Why? Upcoming Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Congratulations to Gauri (Comment #1), randomly-selected winner of 2 general admission tickets to the Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen.***

As we head toward summer, there are a ton of great upcoming events to take advantage of around the Cleveland area.

Red, White & BBQ Rib Fest

Saturday, May 18 at 12pm

Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby

Image Source – seriouseats.com

Downtown Willoughby presents the second annual Red, White & BBQ Rib Fest. From noon to 8pm, Erie Street will be turned into a pedestrian mall lined with restaurants serving up tasty BBQ and libations. Willoughby Brewing Co., Lure Bistro, Olivor Twist and many other Downtown Willoughby favorites will be participating. There will also be two stages with live music from eight different local bands and artists. Red, White & BBQ falls on Armed Forces Day and will be honoring our nation’s heroes by asking all attendees to donate $1 to the USO of Northern Ohio.

Recruit Cleveland Alumni-Only Career Expo

Thursday, May 23 at 11am

Veale Center at Case Western Reserve University

Image Source – hirecleveland.eventbrite.com

If you’re an alumni from John Carroll University, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, or a host of other local schools (see the graphic above), you are invited to attend a career fair with job opportunities from over 75 local employers, including the Cleveland Clinic, PR Newswire, Huntington Bank, and more. Admission is $10 for VIP early access and featured resume placement or free for all other alumni. Space is limited! For more details and to register, click here.

Woof, Wag and Wine

Saturday, June 1 at 1pm

Grand River Cellars

Image Source – lakehumane.org

An event that combines pups and wine? Be still my heart! Bring your pup along for a tour of Grand River Cellars, a wine tasting, live music, auctions, and more. Admission is $15 and includes your wine tasting. Proceeds benefit the Lake Humane Society. Click here for more information.

13^thAnnual Race for the Place

Sunday, June 2 at 8am

Beachwood Place

Image Source – touchedbycancer.org

Get out, get moving, and raise money for The Gathering Place, a community-based cancer-support center. There is a 5K chip-timed race or a one-mile fun walk, as well as family activities in the Celebration Village. Join honorary cancer survivor chair Jim Donovan, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, and The Gathering Place for this great event. Registration ranges from $10-30 depending on age and event. Click here for more information and to register.

15^thAnnual Farm to Table Benefit

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Monday, June 3 at 5:30pm

Image Source – cbgarden.org

Join 20 Cleveland chefs, from restaurants such as Spice Kitchen and Bar, Crop Bistro, and The Greenhouse Tavern, for a strawberry-inspired farm-to-table tasting event. At 5:30, there will be a panel discussion on “Berry Benefits,” then from 6:30-9, let your tastebuds explore the different tasting stations and enjoy live music on the Garden’s Geis Terrace. Tickets are $100 ($85 for Garden members) and proceeds benefit Green Corps and the North Union Farmers Market. For more information and to purcase tickets, click here.

10^thAnnual DePiero Family Charity 5K Run and 2K Walk

Saturday, June 8 at 8:30am

Byers Field

Image Source – deandepiero.com

Join former Parma Mayor Dean DePiero for a 5K race or 2K walk, along with refreshments and raffles, to benefit the Cleveland Courage Fund, recently established to raise money for Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight. Registration is $20 and the first 300 registrants receive a t-shirt. Click here for more information and to register.

Piggy Stardust & the Flavors from Mars

Wednesday, June 19 at 6:30pm

The Beachland Ballroom

Emerging Chefs, Chef Brian Doyle, and Chef Brian Rosander have teamed up to create a rock ‘n roll glam foodie event. A multi-course dinner, cocktail pairings, and live music from Vanity Crash, along with the cool surroundings of the The Beachland Ballroom will make for an evening not to be missed. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Farm to Table Garlic Dinner

Saturday, June 22 at 5pm

Thaxton Garlic Farm

Join Thaxton’s Organic Garlic and Hudson’s Restaurant for a delicious farm-to-table dinner experience showcasing vendors from the Hudson Farmers Market. The dinner will include a cocktail hour, tour of the garlic farm and neighboring alpaca farm, and a five-course dinner with wine pairings. Tickets are $125 and proceeds benefit the Hudson Farmers Market. Click here to purchase tickets.

