Date Night: Linger At Lakewood's Solstice Steps

Forget the planetarium. Take your date to nature’s light show at the Solstice Steps, the nearly 500-foot stone ledges carved into the beachfront edge of Lakewood Park. The bleachers-esque seating offers one of Northeast Ohio’s most expansive views of Lake Erie, making it a prime spot for a sunset so vibrant, it gets a round of applause every time it disappears below the horizon. For optimal romance, plan ahead and pack a picnic, snag a blanket and come 30 minutes before sunset — you’ll want to snuggle up in the front row. Stick around after the show — the fading light casts the sky in a colorful kaleidoscope well after sunset. Take it in on a hand-held stroll along the promenade below the steps and wait for a glittering view of the city skyline after dark. 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, onelakewood.com   After: Check out the rainbow of tastes at the inventive Ice Cream Joy, a Lakewood ice cream parlor with nearly 100 rotating flavors of small-batch and vegan ice cream. Think outside the carton with a dip of sweet and spicy cilantro carrot. 15210 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-644-2014, iscreamjoy.com #OldSchool #Inexpensive