Full of Zeal for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo #AtoZChallenge

This is it!  My last post in the #AtoZ Challenge and what better way to end it but with a trip down memory lane via the ZOO.  

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo got its start in 1882 but was located in Wade Oval in Cleveland's University Circle.  Once it was decided that the art museum would be built there in 1907 the zoo was moved to its current location.

In 1940, the Cleveland Natural History Museum assumed control but before they did the zoo went from having animals of local origins to creating Monkey Island, Sea Lion Pools and bear exhibit. Once the Natural History Museum took over an Asian elephant was brought to live at the zoo and by 1955 the zoo staff and supporters organized an African safari and obtained three elephants, two hippos, two rhinos, three giraffes, and many smaller animals. The following year the Pachyderm Building opened to house many of the animals acquired on the safari.

12 Yearly Events to Yelp About in Northeast Ohio #AtoZChallenge

The #AtoZNortheastOhio Challenge is slowly coming to a close and today I bring to you 12 yearly events! Some I have reported on and others I have gone to and just enjoyed.

January

Reasons Not to Be a Xenophobe in Cleveland #AtoZChallenge

I am a very shy person.  I also have a small fear of strangers and social situations are sometimes a nightmare for me.  I am very good at hiding this flaw and can venture into many social situations and "get over it."

I started blogging as a hobby, which lead to many small adventures, and even to some friendships.  What I realized most is that it is no good to stay in when there are so many places to go out - even for someone who is afraid of people and new situations.

Deciding to do the A to Z Challenge was not just a challenge to see if I could make through the 28 days, I've done NaBloPoMo I know I can do that, but to be creative enough to go by the alphabet.  That wan't enough and I decided to do a theme and since I started posting more about my area I figured how hard could it be.

It is harder then I thought it would be.  This challenge also reinforced that I love my area and there is a lot more to discover.  It has also made me leave my house.  It has been a difficult year and sometimes I want to just crawl into bed but I have people who count on me and most importantly - kids.

I have found reasons to get out and not just for the kids that I would like to share and might work as a cure for xenophobia.

Where to Get Wet in Northeast Ohio #AtoZChallenge

It is hard to believe that we have a summer in Northeast Ohio after this long, hard winter, which is probably why the indoor water parks do as well as they do when it is cold.  Thankfully we will be able to enjoy the sunshine and a few of my favorite places are free.

If you have been following my #AtoZNortheastOhio this month, you know that we love Lake Erie!  There are a few really wonderful beaches that makes us feel like we are miles away as we sun ourselves.  Of course, it is not always feasible to go to the beach swim for one reason or another.  The main reason being that the lake is tested daily to make sure it's safe and the other is sometimes you just want to go to the pool.

Visiting a Vintage Village: @WRHS_History's Hale Farm and Village #AtoZChallenge

We have been provided with a membership to the Western Reserve Historical Society to facilitate this review and have not been compensated in any other way. Opinion are my own.

Hale Farm and Village is a 19th century outdoor, interactive, living museum in Bath, Ohio.  It is open to the general public from June to October, but there are special events held throughout the year and it is open for special tours and field trips.

Since I am from Northeast Ohio, I have gone on a few field trips to Hale Farm while I was growing up and now that my kids are growing up here I was honored to accompany my son on his field trip last spring!  It could not have been a prettier day!

We ventured on a tour of the village with his teachers, exploring the grounds at our own pace.  As we went from building to building and place to place we encountered actors in costume who brought the past to life.

The school teacher was by far the creepiest in the Ichabod Crane sort of way and how he explained school house rules.  Let's just say I am glad we live in this century!

My guy was obsessed with this yellow house so much so, he had convinced his teacher to make a detour to visit it.

University Circle, Universally Loved #AtoZChallenge

University Circle was born when two universities loved each other very much and... oh wait, that's babies.

University Circle came to be when two universities in Cleveland, Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology, were looking to relocate and they settled around an area with a circular street intersection and a traffic turnaround created at Euclid Avenue and Doan Brook Boulevard (which would become Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard).  Hence the name, University Circle.  There are a lot of twist and turns and I must say driving around there can make me dizzy.

"Roughly 1-square-mile in area, University Circle is a City of Cleveland neighborhood located 3 miles east of downtown, 2 miles south of Lake Erie and directly west of the inner ring suburban communities of Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland.