What upcoming events are you looking forward to?

***Disclosures: I am the VP of Special Initiatives for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter. Also, I was invited by Emerging Chefs to attend Piggy Stardust with a complimentary media pass, but declined due to scheduling conflicts. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Provenance Giveaway!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Congratulations to sareberry (Comment #28), randomly-selected winner of 2 general admission tickets to the Silver Spoon Awards Party. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen.

If you didn’t win, you can still purchase tickets by clicking here. Or stay tuned to Mile 26 and More for another ticket giveaway!***

On Friday evening, Matthew and I were treated to an exclusive peek at the tantalizing goodness happening at Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Chef Partner Douglas Katz and Executive Chef Matthew Jankowski have created a menu that is truly an intersection of art and food.

We started our evening as all evenings should: with delicious cocktails! I recommend the thyme and ginger, a refreshing vodka beverage.

Pictured above with the thyme and ginger is a mushroom and leek cake, which was one of my favorites nibbles of the night. We also got to taste melt-in-your-mouth scallops and shaved duck on top roasted fingerling potato.

There was also an impressive array of cheeses and cured meats.

From the nibbles we had, I cannot wait to try a full meal at Provenance! The restaurant is open the same hours as the Museum: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Aside from the 76-person dining area, there are also two private rooms for parties.

This is truly a beautiful and tasty addition to the Cleveland Museum of Art! The group of us there for the tasting are truly thankful to Provenance for making us feel so welcome!

After the tasting, we got to check out the MixUp event, which is a monthly fusion of art, music, cocktails happening the first Friday of every month. You can peruse the galleries, as well as have a cocktail and listen to music in the impressive new atrium area.

Check out next month’s MixUp on Friday, June 7 or Solstice, one of the hottest parties of the summer, happening Saturday, June 22.

Having had the opportunity to spend time at the Cleveland Museum of Art twice recently, I will tell you that the Museum is a must-see, must-eat, must-spend-time destination. And to help you do just that, I have a $100 gift card to Provenance to give away!

Here’s how to enter: You can do one, two, or all three entries, just leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry:

1. Leave a comment telling me one of your favorite artistic restaurants (in food presentation or decor).

2. Follow @ClevelandArt and @WhyCLE on Twitter and leave one comment letting me know you’re following both.

3. Tweet the following phrase and leave a comment letting me know you tweeted:

I want to dine where art and food combine at @ClevelandArt from @WhyCLE: http://wp.me/p1fb9r-1ty #giveaway

You can tweet once per day for additional entries, just leave a separate comment each time you tweet.

The giveaway will close on Thursday, May 9 at 11:59pm and the winner will be announced the following day. Also, check out The Dawg’s Dish’s giveaway for another chance to win. Good luck!

***I was invited to attend a special tasting event at Provenance and the MixUp event with a guest. In exchange for attending and blogging about the event, I received a $100 gift card to Provenance to give away. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Ohio Blogging at the Cleveland Museum of Art!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to one of Tri-C Jazz Fest’s concerts yet? Check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries.***

On Wednesday night, Matthew and I met up with a bunch of bloggers and blog supporters for the Ohio Blogging Association monthly gathering, this time at one of Cleveland’s greatest treasures: the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The new atrium area is stunning! You truly feel as if you were outside. We started with dinner just past the atrium at the new Provenance Café. I had a claystone flatbread with grilled swordfish, hummus, roasted eggplant spread, and more Mediterranean goodness.

I also highly recommend the mini bottle of champagne (you’re at a museum and being cultured and classy, after all) and the dessert bars (we split pecan pie and lemon).

After dinner, we got a tour of “The Last Days of Pompeii: Decadence, Apocalypse, Resurrection” exhibit. Our tour guide, Lucy, selected all the contemporary pieces for the exhibit and was a wealth of knowledge on both the classical and contemporary art we saw.

