City Guide 2014: Attractions

Seeing Green

Enjoy the outdoors at these five downtown spaces.

Eastman Reading Garden / Come here for bird-watching or people-watching, to read a book or to let your mind wander. This reflective space is sprinkled with sculptural art, shaded by trees and brimming with lush plantings. 325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org

Perk Park / Come here on Wednesday during the summer to find local food trucks and live music at lunchtime. In the middle of a bustling retail and restaurant hub, you can sit on swivel chairs or spread a blanket on the lawn. East 12th Street and Chester Avenue, downtowncleveland.com

Voinovich Bicentennial Park / You'll find the perfect photo-op with a view of the Cleveland skyline at this water's edge park. The 4.5-acre space is host to summer festivals and events. It's also a year-round spot for families to play a game of flag football or fish in designated areas. End of East Ninth Street Pier, dnr.state.oh.us

Malls B and C / Toss a Frisbee or bring a picnic lunch to the newly opened T-shaped Mall B and Mall C, and take in views of Lake Erie. The modern design of the malls mix sophistication with the regality of the fountains scattered across the space. Lakeside Avenue, downtowncleveland.com

Fort Huntington Park / This landmark is home to one of two replica monuments that memorialize Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry — after whom a Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer is named — and his role in the victory at the War of 1812's Battle of Lake Erie. Between Lakeside Avenue and West Third Street

Trail Blazer

Choose your own path at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Brandywine Gorge Trail / Take a break at the top of the gorge to enjoy the sounds of Brandywine Falls just beyond your view. 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills

Buckeye Trail / The most pleasant portion of this statewide trail climbs and dips and even asks hikers to cross a small stream. State Route 303, 1/2 mile east of Riverview Road, Peninsula

Ledges Trail / Huge Sharon conglomerate rock formations created from compressed sediment line this trail. Kendall Park Road, 1 mile west of Akron Cleveland Road, Boston Heights

Lake Trail / The loop around Kendall Lake is an easy walk, but pack a picnic so you can rest while taking in the serenity. Kendall Park Road, 1.6 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road, Boston Heights

Tree Farm Trail / A paved, wheelchair-accessible path leads visitors to a pond, and hikers can trek between shady groves of pines. Major Road, 7/10 of a mile west of Riverview Road, Peninsula

Fair Play

Have fun with the whole family at one of these county fairs.