Everyone run for the hills! The time has come! Traffic, parking prices, public transit and restaurant waits will never be the same ... at least for a week.
The Republican National Convention has arrived in the City of Cleveland for four days, July 18-21, but many attendees and major players have been in the city for a few days now and most won't leave until the weekend following the convention. God help us all.
All jokes aside, having the convention come to Cleveland gives it the additional spotlight this wonderful city deserves. But, if you're like me, and you want absolutely nothing to do with the people, the politicians, and just the entire shebang, here are some things in Northeast Ohio that you can do each day of the convention ... instead of going to the convention.
1. Monday, July 18 -- Cedar Point
Located in Sandusky, Ohio -- which is a nice hour drive from the convention -- Cedar Point is offering more fun and longer hours this summer on select days. So not only are you enjoying the spoils of "America's roller coaster," but you're also staying pretty far away from Donald Trump for an entire day!
Closing at 11:00 p.m., events on July 18 include a rave on the beach, live bands and a pyrotechnics show.
2. Tuesday, July 19 -- Pokemon Go! at the Zoo
Marrying two of the best things, Pokemon and animals, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is advertising a tour in which Pokemon Go! players will benefit immensely from -- not just because they won't have to be at the RNC convention.
From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be dropping lures on some of it's 40+ pokestops located within the zoo which will help aspiring trainers get better goods and catch more Pokemon -- all the while appreciating the wildlife.
3. Wednesday, July 20 -- Vans Warped Tour
Everyone's favorite emo summer camp thankfully lands within the week of the RNC Convention, located in the middle of nowhere and very far from Trump's terrifying hair piece.
Hosted at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, some of the acts include Sleeping with Sirens, Sum 41, Issues, Bullet For My Valentine, Mayday Parade, The Story So Far and Yellowcard. With the extensive lineup, everyone and anyone can find an escape from the overly crowded Cleveland.
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and at the venue.
4. Thursday, July 21 -- Mahall's 20 Lanes
Even though there is no particular event happening at this throwback 1920s bar, venue and bowling alley on Thursday -- there is really no need for a reason to visit Mahall's 20 Lanes.
With good food, good friends, good atmosphere, good beer and good lanes -- this bowling alley showcases all of the charm that Cleveland and Lakewood has. Visit this great venue if you had previously attended a different day of the convention and have lost all hope in the area.
The employees are great and the vintage feel of the alley will perk up your lost spirit after having to breathe the same air as Trump supporters.
Whether you decide to attend the convention or you'd rather drink nails than to even set foot downtown during the week, Cleveland and Northeast Ohio have great and amazing events and locations to offer as a substitute.