Hostess Alicia and Tour Guide Lucy

Matthew visited Pompeii during his study abroad semester in Italy, so he brought an even more hands-on perspective to the art. The exhibit has classic paintings of imagined life in Pompeii and then the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Image Source – clevelandart.org

The Last Days of Pompeii also showcases contemporary works, such as sculptures based off body casts taken of remains found at Pompeii, which were some of the most evocative pieces for me.

Image Source – clevelandart.org

The Cleveland Museum of Art is truly one of Cleveland’s greatest cultural assets and, with its new renovations and this amazing exhibit, more than worth a visit to see what’s going on there. “The Last Days of Pompeii” runs through Sunday, July 7. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, and $7 for children.

In attendance at the meet-up were bloggers from:

Am I There Yet? (and boyfriend Justin)

Call Me Trouble

Craveable Cleveland

Eat*Drink*Cleveland

Go Run Jess

Poise in Parma (and Aunt Kathy)

ROJ Running (and guest Jason)

SOS Associates (and wife Julie)

@TalknCleveland

The next Ohio Blogging Association event is in the works, so stay tuned to the OBA Facebook page for more details coming soon!

Have you seen “The Last Days of Pompeii?”

***Disclosure: The Ohio Blogging Association members and guests received complimentary tickets to “The Last Days of Pompeii” exhibit, as well as a guided tour. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Cleveland Museum of Art!

***A bit of blogkeeping: While I’m soaking up the sun on vacation, I’ve asked some great Cleveland blogger pals to guest post for me. Today we have Jess from Always JAM in CLE. Jess has such a wonderful, positive outlook on life and truly loves CLE! Enjoy her guest post and check out her blog for even more great stuff!***

One of my earliest memories of the Cleveland Museum of Art is now hysterical to me as an adult.  Ice cream cones and Egyptians. My mom is an art history professor and used to tote me along with her to the exhibits and museums when I was a kid. I remember going to see an exhibit (of ancient pharaohs and Egyptians) and after twirling around in the huge gallery I turned and blurted out to her my own art observation…. “Mom, why do all these guys have ice cream cones on their chins?”

Image source: Christopher Pledger http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/2659871/Twins-found-in-Tutankhamuns-tomb.html

I’d say that’s a valid question from a 5 year old…!

We still laugh about the story today, but the early exposure and access to the arts has lead me to have a deep appreciation and interest in the vibrant art community we have here in Cleveland.

Recently my entire family visited the museum to check out the new exhibit, “The Last Days of Pompeii: Decadence, Apocalypse, Resurrection”, which runs now until July 7^th.

Image Source – JAM in CLE

For the History and Art Lovers

The Pompeii show was so incredible! And the history of the ancient city is absolutely fascinating! If you are a history buff or interested in a new perspective of the famous volcanic eruption and mysterious city, you should definitely check out this exhibit! “Pompeii and the other ancient cities destroyed and paradoxically preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in ad79 are usually considered the places where one can best and most directly experience the daily lives of ancient Romans. Rather than presenting these sites as windows to the past, this exhibition explores them as a modern obsession. (Quote source) From Andy Warhol’s iconic pop style to the eerie castings of bodies and animals from Pompeii, the show captures the historical event with a new modern and artistic perspective.

 For the Architects and Sun-lovers

Also, this was my first time being back to the museum since the new atrium has opened. It.is.STUNNING. This space should be considered a work of art itself! The museum has been undergoing a massive expansion and renovation and this space does not disappoint! I could sit here with a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning and just take in the sunshine filtering in and casting slanted shadows.

Image Source – JAM in CLE

Image Source – JAM in CLE

For the Young Professionals

The museum’s newly formed young professionals affiliate group, Column and Stripe, hosts a monthly event to engage the younger audience with the arts scene called MIX First Friday Happy Hours. The atrium space transforms into a pumping scene of live music, mingling, arts, culture and cocktails! Click here for information about the next MIX event.

For the Techies and Touchers

Visitors at most museums learn early on that you do NOT touch anything at museums and do not get too close to the artwork. Well not with this new hands-on exhibit! “Gallery One” encourages visitors to interact with the nearly 3,500 objects in the museum’s permanent collection through a giant multi-touch screen. You create your own tour by flipping through images and moving the tiles along yourself. You can even bring along your iPad and use the ArtLens app to learn more about the pieces.

