Cleveland

Established in the 18th Century on the southern shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland's strategic location at the confluence of various waterways and rail routes rendered it ideally suited as a trade and transportation hub. The city has come a long way since, with attractions like the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame adding to the city's fledgling cultural repertoire. Badly hit by economic decline in the 1980s, Cleveland is once more on the rise, aptly dubbed by many as the "comeback city." The downtown core is characterized by a myriad of architectural styles, with everything from the Beaux-Arts and Art Deco designs to ample postmodern wonders. The most prominent, however, is a cluster of neoclassical buildings from the early 20th Century that constitutes one of the United States' most complete City Beautiful designs. Activities like fishing, kayaking and sailing can be enjoyed on the lake, its splendid beaches awash in sunshine. There are plenty of great restaurants, lovely public spaces and inviting hotels as well, making Cleveland a city to watch.