tour guide barbie takes on cleveland.

This past Saturday I revived the Tour Guide Barbie within me. (She made her first appearance while studying abroad. My friend, Katie, deemed me with this title due to my enthusiasm when it came to sightseeing.)

I digress. This past weekend was Tour Guide Barbie's time to shine. I brought my boyfriend, Chris, to the brand new Cleveland Convention Center. The grand opening was June 15th, so I felt obligated to attend. The convention center is located right near the Browns Stadium and contains over one million square feet. ONE MILLION. The event brought a number of health related companies in the area to showcase their services on the main floor.

 The underground level was the fun part. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame set up a stage with performers, while local businesses had tables with little giveaways. The Indians, Cavs, and Browns all brought former players for autographs and games to play for prizes. Chris and I played Plinko. I won a sweet Indians tote. He won a keychain. hah.



 


Library Reading Garden

After the convention center, we walked across the street to the Cleveland Public Library. If you haven't been down to the library yet, it's my number one suggestion. I'll probably have to do a post just on the library sometime. It's one huge free museum. There is an exhibit of the world's largest chess set and the world's smallest print book.  Maybe you think that sounds lame. If so, I feel sorry that you do not get as excited about microscopic print as I do. The newer building has a cool tech center on the ground level. Chris really liked the 3D printers and is determined to go back and print a mini Colosseum.











Conveniently located across the street from the library is the Hyatt at the Arcade. A few years ago, I attended a New Years Eve wedding that held the reception right in the center of the Arcade. You will be able to understand how gorgeous of a reception that was with one walk through this iconic building.


Relaxing at The Chocolate Bar.
We were tired and hot and hungry because Tour Guide Barbie is a fast little walker. So we stopped for drinks and an appetizer at The Chocolate Bar across from East 4th. I've been to The Chocolate Bar once before with a few of my friends. I highly recommend it. Relatively inexpensive prices and a lot of fun food to try. And for the women of the world, Mondays are buy a martini, get a free manicure from 7-10. Guess where Tour Guide Barbie will be next Monday...