Image Source – JAM in CLE

For Families

The museum truly offers something for people of all ages, including families. The second Sunday of each month is “Family Day” and families can bring their little ones to the museum for make-and-take activities and learn more about art. Hey, maybe your child will  get an early start on her art education and bridge the connection between ancient art and tasty ice cream cones too!

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a gem in our great land of CLE. So if you haven’t checked out the newly renovated space, you have several reasons now to go, learn, explore, interact, mingle and dream!

Why? Valentine’s Day Events!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! It’s the time to awaken all your senses and get the romance flowing. Here are some Valentine’s events that seem to speak to each of the senses:

SIGHT

Image Source – greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Valentine’s Day: That’s A Moray at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium certainly will tempt your tastebuds, but getting to dine under the sea while surrounded by the aquarium’s creatures is a unique visual treat. Tickets are $90 per person (you save $10 if you’re a passholder) and include a three-course dinner, a glass of wine, and passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as a talk on seahorses. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

TASTE

The Greenhouse Tavern knows the way to your sweetie’s heart. With a unique and tantalizing menu that includes caviar, oysters, heart, and chocolates, you’ll be feeling the power of the aphrodisiacs by course two! This nine-course dinner is $65 per person, with optional $35 per person drink pairings. Reservations are accepted from 5pm-10pm on Valentine’s Day. Call 216-443-0511 to reserve.

SMELL

Image Source – lpsinc.com

One of the most evocative senses is that of smell. So, get your nose twitching with some delicious cooking smells at the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking. The Valentine’s Day couples classes are already sold out, but there are a lot of other great options including a Valentine’s dinner at Sappore and a Valentine’s luncheon. Check out the schedule here.

TOUCH

Image Source – harmonyyogastudios.com

It’s hot and sweaty and your twisting your body into unusual positions and it’s yoga, people! Get your om on with your honey at Harmony Yoga‘s Valentine’s Day Couples Yoga on Saturday, February 16. An hour-and-a-half beginners-level class is followed by wine and appetizers. Cost is $50 per couple. Click here for more information and to register.

SOUND

Image Source – kenston.k12.oh.us

There aren’t many places in Cleveland more romantic than Severance Hall. On Valentine’s Day, the Cleveland Orchestra will present two of Beethoven’s symphonies, conducted by Herbert Bloomstedt. Enjoy beautiful music in a beautiful setting with your beautiful special someone! Tickets range from $31 to $125. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, click here.

However you celebrate, having a sense-stimulating Valentine’s Day!

Why? Upcoming Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to the Great Big Home and Garden Show? Check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for more entries.

Also, I’m starting as a monthly guest blogger for the Lake County Visitor’s Bureau. You can check out my first post today by clicking here.***

Where did January go? I can’t believe how fast this year has kicked off. Probably because there’s so much to keep busy with, like these great upcoming events:

16th Annual Red and White on Thursday Night

Thursday, January 31 at 5:30pm

Quaker Station at the Quaker Square Inn

Image Source – eventbrite.com

The Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region is hosting this annual fundraiser. Stroll around while you sip wine and nibble delicious bites. There will also be raffles and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door, and $125 for VIP, which includes a special wine tasting. Click here to purchase tickets.

4th Annual Pancake Barkfeast

Saturday, February 2 at 8am

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ

Image Source – secondhandmutts.org

Join Secondhand Mutts, a rescue and adoption organization, for a tasty breakfast and help raise money for treatment of heart worm-positive dogs. There will be buttermilk and chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and sausage, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Click here for more information (at that link, you can also find out about the Smooches for Pooches Bowl-a-Thon on Friday, February 15).

Dinner in the Dark

Monday, February 4 at 6pm

The Q

Image Source – dinnerinthedarkcleveland.com

Dinner in the Dark is a way to tap into both your culinary adventurous side and your philanthropic side. A group of six local chefs create a meal and you only find out what’s being served as each course appears. It’s a chance for these chefs to have some fun and for you to taste some interesting dishes, all to benefit a local charity. Tickets are $87 and can be purchased by clicking here.

