9805 or visit www.visithistorickirtland.org for more info.

37. Agriculture is still culture.  Stearns Homestead is a working farm, operated by the Parma Area Historical Society as an educational and historic farm.  It features a barn complete with animals, two homes dating from the early 1900s that now serve as museums, gardens and a display of historical farm and household items.  The farm is open May 17 through mid-October on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-4pm.  Call 440.845.9770 for information.

Free Music

38. Brown bag it.  Stop by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Wednesdays at noon to enjoy a free “brown bag” lunch concert.  Visitors are welcome to bring their own bag lunch or a $5 lunch is available for purchase.  Call 216.579.9745 or visit www.trinitycleveland.org.

39. Now that’s music to our ears.  City Music Cleveland performs free concerts open to the public in a variety of locations around the area throughout the year.  Many venues offer free child care.  Intermission receptions give concert-goers an opportunity to meet the artists.  For information, call 216.321.8273 or check out www.citymusiccleveland.org.

40. Circle your calendar.  The Cleveland Institute of Music in University Circle regularly offers free concert performances by faculty, students and renowned guest artists.  Call 216.791.5000 or visit www.cim.edu for a listing of concerts

41. Rock on!  The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum offers many free concerts from the spring to the fall.  Check out their calendar of events on at www.rockhall.com or call 216.781.ROCK for upcoming shows.

42. Oh say can you see?  The Cleveland Orchestra's annual free Public Square concert "A Star Spangled Spectacular" takes place Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 9pm. A pre-concert festival of musical entertainment begins at 4pm on Public Square. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.  Visit www.clevelandorch.com for more details.

43. Wade Oval Wednesdays.  Take a mid-week break and enjoy live music in the heart of University Circle.  Have a picnic on Wade Oval or relax in the beer and wine garden with a great view of the stage.  The lineup includes a wide variety of music to suit everyone’s tastes.  Wade Oval is the park located between The Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and The Cleveland Botanical Garden, University Circle. Head to www.universitycircle.org for information.

Free Art Galleries, Walks and Festivals

44. Local pride.  Founded in 1984, Cleveland Artists Foundation is a regional art history organization that exhibits and collects the works of artists in the Cleveland Plus area.  Exhibits and programs change throughout the year at the Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood.  Call 216.227.9507 or visit www.clevelandartists.org for info.

45. From the “buckeye” state. The Case Western Reserve University Mather Galleries spotlight Ohio artists in monthly exhibits throughout the academic year.  The galleries are open Monday through Friday from 12pm-5pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm.  Call 216.368.2679 for details.

46. Old world charm. Once a public elementary school, Murray Hill School Galleries in Little Italy now houses shops, art galleries and offices.  Artwork includes glass, jewelry, woodworking, wearable art, photography and ceramics.  The galleries are located at 2026 Murray Hill Road, Little Italy, east of University Circle.

47. Wide, open and free spaces. SPACES is an artist-run alternative space gallery that gives artists the opportunity to debut their work and you the opportunity to experience it.  Open  Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-5:30pm, Friday until 7pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm, SPACES is located at 2220 Superior Viaduct, Downtown.  Call 216.621.2314 or visit www.spacesgallery.org for gallery information.

48. You can always look. Although these galleries hope to sell you an original piece or their conservation services, visiting galleries can be fun and free, if you’re able to resist the urge to buy. Established in 1893, Bonfoey is a comprehensive gallery—representing the finest artists of the region while offering art consultation, custom framing, art restoration and appraisals. It has a list of changing exhibits.  (216.621.0178, www.bonfoey.com)  Meanwhile, Kokoon Arts Gallery on the city’s near west side sells artwork by local, national and international artists—historic and contemporary—working in traditional and digital media. (216.832.8212, www.wgsproductions.com).

49. It’s 3-D without the glasses. The Sculpture Center connects Cleveland and its visitors with the artists and inspired three-dimensional and installation art of Ohio and the region. And, it’s always free. The Sculpture Center is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am-4pm and Saturday from noon-4pm. Call 216.229.6527 or visit www.sculpturecenter.org for details.

50. It’s an outdoor sculpture museum. Lake View Cemetery is filled with sculpture, architecture and tributes to those who made great contributions to the area’s industrial and civic development.  See the James A. Garfield Memorial, Wade Chapel (with its Tiffany-designed interior) and the Rockefeller Monument.  For more information, call 216.421.2665 or visit www.lakeviewcemetery.com.

