5 Little Escapes to Melt Away the Snow & Bring Spring to Cleveland!

Let’s be real: Cleveland winters are no joke. But now that the snow’s finally starting to melt and the sun’s peeking out (sometimes), it’s time to trade in your puffer coat for a lighter jacket and get your spring vibes on!

The West Side is stacked with the most underrated spots where you can shake off the winter blues, sip something delicious, and pretend you’re living your best life, and the East Side is bringing it in a big way already this Spring!

Whether you’re into cozy cafes, family-friendly events, or funky little hotspots, we’ve got you covered with five of the best places to escape winter this week and give a big ol' hug to spring!

1. The Judith Cafe – A Little Slice of Paris Right in Ohio City 

Okay, picture this: You walk into a cafe and it’s like Paris. Except—surprise—it’s Ohio City! The Judith is the vibe we didn’t know we needed. With dreamy Parisian decor, Instagram-worthy vibes, and the smell of fresh pastries in the air, you’ll be sipping on your latte and actually pretending you're on the banks of the Seine (even if the cold’s still hanging on). Whether you're into bougie brunches or a quiet spot to scroll through TikTok, this place gives you major spring energy, no matter how many layers you're wearing.

Tip: Try their Croque Monsieur (I’m talking buttery croissants that’ll have you saying oui before you even take a bite) and pair it with their expertly brewed coffee. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to make the snow melt away in your soul.

2. DayGlo Show at Waterloo Arts (March 7-30, 2025):

Embrace the vibrant colors of spring by visiting the annual DayGlo Show at Waterloo Arts. This unique exhibition features artworks created using fluorescent DayGlo paint, illuminated under black lights to create a glowing, immersive experience. It's a family-friendly event that brings a burst of color to the often-gray Cleveland spring and showcases the creativity of local artists. The exhibition runs throughout March, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

This annual exhibit showcases local artists working exclusively with fluorescent DayGlo paint, meaning everything shines under black lights in the trippiest, most magical way. It’s like stepping into an 80s music video, but with fewer perms and more fine art. 

Tip: Wear something white or neon to become part of the glow-in-the-dark masterpiece yourself—bonus points if you bring the kids and convince them you’ve entered an alternate universe.

3. Shake Off the Winter Blues at the Cleveland Museum of Art's MIX Event!

Looking to add some spring to your step? Head over to the Cleveland Museum of Art's MIX event on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This 21+ soirée combines art, music, and cocktails for a night of culture and fun. Each month, MIX offers a unique theme, so you can enjoy a different experience every time.

Grab a babysitter and relax with a night on the town, because you deserve it!

Tip: Don't miss out on the themed cocktails and live music that make this event a local favorite. It's the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a splash of creativity and a dash of fun!

4. Tost – Brunch Goals in Lakewood (Yep, Tost with no A)

Okay, brace yourself. If you’ve never been to Tost in Lakewood, you’re seriously missing out. This cozy brunch spot is the ultimate place to sit down, relax, and pretend you're somewhere warm, like the beach or maybe a patio in the South of France. From avocado toast (obviously) to a pile of crispy duck hash that will change your life, Tost serves up the kind of brunch you’ve been daydreaming about all winter. And since it’s basically a giant window of sunshine once the weather perks up, you’ll get all those spring feels while you sip on mimosas.

Tip: If it’s sunny, grab a spot on the patio—it’s basically a free vitamin D fix!z

5. Light Up the Towpath: Lantern Parade Celebration

Say goodbye to winter and welcome spring with a glowing display of creativity at the Towpath Trail Lantern Parade on March 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This magical event invites you to join a 1.6-mile round-trip walk along the Towpath Trail, starting and ending at Sokolowski’s Overlook, where you'll be surrounded by illuminated art crafted from recycled materials by 7 local artists. 🌟

Feeling crafty? All are welcome to bring their own homemade lanterns made from recycled materials and powered by battery-operated lights! It's a fun way to get creative and embrace sustainability while celebrating the arrival of spring on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Hosted by Canalway, the parade is sponsored by Kichler Lighting and supported by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Tip: Don’t forget to bundle up, bring your creativity, and enjoy the beauty of this one-of-a-kind community event! 🌿💡

Spring is finally here, Cleveland! Time to ditch the snuggie, crawl out of hibernation, and actually see the sun again. ☀️

Whether you’re stuffing your face at Tost, pretending to be outdoorsy on the Towpath, or getting fancy at MIX at the Art Museum, the city is waking up—and so am I. So let’s soak up these rare, non-snowy days while we’ve got ‘em, because Cleveland is about to get a whole lot brighter. 🌸

Talk Soon,

Amy & The Clevelandish Crew 😊