10th Annual Orchid Mania

Tuesday, February 5 – Sunday, March 10

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

If the grey and gloom are starting to get to you, then head over to the warmth and beauty of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Orchid Mania will feature more than 100 varieties of orchids on display. New for this year, check out “Orchids After Dark” every Wednesday and Friday until 9pm, with cocktails, chocolates, and exclusive tours. Tickets for Orchid Mania are $9.50. Click here for more information.

Cupid’s Undie Run

Saturday, February 16 at 12pm

Tremont

Image Source – cupidsundierun.com

Cupid’s Undie Run is a one-mile-”ish” run in your skivvies, with a pre- and post-run party at The South Side. Registration is $25 and there are awesome incentives for fundraising levels, including VIP Open Bar access for raising $150. You think you’re brave? Brave enough to run for a mile through Tremont in February in your undies? Even if you’re that brave, you’ve got nothing on the children helped by The Children’s Tumor Foundation, the beneficiary of all funds raised by Cupid’s Undie Run.

Brite Winter 2013

Saturday, February 16, starting at 4pm

Ohio City Market District

Image Source – britewinter.com

It’s the fourth annual Brite Winter festival, combining art, music, games, snow and fun. 48 different bands are scheduled to perform on various outdoor stages throughout the Market District. This year’s theme centers around light and fire, so there will be amazingly-lit art installations to check out, as well as some fun games to let the kid in you come out to play in the snow. Admission is free.

Winter Warmer 2013

Saturday, February 23 at 2pm

Windows on the River

Image Source – eventbrite.com

Join the Ohio Craft Brewers Association for the 7th annual Winter Warmer event. There will be lots of Ohio craft breweries with samples of winter, limited-edition beers, as well as live blues music from Austin Walkin’ Cane. Tickets are $35 and include 20 tasting tickets and 1 deli lunch ticket. Click here to purchase tickets.

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Arthritis Foundation to help promote Red and White on Thursday Night. In exchange, I was offered 2 VIP tickets, but declined due to scheduling issues.***

Why? Your Reasons Why CLE!

I was originally just going to announce the winner of the blogiversary giveaway and then move on with a different post, but the reasons you left in the comments as to why you love Cleveland were so thoughtful and honest and just great that I wanted to share them in a post:

The Food

“I’m going to say that I love Cleveland’s amazing FOOD! Not just restaurants but farmer’s markets, CSA’s, Fresh Fork and of course the West Side Market that I find myself going less and less to an actual grocery store unless it’s for things like cereal and gum.”  - Eat*Drink*Cleveland

I’ve certainly expanded my palate with the fabulous restaurants, but I’ve also really learned the value of locally-grown ingredients from having access to things like the West Side Market and Fresh Fork.

The Arts

“… it’s accessible arts community – we have a variety of theatre choices without being overwhelmed, that’s also fairly affordable. Our Art Museum is free (whoo-hoo!) and places like Near West Theatre really encourage the idea of community involvement in the arts.” – Amanda

Not only do we incredible access to the arts, we have a huge base of supporters, from the large Playhouse Square Partners membership to the Jump Back Ball sell-out to the enormous participation in community-theater shows.

 Adaptability 

“I love CLE because its changed for me and with me. I studied here as a grad student, lived here as a young professional, and now am raising kids here. It fits every facet of my life!” – Bethany

When I saw Bethany’s comment, I was so happy to see someone else verbalize what I feel so deeply for Cleveland. I was born here, I was young and single here, I started my career here, I’m married and embarking on new phases of my life here. In every time, Cleveland just fits me and has something different and special to offer.

The Six-Degrees-of-Cleveland

“My favorite thing about CLE is also sometimes my least favorite…that everyone knows someone who like, lived next door to your dad’s great aunt, or went to school with your boyfriend’s cousin’s wife….but that what makes it truly feel like home!” – Katie

It’s true! You can’t go anywhere without running into someone who used to walk your neighbor’s dog. But Katie’s right, it makes it feel like home. It makes it feel like you belong. And for a boomerang especially, it helps make the coming back home a bit easier.

