Of the “50 Things Every Clevelander Must Do,” I have only checked off 11. When we originally compiled this list back in 2015, I had completed almost double that number. Clearly, I’m slipping.
So while I’ve cheered on the Cleveland Indians from the District and gotten lost in my thoughts at the Eastman Reading Garden, my CLE bucket list has more glaring holes than the Cleveland Browns roster (see Tony Grossi’s NFL draft preview on pg. 22).
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never taken a selfie at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Long Live Rock sign, boarded the USS Cod Submarine Memorial or carved up Lake Erie on a Jet Ski. I know. Sad.
Don’t judge too harshly. A quick survey of our editorial and design staff found I’m somewhat average (which seems about right). From a low of eight to a high of 13 (claps for Maria Amador, Kelly Petryszyn and Kim Schneider), it seems we have a lot left to discover in this town — from doing yoga on Public Square to catching 30 perch off the East 55th Street Pier.
To our surprise, though, none of us had ever been brave or tipsy enough to sing karaoke at Tina’s Nite Club, the tiny, brick box of a bar tucked away in the Gordon Square Arts District. But it sounds like we need to organize an outing.
“I’d love to belt some old-school ‘90s pop with a copilot,” says Petryszyn, who handles our arts and entertainment coverage. “I’m too much of a wimp to go at it alone. But I’m also a closet adrenaline junkie, so I like the thrill of the challenge.”
In many ways, that’s the point: the challenge.
Normally, I consider myself the adventurous type. I enjoy exploring new places (Young Kings record store in Hingetown), unusual menu items (swordfish schnitzel at the Burham) and overlooked city gems (Loganberry Books in Shaker Heights).
Once I find something I really love (Platform Beer Co. in Ohio City), however, it can take a Terminal Tower-sized effort to overcome my inertia. Routine makes us feel good.
It’s easy to stay within our little bubbles and the safety provided by those 5 to 10 miles around where we live. Sometimes we just need a nudge, whether that’s getting outside our neighborhood circle, side of town or comfort zone. Consider this a good-natured, inspirational shove in the right direction.
