The thing about Cleveland* is that you've really gotta know where to go to have a good time. I cringe every time I hear my beloved corner of Northeast Ohio referred to as "The mistake on the lake," or hear about people who judge the city's stature by the size of its buildings downtown. I can tell you right now that if you're spending all of your time in Cleveland downtown, you'll miss out on the true heart of city.
During the Weapons of Mass Creation Fest, a lot of creative types came in from out of state, or out of town, and didn't really know where to go or what to see. I know a lot of them left thinking that while the people here are amazing, cool, and nifty neat-o, the area leaves a bit to be desired. No! You mustn't think such things! Lest that happen to any of YOU who come to visit Cleveland, I wanted to link to a friend's city tour guide she wrote for Design Sponge last year. Some of these businesses have moved, some have closed, and new ones have cropped up in their place. I hope to create my own niche tour guide of my favorite places in Northeast Ohio (including Canton, Akron, and Cleveland) with photos and stories to share with you too! But that will probably take quite a while to put together. So in the meantime, at least check out my photos from the WMC Fest weekend in Ohio City, just west of downtown Cleveland.
Saturday morning, Catherine, Megan, and I headed to the Westside Market, where outside there were a smattering of street venders selling creative goods (think mini Renegade Craft Fest), and inside there was lots of yummy produce was being sold and food was being cooked up- like sweet and savory crepes, falafel, ethnic food, and refreshing fruit smoothies. Later, we grabbed coffee at Loop (in Tremont, the neighborhood where Catherine lives) and browsed their impressive collection of new and vintage vinyl before popping into a few garage sales we passed. Tremont is a great place for garage saling, probably due to their odd mix of super yuppy and decidedly hipster population.
The rest of Saturday was spent with Catherine and Alie, as we split our time between hanging out at the different venues for WMC Fest, catching up with old friends, hanging out with newer friends, snacking on Catherine's beautiful front porch, rushing to grab a coveted seat in the overcrowded auditorium, and chowing down deliciousness at Happy Dog.
I already mentioned how nice it was to meet Tad Carpenter, and to be inspired by his words of wisdom for young, professional creatives, but truthfully I enjoyed every speaker I was able to listen to during the creative fest, and felt totally motivated and inspired when I got home! People like Johnny from Johnny Cupcakes and Tuesday Bassen (whom I met during breakfast at Lucky's Cafe) really inspired me to take leaps of faith, to go out and make things happen for myself, to not get caught up in analyzing risks, and be true to my Midwestern self. I know everyone else left feeling refreshed and inspired too. And to think that it all happened right here in Northeast Ohio!
*I don't live in Cleveland, but live an hour south in Canton, Ohio. We spend a lot of time in the city on Lake Erie, and really feel a nostalgic bond to Cleveland!
I love all of these pictures! This looks like an amazing time and really captures the spirit of the adventure you guys had! Lovely!
Posted by: Ashlee | June 18, 2012 at 12:22 PM
haha "Charlie... "don't take my picture"".. Those are the cutest photos! Looks like a fun day!
jennybodell.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jenny Stokes | June 18, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Ah! I'm so disappointed that I didn't see you...but you met Charlie! How funny. I didn't get to spend as much time there as I had wanted since my mother in law happened to be visiting from Florida that weekend.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 18, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Johnny Cupcake! That brings back memories of old Myspace days! And the scandal of Urban Outfitters stealing his design! i went to his store in Boston and was in heaven! I bought way too much stuff
Posted by: kendra | June 18, 2012 at 01:50 PM
Ohohoh...your photos of West Side Market make me miss Ohio terribly! It's one of my favorite places. You can't go there and not take a photo from the balcony :)
Posted by: Anna | June 18, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Your photos always make me jealous - I would love to visit such a cool place. Living in Norwich, England, doesn't make for half as many cool hangout spots. x
http://whatpeggysaid.blogspot.co.uk
Posted by: Kim | June 18, 2012 at 02:13 PM
Love your photo journal of WMC! Gorgeous photos for real.
Posted by: Jeff Finley | June 18, 2012 at 04:09 PM
I look forward to whatever city guide thing you put together. As a Pittsburgher we're conditioned to hate Cleveland, though I'm not sure why. Football related reason probably.
Posted by: Alaina | June 18, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Sounds like a blast! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Posted by: hannah | June 18, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Amanda, this is beautiful! You do always catch the spirit of adventure ; )
Also, when you post the Cleveland tour guide, there;ll be a fun new hostel in Cleveland for friend to stay the night: http://www.facebook.com/clevelandhostel
Posted by: catherine bules | June 18, 2012 at 09:51 PM
Such a fun post! Thanks so much for sharing <3
Posted by: Love, Carrie | June 19, 2012 at 05:07 AM
Dang it Amanda, I still havent been to West Side Market in Cleveland! But glad I got to meet up with ya regardless! We have to spend some time in Tremont! ^_^
Posted by: Betsy | June 19, 2012 at 10:51 PM
These are great photos- it's looks like a fun, inspiring weekend! I love to see the pride you have for where you live and the area around it.
And Alie's dress IS so pretty :)
Posted by: lisa | June 20, 2012 at 12:09 PM
I love this! The West Side Market is one of my favorite places in the world, hands down. There really are so many gems in Ohio, for those who seek them. xox
Posted by: Cassandra | June 21, 2012 at 10:15 PM