Cleveland, Ohio, has found itself the butt of more than a few jokes. Actor Drew Carey has thrown more positive publicity Cleveland's way, however. Cleveland is Carey's hometown and the setting for his ABC sitcom "The Drew Carey Show." Not only that, but the opening song of the popular sitcom shows Carey and his fellow co-stars in various locations around the city while a theme song declares, "Cleveland rocks!" So does Carey know something the rest of us don't?

Cleveland, an industrial port not known for a wealth of natural beauty, has had to overcome a public relations nightmare after being dubbed "Mistake of the Lake" when, in the early 1970s, the pollution-plagued Cuyahoga River caught fire. That incident occurred in the midst of a recession already dragging down the city's morale, and from which Cleveland to this day continues to recover. Nevertheless, the city has experienced significant recovery. For evidence, look no further than the revitalization efforts around the Lake Erie/Cuyahoga River waterfront, where extensive restoration has brought new life to this sector. The city also has built up its cultural and recreational bases, adding a large network of museums, a new downtown stadium, and brand- new, ultramodern shopping centers and malls. In response, many corporations have decided to locate their headquarters here, further boosting the city's economy. Hotels have sprung up left and right to accommodate these companies (Cleveland has invested $104 million in hotel development, according to the city's Convention and Vistors Bureau), and the recent arrival of the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, designed by the great architect I.M. Pei, has brought a surge of tourism to Cleveland for which these new hotels are ready to serve. During its inaugural year, the high-tech Rock and Roll Hall of Fame attracted more than 1 million visitors. Some have questioned the decision to establish this tribute to rock and roll in Cleveland, rather than New York or Los Angeles, for example. Whatever the reasons, Clevelanders are happy to have the museum; it's doing good things for the city's economy and its reputation.

Cleveland's roots trace back to 1796, when the city was founded. Thirty years later, the Ohio Canal, located between the Ohio River and Lake Erie, was opened, adding new life and new commerce to the city. From the Civil War era to the 1920s, Cleveland was considered one of the world's greatest steel and shipbuilding centers due to its abundant supplies of coal and iron. Great entrepreneurs like John D. Rockefeller have Cleveland to thank for their fortunes. This is the city where Rockefeller earned his billions. Travel to Cleveland today, and you can make your way down "Millionaires' Row" -- at your own risk, that is. These once glorious mansions have not been maintained and have suffered from neglect throughout the years. Unfortunately, Millionaires' Row has not reaped the benefits of Cleveland's various revitalization and investment efforts, and this former land of plenty is now considered something of a dangerous war zone.

Also worth visiting is Cleveland's Playhouse Square Center, which comprises three historic and well-preserved theaters. Particularly noteworthy is the Ohio Theater, with a ceiling designed to be a replica of a starry night sky. For those who enjoy an occasional authentic brew, the historic Great Lakes Brewing Company is a must. Look closely at the facility's mahogany bar; you'll spot the bullet holes from a 1920s gunfight in which Elliot Ness participated. And lest you think Cleveland is devoid of any culture, head to University Circle, a network of more than 70 centers of culture -- including art and natural history museums and performing arts companies -- located just five miles from downtown Cleveland. And because the restoration and conversion of industrial warehouses is one of our modern trends, you'll want to visit The Flats, an admittedly unattractive yet lively section of the city. Its somewhat dreary and utilitarian structures contain nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants popular with the locals -- and for a good reason. Also worth visiting is trendy Ohio City, a Cleveland neighborhood defined by its eclectic nature. You'll spot occasional relics of Victorian architecture here. It's a melting pot filled with hip secondhand shops, ethnic delicacies, and other offbeat specialty shops. And before you leave, you'll want to pay a visit to the Public Square, sitting right in the middle of downtown Cleveland. It's where all of the streets in the city lead. In its southwestern corner sits Terminal Tower, Cleveland's landmark.

Cleveland's various neighborhoods -- including Ohio City, Tremont, Shaker Square/Larchmere, Edgewater/Cudell, Fairfax/Glenville, and Little Italy -- are vibrant and ethnically diverse, home to Asian, German, Greek, Italian, Slavic, Polish, and African-American populations, among others. Such an interesting mix gives rise to local festivals, a wealth of regional delicacies, and other rich cultural offerings that convey the varied heritage of each one of these populations.

If you're up for a day trip, head west of Cleveland, where you'll find the quaint college town of Oberlin, where gothic architecture reigns supreme, or Vermillion, a quiet community located along the shores of a lake.

Cleveland may very well be one of America's biggest underdogs. Hardly a cultural wasteland defined by heavy industry, the city has made a remarkable comeback from the hard times during the 1970s. The relocation of major corporations here, as well as the continue growth of existing ones, are a barometer of the city's continued health. Cultural institutions have blossomed here, and Cleveland has carved out a new niche for itself as a vibrant city rich with tradition in the middle of America's heartland.

Published: October 19, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.