As the air turns crisp and days grow shorter, there’s nothing more thrilling than a weekend getaway to take full advantage of the ephemeral magic of fall. Whether your travel preferences skew outdoorsy (flannel, hot apple cider, long hikes over crunchy leaves and foliage in full splendor) or cultural (throw on that turtleneck, grab a glass of red wine and head to the theater), Cleveland is an accessible and stunning destination for this year’s fall travel.
For the Foliage Fans: Scenic Rail Rides + Hikes
Active travelers can lace up their hiking boots and explore more than 325 miles of trails through the 25,000 acres of the Cleveland Metroparks. With parks in urban, lakefront and wooded settings, there’s a hike for every level and interest.
Take leaf peeping to a new level, sipping a cocktail while aboard a historic train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just a 45 minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Visitors can travel back to simpler times aboard one of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s many themed rides for fall, including Cocktails on the Rails, Murder Mystery, and weekend brunch rides.
For both scenery and romance, take a couples’ hike or bike ride through the glorious colors in CVNP. Conclude the day with drinks and dinner at LockKeepers, an iconic Italian restaurant tucked into the woods, with wraparound windows to best capture stunning views of the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath.
For the Arts Lover: Culture + Couture
Earlier sunsets also bring the start of Cleveland’s performing arts seasons and countless can’t-miss cultural experiences, from Broadway to burlesque.
Start the day with a weekend brunch at Cordelia, the city’s current dining darling. Chef Vinnie Cimino was named a 2024 James Beard national finalist for his creative riffs on Midwestern recipes, all scratch-made with local ingredients and a sense of fun (they dub their menu style “modern Grandma” cuisine).
After brunch, it’s just a 10 minute ride to the city’s cultural center, University Circle - the most concentrated square mile of arts and culture in the nation. Drop by the Cleveland Museum of Art to see the fall exhibit “Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution,” exploring the history and transformative legacy of Korean fashion.
Evenings are meant for Broadway at Playhouse Square, the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York. Fall performances include The Neil Diamond Musical “A Beautiful Noise” and “Some Like It Hot.” Snag an iconic Cleveland photo under the stunning outdoor chandelier at the heart of this vibrant arts district before heading out for drinks and dancing at Twist Social Club, known for their welcoming atmosphere, drag shows and themed dance parties.
Photo Credit: Destination Cleveland
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