10 Things That Should Be On Everyone's Cleveland Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Taking a road trip through Northeast Ohio? A Cleveland scavenger hunt would make things so much more interesting. You see, we’ve got a distinct local culture that has manifested in identifiable marks on the landscape. Our personality comes through in and around the city, and you’ll know it when you see it… but these ten things absolutely scream “Cleveland.”
1. A Tim Misny ad
We'll start our scavenger hunt off with an easy one: A Tim Misny ad. This guy's branding is so strong that locals only need to see his iconic eyebrow cock to think, "Tim Misny makes them pay." From billboards to bus stop posters, this guy is all over The Land. I've even seen locals joke online that future archaeologists will eventually assume that Misny was the King of Cleveland, once upon a time.
2. A guitar statue
As the birthplace of rock and roll, Cleveland has a certain reputation to maintain. That's part of the reason why GuitarMania was born, though the trend has arguably expanded beyond just the one style of guitar. All throughout Northeast Ohio, giant guitars are likely to pop up. Whether they're out in the open as a public art display or tucked away inside some local building, you're bound to encounter one somewhere!
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3. A Cleveland Metroparks sign
In and around Cleveland, the Cleveland Metroparks span over 25,000 acres. That's 18 massive reservations, dozens of parks, and hundreds of miles of trails. Mostly located in Cuyahoga County with one reservation down in Medina County, you're likely to encounter a Cleveland Metroparks sign or two as you're roadtripping through the area. And if you do spot one, pull over and spend some time in nature! Time spent in the Emerald Necklace is always memorable.
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4. A Mr. Hero restaurant
I have family members who have since moved out of the area who still stock up on Mr. Hero when they're back in town. This iconic Cleveland restaurant got its start in 1965, and it's headquartered in Middleburg Heights to this day. This specialty sandwich shop is beloved by many locals, with Romanburgers and those iconic Waffer Fries falling firmly into the comfort food category. If you see one during your travels, be sure to make a stop!
5. A Cleveland script sign
Throughout Cleveland, we have six signs to remind us where we live. (Just kidding... mostly.) These iconic, picture-perfect signs are typically located in super scenic locations, so they're fun to seek out. Strike a pose, snap a photo, and get ready to turn your masterpiece into next year's Christmas card.
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6. The Guardians of Traffic (or a likeness of the Guardians)
Art deco and eye-catching, the Guardians of Traffic are more famous now than ever before. Why? Well, we rebranded our local MLB team in their honor! Since 1932, these massive structures have stood on the Hope Memorial Bridge, overlooking the city skyline. They're visible from the highway, but they're also a topic of local art. Whether you're spotting them on Cleveland merch or a local billboard, you'll know you're in The Land when you see these guys watching over your safe travels.
7. An Ohio Historical Marker sign
I just love these things! They're all over the state, but they're especially plentiful in a place like Cleveland where history was made over and over again. From heart-wrenching to jaw-dropping stories, these brown plaques preserve a slice of local history at every location where they're present. You won't regret taking some time to read the story on them!
8. A movie backdrop
Cleveland has star-studded roots, as many movies have been filmed here. I've had family members make appearances on the big screen as a result, from The Deer Hunter's wedding scene in St. Theodosius to game scenes in Shooting Stars. Before you take a trip through Cleveland, be sure to watch a few movies filmed here to see if you can spot some of the iconic locations in them. Some cult classics like A Christmas Story might be ones you're already familiar with!
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9. A leg lamp
Speaking of movies filmed in Cleveland... these things have, oddly, become a source of local pride. It's not at all unusual to spot these beauties sitting in local windows, preserved in area art, or mixed in amidst the decorations at Cleveland restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled for leg lamps as you're traveling through Cleveland!
10. Pierogies
In some way, shape, or form, you're bound to encounter pierogies in Cleveland. These delicious dumplings are a local specialty, and many area restaurants tout them with bold signage. Heck, many local business operate around pierogies. It's worth stopping and grabbing a meal if you see pierogies around... nobody does them quite like Clevelanders.
This fun Cleveland scavenger hunt will make local road trips and adventures so much more interesting! How many of these do you think you encounter on any given day? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Want to expand your local bucket list? There are over 27 top-rated attractions clustered together, making local adventure effortless.
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