Legends of the Land with Destination Cleveland

The Legend of Cleveland’s International Heritage

Cleveland’s history is an immigrant story.

In this episode, we explore Cleveland’s immigrant history and the international communities that helped build the city — from the Irish, Germans, Poles, Slovenians and Italians who arrived during Cleveland’s industrial rise to newcomers from Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and around the world who continue shaping The Land today.

Hosts Lexi Robinson and John Luteran sit down with Joe Cimperman, president and CEO of Global Cleveland, to talk about Cleveland’s international heritage, his own family’s immigrant story and what generations of newcomers have contributed to the city beyond food, festivals and traditions. They also look at what it means to be a welcoming city, the role immigration can play in Cleveland’s future and why the immigrant experience belongs in the larger American story as the nation commemorates America 250.

Because Cleveland isn’t simply a collection of different cultures. It’s a city those cultures built together — and one that continues to evolve with every new generation that chooses to call it home.

This episode answers:
• How have immigrants shaped Cleveland’s history and culture? • Who is immigrating to Cleveland today, and how are international newcomers shaping its future? • What does it mean for Cleveland to be a welcoming city?

Explore Cleveland’s cultures, neighborhoods and communities:
https://www.thisiscleveland.com/things-to-do/culture

The Legend of Lake Erie Wine

Is there really a wine region along Lake Erie — and how does it compare to places like Napa or Tuscany?

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore The Legend of Lake Erie Wine and uncover the surprising story behind one of the largest grape-growing regions east of the Rocky Mountains. Thanks to Lake Erie’s unique climate, this area produces millions of gallons of wine each year — yet many people still don’t realize it exists.

This episode answers three key questions that will change how you think about wine in Ohio:

• How many wineries are actually located in Ohio?

• Why is the Lake Erie region ideal for growing grapes and producing wine?

• What makes Lake Erie wines — including ice wine — unique?

Host Lexi Robinson and co-host John Luteran are joined by Ohio Wine Producers Association Executive Director Donniella Winchell to explore the science, storytelling and craftsmanship behind the region’s wines. From the lake’s impact on climate to the varietals that thrive here, you’ll discover what makes this wine region so distinctive.

You’ll also get insights into planning your own Lake Erie wine experience — from must-visit wineries to seasonal events — and learn why this region continues to surprise even the most seasoned wine lovers.

Whether you’re a casual sipper or a devoted enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a hidden gem in Northeast Ohio.

Listen now to discover the legend — and raise a glass to Lake Erie wine.

Learn more about the Ohio Wine Producers Association: https://www.ohiowines.org/

Discover where to drink ice wine in Cleveland: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/blog/where-to-drink-ice-wine-in-the-land

The Legend of Cleveland’s National Park

How close is a national park to Cleveland — and why don’t more people realize it?

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore The Legend of Cleveland’s National Park and uncover the surprising story behind Cuyahoga Valley National Park — a 33,000-acre landscape just minutes from downtown Cleveland that ranks among the most visited national parks in the country.

But this episode goes deeper than just location. It answers three key questions that reshape how you see this place:

• How far away is the nearest national park from downtown Cleveland?
• What did the Cuyahoga Valley look like before restoration — and what changed?
• How did a once-threatened landscape become Ohio’s only national park?

Host Lexi Robinson and co-host John Luteran sit down with Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent Lisa Petit to explore the valley’s remarkable transformation — from industrial impact and the infamous river fire to a nationally recognized example of environmental recovery and preservation.

Along the way, you’ll discover how local advocacy helped save the valley, what stories are hidden in the landscape and how understanding its past can completely change the way you experience its waterfalls, trails and river today.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve explored the park for years, this episode reveals the deeper story behind one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured outdoor destinations.

Listen now to discover the legend — and see Cleveland’s national park in a whole new way.

Plan your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/

Explore more parks and outdoor adventures in Cleveland: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/things-to-do/parks-outdoors

Did you know Ohio has islands in Lake Erie — and that they feel like a true summer escape just beyond Cleveland?

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore The Legend of Lake Erie’s Islands and uncover the stories behind one of the region’s most surprising getaway destinations. From beaches and wineries to historic landmarks and vibrant summer energy, these islands offer a completely different experience — without ever leaving Ohio.

This episode answers three key questions to help you plan — and reimagine — your next trip:

• How many islands are actually in Lake Erie, and where are they located?
• How do you get there — and what is the ferry experience like?
• What makes the Lake Erie Islands such a unique destination for visitors today?

Host Lexi Robinson and co-host John Luteran are joined by Miller Ferry Communications Manager Katrina Reed to break down everything from island geography and travel logistics to the rich history and evolving culture of these beloved destinations.

