VISA TO CROSS THE CUYAHOGA RIVER?

There has long been a joke that if one lives in the Cleveland area either West or East of the Cuyahoga River, a VISA is needed to venture to the other side. The joke still exists today.

Now, I do know that some people use their VISAs, since I hear that West Siders go to Legacy Village and East Siders go to Crocker Park. But, there is so much more to see than a destination for specialty shopping and eating.

Since we are in the middle of a recession and gasoline prices are so high, many families are not going on a formal Vacation. The new word for replacing a Vacation is a "Staycation." But, a Staycation doesn't mean that you have to stay at home. You can go on short adventures to the opposite side of the Cuyahoga River. Let's say you live East. You could go to the Bay Village Metroparks located along the Lake Erie Beach - swim, have a picnic, buy ice cream, visit the Nature Center, etc. And, let's say you live West. You could go to Mentor Headlands Beach State Park. Bring your swim suit & towels, plus a change of clothes or swimsuit cover and flip flops, so you can eat at one of the nearby affordable restaurants. Are you getting the idea?

Use Google as your personal travel agent. Be creative. Whether it's you and a friend, a spouse, kids, your parents etc., you can find something for everyone. Just make your Staycation an adventure and within your budget. And, make sure you head to the other side of the Cuyahoga River. That's part of the adventure!