Hometown Tourists

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Paul

Now that spring is here, this weekend presents an opportunity to warm up for an event coming up this summer.

“Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” is giving locals a chance to visit or revisit places in Greater Cleveland where they might take out-of-town visitors. It is challenging residents to cross the Cuyahoga River to see what the other side of town has to offer (including the suburbs), and is offering discounted or free admission to many popular sites and activities.

Technically, this weekend’s event began Wednesday, but don’t worry if you missed the first day. There will be plenty to do through Sunday. I’m so excited about this I’m publishing my Friday post a day early so you have time to plan.

The free kickoff party is from 5 to 9 tonight at Music Box Supper Club in the Flats. All ages are admitted, but reservations are required.

Here are just a few examples of fun you can have for less this weekend:

• Free admission to the Rock Hall for Cleveland residents and discounted admission for residents of ZIP codes beginning with 440-443
• Discounted admission to other museums, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and 10 percent off a University Circle Circlepass
• Free walking tours of downtown and University Circle
• Free tours of Playhouse Square and Severance Hall
• Buy one, get one admission to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Buy 9 holes, get 9 holes free at all Cleveland Metroparks golf courses
• BOGO admission to A Christmas Story House for Cleveland residents
• Discounted tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
• Discounted admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton
• Discounts on parking and Lyft rides
• $25 tickets for the Cleveland Orchestra tonight and Saturday

Check the link above for details. Some of the offers require an online discount code and others require mentioning Tourist in Your Hometown at the point of sale.

This touristy weekend is being put on by Destination Cleveland, a nonprofit visitors and convention bureau. It’s intended as a warmup for Visit Me in CLE weekend June 21-23, when Greater Clevelanders are urged to invite family and friends here. Locals who participate this weekend will know where to take their visitors during that June weekend.