The People

“I love Cleveland for its people – so down-to-earth, culturally diverse and with wonderful hearts!” – Kristian

“Why I love CLE? The people for sure – it just feels like home (which it’s always been of course) but it’s something most cities don’t have.” – lifeinthecle

“Plain and simple the best thing about Cleveland is my family. It is home – always has been and always will be!” – Cleveland Chick

Yes! We can have the culture and the food and the institutions and the infrastructure and the homes, but it’s the people of Cleveland being themselves – the warm, giving, salt-of-the-earth people – that will ultimately attract new residents and retain those who already live here.

Everything

“What’s there not to love about Cleveland?! I love EVERYTHING! The food, the lake, sports, people, seasons, corporate scene, art, traditions, newness…I love it all!” - Kirsten

“I love Cleveland because there’s always something to do, a game to go to or an event. I’m so glad I’ve moved here!” -Emily

Well, everything is good too…

Now onto the winner, chosen via random.org. Congratulations to Cleveland Chick (Comment #16), winner of the Cleveland ornament! Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all of you for entering, for your awesome reasons “Why CLE?,” and for your sweet blogiversary wishes!

Why? Weekends!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Random.org has chosen. Congratulations to Kathleen S. (Comment #22), winner of 4 tickets to the #KeyLegLamp Cavs game on Wednesday, December 5! Please check your email and reply by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen.

If you didn’t win, you can still purchase tickets to attend the game and get your leg lamp bobble head by clicking here. Also, remember you have until Saturday, December 8 to enter the A Christmas Story House Night Out Sweepstakes, sponsored by Key Bank. Click here for details and an entry form.***

December is here and it’s time for lots of holiday fun! It’s also time to try to keep in shape, what with all the additional cookies and Christmas Ales. Confession time: I’ve been a lax yogi lately, but I got back in the swing on Saturday morning at Alicia‘s class at Nishkama Yoga. Sometimes you need a teacher who is also a friend and will totally call you out for avoiding chair pose or wimping out during three-legged dog.

After getting my asana kicked a bit, Matthew and I met up with Amanda and Scott and Kimberly and Chris to check out Glow at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Confession time again: I had never been to the Cleveland Botanical Garden before! I have no idea how that happened, but I’m so glad I remedied it. Glow decks out the Garden in twinkly, merry holiday splendor and is a truly festive way to spend an afternoon. Plus, you can stop in the main greenhouse and get a warm, butterfly-filled taste of summer too.

We saw Christmas trees everywhere, decorated by local gardening clubs. There are also hundreds of gingerbread houses, which were entered in the Glow gingerbread house competition. The details and creativity that went into the creation of these houses is amazing. Some of my favorites included the A Christmas Story-themed house, the West Side Market replica, and Santa’s Barn, complete with miniature farm animals.

While at Glow, you can decorate your own gingerbread house ($20) or castle ($30) to take home or go the easy route like we did and purchase one of the tasty gingerbread man cookies and a hot cider. While sipping your cider, take in live holiday music in a room that truly just glows.

Even the outside of the Garden is decked out with holiday decorations, from gingerbread men to peppermints. There is also a Garden Express train, which takes kids and parents on a ride through the Garden. The taller among our group vetoed experiencing the train firsthand. You can also head over to the Rink at Wade Oval for some ice skating.

Glow left us feeling, well, all glowy. It’s a truly magical and beautiful way to celebrate the season in Cleveland! Glow is open through December 31. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children. Click here for times and ticket information.

From Glow, we headed to Little Italy for dinner, which is just a short jaunt away. The last time I was in Little Italy was for the Feast of the Assumption, so I was looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying a sit-down meal in one of the restaurants. We chose Trattoria on the Hill and had a lovely, unrushed, completely filling Italian meal.

We started with the stuffed banana peppers, which were not too spicy and stuffed with a tasty sausage and cheese mixture.

We went with classic choices for dinner: I had the meat ravioli with tomato basil sauce and Matthew had the chicken piccata.

Both provided exactly what we wanted: a traditional, no-frills, delicious Italian meal. Somehow we made room for dessert and split the tiramisu.

