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Forbes.com recently named Cleveland one of the best cities for singles . . . number 14 to be exact. And Match.com named us one of the most “affordable” cities for singles (number 13 in the nation).  Cleveland’s entertainment districts, live music clubs, low cost of living, great culinary scene and multiple sports teams all contribute to these rankings, but the fact that we are known for our abundance of doctors and musicians can’t be overlooked as a factor. (Just teasing.) Anyway, these recent rankings became the topic of conversation on our social media pages and Julie A Cajigas, President and Freelance Copywriter and Communication Specialist for Inspired Copy & Communications, LLC, shared her thoughts on the subject with this guest blog.

Winter, spring, summer or fall . . . there's a "date night" option to suit any season. (Photo: Scott Meivogel)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Recently I responded to Positively Cleveland’s Facebook post about Cleveland being among the top 25 affordable places to go on a date. Another Facebook user saw my response and asked for some restaurant recommendations, and here’s what I came up with. I’m also adding some of my favorite activities so people can mix and match and make a great date!

I’m glad to hear that Cleveland is scoring praise for being an affordable place to date. My husband and I have been enjoying some of the quirky, fun date nights to be had here, so I thought I’d share some of our favorite spots with you. I’m sure I’ve missed a few hot spots, so feel free to leave comments with your favorite Cleveland dining/activities. (I’m trying to focus on places that are affordable, but feel free to name any that you like below!)

Here are six of my favorite spots for affordable, romantic dinners (some more affordable than others, but all of them delectable):

1. Le Petit Triangle
This little gem is in the neighborhood of Ohio City. It’s a good idea to make a reservation before you go because there is limited seating. They have both sweet and savory crepes along with other French cuisine and a great wine and drink selection. The service is a bit slow sometimes, but the food is worth it. Besides, it gives you more time to stare at one another longingly.

2. Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar
Also in Ohio City, they have “Taco Tuesdays” and a very interesting blend of world cuisines. My friends rave about their margaritas and other beverages. While it’s a great place to hang out after work, it could also be a bustling, lively spot for a romantic rendezvous.

3. Mama Santa’s
I think Mama Santa’s is one of the best Italian spots in Cleveland. It is in Little Italy, but it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Try the cavatelli, it’s magic–and their pizza is also fantastic. It’s “Lady and the Tramp” style romanza.

4. Mi Pueblo (Google for address/reviews)
For authentic cuisine from Mexico you can’t beat Mi Pueblo. They start you off with chips and salsa and spicy carrot slices and it’s always great to finish with their tres leches. They are located on Euclid near the campus of Case Western Reserve University. If you call ahead, ask about their strolling musicians, which can turn a plate of pollo azteca into the recipe for love.

5. Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont
A great spot for a romantic brunch date. Have brunch, walk through the farmer’s market and stop at Lilly’s Handmade Chocolates for a gourmet late morning treat. I recommend Lucky’s housemade granola, the shipwreck or the baked macaroni. Sunny service and garden seating make this one romantic morning.

6. Rincon Crillolo (Google for address/reviews)
You’ll have to call them for restaurant hours, but if you like caribbean food, it can’t be beat. The flavors of Puerto Rico are bursting out the front door. The traditional foods here are great and they have the jibarito–a steak sandwich on plantains. Mmmm . . . If you miss holding hands at Lozada’s (which very sadly closed), this spot should satisfy all your cravings.

What to do, what to do? In addition to some great, affordable restaurants, Cleveland also boasts some mighty fun (and affordable) spots to enjoy before or after your romantic meal:

1. Fly a Kite at Edgewater
There’s something romantic about flying a kite while enjoying the sounds of the beach. Head over to Edgewater State Park and use the wind coming off the lake to send your kite flying high. Bring a bike along or some charcoal and burgers and spend the evening, or pack up your kite and head to dinner at one of the hot spots above.

2. Take in a Foreign Film
Foreign films can be steamy and sexy, silly and comedic or just, well, foreign. But these flicks are almost always a wonderful alternative to whatever is playing at the local cineplex. Cleveland has some great options from the Cedar Lee in Cleveland Heights and the Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art to the Capitol Theatre in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood that is scheduled to open this October 2009. In addition to the foreign films, the Cleveland suburbs boast more than three drive-in theaters. There’s nothing more romantic than smooching in the car while the films on!

3. Get in Touch with the Local Bands
I am no expert about all the great live music venues in Cleveland, but what I do know is that there are so many! Take in an intimate performance at The Barking Spider Tavern in University Circle or enjoy a larger stage show at Brother’s Lounge in Lakewood. See the latest and greatest at the Grog Shop in Coventry or check out the Hi-Fi Concert Club or the Roc Bar in The Flats. There’s great music happening in this rock and roll city–don’t miss out! With $5 covers, the sky’s the limit.

4. Enjoy Some Free Classical Goodness
Cleveland is full of some of the world’s most talented musicians. While tickets to some events might break the budget, there are tons of amazing student and professional recitals that cost absolutely nothing to attend! Check out venues like Cleveland State University, Cleveland Institute of Music or groups like Cantores Cleveland for exciting, totally free performances. CSU has a great artist series that is free to students and community members alike and features professional performers from around the nation and occasionally from across the pond. Tri-C and CIM have similar programs and it doesn’t stop there. Check out www.clevelandclassical.com, a great free resource that can help you learn all about Cleveland’s classical scene.

5. Glow-in-the-Dark Putt-Putt
So Strongsville is definitely a suburb, but that doesn’t make glow-in-the-dark mini golf any less cool. Firefly’s Mini Golf features a full-size indoor mini golf course with cool glow-in-the-dark features and balls! This is a great thing to do in the winter, or any time year-round as they have great air conditioning. With a party room, a college ID night and a teen night, this spot is fun for all ages. I’ve been on several dates here and can vouch for it as a fun spot!

6. Get Your Art On
With dozens of really cool galleries, Cleveland’s a great place to get out and meet some artists. With so many cool spots to check out, I advise googling “art gallery cleveland.” Some of my favorites include SPACES, Doubting Thomas, Asterisk and Artefino Gallery. Also great are Cleveland’s exciting artisan events like Made in the 216 and the Bizarre Bazaar. Stop by and purchase a piece of Cleveland made art.

Oh, and if you want to know what’s “cool” in Cleveland, check out the e-zine, Cool Cleveland. That’s where I find out about new and exciting things to do with my weekends. Happy date night! –Submitted by Julie A Cajigas

Thanks to Julie (Inspired Freelancer) for her great ideas for dates in Cleveland! Click here to read more about indie theater, mini-golf, concert clubs and other date options. Please email me if you want to submit your ”guest blog” for either “Flee to the Cleve” or ”Ask Positively Cleveland.”

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