Winter Festivals in Greater Cleveland

Winter may be equated with snow and cold temperatures in northeast Ohio, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do outside during January, February, and March. The North Coast is filled with fun festivals that celebrate the region's food products, wildlife, and the winter landscape.

Brite Winter Festival
Located at Hart Crane Memorial Park in the heart of the Cleveland Flats, the Brite Winter Festival is a quintessentially Cleveland event that combines outdoor winter activities (like mini-golf in the snow) with visual art, live music, food, and beer. The event, in its second season, is scheduled for February 19 and is free to the public. Hours are 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Hart Crane Memorial Park
Corner of Merwin Ave. and Columbus Rd. in Cleveland
britewintercleveland.com

Chocolate is for Lovers Wine Festival
Fourteen wineries along the Lake Erie wine trail in Lake and Ashtabula Counties, east of Cleveland, are celebrating the season with chocolate and wine this February for two weekends, February 4-5 and February 11-12. Each of the participating wineries are offering wine and dessert samples plus a crystal wine glass and chocolates to take home. Some locations boast wood-burning fireplaces and some offer live entertainment. The festivities take place from noon to 6:00 p.m. each day and the cost is $45 per couple or $35 per person. For a list of the participating wineries, visit the Ohio Wine Producers Web site.

Buzzard Sunday
Each year, on March 15, the buzzards return to Hinckley, Ohio, located about 45 minutes south of downtown Cleveland. These birds, also called turkey vultures, are first seen in the pre-dawn hours. Intrepid bird-watchers can spot them around 6:00 a.m. Less hearty enthusiasts (and those who have to work during the week) can enjoy the Buzzard Sunday festivities, held the Sunday following March 15 (March 21 in 2011). Located at the Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, the event is free and features nature hikes, talks by naturalists, live music, and lots of buzzard fun. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hinckley Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks
Bellus Rd. in Hinckley
clevmetparks.com

Orchid Mania at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Each February and March, Cleveland Botanical Garden, located in the city's University Circle cultural district, celebrates the ethereal and tropical orchid with "Orchid Mania." This month-long show runs from February 26 to March 27 and features hundreds of orchids in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Highlights of the show include "Ask the Orchid Doctor" (February 26 and March 12), where visitors can get answers from Garden experts, and the Orchid vendor weekend (March 5 and 6), which features orchids for sale from area suppliers. Orchid Mania is free with Garden admission, which is $8.50 for adults and $3 for children 3-12.

Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd. in Cleveland
216 721-1600
cbgarden.org

Other Articles about Cleveland by Sandy Mitchell
Where to Go Antiquing in Greater Cleveland
Lakefront Restaurants in Greater Cleveland
Maple Syrup Means Spring in Northeast Ohio

Sources:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/buzzards_sun.asp
http://webzar.com/cgi-bin/cart.pl?db=../datafile/data.dat&search=xchocolate&merchant=150ohiowines
http://www.britewintercleveland.com/
cleveland botanical garden press release. Here is the info on last year's event. I can email the press release if you'd like.
http://www.cbgarden.org/events/Orchid_Mania_2010.html?terms=orchid+mania&searchtype=0&fragment=True