Founded in 1796, Cleveland became an industrial town with the opening of the Erie-Ohio Canal that linked the Ohio River to Lake Erie, and the city's vast iron and coal supplies made it one of the most important steel and shipbuilding centres in the country, a sprawling mass of oil refineries, mills and warehouses along the shores of Lake Erie. Industrial success poured money into the city and wealthy tycoons built the downtown area that today has outgrown its 'steel town' image and is a bustling place, a city of green parklands and lively neighbourhoods with a vibrant atmosphere. Once the heavily-polluted victim of much mockery, its industrial character has moved beyond the city limits and the downtown warehouses and factories now house trendy clubs and restaurants, while museums, and sporting and cultural events attract many visitors to the city.

Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland has a growing cultural presence that has been enhanced by newly added attractions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the enormous Great Lakes Science Center and six-storey OMNIMAX Theatre, and the professional sports arenas and stadiums of the Gateway District that host major sporting events as well as live entertainment. These are welcome additions to a city already boasting a world-class orchestra, a celebrated art museum, lively theatre district and the restored lakefront area. Neighbourhoods buzz with restaurants and shops, and the Flats, once the industrial heart of the city occupying both banks of the Cuyahoga River, is now the booming entertainment and nightlife district of Cleveland. The historic Warehouse District is downtown's oldest commercial quarter and is a national Historic Landmark with over 70 fine examples of Victorian architecture. Once housing merchants' and manufacturers' goods, the old warehouses are now home to music clubs, galleries and trendy dining spots.

Some miles out of the city centre are two theme parks with some of the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster rides at the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, and the Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Address: 1 Key Plaza, 751 Erieside Avenue Cleveland

Admission: $22 (adults), $13 (children aged 9-12). Concessions available Daily 10am to 5:30pm; in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) the museum is also open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Telephone: (216) 781 7625

Great Lakes Science Center

Address: 601 Erieside Avenue Cleveland

Admission: Exhibits: $9.95 (adults), $7.95 (children); OMNIMAX: $9.95 (adults), $7.95 (children); exhibits and OMNIMAX: $14.95 (adults), $12.95 (children). Other concessions are available Daily 10am-5pm (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Telephone: (216) 694 2000

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Address: Cedar Point, Sandusky Cleveland

Admission: Adults $46.99 adults, $21 children under 48 inches (122cm). Discounted tickets available from the website. Open May to October. General hours 10am-10pm, however hours and dates vary according to season. Check the website for specific times.

Telephone: (419) 627-2350

Progressive Field

Address: 2401 Ontario Street Cleveland

Admission: Tickets range from $8 to $85, depending on section and game. Tours are $7.50 adults, $5.50 children.

Cleveland Home and Garden Show

Where: International Exposition Center,Cleveland

When: 17 - 18 February 2012

Slavic Village Harvest Festival

Where: Fleet Avenue, Slavic Village Development,Cleveland

When: 27 August 2011

Taste of Cleveland

Where: Time-Warner Cable Amphitheater,Cleveland

When: 3 - 6 September 2011

Cleveland's Irish Cultural Festival

Where: Berea Fairgrounds,Cleveland

When: 22 - 24 July 2011