CLEVELAND — With thousands of visitors in town for Gay Games 9, what a better time than now for Cleveland to show off its greatest assets.
So far its been nothing but positive reviews from visitors. Some talked about Cleveland’s architecture, others the lakefront location, and many favorited the neighborhoods and suburbs as Cleveland’s gem.
“I’m staying out in Cleveland Heights, the homes out there are beautiful. Downtown is great. Everyone is so friendly too,” said Will Potter, a Gay Games medalist in town from New Jersey.
Monica Wehrle of Indiana added, “I have been here for senior games before, and I love the venue and love the city. I think you guys are reinventing yourselves. It’s a beautiful city, love to be here.”
That was just two of many positive comments about Cleveland, Akron, and the metropolitan area.
And Cleveland’s best asset, according to people we talked to: the people.
“What impresses me the most is how open and welcoming all of Cleveland has been,” said Harriet Miller of Indiana.
Potter also praised the friendliness of residents here.
“The games have been great. The people have been so friendly. I get lost and I ask them how to get here and there and they point me in the right direction,” he said. “I’ve been posting pictures on FB telling people to come here to Cleveland. I’m definitely coming back.”
And he’s not the only one. Brenda Huffines took things a step further.
“I’d move up here from Cincinnati,” she said. “I’m so glad it was here. I think it’s a wonderful city.”
That says a lot about a city that was once known as the ‘Mistake on the Lake.’ Cleveland’s NEW image is finally making its way across the nation and the world.