Bordered by Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood to the east, Rockefeller Park to the northwest and connected to Downtown with Euclid Avenue running through it center, University Circle is strategically positioned with scenic park settings amid the bustle of a busy urban neighborhood." (source)

Besides being the home of what is now Case Western University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, University Circle is the home to the majority of Cleveland's museums as well as our orchestra.

University Circle is spectacular and for this westsider, a little excotic.  Don't laugh, I was an art major in high school and loved to visit and explore the art museum.  This was not cool.  There is an energy surrounding this area that is addictive and you want to belong.  And, for a brief minute in the 90's, I lived in the area and realized I prefer to visit, but that had more to do with a bad relationship and missing my family.

Needless to say, I visit when I can and enjoy the many activities that the Circle has to offer from Parade the Circle and Wade Oval Wednesday to Chalk Fest and CircleFest.

Post by University Circle Inc.

The Theatrical Side of Northeast Ohio #AtoZChallenge

From the north to the south to the east to the west - Northeast Ohio has some truly talented thespians appearing in local theaters.

Today, I am touting a teaser of some favorite theaters to tantalize you into touring theater districts all over Northeast Ohio.

Stupendous Science and Space at the Great Lakes Science Center. Plus Tickets Up for Grabs! #sponsored

We were provided with tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center as well as OMNIMAX to facilitate this post. Opinions are all my own. Giveaway does not include OMNIMAX tickets.

Situated on the shore of Lake Erie sits the Great Lakes Science Center. It is easy enough to find, once you spot the 150 foot wind turbine off the shoreway.  The wind turbine, with the help of the 300 feet of solar canopy, produces 6% of the power used at the Science Center.

Sheltered in the walls of this statuesque building lives hands on science for young and old alike.  It is one one of the nation’s leading science and technology centers housing the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, an OMNIMAX Theater, and at its pier, the Steamship William G. Mather.

Sure you may surmise that nothing fun can happen at a place of learning - okay maybe your kids might think that, but once you step into this stunning space they will know that something special happens here.  There is truly something to amaze from the space explorer to the scientist with hundreds of hands on exhibits as well as demonstrations set-up to capture imaginations.

Ready to Rock? Rock and Roll Hall of Fame #AtoZChallenge

One of the rewards of working in Downtown Cleveland is the ridiculous view I get to see everyday on my way to work, never mind my ability to take a short walk down East 9th Street to see it up close and personal.  As I was thinking of what to do for the letter "R" I realized that I would be remiss not to include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or to locals the Rock Hall, on my #AtoZNortheastOhio challenge.

I remember when the campaign to build the Rock Hall in Cleveland was going on and I really did not think that something this cool would come to Cleveland.  I was in high school and did not realize the resolve that this City has when it comes to their Rock and Roll.  It is revered.

Quest at @TheQArena for Walking with Dinosaurs the Arena Spectacular #atozchallenge

We will be receiving tickets to this event in exchange for this post. Al opinions are my own.

Qantassaurus, Quilingosaurus, Qingxiusaurus, Quaesitosaurus, and Quetzalcoatlus are the names of dinosaurs that start with the letter Q.  

None of them will be at WALKING WITH DINOSAURS THE ARENA SPECTACULAR when it comes to the Quicken Loans Arena for a limited eight performance engagement from Wednesday, July 9th through Sunday, July 13th but the show promises to deliver some amazing dinosaurs!

Mama and Baby T Credit David Scheinmann

Events at the Q are of quality and no quarrel over the quintessence of this production. WALKING WITH DINOSAURS THE ARENA SPECTACULAR does not look like it will disappoint!

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS THE ARENA SPECTACULAR, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, returns to North America this summer with 20 different dinosaurs!  The tallest being a brachiosaurus at 36 feet tall and the tiniest of them being a baby t-rex at 7 feet tall.  The longest dinosaur is the allosaurus which is 43 feet long from nose to tip.

Brachiosaurus Credit David Scheinmann

The reviews have been quite brilliant!  Read these quotes!

