Ah the end of summer. As much as I love Fall, I’m actually kind of bummed that summer is ending. Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond excited for Browns season, tailgates, clam bakes and sweaters but it’s sorta sad that we’re halfway through the year.
At least there are a few events coming up that I help to wind down the summer. One being Chefs Unbridled for Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. The event, which takes place at Chagrin Valley Hunt Polo Field, features a fun night of delicious food from fabulous chefs, horse-drawn carriage rides, auctions (both silent and live), as well as a food truck appearance from Hodge Podge Food Truck.
Chefs appearing this year:
One of the live auction items that I may attempt to win is a dinner for 20 at your home with Chris Hodgson and Scott Kuhn of Driftwood Restaurant Group (mostly cause it’d be great to have my friend cooking me and my friends dinner – plus they even clean up and bring wine!)
Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center (located in Bainbridge) is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country, serving 800 students annually (from preschoolers to veterans). Through a special partnership with horses, Fieldstone offers programs designed by professionals to foster personal growth and individual achievement for people with special needs.
Tickets are still available so don’t miss this opportunity to kick off your Fall (or end your summer) in style!
Disclaimer: As part of promoting this year event, I was provided two tickets to attend Chefs Unbridled. As always, all opinions are my own.
It’s rare that at some point during an event I don’t take my phone out to take a couple of pictures. It goes along with my usual FOMO, I think. But at this year’s Twilight at the Zoo, I somehow managed to not take one picture. In fact, besides a couple quick texts, I didn’t have my cell out the entire night. That’s how great of a party The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo throws every year.
This year’s event raised more than $625,000 which helps to support animal care, educational activities and the overall visitor experience at the Zoo. The best part about the event? It was literally a party throughout the Zoo. A number of bands played (including an awesome Bon Jovi cover band), drinks were had and people were dancing as they roamed the Zoo.
Have you been to the Zoo lately? One thing I didn’t realize was the number of events that the Zoo hosts yearly, for adults – not just for kids. For a list of all of the upcoming events, check out the calendar here.
Disclaimer: In exchange for posting/tweeting about Twilight At the Zoo, I received two VIP tickets. All opinions are my own.
It’s hard to believe that Content Marketing World is just over a month away. I’m pretty sure I’ve been counting down for months, since being named a blogger for the event. I’ve picked my sessions, made evening plans and coordinated what speakers are must sees.
For those that are out of town, I wanted to put together a list of places to go and things to do. While many of the days are jam packed and there are plenty of events that are not to be missed, there will also be some down time to visit a few of my favorite places.
Food:
1. The Greenhouse Tavern – Fingers crossed the weather will be perfect for the end of summer/beginning of Fall and you’ll have the opportunity to check out the rooftop bar at Greenhouse which is one of my favorite views of East 4th Street. Grab a Manhattan and an order of the chicken wings and see why everyone raves about Chef Sawyer, our James Beard Foundation winner.
2. Hodge’s – Yes, Chef Chris Hodgson is a friend but the patio at Hodge’s makes it one of my favorite locations downtown. The bar is the perfect place to chat with one of their friendly bartenders, catch a game on TV and relax. My personal favorite? The Lake Erie (please note: these are dangerous.)
3. Lolita – No Cleveland visit is complete without a Chef Symon restaurant visit (in my opinion). If you can, grab a seat on the patio of Lolita and see why I adore all things Chef Symon.
4. Prosperity Social Club – this is a new favorite for me in Tremont. I’m not sure how I hadn’t been to Prosperity earlier but now that I have, the patio is my favorite place in the city. The drinks are delicious, the food is yummy and the atmosphere is spot on.
Places:
1. Cleveland Museum of Art – Sneak out of Downtown CLE for a little bit and escape at CMA. One of my favorite locations to sit and do work, you can bring your laptop and enjoy the view in the new atrium before walking around the museum.
2. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – So I’ve only been to the Rock Hall like twice. Ever. But(!) every time I’ve gone, it’s been one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. Music lovers – no matter the genre – will have plenty to learn and take it at the museum.
3. Progressive Field – The Tribe will be opening up a home stand and as summer winds down, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a nice cold one as CMWorld comes to a close. Check out the new food options at Progressive Field, The Corner Bar or watch the bullpen warm up in right field.
Coming to CLE for #CMWorld? Tweet me (@cacoughlin) and let me know if you have any questions or need suggestions on where to go! Better yet, tweet me during CMWorld and let’s chat!
Disclosure: I’m one of four bloggers for CMWorld this year. In return for promoting CMWorld and acting as a CLE ambassador, I was giving one ticket for the conference. All opinions are my own.
