Cleveland winters? No joke. 😟

But with the snow melting and the sun peeking through, it’s time to swap your puffer for a lighter jacket and embrace spring! 😎

Whether you’re on the West Side or East Side, we’ve got five spots to shake off the winter blues and welcome the season this week.

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

• Walk in and boom—it’s Paris (but actually, it’s Ohio City).

• Dreamy decor, fresh pastries, champagne, and major Instagram-worthy vibes.

• Perfect for bougie brunch, date night, or a quiet TikTok scroll.

• Feels like spring, even if you’re still wearing three layers.

☕ Must-try: The Croque Monsieur—a buttery, cheesy masterpiece—paired with a velvety café au lait. Trust me, it’s the soul-warming escape you need. 😍

2. Glow Up Your Spring at the DayGlo Show! ✨🎨

• A blacklight-lit explosion of neon art at Waterloo Arts.

• Local artists use only fluorescent DayGlo paint—think trippy, magical, and totally unique.

• Feels like stepping into an '80s music video (minus the perms).

• Perfect for families, date nights, or just escaping the gray Cleveland skies.

💡 Tip: Wear white or neon to become part of the glowing masterpiece—bonus points if you convince the kids you've entered another dimension. 🚀😆

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

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

• MIX: Dancing Queen is bringing sequins, vinyl beats & cocktails!

• DJ Hodgepodge Lodge + DJ Guilty Pleasures spinning disco classics.

• 21+ event with art, music & a themed bar—because culture is more fun with a drink.

• Friday, March 7, 6–10 PM—one night only!

💡 Tip: Sip a themed cocktail, hit the dance floor, and pretend it’s the ‘70s (in the best way). 😉🌷 It’s the perfect way to add a little spring to your step!!

4. Tost – Brunch Like You Mean it in Lakewood ☀️🥂

• Cozy Lakewood spot serving up serious brunch magic.

• From avo toast to crispy duck hash (trust us, it’s life-changing).

• Bright, sunny vibes—perfect for pretending it’s already patio season.

💡 Tip: If the sun’s out, snag a patio seat for a free dose of vitamin D (and mimosas, obviously). 🥂

5. Shine Your Light & Glow Up for Spring at the Towpath Lantern Parade! 🌟🚶‍♂️

• March 8, 6:30 PM – A glowing 1.6-mile walk along the Towpath Trail ending at Sokolowski’s Overlook - Hosted by Canalway.

• Stunning illuminated art made from recycled materials by local artists.

• Bring the kids and your own DIY lanterns and light up the night!

• The parade is sponsored by Kichler Lighting and supported by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

💡 Tip: Bundle up and get creative—your lantern could steal the show! 🌿💡

Spring Has Sprung (at least in our hearts…) 🥹🌷

Spring’s here, Cleveland! Let’s ditch the snuggies and get out to enjoy these Clevelandish escapes—whether it’s brunch at Tost, dancing at the Art Museum, or soaking in some neon vibes with the kids.

Get ready, because The Land is about to get a lot sunnier and a lot less snowy. 🌸

Forget a Dream Home—This Is a Dream Kingdom

If you’ve ever thought, You know what my house needs? A Bentley chandelier, a peacock mosaic, and a barber shop, then congratulations—your unicorn estate has arrived.

Sprawling over 61 acres in Hunting Valley, this masterpiece has everything: a chef’s kitchen, a private atrium, and a lower level that’s essentially a luxury resort (think sauna, steam room, wine room, and a stage for impromptu rockstar moments).

The 20-car garage? Naturally, there’s a golf simulator and a bar above it. Oh, and the driveway is heated—because, obviously. If “next-level” had an address, it would be 2875 Chagrin River Road.

A (Love) Letter From the Editor 💖

If you’d told me 20 years ago that I’d be sitting here, writing a love letter to Ohio, I would’ve laughed in your face. 🙄 Like so many kids who grew up in Northeast Ohio, I spent my younger years dreaming of escape. The message was everywhere: Get out while you can. There’s nothing here for you. 

And, for a while, I believed it. 😭

So I left. I packed my bags for Chicago during grad school, convinced that the grass would be greener, the skyline taller, and the opportunities endless. And sure, Chicago was great—until it wasn’t. Somewhere between the packed trains, sky-high rent, and the constant hustle, I started longing for something else. I missed the way Ohio felt. 🫣

I missed the sound of Friday night football games and the way the whole town showed up. I missed apple orchards in the fall and Lake Erie summers that smelled like sunscreen and freedom. I missed neighbors who waved when you drove by and grocery store cashiers who actually remembered your name. I missed the quiet, the space, and the sense of belonging that no mega city could replace…

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I already mentioned this fabulous concoction once, but it deserves its own moment…

This week’s Dish has to be The Croque Monsieur at The Judith!

Never had a croque monsieur (it’s pronounced croke missyur)? You're missing out! 😅

• Grilled cheese, but make it fancy: Melty gruyère, tender ham, and perfectly toasted bread.

• Topped with béchamel sauce and baked to golden perfection.

• The secret? A touch of lemon zest on top for a burst of sunshine! 🍋🌞

Trust me, it's a bite of heaven you won’t want to miss.

🔥March 7-9: think tropical cocktails, live music, and tiki-themed festivities

🍺Dog-friendly views of Lake Erie & tasty brews at this hidden gem

💝What do coconut flan, Anthony Bourdain, and date night have in common?

 📸 Mystery Spot Challenge: Recognize this spot? Reply with your best guess, and the winner gets eternal bragging rights in next week’s newsletter.

🥟 Cleveland Food Fight: Alright, folks. It’s time to settle this.

Where can you find the best pierogi in Northeast Ohio? Take the survey and let us know! Results will be in next week’s issue. 📫

No more and then! 😁 #iykyk

P.S. Got a hidden gem, wild Zillow find, or local story we have to cover? Drop your suggestions—we’re all ears (and maybe a little nosy)!