You’ll learn what first-time visitors should know, how transportation works once you arrive and why the journey across the lake is part of the experience itself. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just discovering these islands for the first time, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what’s waiting just beyond Cleveland.

Listen now to discover the legend — and start planning your island escape.

Learn more about Shores & Islands Ohio: https://www.shoresandislands.com/

Catch the Miller Ferry and plan your trip: https://millerferry.com/

Explore what awaits you Beyond Cleveland: http://www.thisiscleveland.com/neighborhoods/beyond-cle

What was the Ohio & Erie Canal — and how does it still shape the way we experience Northeast Ohio today?

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore The Legend of Ohio’s Canal and uncover the history behind the Towpath Trail — one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations that once served a very different purpose.

This episode answers three key questions that bring the canal’s story to life:

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What does “towpath” actually mean — and how did it work?

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Why was the Ohio & Erie Canal so important to the growth of Cleveland and Ohio?

•

How did a 19th-century transportation route become today’s Towpath Trail?

Host Lexi Robinson and co-host John Luteran are joined by Canalway Partners Executive Director Mera Cardenas to explore how this historic corridor powered commerce in the 1800s, connected communities across the state and ultimately evolved into a modern-day trail for biking, walking and exploring.

From mule-drawn canal boats to one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite outdoor escapes, this episode reveals how the past and present are connected along every mile of the Towpath. You’ll also hear how preservation efforts transformed aging infrastructure into a vibrant, accessible experience that continues to shape the region today.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, outdoor adventurer or first-time visitor, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the landscape beneath your feet.

Listen now to discover the legend behind the canal — and experience the Towpath in a whole new way.

Learn more about the Ohio & Erie Canalway: https://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/

Explore parks and outdoor adventures in Cleveland: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/things-to-do/parks-outdoors

Cleveland’s naval history runs deeper than many people realize.

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore the story of Cleveland’s naval legacy, from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and the Battle of Lake Erie to the USS Cod, the World War II submarine docked on Cleveland’s lakefront. We also look ahead to an exciting new chapter: the commissioning of the USS Cleveland in May.

Joined by USS Cod Submarine Memorial President Paul Farace, hosts Lexi Robinson and John Luteran uncover why Cleveland’s connection to naval service still matters today, what makes the USS Cod such a powerful and authentic experience, and how the city’s maritime story continues to shape its identity.

In this episode:

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What is the USS Cod, and why is it docked in downtown Cleveland?

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Why is Cleveland’s naval history so important to the story of the Great Lakes?

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What does the commissioning of the USS Cleveland mean for the city today?

Listen to the podcast, then go see the Cod for yourself.

Learn more:

USS Cod: http://usscod.org/

Destination Cleveland: http://thisiscleveland.com/America250

What is the story behind Cleveland's "Burning River," and what actually happened in 1969?
In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore the truth behind one of Cleveland's most well-known legends - the Cuyahoga River fire. While the image of a "burning river" has long defined national perceptions of the city, the real story is far more complex and ultimately, more inspiring.
Hosts Lexi Robinson and John Luteran are joined by Cleveland Metroparks historical interpreter Doug Kusak to unpack what led to the 1969 river fire, why Cleveland became the focal point of national attention, and how that moment helped spark lasting environmental change. From industrial pollution to the rise of environmental reform, this episode reveals how the Cuyahoga River became a symbol of both challenge and progress.
Today, the river tells a very different story - one of revitalization, recreation, and more than $5 billion in waterfront development shaping Cleveland's future.
This episode answers:

• What caused the Cuyahoga River to catch fire in 1969?
• Why did Cleveland's "Burning River" become such a lasting national story?
• How has the Cuyahoga River changed, and what's happening along Cleveland's waterfront today?

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the legend of the Burning River, then head to http://www.thisiscleveland.com/waterfront for more on waterfront development in Cleveland.

What are the Cleveland Script Signs and why have they become some of the city’s most popular photo spots?

In this episode, we explore the story behind the Cleveland Script Signs — the iconic landmarks that have become must-visit destinations for locals and visitors alike. From wedding photos and proposals to family memories and everyday city pride, these signs have evolved into powerful symbols of connection and place across Cleveland.

Hear from Destination Cleveland Chief Experiences Officer Hannah Belsito as she shares how the script signs came to be, what goes into destination management, and why these installations play such an important role in shaping the visitor experience.

This episode answers:

• What are the Cleveland Script Signs and why are they so popular?

• How did the Cleveland Script Signs come to be?

• What role do the script signs play in Cleveland’s identity and visitor experience?

