TRAVEL WITH SERENA - ROCKIN' CLEVELAND

The Cleveland Hotel reflected in an office building across the street

Two weeks ago author Lois Winston attended the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in Cleveland and was pleasantly surprised by the Forest City, as it’s known. The convention – a huge gathering of mystery writers, publishing professionals and fans – is named for mystery author, science-fiction editor, and San Francisco Chronicle reviewer Anthony Boucher who died in 1968. 

Ceiling leading into entrance of Cleveland Hotel from Terminal Tower

The convention was held at the Cleveland Hotel, an architectural marvel that has been a landmark in downtown Cleveland since it was built in 1918 on Public Square. Public Square is considered the city’s historic heart and soul. Known as the Grand Dame of Cleveland, the Cleveland Hotel, now the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, has hosted many presidents and world dignitaries over the years.

Courtyard of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland is also known as the rock and roll capital of the world and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The term “Rock and Roll” was first coined by Alan Freed, a Cleveland disc jockey in the early 1950’s.

In sharp contrast to the old world charm of the Cleveland Hotel, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is an ultra-modern structure designed to resemble a glass pyramid. The opening ceremonies for Bouchercon were held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Beatles inspired guitar displayed in mall inside Public Tower

The courtyard of the museum was filled with the results of GuitarMania, a public art project that raised two million dollars for the United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s education programs. 10-ft. tall Fender® Statocaster® guitars were transformed into works of art by local artists and national celebrities. Additional guitars are displayed throughout Cleveland. The guitars will be auctioned off this coming Saturday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But the cool thing is, you don’t have to be in Cleveland on Saturday to bid on a guitar. Anyone interested in owning one can bid online.

Cleveland rocked for Lois. You might want to put the city on your must-see list and let it rock for you.