🥶 Cabin fever hitting yet?

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Today we’re reflecting on a moment when history spoke directly to our city ✊📜

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

At some point, you either curl up in a fetal position under the sink or say, ‘Damn, the snow and cold -- I’m going out.’

That time is upon us.

Cabin fever hits hardest as MLK Day gives us a day off and January heads to a close. It finally forces us out of the house -- and not just into a cozy bar or restaurant.

Winter in Northeast Ohio is one of the most picturesque times to be outside.

Parks and trails take on a contemplative character, from frozen waterfalls to snow dusted trees and rivers sparkling with ice.

Especially at Brandywine Falls & Brandywine Gorge Loop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

It’s one of a dozen walks that take on quiet magic in winter (see more in the 216 Rundown).

The trail winds through snowy woods, and along boardwalks to the gorge and the falls, which often freezes into a luminous sheet of ice.

It offers both intimate paths and panoramic views of the valley – and, of course, the main attraction:  The 60-plus-foot waterfall and icicles hanging like crystal chandeliers from the cliffs.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s ties to Cleveland ran deep.

He visited often and played a pivotal role in the election of Carl Stokes, the first black mayor of a major American city.

He delivered his influential “Rise Up!” speech at Glenville High School -- in 1967 – in which he called on Black youths to stay in school, eschew violence and believe in themselves.

MLK is celebrated universally. Would he be if he were still alive extolling his core views?

He called American militarism one of the "triple evils" alongside racism and poverty.

He called for an end to corporate dominance over policy and pushed for redistribution of economic power.

He opposed government surveillance and authoritarian tactics.

These institutions will honor MLK’s legacy with themed events and activities and free admissions:

Declining alcohol consumption has weighed on craft beer sales. Of course, there was also Covid and then the rise of seltzer drinks.

“We took a real hit but we’re bouncing back and adjusting,” Pat Conway, co-founder of Great Lakes Brewing, told me in 2024.

Since then, Great Lakes has practiced the art of sustainability – and not the environmental kind they’re renowned for.

The Ohio City brewery has kept its branding going by redefining it with new lines of seltzers and infused beers, a redesigned brew pub, ghost tours and clever themes for its cellar bar.

The latest is a Harry Potter pop-up that transforms the joint into a Hogwarts School of beer wizardry – with themed brews, cocktails, food and décor.

It’s been a magnet for Potterheads and the run has been extended through today… and perhaps longer. Info.

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There’s a line in the snow, and it’s time to cross it. Delightful vistas, striking panoramas and icy water and cool snow formations await on these stellar hikes that capture contemplative mood and natural beauty of the season.

Ledges Trail: Ledges State Park: This 2.2-mile loop is striking in winter, when snow settles along the sandstone ledges and forest below. The elevated viewpoints offer peaceful, panoramic views.

Fort Hill Stairs: Rocky River Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks: The climb up 155 stairs leads to a quiet overlook above the Rocky River valley, one of the park’s most beautiful winter vistas. Then continue onto the Fort Hill Earthworks Trail, which winds past historic Native American earthworks.

Lake-to-Lake Trail: Big Creek Reservation: The 2.5-mile, mostly paved route between Lake Isaac and Lake Abram, through woods and wetlands, becomes especially tranquil in winter.

Squire’s Castle Trail: North Chagrin Reservation: The never-finished1890s stone house sits quietly among frosted trees, giving this popular destination a distinctly hushed winter atmosphere.

Edgewater Park: Cleveland Metroparks: A different kind of winter experience, with sweeping views of Lake Erie and its icy shoreline. Walk the lakeside trail to see ice forming in layers in the dramatic seascape.

White Oak Trail: Brecksville Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks: Beginning near Oak Grove Picnic Area, this 2.1-mile route climbs gently through winter woods to My Mountain Overlook, where wide views open across the snow-covered Chippewa Creek Valley.

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Jolene’s doesn’t need a reason to party. The woohoo cowpoke corral is always going hard.

But this is different: Dolly Parton turns 80 today and the bar is celebrating with a birthday party to honor the patron saint of the East Fourth joint. 5:30 tonight.

The bash rolls out a Dolly sing- and dance-a-longs – and is coaxing partyers to don pink, glam, big hair and cowgirl get-ups to with prizes. Info.

Civil rights demonstrators protest school segregation in Cleveland, 1964.

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19 °F 🌡️ 8 °F | 🌨️ (Lake Effect Snow / Windy) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

14 °F 🌡️ 5 °F | 🌤️ (Frigid & Partly Sunny) | 10% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

33 °F 🌡️ 20 °F | 🌨️ (PM Snow Showers / Breezy) | 60% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 20 mph (≈ 17 knots)

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

Home vs. Thunder, 2:30 PM January 19 (Monday)

Away vs. Hornets, 7:00 PM January 21 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Kings, 7:30 PM January 23 (Friday)

Away vs. Magic, 7:00 PM January 24 (Saturday)

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