I don’t usually equate Cleveland, Ohio with the word ‘special’. But on a recent trip back there I reconnected with some special places and feelings I remember from my childhood.

One of my favorite places is Chagrin Falls, a small town outside the eastern suburbs that has beautiful old houses dating back to the 1800s and a river and spectacular falls that once powered mills and factories.

Another of my favorite places is the Cleveland Metroparks –a system of nature preserves throughout the area (The Emerald Necklace). On a trip there I spotted what looked like a great blue heron and other beautifully-colored birds not seen in the Pacific Northwest.

What also helped make these places special were the colors of the foliage. Cleveland is graced with a multitude of deciduous trees which are a treat to behold when the weather transforms the greens to masses of oranges and yellows and flaming reds.

Aside from these special places, Cleveland often has great music playing on the radio–new rock, old rock etc. After all, it’s the location of the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame and during the months of dreary weather you need something to uplift you. Maybe the attendees at the Republican National Convention (located in Cleveland this year) will also appreciate some Pink Floyd and Rolling Stones…