Twilight at the Zoo: Why It's a Cleveland Summer Must-Do
The mayflies have come and gone and the July 4th holiday is here. In the Hicken house, this means it’s time to start making plans for the rest of summer. I don’t care what else I do between now and September — Twilight at the Zoo is my big must-do for…
Win 2 VIP Tickets to SC4K's Luau on the Lake
You’re lounging with a view of the water, frosty beer or fruity umbrella drink in hand. You can hear laughter coming from a Conga line and smell the spices of a delicious beachside feast. Maybe you’ll take in a game of beach volleyball later. Sounds like a fantastic afternoon, doesn’t it?…
Intoxicating Pairings: Cleveland Beer Events for Those Who Like to Learn, Laugh or Draw
I’ve been on the road the past week, so this bit of blogkeeping is belated. Congratulations to Elizabeth P for winning 2 tickets to the Tri-C JazzFest! When I hear the phrase “beer pairings,” my thoughts – as yours probably do – immediately go to beer and food. From cheese…
Giveaway: Win 2 Tickets to Cleveland's Tri-C JazzFest
In its heyday, PlayhouseSquare played host to crooners, jazz and big bands musicians like Bing Crosby and ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. Now, as PlayhouseSquare’s revitalization hits a dazzling high, Cleveland’s own jazz festival, the Tri-C JazzFest has unveiled a new format celebrating the district. It’s the 35th anniversary of…
Gone Fishin' (and a #GrapesAndAle winner)
I’ve gone fishing … Literally. While spending this week in Virginia, I plan on catching a flounder or two at my parents’ house. We’ve enjoyed our vacation so far, hitting up a few new antique shops in Gordonsville and Fredericksburg, taking drives through the country and strolls through Culpeper.…
Giveway: BBQ, Brews and Blues at Our Lady of the Wayside's Grapes and Ale
Nothing – not even an 8-days-and-counting sinus infection – could have stopped me from BBQing with Scott’s family this weekend. The weather was perfect (unbelievably so, after our winter), the grill was blazing with cheese brats and Dad Hicken’s BBQ-sauce-laced burgers, and Scott’s mom put together one of the best…
I'm Sticking with Duck Tape: Avon's Duck Tape Festival
My allergies hit me hard this past weekend and while I tried to rest up on Sunday morning, I turned to the soothing voice of Charles Osgood to take my mind off it. It’s always a treat if I’m able to catch CBS Sunday Morning and I’m glad I tuned…
ZippityZooDoo: June 6 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Reminder: Sunday is your last chance to win 2 tickets to the Silver Spoon Awards. Tweet daily for extra entries. There’s a lot going on at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo right now, as the Zoo shakes off winter and prepares for a summer full of activities. Summer Day Camp starts in…
Giveaway: Celebrate Twenty Years of Silver Spoon Awards
UPDATE: After removing one pingback and three retracted entries, and placing the remaining total in Random.org: Congratulations, entry 26 – Franklin Mayse, for winning this giveaway! Please reply to my email by the morning of 5/13 to confirm you can attend Silver Spoon. When it comes to Cleveland food events,…
This Saturday: Free Comic Book Day in Cleveland
Whether you’re an avid comic book reader, a fan of superhero movies and television, or just curious about what the fuss over comics and graphic novels are, this Saturday is a day for you. Free Comic Book Day, the first Saturday in May, is one of my favorite days of…