An Open Letter to Anyone Who Thinks Cleveland Is Just a ‘Flyover City’

Dear Person Who’s Probably Been to New York Twice and Thinks They’re a Travel Expert,

So, you think Cleveland is just some sad little dot on the map, existing solely for pilots to announce, “Folks, if you look out your window, you’ll see… well, actually, never mind.”

Well, I hate to break it to you (actually, I love to break it to you), but Cleveland is awesome. And if you don’t know that, it just means you haven’t done it right.

Let’s Talk History—Because We Have a Lot of It

First off, Cleveland has been a big deal since before your great-great-grandpa even thought about swiping right on your great-great-grandma at a barn dance. We were an industrial powerhouse, cranking out steel, cars, and innovations like it was our job (because, well, it was). Ever heard of Standard Oil? That whole Rockefeller empire? Goodyear? (And before you ask, yep we’re also responsible for the blimp!)

Yeah, started right here. You’re welcome, economy.

And if you like cool nerdy facts, here’s one: The first-ever Superman comic was written by two high school kids from Cleveland. That’s right—The Land literally birthed the superhero genre. (Insert dramatic cape swoosh here.)

Ohio has been the birthplace of numerous innovations that have significantly impacted various aspects of modern life. Here are some more notable inventions from the Buckeye State:

1. Airplane: The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, from Dayton, Ohio, achieved the first powered flight in 1903, revolutionizing transportation.

2. Light Bulb: Thomas Edison, born in Milan, Ohio, developed the practical incandescent light bulb in 1879, bringing electric light into homes and businesses.

3. Phonograph: Also invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, the phonograph was the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound.

4. Gas-Powered Automobile: John William Lambert of Ohio created the first practical gasoline-powered automobile in 1891, paving the way for the automotive industry.

5. Traffic Light: Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor from Cleveland, patented the three-position traffic signal in 1923, enhancing road safety.

6. Superman: The iconic superhero was created in 1933 by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster while they were living in Cleveland.

7. Electric Starter: Charles Kettering of Loudonville, Ohio, invented the electric starter in 1911, eliminating the need for hand cranking to start automobiles.

8. Backpack Parachute: Floyd Smith developed the first backpack-style parachute, with the first jump occurring in Dayton, Ohio, in 1919.

9. Golf Balls: Coburn Haskell of Cleveland invented the modern rubber-core golf ball in 1898, significantly improving the game.

10. Trapper Keeper: Bryant Crutchfield designed the Trapper Keeper, a popular binder system introduced in the 1970s, which became a staple for students.

11. Rubber Industry: Akron, Ohio, became the "Rubber Capital of the World" in the early 20th century, with companies like Goodyear, Firestone, and B.F. Goodrich revolutionizing tire production and transforming the automotive industry.

Our Food Scene Could Ruin You for Other Cities

If you think we’re just eating hot dogs at Browns games, I need you to sit down. We’ve got some of the best food in the country, thanks to our ridiculously talented chefs (ever heard of Michael Symon?), a diverse immigrant history, and the fact that we really, really like to eat.

Some highlights:

✅ Polish Boys (a glorious mess of kielbasa, fries, slaw, and BBQ sauce)
✅ Pierogies so good they could make a grown man cry
✅ The most elite corned beef sandwiches outside of NYC
✅ A brewery scene that could make even the snobbiest IPA enthusiast rethink their life choices
✅ Swensons’ Galley Boy—a double cheeseburger with two secret sauces—has achieved legendary status, proving that drive-ins are still the superior dining experience.

Also, our ice cream game? Unmatched. (Go to Mitchell’s. Order anything. Trust me.)

The Culture Here Is Actually Wild

Think Cleveland’s boring? Then explain why we have:

🎸 The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (because, fun fact, the term “rock & roll” was coined in Cleveland!) In fact, The First Major Rock and Roll Concert: The Moondog Coronation Ball, held in Cleveland on March 21, 1952, is widely recognized as the first major rock and roll concert.
🖼️ A world-class art museum (with free admission because we believe in being both fancy and generous)
🎭 Playhouse Square, the second-largest performing arts district in the country (right after Broadway, no big deal)

Oh, and don’t even get me started on our music scene. The best live shows happen in tiny, sweaty, magical venues you’ve never heard of but will never forget.

Clevelanders = The Best People You’ll Ever Meet

You know that Midwestern friendliness people talk about? We’re those people. But with a little more grit, a lot more heart, and an unshakable loyalty to our sports teams (even when they make us suffer).

This is a city where strangers will push your car out of the snow, your bartender will remember your order after one visit, and no one will judge you for putting fries on everything.

So, Are You Convinced Yet?

Cleveland isn’t a flyover city—it’s a land-and-stay-awhile city. A why-didn’t-I-know-about-this city. A holy-crap-I-love-it-here city. And if you haven’t figured that out yet, well… maybe it’s time to book a flight and see for yourself.

Sincerely,
Someone Who Knows Better 😘 

-Amy & The Clevelandish Crew 😍

P.S. The opinions in this email are 100% ours (for better or worse) and don’t necessarily reflect the official stance of Wilson Companies. Our team, partners, and contributors speak for themselves—so if you disagree, take it up with them over a pierogi. Also, some of the things we hype may be sponsored, but we only share stuff we genuinely love (no sellout energy here).