We all have special places that we'll always remember. They may seem bland or boring to someone else, but to you, they are places that are filled with nostalgia; they hold so many memories, and will forever be a part of your life. You visit them after a long while and are happy to be back; to see the familiar faces, shops, streets and everything else that makes that location what it is.
So where is my "magic place"? I'd have to say the ever-changing city of Cleveland, in Ohio, USA.
I've lived in Cleveland for many years now. It's an interesting mix of all sorts of things and people here, and recently they have been trying to renovate parts of the city and restore it to its former glory.
A brief history:
The early foundations of Cleveland began in 1796, and it became a major industrial city in the late 1800's due to being located near tons of coal and iron ore deposits, as well as transportation routes. Around the early 1900's or so, many new cultural things were created. These included Euclid Beach Park, the Art Museum, and the Cleveland Orchestra. The Park, unfortunately, isn't there anymore, but the other two still thrive. Cleveland also became a popular place for political events.
Around 1950, however, Cleveland started declining in population and the city wasn't being very well taken care of. This was evidenced by an event that made Cleveland a known name for an entirely different, and embarrassing, reason; in 1969, the river that runs through the city (the Cuyahoga River) caught on fire because of oil slicks and pollution. People realized they needed to take better care of the city after that, but it never quite returned to what it was.
In short, since the mid 1900's and until a couple of years ago, Cleveland was a shadow of the original. But today, the Cuyahoga River and other areas are maintained and kept clean, and the city has made great efforts in turning itself around and is once again a great place to be.
Now, let me show you why it's a great place...
First and foremost, one of Cleveland's most iconic landmarks and what lead to us being called "The Rock and Roll Capital of the World." The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or Rock Hall, was created in 1995 and serves as a museum for the history and people of Rock and Roll music. It has become a big part of the culture here! Not to mention the building looks really cool.
There are many museums here, especially in a part of the city called University Circle. There's the Natural History Museum, the Great Lakes Science Center, an Auto-Aviation and Space Museum, Botanical Gardens, multiple Art museums... You get the point. If you come here for those, you'll be entertained for awhile.
Similar to the museums, but much more unique, is something called the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. These small but beautiful plots of land are sold to people/organizations that want to create a little area that celebrates their country's culture. The gardens are placed on either side of a long, heavily-traveled road, under a gorgeous bridge, and lead into University Circle. There are dozens of gardens there currently, and more in the process of being designed and built. Each owner of a plot can hold events in their garden, and every so often they do.
Also, I must mention that we have a giant statue of a stamp in the middle of the city. It's red, says "Free," and lays on the grass. It was originally made for the Standard Oil company in 1985, but the building it was to be placed in front of changed companies, and the new company, BP, didn't want it in front of their building so they eventually donated it to the city. Just a week or two ago, we also got what is, apparently, the "world's largest outdoor chandelier," which was placed in Playhouse Square, where many of Cleveland's best live theaters are.
But enough about sightseeing and touchable things-- What's the atmosphere like here? What makes it a unique place worth visiting?
Well, what makes Cleveland unique will be different for everyone. I can't precisely say what it is about this place, but I can say it is a great place to make memories. Stroll through the streets and you get an old historic feel about the area; even though it really isn't all that old, the architecture can make it feel like it is. There are statues and monuments around that tell the stories of certain people, and culture is becoming an increasingly celebrated thing with small festivals and events. The atmosphere is friendly--although it can seem a bit rushed on a normal, non-festive day. But that's pretty typical of cities. I've never felt threatened here, but unfortunately crimes do happen. As with anywhere, just stay aware of your surroundings.
Most of what I've mentioned is about Downtown Cleveland. Outside of the big city parts are many small neighborhoods. Mine, for example, isn't the most close-knit--everyone doesn't know everyone, neighbors often keep to themselves most of the time, ect. But 99% of them (you always have that one neighbor...) are quite friendly and willing to help out if asked.
