John, don't worry about those jokers. While the everyone loves to make fun of Cleveland, it's not a bad place. You just have to know what to enjoy and what to avoid.

First off, it's gonna be REALLY FARGIN COLD! Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves and boots. Being right next to the great lakes, Cleveland gets A LOT of snow and A LOT of wind. Also, brush up on your winter driving skills.

Next: what to enjoy in Cleveland - Cleveland happens to have a large Italian population. So if you like Italian food, you're going to enjoy Cleveland. Avoid the chain restaurants, and go to the family owned places. Also avoid the fancy dishes. The real gems are what you might call ordinary: spaghetti with marinara, cavatelli, gnochi, etc. The magic is in the sauce. It's an art.

Along the same lines, Cleveland has some great pizza places too. Again, avoid the chains (Dominos in Cleveland is just as bad as Dominos in Tennessee). Try the Mom & Pop shops. Avoid any that don't have an Italian sounding name.

You may want to check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio 44114) which is right up on the lake. Or a short trip to Akron/Canton for the Football Hall of Fame (2121 George Halas Dr NW Canton, OH 44708), which is about an hour south of Cleveland.

I'm sure there's a ton more to do in Cleveland, but I'm not as familiar with Cleveland as I am Pittsburgh. I live about half way in between them both.

Where will you be staying in the city?

As +fireamx (Mike) said, I'm sure we can meet up with you. We both live about an hour from the city. We might even be able to round up Fritz, Towncrier, and RickZ.