Bethanybethinking....

Wine & Canvas / Goose Island Ladies event at Press Wine...

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:35:00 -0400

Press Wine Bar

Chiago's Wild Ophelia Chocolates...

Sophie Beer

Wine & Canvas / Goose Island Ladies event at Press Wine Bar….

Delicious appetizers, delectable beer and two hours of art instruction for absolutely free….

Talk about celebrating Girls Night Out….

Spotted during a leisurely luncheon stroll…. This...

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:25:27 -0400

Spotted during a leisurely luncheon stroll….

This #GenerocityCleveland meter located at the Intersection of E. 9th St. and St. Clair. (Across the street from the IMG Building)

I just had to do some research and learn who was behind this briliant PR Strategy. Turns out to be the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the city of Cleveland and the downtown-Cleveland faith based community..

To learn more visit www.generocitycleveland.com

*Visit this meter soon and you can also catch the filming of Captain America!

And rounding off the afternoon… Sips at M...

Tue, 28 May 2013 22:47:00 -0400

M Cellars Mason Jar light fixture

M Cellars

M Cellars

M Cellars

And Nick does it again.... who knew Debonne Winery also offered their own craft brew....

The Old Mill Wine Burger...

Debonne Flight Sampler $6

The Old Mill Wineage Signage....

M Cellars outdoor Memorial Day Entertainment...

Debonne.....

And rounding off the afternoon… Sips at M Cellars and Debonne Vineyard followed by a delicious wine burger at The Old Mill Winery.

Summer here we come!

Meanwhile, across the way from the South River Vineyard, Nick...

Tue, 28 May 2013 22:20:00 -0400

View from South River Vineyard...

Meanwhile, across the way from the South River Vineyard, Nick found Geneva’s newest watering hole, The Red Eagle Distillery, where he immediately went to work “reclaiming his masculinity” by pounding 1 ounce shots of local bourbon and rye ….

I know, I know, 1 ounce doesn’t sound like much, but at a buck a piece, it’s even cheaper than the wine, and according to Nick, much more “efficient”.

He’s a bloodhound I’m tellin’ ya… sniffin out the hard stuff among the scent of sweet wine grapes….. Old dog nose Worner….

Happy Memorial Day… the unofficial kick-off to summer has...

Mon, 27 May 2013 23:15:00 -0400

Geneva's South River Vineyard

Temptation....

Geneva's South River Vineyard

Happy Memorial Day…

the unofficial kick-off to summer has arrived….. and what better way to celebrate than with a short day Trip…….

50 Minutes East of Downtown Cleveland sits Geneva…a childhood staple of my youth…. and a region surrounded by grapevines and wineries…. (a staple of my adulthood)

Oh how quickly my ice cream memories can be replaced by Sweet Niagara…..

Best starting point on the excursion….. South River Vineyard… a restored historic church that boasts some breathtaking views….

Just wait for it cheapies….

While a flight of four will cost you $6 and a bottle will go for around $16, this sipping spot actually allows patrons to bring food in….

That’s right… grab the friends, split the wine, and smile as you devour all of the cheese, grapes and chocolate that you were able to fit in your picnic basket… At cost! (*Bread and Cheese Plates also available for Purchase.)

Once done… Walk the grounds and then surprise your male companions by heading next door to the newest spot in town Red Eagle Distillery… That’s right… wine country just got interesting…..

*For further information on hours, events and general rules, be sure to check out the FAQ’s site prior to visting…. http://www.southrivervineyard.com/Events_FAQs.html

Look no further for Cleveland’s best Salad and...

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:37:28 -0400

Look no further for Cleveland’s best Salad and Slice….

For $5.50, this vegetable/grease duo is available in the heart of Tremont at Edison’s Pub….

Not even authentic Chicago deep dish slices fill me up like this combo does…. and when I really want to push my buttons.. (my pant buttons) I top off my meal with some free popcorn dessert …

Added bonus for the outdoor patio…. hard to pass this up when looking for casual/cheap/delicious summer fare…

*Sorry lunchers… kitchen doesn’t open till 4:00 p.m.

Hey Bethany, I've just moved to Cleveland from London and keen to find a group of girls to meet up with and have some fun! I'm 28 (nearly 29) and I saw your blog about the Girls Book Club - can you tell me how to find / join the group? Or any other fun and affordable things to do here? Thanks! Carla

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:54:00 -0400

Hi Carla - Your message came through as anonymous. Can you message me your email address - Thank...

Oh What Luck! This Gal Scored Free Luncheon Fare from Cleveland's Fired Up Taco Truck

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:51:00 -0400

Thank you promoters of Hangover III for partnering with Cleveland’s own Fired Up Taco Truck...

Somebody’s turning 30 this month….. Thank goodness...

Sun, 05 May 2013 22:48:43 -0400

Somebody’s turning 30 this month…..

Thank goodness for that, (did I really write that) because it allowed me to guilt trip 15 of my closest friends into dressing up in costume and spending $50 to celebrate me while attending Cleveland’s 2013 Bal Ingenieux… the 1920’s bohemian-themed fundraising event for Ingenuity Festival.

While I was excited to explore Ohio City’s Halcyon Masonic Temple, I couldn’t wait for the Jazz musicians, Hula Hoopers, Belly Dancers, Jugglers and burlesque show that would await me.

