Today the film version of "Hamilton" was released on Disney Plus. If you have access to it, take the two-and-a-half hours and revel in this amazing show (or listen to the cast recording on Spotify.) When the show was at Playhouse Square two years ago, I was lucky enough to see it twice. And I've listened to the cast recording more times than I can count. And every time I find something different to enjoy. This is not a moment, it's the movement... It's a complex and layered show that offers a unique spin on American history. To me, there are so many themes that … [Read more...] about Hamilton
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Annie’s Signature Sweets
A few years ago, I met up with a lady who was launching a new business. We had been following each other on social media and decided to get to know each other in real life. Not only was I inspired by her passion for her business, but I also became quick friends with her, which was something awfully sweet. Annie's Signature Sweets is a small business started by Cleveland native Ann LoParo. Ann has grown her business exponentially, receiving local and even national press attention. Let's learn more about her sweet success in her own words... What gave you the idea to start Annie's Signature … [Read more...] about Annie’s Signature Sweets
Lake View Cemetery
This weekend I visited an authentically Cleveland spot that had somehow eluded me up until now: Lake View Cemetery. Nestled near Little Italy, Lake View Cemetery is a gorgeous spot to take a stroll and pick up some Cleveland history at the same time. The grounds are lovely and winding, with lots of foliage and wildflowers (I need to go back in the Spring to see Daffodil Hill.) Oh, and the grounds are pup-friendly, too! There are so many interesting spots to see... And there are lots of famous Cleveland residents buried in Lake View Cemetery: John D. Rockefeller... ...Carl B. … [Read more...] about Lake View Cemetery
The First Tee of Cleveland
I've been lucky through the years of writing Why CLE? to get to know a bit about The First Tee of Cleveland. This summer, Jeffrey is old enough to participate in their Mighty Mites program, too. Jeffrey is loving the time spent outside with other kids learning a new sport. I'm loving that The First Tee of Cleveland was able to come up with a safe, but still fun and engaging, program that not only teaches sports skills, but also life lessons like respect, confidence, and responsibility. I had the chance to sit down with Pat LoPresti, Executive Director of The First Tee of Cleveland, and … [Read more...] about The First Tee of Cleveland
Father’s Day
Father's Day has always been a weird holiday for me. When I was a baby, my parents got divorced. My father signed away his visitation rights and I grew up strong, happy, and not knowing who he was. You don't miss what you don't know, I suppose, and my father left when I was so tiny that I had no memory of him. My mom was everything for me. We were The Gilmore Girls but without...no, we were just The Gilmore Girls. Still are, most days. My mom and I lived with my grandfather as I grew up, who was sort of a father, sort of a grandfather given the living situation. I love my grandfather and … [Read more...] about Father’s Day
Irie Jamaican Kitchen
In 2011, I went on vacation to Jamaica and fell in love with the flavorful cuisine. Thanks to Irie Jamaican Kitchen, I can experience authentic Jamaican food right here in Cleveland. With two locations (East and West) you can easily enjoy the delicious offerings no matter where you are. Omar McKay, the owner and executive chef of Irie, was kind enough to answer some questions so that you can get to know him and his business a bit better. Tell me about how your business first started and how it's grown since then. The physical brick and mortar business or the business I’ve had in … [Read more...] about Irie Jamaican Kitchen