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the Cleveland Script Signs and the stories they inspire.

When you think of classic locations to shoot a movie scene, you might imagine a huge film set in a warehouse in L.A., or a grisled New York City detective in the Big Apple, hot on the case. Maybe you’ve heard of huge productions like The Walking Dead taking over rural Atlanta for weeks at a time, or a Game of Thrones shoot increasing the population of a small European town 10 times over while they’re working.

Well, apart from the monoliths of the film industry in NYC and LA, Cleveland is actually one of the next names on the list.

Special thanks to Mike Wendt from the Cleveland Film Commission. To check out the Cleveland International Film Festival, click here.

When you picture surfing, what images come to mind? For most people, it’s the huge waves, busy beaches and palm trees in places like Hawaii, Tahiti and SoCal. But what if I told you that Cleveland – yes Cleveland, Ohio – is a thrilling surfing destination? On this episode of Legends of the Land, we chat with local surfer phenoms Caleb & Sam Skelton about the surfing community on the shores of Lake Erie.

Built on fires and fed on the nectar of a third-shift-shot-and-a-beer, Cleveland isn’t a city that pretends to be anything but itself. A manufacturing city steeped in spirit and fortitude, Cleveland has transformed itself through decades of perseverance and a special kind of grit. Through it all, though – the ups and downs; the highs and lows – we held it together with one thing: football.

On today's episode we discuss the history and importance of the Browns to Cleveland and its citizens.

Today we're talking about the Land's fascination with holiday brews, none more legendary than Great Lakes Brewing Company's Christmas Ale. Maybe it's our area’s shared cultural heritage with the Northern European originators of the brew, or perhaps it's something about long winter nights and holiday flurries — either way, the tradition of brewing ales and lagers with holiday flavors has found a home in Ohio, where more Christmas Ale is consumed than in any other state in the U.S.

Today, we’re exploring a unique chapter of Cleveland history - the Bridge Wars, which took place in the early 1800s. When the lines in the sand are the banks of the Cuyahoga, making friends with the next town over might be a bridge too far.

Cleveland is known around the world as the birthplace of rock and roll - heck, it's even home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! But what did it do to deserve such a reputation, and why do people make the trek to see the iconic museum? On today's episode, we speak to Dr. Jason Hanley about the origins of Rock 'n Roll, Rock music in the Land, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its lasting legacy.

To learn more about visiting Cleveland, visit http://www.ThisisCleveland.com.

We all know the story of Superman — the single survivor of a faraway planet, blessed with incredible powers and an equally incredible jawline. But do we all know the story of how we got Superman? If you live in Cleveland, the answer is closer than you might think.

It’s no secret that Cleveland gets a bad rap for being a snowy and cloudy destination. But the truth is, the weather in Cleveland, although fickle and – yes – cloudy and snowy at times, can be quite beautiful, sunny and with immaculately perfect temps. So, what’s the deal with this perception? And, what does the “Lake Effect” have to do with anything?

Often when people think about notable cities along the Underground Railroad, places like Boston and New York often come to mind. But few people are aware of the significance of Cleveland’s role within this movement and how the residents of the city helped to move likely thousands of people to safety in Canada. Join us in exploring The Legend of Station Hope.

Perhaps you’ve seen the headlines and read the news stories: on April 8, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will occur across portions of North America, including Mexico and the United States. It’s being called “The Great North American Eclipse.” In Cleveland, we’re expecting 10,000+ visitors from around the globe. But what is a total solar eclipse? And why is Cleveland considered “the center of the universe” in 2024? Let’s dive into this Legend of The Land.

Everyone knows that rock ‘n’ roll is part of Cleveland’s DNA. So, you might not be surprised to learn that Cleveland has a rich and storied hip-hop history, as well. But how did hip-hop become a defining factor of the music in Cleveland? What’s The Land’s defining hip-hop sound? Who’s blowing up the scene? And what’s next for this genre? Given the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this year, we turned these questions to Cleveland’s residents to tell us The Legend of Hip-Hop in The Land.

The city of Cleveland was founded on July 22, 1796, by the very general who surveyed the land for the Connecticut Land Company – General Moses Cleaveland. His job was to survey land that sat on the southern coast of Lake Erie and the mouth of what would eventually be known as the Cuyahoga River. From that point forward, the city was known as “Cleveland.” But, Moses’ name is spelled “C-L-E-A-V-E-L-A-N-D,” so, what happened to that first “A,” and why doesn’t the city use it in its current spelling? So on today’s episode, we’re asking, “Where’d that ‘A’ go?” To learn more about visiting Cleveland, visit http://www.ThisisCleveland.com.