Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland – Things To Do With Your Team

In 2011, the city of Cleveland demolished the aging Cleveland Convention Center, built in 1964. In its place now stands the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, an impressive 390,000-square-foot facility located in Cleveland’s vibrant downtown area on the shores of Lake Erie. This modern convention center features 225,000 square feet of exhibit space divisible into three exhibition halls as well as 35 meeting rooms and a breathtaking 32,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom with spectacular views of Cleveland’s lakefront just steps away from the exhibit hall floor. If you happen to get hungry during your visit to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, just stop by the Au Bon Pain located on site. There you can enjoy sandwiches served on authentic artisan breads, tasty pastries, savory soups, and more. If it’s an authentic taste of Cleveland that you’re looking for however, you’ll have to venture beyond the convention center, although not very far. The surrounding downtown area is home to a diverse variety of dining options along with fun attractions that can only be found in Cleveland.

Things to Do

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an iconic Cleveland attraction that tracks the evolution of the musical and cultural phenomenon that is rock and roll through its more than 50 exhibits. There you’ll find Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche; Michael Jackson’s dazzling sequined glove; the ratty awning from New York’s historic, now-defunct venue CBGB; lyrics scribbled onto notebook paper that would morph into timeless rock classics; countless iconic instruments; and so much more. If you’re visiting Cleveland on a budget but still want in on some of the rock and roll action, take a stroll through their gift shop. You don’t need to pay the price of admission to browse their selection of everything from guitar pick earrings to actual guitar picks. 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44114

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Learning Center and Money Museum

If you’ve ever been curious about how money works or what the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland does as part of the central bank of the United States, pay a visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Learning Center and Money Museum located near the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. There you can stand beneath a 23-foot money tree, trade coconuts on the Barter Islands, see if you have what it takes to identify counterfeit bills, and make your own currency! Their over 30 hands-on exhibits focus on the history of money, its effects on societies and cultures, and its central role in peoples’ lives. The museum is open on Monday through Thursday, except during bank holidays, and ironically, admission is free. 1455 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44114

Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center makes science, technology, engineering, and math come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year; now it can for you too! There you will be able to experiment, create, and learn as you explore their hundreds of hands-on exhibits. The Great Lakes Science Center also hosts daily science demonstrations and travelling exhibitions that excite and delight the curious scientist in everyone. 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

USS Cod Submarine Memorial

During your visit to Cleveland, come aboard the USS Cod Submarine Memorial and travel back in time to a place where survival depended upon three key factors: silence, deep water, and well-aimed torpedoes. It’s fitting that Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor has become the permanent home of the USS Cod, since the city can claim partial credit as the submarine’s birthplace. The five massive diesel engines used to power the USS Cod were built at the General Motors Cleveland Diesel plant on the city’s west side. What makes the USS Cod Submarine Memorial so unique and fascinating is that it is the only U.S. submarine that has not had stairways and doors cut into its pressure hull for public access. Instead, while aboard the USS Cod, you’ll use the same vertical ladders and hatches that were used by the submarine’s crew. The memorial is open daily between the beginning of May and the end of September each year. 1201 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114

Voinovich Bicentennial Park

Centrally located between the Great Lakes Science Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the USS Cod Submarine Memorial and close to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is Voinovich Bicentennial Park, a four and a half-acre park centered around a large, artistically-terraced green space. The park offers picturesque views of the downtown Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. While there, snap the perfect souvenir photo in front of one of the three Cleveland script signs. Voinovich Bicentennial Park also hosts a variety of festivals and events during the summer months, some of which require admission fees. So, be sure to plan ahead and see if anything will be taking place at the park during your visit. 800 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Located inside the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building, a late 19th century brick landmark that generated power for Cleveland’s streetcar lines, is the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The Greater Cleveland aquarium is teeming with intriguing aquatic life from the Great Lakes and beyond that are sure to fascinate guests of all ages. From moon jellyfish to a Giant Pacific octopus, you’ll get the chance to meet more than 1,400 animals representing 250 species during your visit to the aquarium. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium features 50 fascinating exhibits; many of which offer immersive, 360-degree views; ranging from a habitat for rescued African spurred tortoises to an 11,000-gallon touch pool inhabited by cownose, southern, and Atlantic stingrays. While you’re there, definitely don’t miss one of the aquarium’s newest and most incredible features: the 175-foot Shark SeaTube, which will take you to the ocean floor where you can watch barracuda, an Atlantic goliath grouper, and four species of shark swim just overhead. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more with advance reservations only. 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113

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Places to Eat

The Winking Lizard

With a motto like “Eat, Relax, and Enjoy” you’re in store for a great time and an even greater meal at The Winking Lizard Tavern. This charming restaurant serves up their creative take on classic dishes, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that’s very close to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. Some of their menu offerings include “Repitizers” like “Lizard Freckles,” which are really just fried pickle chips served with a side of cucumber wasabi dipping sauce; a wide selection of plentiful salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza for the main course; decadent desserts that are the perfect way to end your meal; as well as a variety of seasonal items. Before leaving, pay a visit to their live pet lizard, Wink! 1301 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114

Flagpole Charley Eatery

Named for the Cleveland icon Charley Lupica, who, in 1949, famously perched himself atop a 16-foot-tall flagpole for 117 days straight in an effort to inspire the then-underperforming Cleveland Indians to reach the world series, Flagpole Charley Eatery serves up classic American favorites as beloved as Charley himself. Their menu includes assorted breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches as well as salads, wraps, and daily specials like tacos, chicken and waffles, and fish sandwiches, all for an affordable price. 55 Erieview Plz, Cleveland, OH 44114

Boney Fingers BBQ

Located inside the historic Cleveland Arcade, Boney Fingers BBQ is an award-winning barbeque joint dedicated to bringing authentic smokehouse flavors to the heart of Cleveland. You won’t find any microwaves or freezers here! That’s because this family-run establishment makes everything from scratch, and nothing is ever frozen. Their meats are smoked fresh every day for up to 16 hours, ensuring that they’ll be as tender, flavorful, and juicy as possible. Their selection of carnivorous cuisine includes pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, baby back ribs, sausage, and more. They also offer a variety of sides like cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, baked mac and cheese, and fries topped with everything from bacon and cheese sauce to their savory pulled pork. If you visit Boney Fingers BBQ before lunchtime you can enjoy hearty breakfast dishes like waffles, brisket hash, omelets, and more. 401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Pho Tang Cafe

A meal at Cleveland’s Pho Tang Cafe, located just under 10 minutes away from the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, will transport your taste buds on a journey halfway around the world. Pho Tang Cafe serves up staples of Vietnamese cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere for an affordable price. Menu items at Pho Tang Cafe include pho, a traditional noodle soup; stir-fried vermicelli noodles; spring rolls; and more. If you’ve never tried a banh mi sandwich before, this is the place to have one. Pho Tang Cafe features three different banh mi sandwiches: one with grilled pork, one with barbequed pork, and another with both Vietnamese ham and barbequed pork, all topped with assorted pickled vegetables and cilantro. 815 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114

Cleveland is a city that’s meant to be explored. That’s why whenever you have some free time to venture beyond the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, try your best to make the very most of your visit. As soon as you step outside of the convention center you’ll be at the very center of Cleveland’s eclectic downtown area, with fantastic dining and entertainment options around just about every turn.