This was some of the best tiramisu I have ever tasted! Definitely worth stuffing ourselves to enjoy every bite. It was a great end to a festive day that left us all in the mood to enjoy the holiday season.

On Sunday, Matthew and I celebrated six months of being married! First of all, where did the time go?! Second of all, I promise we’ll stop counting in months soon. Anyway, that was the second-most important celebration of the day, as we also had our niece Leila’s second birthday party to attend.

There were lots of presents, plenty of cake, and time with the cutest little 2-year-old I know. Pretty great way to cap off the weekend!

How was your weekend, CLE?

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Botanical Garden to help promote Glow. In exchange, I received 2 complimentary tickets to the event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Upcoming Holiday Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the Cavs game on December 5. Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries!***

‘Tis the season, Cleveland! All over, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means tons of fun goings-on around town. Read on for a sampling of all the festive fun:

Glow Wintershow 2012

Now through December 31

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

Even the name sounds magical! Glow has something for everyone: take a ride on the Garden Express train, listen to carolers, decorate a gingerbread house, check out the beautifully decorated trees and poinsettias, and go ice skating at the Rink at Wade Oval. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children. For Glow times and tickets, click here.

Ohio City Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 1 at 11am

Market Square Park

Image Souce – facebook.com

Come down to Market Square Park and shop for Christmas trees and gifts, have your photo taken with Santa, raise a Christmas Ale and generally celebrate the season. Click here for more information.

Cookie Decorating Party

Saturday, December 1 at 2pm

Veggie U

Head out west to Veggie U for an afternoon of fun with the kids. Children can decorate a dozen cookies to take home, as well as extra cookies to be donated to a local nursing home, plus sneak in a visit with Santa! Tickets are $35 per child under 12. Call 419-499-7500 for reservations.

Playhouse Square Partners Night at The Santaland Diaries

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30pm

Playhouse Square

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Playhouse Square Partners as they attend the theatrical performance of David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, the story of an out-of-work actor who takes a job as a Macy’s Christmas Elf. Tickets are $30 and include beer, wine, and light appetizers. This show is for mature elves only! Click here to purchase tickets.

White Christmas

Saturday, December 8 at 12pm

Cedar Lee Theatre

Image Source – twitter.com/cedarleetheatre

Head over to the Cedar Lee Theatre for a screening of this Bing Crosby holiday classic. Admission is $5 or 2 non-perishable food items, both to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank. You can purchase advance tickets online by clicking here or by taking your 2 non-perishable food items to the box office prior to the show.

John Carroll University Christmas Ale and Cookies

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Panini’s Bar & Grill in Mayfield and Westlake

Image Source – jcu.edu

The John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter wants to celebrate the season with Cleveland-area JCU alums. Head to Panini’s in Mayfield or Westlake for food and fun. Cost to attend is $12, which gets you food, Christmas cookies, and one drink ticket. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new winter gloves, hats, etc. for donation to the JCU Labre Service Project. Click here to RSVP by December 8.

Ohio Blogging Association Holiday Party and Cookie Swap

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Battery Park Wine Bar

Image Source – bigboldbeautifulfood.blogspot.com

Calling all bloggers and blog supporters to a fun evening of food, wine, conversation, and cookies! The Ohio Blogging Association is hosting its second annual holiday party and cookie swap at Battery Park Wine Bar. Happy hour menu will be available for the event, which includes $4 select beer and wine and discounted appetizers. If you want to participate in the cookie swap, bring 4 dozen cookies and a container to collect your treats to take home. For more details and to RSVP, click here.

Ale and Cookies and Ugly Sweaters

Monday, December 17 at 6pm

Bier Markt and Bar Cento

Image Souce – clevelandfoodbank.org

Join the Cleveland Foodbank’s YP Pantry group for some holiday merriment. From 6-9pm at Bier Markt and Bar Cento, just mention you’re with the YP Pantry and 15% of your tab will be donated to the Cleveland Foodbank. There will also be a canned goods collection, Christmas cookies to nibble, and a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Click here to RSVP.