Variety said, “The dinosaurs are stunning, life-size and faultlessly nimble. In act one, the beasts parade into the arena gnashing and cavorting as a safari-suited paleontologist describes their attributes … in the second half, the action cranks up, culminating in a spectacular clash as a T-rex mom defends her baby from predators. Sonny Tilders' triumphant creature design ensures ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’ is a truly spectacular spectacular. It is everything a dino-phile could want.”

The New York Times said that in this show dinosaurs make "a thundering comeback after 65 million years."

The Christian Science Monitor said, “When the dinosaurs start pouring out onto the stage, if you don’t have to stifle the natural flight response of any living breathing being, then it’s your pulse that needs checking.” Newsweek called the show, "that rare entertainment beast that parents and kids can enjoy together."

Stegosaurus Credit David Scheinmann

Tickets are on sale now online, by calling 888-894-9424, at the Quicken Loans Arena box office or at all northern Ohio Discount Drug Marts.

Dates: 

Wednesday, July 9th through Sunday, July 13th 

Performance Schedule:

Wednesday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 13th at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

Prices:
Opening Night (Wednesday, July 9th): $25, $75, $90
All other performances: $90, $75, $55, $40, $35

Peruse Pinnacle Places from My #AtoZChallenge - Photos of Northeast Ohio

Can you guess where these places are?

Outstanding Ovations in Northeast Ohio for the Cleveland Orchestra #AtoZChallenge

Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall Photo by Roger Mastroianni

In 1918 a group of local citizens founded The Cleveland Orchestra.  Over the years it grew from a regional organization to an outstanding symphony winning ovations all over the world.  When Severance Hall opened in 1931, the Cleveland Orchestra had a permanent home.  They also have a summer home at Blossom Music Center.

I must admit that I have never attended a concert at Severance Hall but I have heard them perform at Blossom and, of course, the Star Spangled Spectacular on Public Square, Downtown Cleveland. 

9 Niffty Niceties Normally in My Northeast Ohio Neighborhood #AtoZChallenge

I really struggled with what to do with the letter "N" in my A to Z Challenge.  There is Nautica and Northfield Park, I could write about.  I could pay tribute to the neighborhood revitalization happening from Tremont to Waterloo but I don't feel like I would do it justice.   What I can make note about is my neck of the woods, my neighborhood.

I treasure my city.  It is where I grew up, where I call home now, and where I hope to live out my children's school days.  There is no other place I would rather be and I can't imagine living anywhere but my neighborhood.

Post by City of Lakewood, Ohio - Municipal Government.

Meet Me at The Museum: A Kid Friendly, Must Do List in Cleveland #AtoZChallenge

There are no shortages of museums in Northeast Ohio.  In fact, it is my favorite part of living here.

When I was young, I would take dates to the art museum to get a feel of who they were and what they like to determine what kind of future we would have, eventually I stopped because it was just too disappointing. Now, many years later, I get to share my love of our museums with the kids and they are way cooler than anyone else I dragged with me.

There are so many museums in Northeast Ohio.  So many!  I am giving you our five favorites for the Cleveland area.  These are the museums we frequent the most and should probably purchase family memberships to but haven't.

Meet Me at the Museum: A Kid Friendly, Must Do List in Cleveland

Love for Living by Lake Erie #AtoZchallenge

A list of A to Z in Northeast Ohio would be incomplete without some mention of Lake Erie.  It is a large part of what makes Northeast Ohio special to locals.

I know that when planning your dream vacation, the Lake Erie shoreline is not in the top ten (or one hundred places) to visit but having lived my whole life with the eleventh largest lake within walking distance makes me a bit biased and it is one lovely lake.

Beach is not a word that comes to mind when you think of Ohio and no, we do not have white sandy beaches that stretch for miles on end.  We do have beaches - from Catawba Island to Geneva on the Lake plus the dozens of places in between there is plenty of sand and sun in Ohio.  Sometimes it is bright a sunny and other times it just feels good to be outside.

I will be the first to admit that Lake Erie does not necessarily have the best water conditions, especially closer to the the city but there is Ohio Nowcast.  It is a free website that monitors water quality of nine popular beaches and where the Cuyahoga River runs through Brecksville, Ohio.

Kids Kickin' It at the Memphis @Kiddie_Park #atozchallenge

I feel like summer is whispering in our ears, kindling that need to be in the sun - that need to be kicking it at Kiddie Park and having some fun.