I’m fully aware that I have not truly blogged much this summer. It’s really not on purpose. It’s just that between work and jam packed weekends, I’ve barely had any time for myself. (I’m still working on that whole work/life balance thing…so far I’m struggling with it but it’s a work in process.)
Things that have happened so far this summer?
A fantastic girls night out at Taylor Swift. I’m pretty sure Erin and I purchased these tickets a good year ago (and had a full strategy on the purchase). Erin and I are sort of the ultimate T. Swift fans and I’m pretty sure our group did not sit once during the concert. Oh did I mention we got upgraded tickets? No biggie. Just a few feet away from T. Swift.
I heart these two.
Oh hey girl.
NBD
I enjoyed a fun filled week in Las Vegas with the American Advertising Federation. As part of being on the executive committee for the Cleveland Chapter, I was able to represent our chapter, receive a couple of awards – including for the ADDYs (my baby) – and meet up with some friends in the process. That week literally kicked my ass but also gave me the opportunity to learn a ton, talk to one of my work idols and come up with a ton of ideas for my presidency with AAF. (Planning on going to the Cavs watch party the night I returned, with very little sleep, was probably not my best idea and through off the entire week but what can you do.)
Kate Fagan is a boss.
So glad I got to visit with these two even if it was just for a little bit.
Of course, some annual things happened this summer so far too…like spending time with the bestie and her family (stealing the kids glow-sticks, laughing until our stomachs hurt and spending the night in the burbs).
Tradition
We’ve become family.
I promise to attempt to start blogging more regularly again. Again…that work/life balance thing.
p.s. Congrats to Monina and Jennifer on winning two tickets each to Country Jam. Please email me your information at lifeinthecle at gmail.
It’s no secret that I love country music. Unfortunately this summer I’ve been way too busy to attend all of the country concerts I’ve wanted to (let’s not talk about how upset I am that I missed K. Ches this year. Luke Bryan will need to happen to make up for this.)
Luckily, my calendar is marked for the WGAR Dollar Bank Country Jam next month (August 22nd to be exact). My friend Kristen and I will be in attendance as Chris Young, Sara Evans and Jerrod Niemann take the stage (and we’ll probably be wearing our cowboy hats….cause why not). Other artists that will be performing this year: Mo Pitney, Drake White, Josh Abbott Band, Rachele Lynae, Dakota Bradley & The Caliber Band. The almost all day concert is at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, giving you the chance to get there early, grab a great seat and drink and watch performer after performer.
Pricing is totally reasonable, especially when you purchase early:
Ticket Prices June 1st through Friday, August 21st:$35 each (cash only) at Dollar Bank locations Monday, June 1st through Friday, August 21st.
Online Ticket Prices June 1st through Thursday, August 20th at 11:59 PM: $40 each plus applicable service fees – Available Monday, June 1st through Thursday, August 20th at 11:59 PM.
At The Gate Prices: $50 each at the gate on the day of the show on Saturday, August 22nd.
Or….
You can enter to win one of two 2-pack passes that I have to giveaway (including a parking pass). A couple of ways to enter:
1. Tell me your favorite country concert you’ve been to (my personal fave is always Kenny Chesney at Browns Stadium with Tim McGraw).
2. Follow Mira Productions on Facebook (leave a comment letting me know you did).
3. Follow Life in the CLE on Facebook (same – leave a comment).
4. Tweet: “Pick me to head to @WGAR #CountryJam2015 with @MiraProductions, @cacoughlin!” (leave a comment letting me know you tweeted – you can tweet once a day for additional entries).
Winners will be selected at random on July 29th.
Disclosure: In return for promoting Country Jam 2015 with Mira Productions, I was given 2 tickets and a parking pass to attend. All opinions are my own.
No, not the book or movie.
I mean Twilight at the Zoo. An evening out, with food, drinks, dancing and great entertainment all at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Now, the last time I was at Twilight at the Zoo, it was a torrential downpour the minute we walked through the Zoo’s entrance. After hiding out for a little bit, our group was able to get inside and under a pavilion to grab food, drinks and listen to a few bands. The rain kept no one away. That’s the thing about Cleveland’s – rain, snow – we won’t stop having a good time.
And that’s exactly what you can expect at this year’s Twilight at the Zoo.
Twilight at the Zoo is the perfect adult night out at the zoo. Drinks. Great music. Food. And the chance to walk around the Zoo at night. There will be 18 local bands this year (giving you the chance to listen to any type of music you like – pop, rock, swing, country or blues). Admission includes apps, Samuel Adams beer, Angry Orchard, wine and pop.
The details:
General admission: 7pm to Midnight
Tickets: $80 (or a block of 10 tickets for $700)
(Sorry VIP is sold out!)
Tickets are on sale now so grab them before general admission sells out next!
