Cleveland, Ohio Rocks!

I grew up in Cleveland when so many labeled it "The Mistake on the Lake." I don't know how my family felt, but its reputation gave me an inferiority complex.

Our river burned. The sports teams never did well. The city went into default. Cleveland became the butt of so many jokes that I vowed to leave the area when I grew up.

While I came through on my promise to start a new life somewhere else, I'm sometimes sad for the decision. Since I left, the city has experienced a renaissance.

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, The Great Lakes Science Center, Jacobs Field baseball park and the Cleveland Browns stadium all came into existence over the past decade-and-a-half. Scores of eateries and shops popped up right along alongside those popular attractions. Suddenly, Cleveland became cool.

Add Cleveland's world-famous symphony, natural history museum and the renowned Cleveland Clinic to the mix and you have a community that has silenced its critics. What was once a national joke has now become a fun and affordable weekend getaway.

So, book your tickets now and "flee to the Cleve."

East vs. west

The Cleveland metro area is divided into an east and west side, with the Cuyahoga River acting as the dividing line. Both sides have their unique attractions.

On most of my visits, I love to stroll Cleveland Heights' Coventry Road. This progressive thoroughfare is filled with coffeehouses, bookshops, taverns and vegan restaurants. The east side's ethnic neighborhoods include Little Italy, where you can find mouth-watering pizza and pasta.

The west side is home to an array of ethnic cuisine. One of the most popular dishes on this side of town are pierogies. The semi-circular dumplings of unleavened dough are typically stuffed with cheese, sauerkraut, meat or cabbage.

Another must-see attraction on this part of town is the West Side Market. Built in 1912, this market features colorful, fresh produce.

Nearby destinations provide a different getaway

If getting away to a big city is not your idea of a great weekend, northeast Ohio has a bevy of offerings in the outlying areas. In nearby Aurora, you can find that much-needed rest and relaxation in places like the Bertram Inn and Conference Center.

When staying here, you hardly realize that the big city is minutes away. Spacious, comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor pool and the award-winning Leopard Restaurant take you to another world.

Whether you're bringing the family along or doing a couple's weekend, the Bertram is the perfect weekend getaway. With a fitness facility, business center and game room, there is something for everyone.

When you're ready to explore the area, hop on the Bertram's shuttle service. The hotel will take you anywhere within a 10-mile radius, which includes a trip to a nearby outlet shopping center. Other shuttle options include service to the Akron-Canton and Cleveland airports.

Spoil yourself

If you're looking to treat yourself on a weekend visit, then check into the Walden Country Inn and Stables, which is right around the corner from the Bertram. This luxurious 26-suite slice of heaven is the ultimate getaway. Each suite features its own set of amenities, such as the Loft, which includes dramatic wood ceilings and stairs that lead to a second story.

Comfortable beds, walk-in showers, TVs with superior sound and Internet access characterize all of the suites, including the more basic Walden Suite. With its candle-lit fireplace, the inn's lobby offers a great place to have a cup of tea with hors d'oevres.

A visit to Spa Walden will help take up your relaxation level even further. Spa Director Jenessee Taylor believes in creating a total no-pressure environment, where guests can take the time they need to enjoy a 60 or 90-minute massage, wrap, manicure/pedicure, facial or scrub.

Top off the visit with the Walden's breakfast, which includes delicacies such as Buckwheat Pancakes with Ohio maple syrup or Challah French Toast.

Just around the corner from Aurora is the quaint suburb of Solon, home to one of the city's best Chinese restaurants, the Imperial Wok. My family has been visiting this institution for years.

A good time to visit

Autumn is arriving in a few weeks in this area, making it an excellent time to visit. I have fond memories of heading to nearby Burton to walk its downtown and purchase authentic maple syrup. I also used to hike the city's Metroparks to view the foliage or visit the zoo.

Whether you're in downtown or in the outlying areas, one thing is guaranteed: the gorgeous views of northeast Ohio are enhanced by the hues of autumn.

Someone once said that you can't go home again. Perhaps that is true, but I can do the next best thing and say that I'm proud be from northeast Ohio.