Travel Journal: Hall of Fame Destination Ideas

Rock and Roll at Cleveland's Hall of Fame, continued

After rocking your socks off at the hall of fame, take yourself out to an Indians ball game at Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field), one of Major League Baseball's newer ballparks. The park's multimillion-dollar scoreboard features one of the largest video screens in baseball.

If you're in the mood for a little retail therapy, head over to Tower City Center. This shopping and entertainment complex -- connected to Progressive Field by a walkway -- is home to more than 100 stores, six restaurants, and an 11-screen movie theater, holding plenty to keep you busy. (towercitycenter.com)

Also worth a visit is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which is located in the city's Park District. It's home to one of the largest collections of primates in North America. Here, you'll find more than 3,000 animals from 600 species within the seven distinct "biothematic" regions. In the "African Savanna" take a safari through grassy plains, where you'll see lions, giraffes, gazelles, and black rhinos. Then journey to the "Rainforest," a unique two-acre exhibit complete with simulated tropical rainstorms.

The Park District is also the perfect place for outdoor pursuits. Consisting of 21,000 acres spread among 16 separate reservations, it is commonly referred to as the Emerald Necklace because the reservations encircle the city of Cleveland. All 16 parks are within a 30-minute drive from its downtown. (clemetparks.com)

Foodies will enjoy a trip to the West Side Market, located in the Ohio City neighborhood. This is the country's largest indoor and outdoor food market, where more than 105 vendors showcase tasty ethnic delicacies from Polish pierogi to Greek falafel.

Stay in the neighborhood for dinner and try local favorite Momocho, which features a creatively modern take on Mexican food. Specialties include pork chop al carbon and a pepita-crusted trout that's paired with a jalapeno cream sauce. (momocho.com)

If you're staying overnight consider booking the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame package deal at the Hilton Garden Inn, in downtown Cleveland, which includes a room for two, two tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, plus a buffet breakfast for two. (hiltongardeninn.com or 216-658-6400; package rates start at $149 per room per night for two)