📰 The 216’s Best-Kept Secrets

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop. Grog Shop’s hosting the funniest nerds you’ll ever meet 🎤🤓😂

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here)​

Call it urban archaeology, or a thrill ride through secret places that recall the past and live on in the present. Let’s go urban exploring… And bring a camera. Your Instagram page will love you for it.

Ghost signs of Ohio City

Countless buildings are haunted with ghost signs – painted, faded reminders of old companies on buildings. The area is a treasure of such gems – signs for the circa-1895 Van Rooy Coffee Co. (2900 Detroit Avenue) and Uneeda Biscuit (West 32nd and Bridge).

Warner and Swasey Observatory

The circa-1920 observatory (1975 N Taylor Road, East Cleveland) was once the place in Cleveland to see the stars. It closed in 1980. No, you can't look at the stars from here anymore, but it lives on as a magnet for explorers.

Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric

Once a factory that dates back to the 1880s, the industrial hulk (Cedar Avenue just east of East 55th) is now a mash of crumbling walls and rubble — and Cleveland’s top industrial ruin.

Sidaway Bridge

Built in the early 1900s, Cleveland’s only suspension bridge (East 65th and Sidaway Avenue) was the site of the notorious Torso Murders, and was set on fire in the ‘60s during the Hough Riots. In 2022,  it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

League Park

The museum and park is the cradle of Cleveland baseball. Built it in 1891 for the Spiders, it was home to the Indians until 1946. It hosted the Tribe’s victorious 1920 World Series and legends from the Buckeyes to Babe Ruth (who belted his 500th home run here).

Social media. Hyper-local. Legacy media is yesterday’s news.

The media landscape is changing and you’re invited to join The 216 Scoop to talk about it.

On Aug. 26, we’ll hit the Happy Dog to discuss how Cleveland can navigate this post-media world to build a connected, informed future.

We’ll be joined by Eric Vajda and John Sturza, founders of I’m From Cleveland, and Lawrence Daniel Caswell, of Signal Ohio.

The talk will be moderated by John Skrtic, of the Cleveland Public Library.

There’s a Q and A – so speak up and have a drink with us. More info.

Their “The Sad Virgins” SNL clip went viral – in no small part because it featured Pete Davidson and Taylor Swift.

But the charming dorks in NYC comedy troupe Please Don’t Destroy -- Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy – have become stars in their own right.

Formed in the 2017 while they were attending NYU, PDD wrote and starred in their 2023 debut film ‘Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Bottom.’

The comics are now taking their new material on the road for the first time since 2023 – and will be appearing at the Grog Shop for a six-show, three-night run, Thursday through Saturday. More info.

Crust -- the Tremont pizzeria beloved for its house-made dough -- is closing on Friday after 13 years. “While this chapter ends, our story isn’t over. You can still find us at our Midtown location… And who knows… a new location may be on the horizon in the future,” said owner Mike Griffin.

It's a fine tattoos, and it loves dogs. Let’s hear it for Stranci Tattoo & Piercing Co. Thursday through Saturday, the shop will host City Dogs Tattoo benefit. Proceeds from tats, snacks and a rattle will go to Cleveland City Kennel. Info.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland -- the fifth oldest organization of its kind in the U.S. -- has been the last line of defense for low-income residents of the area since 1905. At 5 tonight, it brings its annual fundraiser, “Jam for Justice,” and 12 musical acts to the Beachland Ballroom. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Step right up to the Big Tent. To the right, the Wheel of Death. To the left, the Sphere of Fear.

Ladies and gentleman, the Garden Bros Nuclear Circus is in town – Thursday through Sunday at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

Founded in 1932, the traveling show and the biggest big-top circus in the world mixes daredevil stunts with wild animal tricks and humans gone wild.

As in, yes, clowns, jugglers acrobats, galloping horses, motorcycle mayhem, performing dogs and elephant and camel rides. More info.

The Great Lakes Exposition of 1936 transformed downtown, with displays, structures and building erected to showcase the city. It closed the following year and most everything was razed not long after.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoop_216 on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

78 °F 🌡️ 69 °F | Patchy rain possible | 9% | 💨 ~6 mph (~5 knots)

77 °F 🌡️ 69 °F | Patchy rain possible | 1% | 💨 ~6 mph (~5 knots)

77 °F 🌡️ 62 °F | Sunny | 0% | 💨 ~6 mph (~5 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. D-backs, 3:40pm Wednesday

Away vs. Rangers, 8:05pm Friday

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s learned the art of navigating Cleveland’s unpredictable weather.

Watch this quick video (start at 0:50) to see how easy it is to add our app to your home screen!