A Stopover in Cleveland: Unexpected Finds Along the Way 🚗💨

First Impressions My brief visit to Cleveland, nestled by Lake Erie, left me with mixed feelings. Unlike the polished downtown areas I'd imagined, parts of the city felt weathered and overlooked—litter dotted some streets, and the architecture lacked the charm I’d hoped for. (Note to self: Better research next time! 🧐📝) Hidden Gem: West Side Market 🏛️🍎 Despite missing the bustling morning market hours, stepping into the West Side Market was like entering a time capsule. This century-old market, housed under a grand red-brick arched roof, was a sensory overload: Bakeries with golden pretzels and flaky pastries 🥨 Cheese stalls boasting wheels of aged cheddar 🧀 Butchers proudly displaying cuts of meat 🥩 Vendors with a "take it or leave it" attitude—charmingly unfazed! 😌 The air was thick with the sweet, savory, and smoky scents of fresh goods—a dopamine rush for foodies! 🎢 Bonus Finds 🍽️ Surprise Korean Meal – Stopped at a random Korean spot (no expectations!), but the banchan (side dishes) were stellar! 🇰🇷✨ ⛽ Cheap Gas Alert! – Cleveland’s gas prices were shockingly low—perfect for road trippers! 🚘💵 Vibe Check Cleveland isn’t about flashy attractions—it’s a city that reveals itself slowly. Wander without a plan, and you might just stumble upon its quirky soul. #SlowTravel #ClevelandDiaries #HiddenGems #RoadTripEats #UnplannedAdventures 🌍✌️