My folks and I are going to be up in Cleveland this weekend for a marriage. We're going to be spending one day in the vicinity after the marriage festivities. Anyways, having never been to the area, what are some things to do?

The people who are getting married are pretty wealthy, they're putting us up in the Hyatt @ Arcade for the night, so we'll be situated on Broadway and Superior if IIRC.

Specific things that we would like to do, given that resources are there in the area are beaches, shopping, casinos, and perhaps a few historical sites, though I've been thinking that they might be closed on the weekends. We're open to any other suggestions.

And lastly, I've heard that parking is a bit of a nuisance in the downtown. Given a fair analogy, I've heard it's comparable to parking in Ann Arbor, MI, in terms of congestion. I've also heard that parking can be a bit unsafe if parking at a meter on the streets at night. Is it better to park in the garages, and how much will that run (ballpark estimate for 24hrs)?

I appreciate any help you guys can offer.

unfortunately this is next weekend...

But there's always the science center, rock hall of fame, house of blues & stuff like that.

I'm not sure what's open in the flats now (I'm sure Shooters is still there), but it's enjoyable to relax on the restaurant decks & watch the boats (cool lit up at night). The west-side market is around the corner too...

Tremont on the west side is a cool little artsy neighborhood w/ some really good bars & restaurants(the Treehouse makes the BEST bloody marys) http://www.cleveland.com/tremontguide/

A short trip from downtown to little Italy (Mama Santos)

www.cleveland.com

I'd go to the rock and roll hall of fame and spend hours in the Zep, Sabbath and Hendrix area

Thanks for the suggestions guys. What about parking, though? How bad is it? Should I be concerned about parking at a meter throughout the night? Any experiences or suggestions?

warehouse district is fun if u like to party and pick up chicks, rock hall, science center, theres always some kind of concert goin on, and some really great places to eat. If u like Italian food, Aldo's on Memphis Ave is great, but u prolly need a reservation since seating is limited, but the take out from there is just as good.

if u park in a lot and pay before u go in..watch out for the dudes who come up to the car when u leave and say its five more bucks, they do not work there, they just want crack money. Meters in warehouse district are fin sinces theres tons of people around, anywhere else be a little wary but not completely affraid. I woiuld just stay in the garages since most clevelanders dont know how to parralel park( i cant spell)and will sometimes bump ur car.

Parking overnight best off at the Hotel parking for safe keeping, if your rolling something phat. If you car is low profile, you'll be fine over night. Just keep things out of site.

As for things to do, if you like clubs Warehouse has the most clubs right now (that would be West 6th - West 9th St) Tequila Ranch usually has live bands (think Coyote Ugly) West Bank of the Flats, Shooters is always a good time, packed on Saturdays. During the day, Rock Hall is cool, a bit disappointing if you ask me, but you should go atleast once in your life. Tower City mall is right near where your at, nothing spectacular in there, most good malls are in the burbs