Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Weekend Road Trip: Art, Eats, and Music in Cleveland, Ohio

If you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway that’s just a few hours from Detroit, let us point you towards Cleveland. About a three-hour drive away, this city surprised us in the best way—with world-class art, incredible vegan food, and a vibe that felt a lot like home.

We headed out last weekend to check out the opening of Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The show opened May 25 and runs through the first week of September, and it is absolutely worth the trip. Murakami’s work is colorful, bold, emotional, and thought-provoking—everything you’d hope for in a summer exhibit. Tickets for the special gallery were around $30 per person, and we bought ours in advance (which we definitely recommend, because it's been selling out fast).

Even beyond the Murakami exhibit, the Cleveland Museum of Art is stunning. It’s completely free to enter (yes, really), and the collection is impressive. Think Picassos, Van Goghs, Monets, and Degas—all beautifully curated in a gorgeous space that could rival major museums in New York or Chicago. We could’ve spent days exploring it all.

We also made a quick stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which was fun and filled with music history. Tickets were about $40, and while it was a cool experience, it’s probably a “one-and-done” spot unless there’s a special exhibit that brings you back. That said, if you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out at least once.

Cleveland itself has a laid-back, familiar feel—kind of like Detroit. It’s a city of neighborhoods and hidden gems. You’ll want to do a little research or ask around to find the good stuff, because once you do, the experience is totally worth it.

As for food, Cleveland is very vegan-friendly. We fell in love with Cleveland Vegan and Fat Cats, two spots that stood out for their flavor, creativity, and chill atmosphere. Whether you're plant-based or just down for a great meal, both are worth adding to your list.

In short, Cleveland makes for a great day trip or weekend adventure. Go for the Murakami exhibit, stay for the food and the low-key charm. Just like Detroit, it’s a city that rewards curiosity—and we’re already thinking about when we’ll head back.


~S

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