Disclosure: I was invited to Twilight at the Zoo this year and in exchange for promoting the event received two VIP tickets. All opinions are my own.
Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) is entering their tenth year of their widely successful, Luau on the Lake. Luau on the Lake is one event that I look forward to every year. Held right on Whiskey Island, Luau on the Lake offers Cleveland’s the chance to not only support a good cause, but also enjoy drinks, entertainment and friends.
I’ve been attending Luau on the Lake for a couple of years now and have to say every year SC4K steps up their game and adds on other ways to make the event fun – all while raising money. This year there will be a corn hole tournament (which anyone who knows me knows that in order for me to be somewhat successful with corn hole, I need more than a few beers in my system….hence why I’m so good after a couple hours of tailgating).
Scenes from 2014
So a little bit about SC4K: it is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a unique service for income-eligible families in Greater Cleveland. SC4K fulfills its mission by distributing new shoes, clothing, and other essential items to infants and youths. SC4K is able to purchase between $15.00 and $20.00 worth of brand new clothing for every $1.00 spent.
The event details?
General Admission Tickets: $50.00 through June 26, 2015 and $60.00 through July 20, 2015. $65.00 at the door.
Includes island buffet, beer, wine, soft drinks, and souvenir cup. 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. event time.
Big Kahuna: $60.00 through June 26, 2015 and $75.00 through July 20, 2015. No BK tickets at the door.
Includes everything available through the GA admission plus: three (3) specialty island cocktail drink tickets, Hawaiian lei, VIP cup and tote.
3:30 – 9:00 p.m. event time.
Tiki God: $125.00 per person or $200 per couple through July 10, 2015. No VIP tickets at the door.
Includes all of the above. PLUS: Open bar (beer, wine, liquor, island cocktails) and appetizers located in a special VIP tent with seating available.
3:00 – 9:00 p.m. event time.
Guess what? I have tickets to giveaway! I have two Big Kahuna tickets to giveaway and a few ways that you can win.
1. Tweet: I’m ready to be a Big Kahuna at with @SC4K! Thanks @cacoughlin! http://wp.me/p1o7Bm-NK
2. Like Life in the CLE on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did.
3. Like SC4K on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did.
4. Follow@SC4K on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.
Winner will be selected at random on July 8th.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: SC4K reached out to me to help promote this year’s event. In return, I also received two tickets to the event. All opinions are my own.
I am beyond excited to be an official blogger for this year’s Content Marketing World. While I have not attended in the past, this conference has consistently been on my “to attend” list. Especially since it’s literally in my backyard.
Content Marketing World is the MUST attend conference for marketers, agencies and freelancers. The event features world renowned speakers (last year: Kevin Spacey) and gives you the opportunity to hear from some of the very best in the industry. Joe Pulizzi and his team at Content Marketing Institute put together one of the very best line ups year after year for speakers, including fantastic entertainment throughout the week.
This year CMW will feature over 80 sessions (over four days). Last year, more than 2,600 marketers from 50 countries came to The CLE for the conference, giving Cleveland another opportunity to shine!
Some fun facts about CMW:
5 – 2015 is the fifth year for CMW
3,500 – Number of attendees expected this year
6,473 – Orange snacks served at CMW (Orange is the company color for Content Marketing Institute….and the color you will often see Joe Pulizzi in!)
12,128 – Cups of coffee poured (marketers NEED their coffee)
62,500 – Items of swag hand-stuffed into bags
Onto the good stuff….who will you see this year?
So now I have your attention right? These are just a few of the amazing speakers that are lined up this year, offering you the opportunity to learn more about content marketing, integration and analytics. Plus giving you the opportunity to have a great time along the way (I personally cannot wait to hang out with my friends at CMI and the other official bloggers for this year).
Register today and start your countdown to Content Marketing World 2015!
Disclosure: As one of the official bloggers for CMW 2015, I’ve received one ticket to attend this year. As always, all opinions are my own.
If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, I’m sure you’ve noticed my love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. To say that I’m #ALLinCLE is probably an understatement. I’ve been a Cavs fan for a long time (in fact, Timehop has been showing me that just a few years ago I was at the Finals games and cheering the Cavs on…and Delonte West).
My excitement and happiness for what the city is going through this time around…well it’s more than I can put into words. I’ve been at almost every Playoff game (so far I’ve only missed one and will miss one of the Finals games since I’ll be in Vegas). I’ve joined friends at bars to watch away games. I’ve lost my voice at two games so far. And I plan on losing it again at Game 3 in a couple weeks.
I’ve been with this team since day 1. Literally. I was at home opener (and I cried) and I’m gonna be on Euclid when that parade head down the street.
#ALLinCLE
Life in the CLE 