What to Take

Common sense and a good umbrella go a long way in Cleveland: This city fully experiences all four seasons (sometimes in the course of a single day). If attending a Browns game, for instance, it might be wise to dress as if one were leading an Antarctic expedition—baseball games at Progressive Field, depending on the month, weather, and time of day, can be scorching hot, miserably wet, or, in early spring, even snowy. For much of the summer, the plan of attack is layers, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Appropriate footwear in C-Town can range from flip-flops to mukluks. Lightweight raingear is always nice to have on hand, as is a sweatshirt. In the fall, temps can plummet from a balmy 75 degrees to a chilly 55 degrees just a minute after sundown.

Upscale-casual dress will work at almost any Cleveland restaurant. Most do get dolled up, however, when attending concerts at Severance Hall or theater at PlayhouseSquare.

Golfers should really consider bringing their clubs when visiting between May and October. Northeast Ohio has some spectacular golf courses, with over 120 public courses reachable in under an hour’s drive.

© Douglas Trattner from Moon Cleveland, 1st Edition