51. Art and sole. The Tremont ArtWalk has become the stuff of legend, a melting pot of bohemians and high-rollers sharing good times in this hip and historical neighborhood.  The second Friday of each month, Tremont gets packed with art-loving merrymakers. On the city’s near east side, the Murray Hill/Little Italy ArtWalk—also a veritable Cleveland institution—highlights the area's Italian-American heritage.  The last artwalk here was in December; the next one's slated for June. The granddaddy of these experiences is the Sparx Gallery Hop, billed as the largest gallery hop in Ohio. Whether you take public transportation, board specially-scheduled red “Lolly” trolleys for a small, all-day fee ($5) or take your own ride from place to place, art spaces all over town participate in the celebration.

52. It’s like Mardi Gras without the alcohol and debauchery. Parade the Circle celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. The fanciful, family-friendly annual arts celebration is filled with colorful costumes, towering stiltwalkers, clever make-and-take crafts and musical performances…all of which are entirely free. Parade the Circle is June 13, 2009 in University Circle. Check out www.universitycircle.org for details.

Free One-of-a-Kind Experiences

53. Cheers!  Visit the award-winning Great Lakes Brewing Company.  Located in the historic Ohio City District, this beautiful turn-of-the-century brewery consists of six different buildings.  GLBC offers free tours on the hour every Friday from 5pm-9pm and Saturday from 1pm-8pm. Call 216.771.4404 or visit www.greatlakesbrewing.com for details.

54. Satisfy your sweet tooth.  Who can resist a tour of Malley’s Chocolate Factory and a free taste of a delicious surprise made from a secret Malley’s recipe?  Malley's is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-4pm.  Call 800.835.5684 or visit www.malleys.com/tours.aspx for tour details.

55. Out of this world. Explore the universe in a day as you learn about space exploration, aircraft and satellites through a variety of exhibits and demonstrations at the NASA John H. Glenn Visitor Center.  The center is open Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm, Saturday and holidays from 10am-3pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm.  For info, call 216.433.4000 or check out www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/index.html.

56. Cleveland rocks, but it also polkas.  See Polka memorabilia dating back to the turn of the century, photos of famous Polka musicians and dancers and an archive library and a video collection of polka history at the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. Admission is free, but a donation or purchase of a polka CD is encouraged.  The hall is open Tuesday through Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  Call 866.66POLKA or visit www.clevelandstyle.com for details.

57. Unusual twists and turns. The home of the Weatherhead School of Management is the Frank Gehry-designed Peter B. Lewis building.  With its cascading steel surfaces and curved interior, this distinctive building is a landmark on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.  To request a tour, call 216.368.6995 at least two weeks in advance.

58. A classic! Visit Severance Hall, the opulent home of The Cleveland Orchestra.  Concerts are given in the main hall on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from September to May.  Call 216.231.7421 or visit www.clevelandorch.com for tour times.

Free Downtown Favorites

59. Look up, or you’ll miss the best part.  Built in 1890, The Arcade is America’s first indoor shopping mall.  The fanciful structure retains its turn-of-the-century elegance with original terrazzo floors, glass skylights and decorative wrought iron.  Stroll among its restaurants, cafes and boutiques.  The Arcade is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am-6:30pm. Call 216.696.1408 or visit www.thearcade-cleveland.com for info.

60. Go out at your own pace. Cityprowl.com has captured some of Cleveland’s tales and placed them in a free digital format that can be downloaded to an iPod, digital media player or cell phone.  Walk the streets of Cleveland with a virtual host recounting some of the stories of the city’s history, culture and architecture.  New tours and maps are added regularly.

61. Open the doors and here are all the people.  The Old Stone Church on Public Square’s northwest corner has a history as interesting as its architecture.  The Romanesque-style church includes four Louis C. Tiffany stained glass windows, a magnificent John La Farge triple window and an organ built by the famed Cleveland Holtkamp Organ Company.  Visit during open doors, Monday through Thursday, noon-1pm. Call 216.241.6145 or visit www.oldstonechurch.org for information.

62. You don’t have to spend big bucks to see big bucks. Huntington Bank, built in 1924 at a cost of $16 million, has the largest bank lobby in the world—see it for yourself.

63. A dramatic venue.  Visit the second largest performing arts center in the country and see the magnificently restored theaters that narrowly escaped the wrecking ball.  The historic theaters feature Venetian ceilings, crystal chandeliers and murals.  Free guided tours are offered the first weekend of the month, departing at 15 minute intervals between 10am and 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday from the State Theatre lobby and lasting about 1.5 hours.  For details, call 216.771.4444 or visit www.playhousesquare.com.