The Memphis Kiddie Park was founded in 1952 at a time when kiddie parks were popular.  Now, it is the only one of three that had opened in that time period and one of handful nationwide that is still successful. You can guess that I had gone here as a kid and it has been surreal bringing my children to Kiddie Park.

Post by Memphis Kiddie Park.

We have gone at least once a year over the last four years.  My son, has had an issue with loud noises since he was a toddler so he did not really enjoy the rides until he was about five.  My little girl however has been begging to get on the rollercoaster since could toddle and point.

Baby Girl's first rollercoaster ride - age 2

Jump, Jump, Jump! Where to Jump and Jive in Northeast Ohio #AtoZChallenge

Just mention the word, jump, to any (Northeast Ohio) kid and one of three places will come to mind - Pump It Up, The Jump Yard, or SkyZone.

These three places are the mecca of kid's birthday parties.  Getting invited to a party at one of these places you would think the kids got a golden ticket!

Pump It Up
I think Pump It Up is a great place to host a kid's party but, for me, it has to be a milestone.  We had our son's fifth birthday at Pump it Up, because it was the summer before kindergarten and he would not see most of his preschool friends again.  This was also the year his sister was born so we just wanted to make it extra special.

The cost was worth it since I did not have to clean my house before or after the party and Pump It Up was wonderful at setting up, keeping track, and staying on schedule.  It was fantastic!  I LOVED the staff that day.  To save money, I made the cake which I was allowed to bring in and we did the bare minimum for a goody bag, with school supplies on sale and it being August it was a perfect combo.  The party was a big success and every party we have gone to was fantastic!

Incredible Ice Cream In Northeast Ohio as I See It #atozchallenge

I love ice cream.  I love it more than cake and especially more than pie.  When I set out to do Northeast Ohio A to Z, I knew ice cream would play an important role.

There are an impressive amount of  ice cream joints in Northeast Ohio.  It is hard to pick an idol (so to speak) so these are the ones that we go to intermittently and implore you to check them out or if you have gone to one - share your impressions in the comment section!

If you are so inclined - check out my list on FourSquare.

Sweet Moses

I mentioned them earlier this week and we happen to go with the Husband who took some really ingenious pictures of our trip.

I am very much inclined to have the salted caramel, with hot fudge and the kids opt for the infinitely wonderful plain chocolate and vanilla bean with rainbow sprinkles.  The Husband, who thinks that all ice cream tastes the same, went for a mango milkshake and was hesitant to share because it was that good.

Hershey Children's Garden Comes out of Hibernation for Big Spring!

We received tickets to Big Spring courtesy of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  

Hark I hear spring!  As in Big Spring at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and the opening of the Hershey Children's Garden! (plus they are giving away tickets!)

I was so happy to pay homage at this year's Big Spring exhibit at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  It felt so good to shake the gloom of winter off.  Or maybe it was heaved off? The best part was that it was warm enough and dry enough to hunt through the Hershey Children's Garden!

This is the second year we have gone and I am still held captive by all of the wonderful sights and smells! The minute you arrive you are greeted with the marvelous smells of flowers.  Its like they are all saying hello to your nose! It's heaven.

This year I brought along my handsome Husband, who happens to be a very talented photographer.  To say we have a handful of photographs is like saying that there are just a few flowers at the botanical gardens.  He took 198.  Hang on!  I won't share all of them but I will be sharing a lot of them!  And, at the end you can enter to win four tickets to see Big Spring for yourself via rafflecopter.

Hark! The Hershey Children's Garden Comes out of Hibernation for Big Spring

Where is @GordonSquare Arts District? #AtoZChallenge

Gordon Square is where?!?

Several years ago I started hearing about this Gordon Square area and how alive with energy it will be and how they are working very hard to revitalize the area through art.

I thought, fantastic!  The westside needs an area like this but where is it?

Now, when this was all going on I had a toddler and then another baby plus she was always latched on to me until like yesterday (just kidding, it's been a year now since she weaned) and let's face it - I could not care what was going on outside of my little world.

Fast forward and Amanda from Clue into Cleveland was telling me all about the Near West Side theater and how they were looking for volunteers.  She thought it would be good for my son, who really enjoys theater but the programs that are available where we live are out of our budget.

I was still asking myself, "Gordon Square is where?"

Post by Gordon Square Arts District.