Rock Hall and More in Cleveland

I always relish trips with hotels and resorts because they keep the schedules light so you can enjoy their accommodations.

Westin Cleveland Downtown had brought me to Ohio to write about their equisitely renovated property.

I had a leisurely first day exploring and day two was about checking out a few of the top sites. I was especially looking forward to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I slept in and hit the gym at the Westin Cleveland. They had spared no expense in the remodeling and stocking the fitness studio with state-of-the-art equipment, televisions, headphones, and even water and towels.

After a pilates workout, I went back to the room to shower and order my breakfast from room service.

I had a yogurt parfait with lots of berries, as well as an order of blackberry pancakes.

My first stop of the day was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where I was getting a private tour from Director of Communications Shauna Wilson.

The excitement was mounting as I got closer and closer to the building, which reminded me a bit of the Louvre.

Outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a sign dedicating this spot as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

These dedication is due to one person, Alan Freed, a Cleveland disc jockey who used the term “rock and roll” for the first time in 1951.

Once inside, I found Shauna and the tour began. Every time I walked past something, I would be more and more amazed.

I stopped to text a picture of Jerry Garcia’s guitar to my brother, a true Deadhead, then marveled at the Inductee Class display.

On every turn, there was something remarkable, as you can see from just a sampling of the photographs (more below the text)

I could have easily spent the entire day in the Rock Hall, but I also wanted to get to the Great Lakes Science Center, which was right next door.

I was glad I did leave some time as it was another impressive museum, with lots of interactive displays for kids of all ages to enjoy.

I especially loved the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, dedicated to astronaut and Ohio native John Glenn.

I walked back to the Westin Downtown Cleveland the long way, enjoying a beautiful day.

I had worked up quite an appetite exploring so I decided to have an early dinner.

I was back at the Urban Farmer for dinner and just as impressed as I had been the day before. My dinner started with a bread tray unlike one I had seen before.

I had my own can-sixed corn bread as well as some lightly salted rolls that had a bit of a Bavarian pretzel quantity. While I was tempted to feast on these and cancel my dinner, I’m glad I didn’t.

The smoked chicken with green wheat, date, and rapini was delicious with a side of the Roasted Foraged Mushrooms.

I managed to save room for the S’mores Tart and was glad I did before I headed up to my room for the last time.

In the morning, I grabbed a veggie frittata and housemade English muffin for breakfast before heading to the airport. It had been a great stay at the The Westin Cleveland Downtown and I knew would be heading back to this city again soon.