Value Attractions (Kids $5 or Less)

64. Dress it up. Explore the history of fashion as we know it today at the Kent State University Fashion Museum.  Find European and American gowns as well as traditional dress, celebrity dresses and nine galleries devoted to great fashion designers and artists from the 18th century to the present.  Admissionis only $5 for adults and $3 for children (7-18).  The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-4:45pm, Thursday until 8:45pm and Sunday noon-4:45pm.  Call 330.672.3450 or head to www.kent.edu/museum for info.

65. Make it multicultural.  The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases the history of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community through artifacts, unique exhibits and interactive displays.  Admission for adults is $7 and students are $5.  The museum is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 11am-5pm, Wednesday from 11am-9pm and Saturday 12pm-5pm. For more info, call 216.593.0575 or visit www.maltzmuseum.org.

66. Keep it contemporary.  Experience some of the most dynamic art and ideas of our time at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.  This non-collecting museum presents new and emerging artists through ever changing exhibits.  Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students (12 and up). MOCA is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm. Call 216.421.8671 or check out www.mocacleveland.org for more information.

67. Pay tribute to the leading ladies at the National First Ladies’ Library.  The National First Ladies' Library is a national archive devoted to educating people about the contributions of First Ladies and other notable women in history.  Adult admission is $7 and admission is $5 for children under 18.  Tour reservations are recommended, and required for groups of 6 or more. Tours take place Tuesday through Saturday at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Additional tours are offerd June through August on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Call 330.452.0876 for reservations, or visit www.firstladies.org.

68. Shake things up. See how this early religious Shaker community lived and view the collection of fine Shaker furniture and artifacts from the North Union Shaker Colony.  Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children 6-18 The colony is open Tuesday through Friday, and Sunday from 2pm-5pm. Call 216.921.1201 or visit www.shakerhistory.com for more information.

69. Explore the depths. Take a tour of the USS Cod, an unaltered World War II vintage submarine and the only submarine in history to perform a submarine-submarine rescue.  Admission for adults is $6,  and students (7 and over) and those with military ID get in for $3. Military members in uniform and wives and family of active duty submariners are admitted free.  The Cod is open daily May through September, from 10am-5pm. The entrance closes at 4:45pm.  For more information, call 216.566.8770 or visit www.usscod.org.

70. No more trips spent riding in coach.  Built in 1824, the Dunham Tavern is Cleveland’s oldest building still standing on its original site.  It was once a stagecoach stop on the old Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road, and today features an original parlor, taproom and items of early Americana including 19th century Ohio antique furniture.  Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children (3-12 ).  It's open Wednesday and Sunday 1pm-4pm and for groups on other days by appointment.  For info, call 216.431.1060 or visit www.dunhamtavern.org.

71. Who was this Moses Cleaveland we hear so much about? Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution is home to a library and two museums in University Circle.  The Western Reserve Historical Society’s History Museum features a 1911 mansion and the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing.  The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum displays nearly 200 antique, vintage and classic automobiles and aircraft.  Adult admission: is $8.50, and children 17 and under are $5.  The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. Call  216.721.5722 or visit www.wrhs.org for more information.

72. Step back in time.  Experience more than 100 years of history as you explore the restored 1806 village of Burton at Century Village Museum.  You’ll find treasures including a cabin from 1798, vintage barns, an 1872 schoolhouse, five furnished historical homes, a jail and a country store.  Admission for adults is $7, and children (6-12) are $5.  The village is open from April 15 through November 15, with guided tours available Saturday and Sunday between 1pm and 3pm. Call 440.834.4012 or visit www.geaugahistorical.org for details.

73. Get in touch with the birds and the bees.  Enjoy the great outdoors all year round with more than 3,100 acres of beautiful plant collections and spectacular fall and summer gardens, beautiful colors, winter splendor, trails and picnic areas at the Holden Arboretum.  Trails offer a variety of distances and levels of difficulty.  Admission for adults is $6, and children (2-11) are $4.  The Holden Arboretum is open daily from 9am-5pm.  Call 440.946.4400 or visit www.holdenarb.org for information.

74. Presidential seal of approval.  Visit the beautifully restored 19th century home of the 20th president, James A. Garfield at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.  Admission is only $5 for adults (15 and older).  The home is open May through October, from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday and noon-5pm Sunday. Hours for November through April are Saturday and Sunday, noon-5pm.  Last house tour leaves at 4:15.  For more info, call 440.255.8722 or check out www.nps.gov/jaga.

75. Party till the cows come home.  Discover more than 50 breeds of farm animals on a trip to the hands-on Lake Metroparks Farmpark.  While there, milk a cow, take a wagon ride, stroll through gardens and enjoy animal shows and demonstrations.  Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children (2-11). The Farmpark is open daily, 9am-5pm.  For more details, call 800.366.3276 or visit www.lakemetroparks.com/select-park/farmpark.shtml