Cleveland is well known for its fantastic parks, which have earned the nickname of "The Emerald Necklace." Spectacular shades of emerald, peridot, and jade paint the natural landscape, concealing a secret or two beneath the leaves and hidden natural space. What makes these Cleveland gems so historic? Their stories may surprise you.
1. Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville
As the largest of the Cleveland Metroparks, this reservation is a special landmark in its own right. But, across its vast campus, one can find monuments such as the Harriet Keeler Memorial and the Squire Rich Museum, which are open from 1p.m. to 5 p.m., June through October
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2. Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 East 49th Street, Cleveland
Throughout the state, remnants of the historic 309-mile Ohio and Erie Canal are still visible. Here, its northernmost expanse remains preserved. Explore the culturally-rich canal, then swing by the Canalway Center to experience both nature and history up close.
3. Lakefront Reservation, 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland
As the home of Edgewater Beach, this reservation is one of Cleveland's favorites. Not only does the campus include the beach, but it also encompasses the historic Lorenzo Hart Cabin and the Coast Guard Station.
4. Deep Lock Quarry, 5779 Riverview Road, Peninsula
This quarry is gushing with local history, and you really have to see it to truly understand its significance. Millstones and building foundations dot the landscape of this majestic park. State Quarry provided blocks of sandstone that completed portions of the canal, and the blocks were also used in oat-processing by Ferdinand Schumacher, who is credited with introducing oatmeal to the U.S.
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5. Rocky River Reservation, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted
Rocky River Reservation is particularly special, as part of it was the first land purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1919. Visit the Frostville Museum, located at 24101 Cedar Point Road, Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or visit the 2,000-year old authentic earthworks site of Fort Hill.
Over 1,000 acres make up this awe-inspiring park. Fence rows and a Civil War-era barn hint at this park's former life as a dairy farm. Another hidden history lies beneath the park: coal was mined from certain regions of the park, providing our predecessors with a valuable resource.
7. South Chagrin Reservation, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville
Pictured here is the mysterious Henry Church Rock, carved by its namesake in 1885. It is just one of the many attractions that makes this park so delightfully unusual. Look About Lodge, built in 1938, offers year-round educational programs. Another amazing site is the Burnett Historical House, which traces its origins to the late 1800's.
8. Washington Reserve, 4408 Pallister Drive, Cleveland
The U.S.S. Maine Memorial stands like a beacon near the entrance of the park, drawing in guests with its celebration of local armed forces personnel. If you're a golf buff, you'll also adore the 9-hole Washington Golf Course located just outside of Downtown Cleveland.
Pictured here is the pre-restoration O'Neil barn, which today glows a deep scarlet beneath the lush greenery of the park. This 242-acre park was formerly a family farm owned by William O'Neil, founder of General Tire and Rubber Company.
10. Big Creek Reservation, 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland
This stunning park is home to the largest remaining glacial wetland in Cuyahoga County. Kids can get in touch with their inner paleontologist at the prehistoric play pit and Mastodon dig site.
To some degree, we often forget the significance of local parks. Not only do they preserve a natural space that provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, but many local parks house pristine historic sites that are hidden local landmarks. What is your favorite historic park?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
If you've never heard of the National Audubon Society, then you're probably not into birding. When it comes to the hobby of bird-watching, these guys are the gold standard of habitat conservation and bird education. Here in Northeast Ohio, the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland is more than active... in fact, the society is now over 100 years old! Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to one of their most cherished properties, and it's the oldest bird sanctuary in Ohio. With 165 acres to explore, the stunning Aurora Sanctuary State Nature Preserve is poised to knock your socks off, and many consider it to be one of the best birdwatching spots near Cleveland. Pack your binoculars, because there are dozens of species you can encounter here on any given day.
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Welcome to the stunning Aurora Sanctuary State Nature Preserve!
Established in 1941 by The Cleveland Bird Club, the predecessor to the local Audubon organization, this spot has a long history. The park was intended for development back in the day, but The Great Depression halted any progress. Ever since, it's remained a diverse natural habitat... Only half of it was ever used for farming, and the rest remains largely unaffected by man.
The park, which is decently forested and spotted with wetlands, meadows, and four ponds, is a natural haven for migrant and native bird species.
All in all, a whopping 185 bird species have been spotted here. The landscape is one of the National Audubon’s Important Bird Areas, and you truly never know what birds you'll spot here.
During any given month, you may spot two dozen species or more.
If you're a native Ohioan, then you know that many native species fly south for the winter. This is true of tropical migrating species that fly up into Canada, too! As a result, our area is rich with tropical bird species for a few weeks during the spring and fall. When those birds are traveling far distances, spots like the Aurora Sanctuary are perfect for finding food and resting.
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It's no wonder birds love this area... it's rich in natural resources.
In fact, roughly half the park is protected from man... there aren't trails or any other man-made alterations. Fortunately for birdwatchers, this and a two-mile path on the western reaches of the property provide the perfect environment to simply sit and watch.
And while Aurora Sanctuary is known for its birds, there's plenty of other native Ohio wildlife, too.
From critters that directly interact with the bird food chain to indigenous herbivores like deer, this pretty preserve is full of life. Watch your step along the journey, and be sure to leave nothing but footprints.
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Whether you're at one of the four ponds in the property or under a beech-maple canopy, keep your eyes peeled.
Wear comfortable shoes, because you'll likely be walking and stopping quite a lot. Expect many beautiful scenes, and bring a bit of patience... it'll pay off!
If you're looking for a place to stop and smell the flowers, Aurora Sanctuary belongs on your local bucket list.
After just one visit, you'll understand why this is one of the best birdwatching spots near Cleveland. The forest is always rich in birdsong, and the quiet flutter of wings frequently breaks the stillness in the air. Be prepared to stop and stand for a bit, because you'll want to soak this landscape in slowly. Savor the experience.
Look for it at 891 E Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202.
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It's no wonder this spot is among the very best birdwatching spots near Cleveland. As Ohio's oldest bird sanctuary, it's absolutely a spot that should be treasured.
While you're in the area, you might consider visiting Sunny Lake, too. Being so close to the nature preserve, there's no shortage of birds here, and sunsets over the lake are a true treat.
