This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Cleveland, OH for the first time. My best friend of 25 years lives in Cleveland Heights and I always try to celebrate her birthday with her, so I made the trek to Ohio thanks to a super cheap Southwest flight (seriously- check them out if you need cheap tix somewhere), and partied it up! Read below to see how we partied up Cleveland!
Downtown Cleveland.
By Day: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and 9th Street Pier
A trip to Cleveland isn't complete without a trip to 'the rock hall' as called by the locals. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was an amazing experience. AMAZING. This is the type of museum that anyone can enjoy and all concept of time is lost while touring all the exhibits and drooling over the Beyoncé outfits on display. In all seriousness, this museum does an exceptional job of spanning the decades to show how music has been created, shaped, and influenced through artists of all genres and I left with an even deeper appreciation for music than I already had.
Outside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
My favorite exhibit was Right Here, Right Now, that shows the evolution of rock music and has stage costumes, hand written lyrics, instruments, videos, and more of artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé (including her 2012 Met Gala gown), and much much more! My second favorite was the Paul Simon: Words & Music main exhibit that walks you through his career, narrated through video commentary by Paul Simon himself. My third favorite was the Video Killed the Radio Star exhibit showing the start of MTV all through a series of music video clips- it had me dancing in place and reminded me of some songs I need to download that I had forgotten about.
Beyonce's GORGEOUS Met Gala 2012 Gown by Givenchy.
After we danced our way out of the museum with a hundred songs stuck in our heads, we took a walk down the 9th Street Pier to admire the city and take in beautiful views of Lake Erie.
9th Street Pier overlooking Lake Erie (above), and downtown Cleveland (below).
'By Day' Outfit Details:
I decided to embrace my inner rock chic with lace and booties that remind me of Rock & Roll!
White Sheer Top: Forever 21
Black Tank: Old Navy
Skinny Jean Leggings: New York & Company
Chain Embellished Booties: Trouve
Sunburst Pendant: House of Harlow
Headband: DSW Shoe Warehouse
Aviators: Tahari
Gold Disco Bag: Gucci
By Night: Cleveland Heights Fun
We started with dinner at the local Mexican joint, Pinatas, where we indulged in margs and queso dip (which is a must order if you ever go), followed by wine at the super cool La Cave Du Vin. La Cave Du Vin, aka "the wine cave," is a great spot for lounging in the candlelit cave-like atmosphere and enjoying some good wine and beer. Following the wine cave, we hit up the neighboring B Side Liquor Lounge and Arcade that has a great selection of arcade games that kept us entertained through the night.
"By Night" Outfit Details:
LBD: New York & Company
Sheer Long Kimono: Forever 21
Lace Up Wedges: American Rag Cie at Macy's
Gold Layered Necklace: Stella & Dot
Fringe Purse: Rebecca Minkoff
Fun at B Side.
While I was only able to accomplish a few things on this short and sweet trip, I highly recommend a visit to Cleveland- if anything just for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you do visit, be sure to add the Westside Market, Botanical Garden, Little Italy, and the Cleveland Art Museum to your list of things to do!
Photo credit: the lovely Erin G.
XOXO
Blonde in the District