But anyway, I don't want to keep on babbling. It does get old after awhile. So, to sum this all up: Cleveland is a wonderful place to be. It isn't the most sociable of cities, but get to know someone and you'll see how friendly they can be. Whether you're living here or just visiting, it can create memories that last a lifetime. Spend enough time here, make enough memories, and you'll keep coming back.
Come and visit us sometime! Me and my fellow Clevelanders welcome you. :)
Fun fact: Cleveland was originally supposed to be spelled Cleaveland, after Moses Cleaveland. However, the Cleveland Advertiser, a newspaper, left out the "a" so that they could fit the whole thing into the headline. The spelling of "Cleveland" was then adopted.
My thanks to Santa Armah for allowing me to write this guest post!
So where is my "magic place"? I'd have to say the ever-changing city of Cleveland, in Ohio, USA.
I've lived in Cleveland for many years now. It's an interesting mix of all sorts of things and people here, and recently they have been trying to renovate parts of the city and restore it to its former glory.
 |
| Panorama of Cleveland in 1912 Photo: Haines Photo Co.; September 19, 1912 |
The early foundations of Cleveland began in 1796, and it became a major industrial city in the late 1800's due to being located near tons of coal and iron ore deposits, as well as transportation routes. Around the early 1900's or so, many new cultural things were created. These included Euclid Beach Park, the Art Museum, and the Cleveland Orchestra. The Park, unfortunately, isn't there anymore, but the other two still thrive. Cleveland also became a popular place for political events.
 |
| Cuyahoga River, near the more industrial parts of Cleveland Photo by Avgadro94 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. |
In short, since the mid 1900's and until a couple of years ago, Cleveland was a shadow of the original. But today, the Cuyahoga River and other areas are maintained and kept clean, and the city has made great efforts in turning itself around and is once again a great place to be.
Now, let me show you why it's a great place...
First and foremost, one of Cleveland's most iconic landmarks and what lead to us being called "The Rock and Roll Capital of the World." The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or Rock Hall, was created in 1995 and serves as a museum for the history and people of Rock and Roll music. It has become a big part of the culture here! Not to mention the building looks really cool.
 |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Photo: Derek Jenson |
 |
| The Hungarian Garden Photo by stu_spivack is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. |
Also, I must mention that we have a giant statue of a stamp in the middle of the city. It's red, says "Free," and lays on the grass. It was originally made for the Standard Oil company in 1985, but the building it was to be placed in front of changed companies, and the new company, BP, didn't want it in front of their building so they eventually donated it to the city. Just a week or two ago, we also got what is, apparently, the "world's largest outdoor chandelier," which was placed in Playhouse Square, where many of Cleveland's best live theaters are.
 |
| The "Free" stamp Photo by Bryan Clark is licensed under CC BY NC-SA 2.0. |
 |
| Newly the world's largest outdoor chandelier! Photo by Erik Drost is licensed under CC BY 2.0. |
Well, what makes Cleveland unique will be different for everyone. I can't precisely say what it is about this place, but I can say it is a great place to make memories. Stroll through the streets and you get an old historic feel about the area; even though it really isn't all that old, the architecture can make it feel like it is. There are statues and monuments around that tell the stories of certain people, and culture is becoming an increasingly celebrated thing with small festivals and events. The atmosphere is friendly--although it can seem a bit rushed on a normal, non-festive day. But that's pretty typical of cities. I've never felt threatened here, but unfortunately crimes do happen. As with anywhere, just stay aware of your surroundings.
Most of what I've mentioned is about Downtown Cleveland. Outside of the big city parts are many small neighborhoods. Mine, for example, isn't the most close-knit--everyone doesn't know everyone, neighbors often keep to themselves most of the time, ect. But 99% of them (you always have that one neighbor...) are quite friendly and willing to help out if asked.
Come and visit us sometime! Me and my fellow Clevelanders welcome you. :)
 |
| Photo by Chris Capell is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. |
My thanks to Santa Armah for allowing me to write this guest post!