Stone Mad Chestnut Roasting Party

Monday, December 17 at 7pm

Stone Mad Pub

Image Source – unitedwaycleveland.org

Stop in at Stone Mad Pub for this yearly tradition, with live holiday music, carriage rides through Gordon Square, chestnuts roasted in the outdoor fireplace, and more festive fun.

Emerging Chefs Naughty Claus

Thursday, December 20 at 8pm

Speakeasy

Join Emerging Chefs and Chef Adam Lambert at Speakeasy for a unique holiday celebration. Chef Lambert will present five courses of naughty and nice treats, paired with holiday drinks. Put this event on your list and check it twice! Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by clicking here.

You can find more great holiday events on Positively Cleveland’s Guide to Celebrating the Season Locally and also find out about your chance to win a full-size leg lamp through their #HomeinCLE Instagram contest.

What holiday events in Cleveland will you be attending?

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Emerging Chefs to help promote their events. In exchange, I will receive 2 complimentary tickets to Glow and one complimentary media pass to Naughty Claus. I am a board member for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter and the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Upcoming Events!

If you thought life in Cleveland would slow down after summer passed, think again! This fall is shaping up to be just as busy. Here are some great upcoming events to check out:

Image Source – cleveland.cbslocal.com

Ingenuity Festival

September 14 – 16

Docks 30 and 32

Live music, performance art, speakers, food, comedy, and more. It’s a coming together of cool and unique Clevelanders to celebrate, well, ingenuity. The festival is free, so come early, stay late, and take in all the inspiration. Click here for more information.

Image Source – downtowncleveland.com

Sparx City Hop

Saturday, September 15

All over Cleveland

Experience Cleveland’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods by “hopping” around them courtesy of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. There will be 4 free trolleys with different routes, including Asia Town, Campus District, Ohio City, and Tremont. There will be a C-Town Chowdown, walking tours with actors portraying famous figures from Cleveland’s past, dance performances, an open air market and much more. For information on the trolley lines and more, click here.

Image Source – smittenincle.blogspot.com

Tremont Art and Cultural Festival

Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16

Lincoln Park

Live music, art demonstrations and performances, Yoga Rocks the Park, chef demos, and more! This is a fun, all-ages, budget-friendly event that celebrates the great art and culture that goes on in Tremont. Click here for a schedule of events and more information.

Image Source – cbgarden.org

RIPE! Fest

Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

A celebration of fall harvest, RIPE! Fest combines a farmer’s market, local crafts, live music, food trucks, gardening classes, and kids’ activities into two action-packed days. Be sure to catch the pancake flip-off on Sunday morning! Tickets are $11 in advance and $13 at the door. Click here for more information.

Image Source – facebook.com

Flavors of Northeast Ohio 2012

Monday, September 24 at 6pm

Cleveland Downtown Marriott at Key Center

Flavors of Northeast Ohio isn’t just about tasting. Each table at Flavors is paired with a local chef who creates their meal tableside. Restaurants with chefs participating include AMP 150, Luxe, Light Bistro, and Market Garden Brewery. Tickets are $225 and proceeds benefit the American Liver Foundation. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Image Source – clevelandfoodbank.org

Cleveland Foodbank Young Professionals Happy Hour

Thursday, September 27 at 6pm

Grovewood Tavern

The Cleveland Foodbank is forming a Young Professionals group committed to supporting the mission of the Foodbank. At the kickoff happy hour, you can learn more about the group’s upcoming events, meet other members, and enjoy tasty treats from Grovewood Tavern. Bring cans of food as your admission. Two cans equal one drink ticket (limit two drink tickets per person). Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Image Source – ehow.com

Playhouse Square Partners’ Ohio State v. Michigan State Viewing Party

Saturday, September 29

The Blind Pig

Each Fall, PlayhouseSquare Partners hosts their annual OSU viewing party. This year, cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans when they go head-to-head. The party will start a half hour prior to kickoff. Admission is free and you can purchase food and drink packages for $25 in advance, $30 at the door. The package is good for 4 hours of unlimited food, beer, wine and well drinks. A portion of the proceeds from these packages will go towards the Playhouse Square Bus Fund. There will also be raffles, football squares, and more. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

***Disclosure: I am a council member of The Cleveland Foodbank’s Young Professionals group. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***