If rock and roll is the beat your heart sings to, then head for Cleveland, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But that's not all that there is to Cleveland, one of the largest cities in the state of Ohio. Located on the banks of Lake Erie, Cleveland, once a major industrial center is now in the final throes of a billion-dollar makeover to emerge once again as a prosperous and popular destination.

Established in 1796, Cleveland rose to become one of the most important shipyards in the world -- the abundant iron reserves and coal deposits contributed heavily to industrialization. The opening of the Ohio Canal between the Ohio River and Lake Erie in 1826 benefited it greatly. The economic depression of the 1970s however dealt a deathly blow to the city -- thousands of workers were laid off, factories were shut down and the city's social fabric began to decay. The twentieth century has ushered in a fresh beginning for the city -- massive restoration projects were initiated and today, the city is putting its best foot forward.

Summers are cool and comfortable, largely due to proximity to the Lake. Temperatures range between 60 – 85 º F. Winters and spring can get quite cold with temperatures in December and January dropping to 28 º F.

Cleveland has a large black community, originally from the Deep South. They were brought here to work in the industries as lowly paid labor. Cleveland is also home to many diverse ethnic communities who have come and settled here over the years.