Await me it did….. as did men in drag, women in pasties and mini chocolate cupcakes….A happy early-birthday celebration indeed…..

Next on the Cleveland goal list, make it to Ingenuity Fest…..

Springtime Craft Project! Wooden Letters: $1.60 per...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:18:00 -0400

Look what else you can spell...... If you like it then you shoulda .......

Springtime Craft Project!

Wooden Letters: $1.60 per Letter
Paint: $0.50 per color
Paint Brushes: $2
Industrial Twine: Located in my craft drawer
*All materials from Pat Catans

Total Signage: $12

Time Spent: 4 Hours

Happiness Factor - High

*Special thanks to Jen for crafting away with me on a Saturday night and for working the drill….

Broken at the Cleveland 37th International Film Festival

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:46:00 -0400

Oh how I love the Cleveland International Film Festival….The one and only time of year I feel...

Finally…. achievement of the Triple Crown…. Though I’d dined at...

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:33:00 -0400

Free bread and dipping oil!

Lolita Burger

Mussels

Eggplant Dip & Flat Bread

Finally…. achievement of the Triple Crown….

Though I’d dined at Michael Symon’s Lola and B Spot, I hadn’t had the opportunity to hit up Lolita. (I know… I know… how can I call myself a Clevelander……)

Nick’s 32nd birthday was the perfect opportunity to give it a go (and to let go of any residual guilt I’d have for spending lots of money on a meal…)

It was my perception that Lolita and I already had a lot in common - both femme fatales serving as middle sisters…..less formal than one (Lola / Kristen) but a lot classier than the other (B Spot / Brian).

My expectations were on par… What wasn’t was the fact that we’d be able to 1) Get a table bar-side 2) Eat entirely from the Happy Hour Menu 3) Spend a mere $36 dining at one of Cleveland’s largest hot spots.

Though I was more than willing to open my wallet so Nick could score a meal, both our stomachs were totally full from the following: ..

Mussels w/ Chorizo, Garlic & Parsley $5
Mac & Cheese w/ Chicken, Goat Cheese & Rosemary $5
Lolita Burger w/ Bacon & Fried Egg $5
Charred Eggplant Dip w/ Homemade Flat bread $5
House Red Wine $4
Bulleit Rye $10
*Added bonus for the amazing free bread, dipping oil and friendly waitress

I vote the Eggplant Dip as the front runner but the Mussels slide in at close second. Surprisingly, this meat lover was not a fan of the burger. (English Muffin bun and fried egg were just too much for me) That being said, Nick was a giant, giant fan…. Touche….

*Weekday and late night Happy Hour offerings…

*Well worth the visit!

Girls Book Club Brunch at Tremont’s new Press Wine...

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:43:00 -0400

Bacon & Egg Bloody Mary

Spiked Pear Mimosa

Press Burger

Breakfast Flat Bread

Mexi Skillet

Girls Book Club Brunch at Tremont’s new Press Wine Bar…. We may not all have agreed on “Extremely Loud and Extremely Close” but it sure was hard to disagree with the mimosa bar and accompanying food spread….

Though I rarely drop $18 on breakfast, $8 for a Pear Mimosa and $10 for a Mexi Scramble is pretty reasonable for any Tremont dining spot.

Highly recommended spot to take those visiting out of towners or those die-hard Bob Evan’s Loving parents from Warren…..

*Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What a Voice, What a Yodel….What a well deserved...

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:08:00 -0400

What a Voice, What a Yodel….What a well deserved standing Ovation…… Jewel rocked it last night at Lakewood Civic Auditorium… She’s still got it…

Winter in Cleveland…

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:19:26 -0500

Winter in Cleveland…

I must admit that until last week I had never visited...

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:18:00 -0500

I must admit that until last week I had never visited Cleveland’s AsiaTown.

So glad to finally have the opportunity to visit and to dine. Starting off at #1 Pho, Nick and I warmed up over hot tea, egg rolls and large portions of beef and chicken Vietnamese Noodle Soups…($28) After dinner, we stopped in at Koko Bakery and picked up a delectable Napoleon treat… ($6).

Next stop in AsiaTown… Bo Loong here I come….

Cleveland winter days starting to take a toll…. Head...

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:43:00 -0500

Cleveland winter days starting to take a toll….

Head toward University Circle and take advantage of the always free, always beautiful Rockefeller Greenhouse….

Though the exterior grounds are still barren, and few interior plants are yet in bloom, exploration of the grounds will still allow for some amazing traditional and non-traditional snapshots….

As if the orchids weren’t enough…. Walking through...

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:42:19 -0500

As if the orchids weren’t enough….

Walking through the always free Rockefeller Greenhouse provides a sauna like atmosphere….Pretty hard to top that on a 20 degree day….

Open Daily from 10:00 to 4:00

Video from today’s Cupid Undie Run where Hundreds of Local...

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:40:00 -0500

Video from today’s Cupid Undie Run where Hundreds of Local Clevelander’s braved the cold (20 some degrees today) and raced around the streets of Tremont in their skivvies in order to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation……

A Black Hole of Bargains: Discounted Designer Duds Will Suck You Into the Euclid Dillard's Outlet

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:03:44 -0500

Despite living in Cleveland for 6 years, I have just recently learned of the Euclid Dillard’s...