How to Enjoy Cleveland! A Guide for the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention

[@ReindeerStudios]

When I get Cleveland suggestions that I didn't mention, I'll post them here. Here's an article about the 2018 Cleveland National written by DFWGrapher: www.sportscardforum.com/threads/2409085-A-Preview-of-the-2018-National *Hotels:* Sonesta ES Suites Cleveland Airport provided by Prestige Collectables Comfort Inn Cleveland Airport (Middleburg Heights) provided by DFWGrapher *Things to Do* Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provided by Ken's Cardboard *Food:* Heggy's Candies (in Canton) provided by THA Card Story Great Lakes Brewery provided by John Market Garden Brewery provided by John

[@870543weeg]

I was there the last time the National was in Cleveland. Your suggestions are spot on. We stayed a little further out in our hotel but the commute was 20 minutes or so and less expensive. I ate at a Melts and it was GREAT.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Sweet! Do you remember where you stayed? I always enjoy a trip to Melt.

[@870543weeg]

@@ReindeerStudios I think it was the Embassy Suites in Rockside. Very easy to get on the interstate and a short 20 minute commute.

[@jaysmix6175]

Food is "awesome"!! You know it Skaght!!! Lol!! This is great information!! Nice....polish dinner!!! Mmmmm!!! Have a great weekend Skaght!!👊🏽

[@ReindeerStudios]

Darn tootin' food is awesome! Thanks Alex! Enjoy your weekend too, sir.

[@DFWGrapher]

I thought I had left a comment on this before, but apparently I hadn't! In 2014 I stayed at the Comfort Inn next to the Sonesta ES Suites. Good location, good price. A few friends stayed at the Red Roof Inn just a tad south-- good enough if all you need is a bed and a roof over your head. 2018 I stayed out in Macedonia. Would not recommend: it felt like I was driving in from Skopje in the country of Macedonia every day. However, it made for an easy drive to go see a game in Akron. Independence is a decent location-- affordable, close enough that the drive isn't horrifying but a little ways out since the closest ones typically book fast. I wrote a preview of the show and all things Cleveland and National for SportsCardForum back in 2018 as well. I can post a link to that as a reply if you like.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks for the hotel information. Very helpful. I'd be happy to share your post here, if you wouldn't mind. That'd be awesome.

[@DFWGrapher]

@@ReindeerStudios Looks like it's not letting me post a direct link to it, unfortunately (and that may be why I thought I had commented a week ago but couldn't find it!). But if you go to Sports Card Forum, scroll down almost all the way to the bottom to the SCF Writing Team Articles, and the article called "A Preview of the 2018 National," it's in there.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Drew. I posted it in my pinned comment.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Thanks for all the suggestions, Scott. Hopefully, I'll see you there.

[@ReindeerStudios]

You're quite welcome and here's hoping!

[@vintagesanctuary]

Skaught, this is ONLY helpful to EVERY 2024 National attendee! Well, except you! You probably already knew all of this, but decided to spend your time and effort trying to enlighten the rest of us schmucks who will be traveling from Schmucksville to Cleveland for the 2024 National! What a schmuck-enlightenment labor of love on your part! 😊👊

[@ReindeerStudios]

Oh man, I hope the National makes it to Schmucksville someday. 😂 I knew a lot of this stuff, yes, but there are some restaurants that I have not tried yet, so I'm looking forward to checking those out. Happy to do this video. I try to be a good "host". Thanks Adam!

[@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648]

Great info Scott. I am about 3 1/2 hours from Cleveland and may try to do an overnight depending on my kids baseball/softball tournament schedule. I will know more once I see there schedule. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReindeerStudios]

It would be fantastic to finally meet you Terry! I hope you can swing by.

[@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648]

@@ReindeerStudios likewise Scott.

[@RipFan8]

Hi Scott. I've already book at the Radison, thanks to Mike from baseball collector's video. Really looking forward to the youtuber night. Hopefully I have my good buddy Mike from Canadian Cards as my driving partner. I'm pretty sure if I will see you and many others before the National, at the Strongsville show. Thanks for all the info, Stephen

[@ReindeerStudios]

Woohoo! Strongsville and the National. I'm a lucky guy. :D We'll see you in the spring, Stephen.

[@mikeorz111]

Can’t wait for Cleveland! Thanks for the video!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks for the help! I probably wouldn't even have mentioned the Christmas Story House -- I usually only ever go in the winter, but it's a lot of fun.

[@stuke1976]

Never too early to think about the National! Thanks for posting the tips.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Scott! Yeah, already really excited about next year.

[@brandonjensen4074]

Very good idea on getting this premium information out early...I know that there are alot of cardboard cowboys and gals already trying to secure lodging, tickets, and what have you in preparation for next year's event and you recommendations are going to help out tremendously! Definitely hope that I can go this time around!!! You had me at pierogies lol. Thanks again for another fun and informative video. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend my friend!!!👊🏻❤️💯🙏🏻

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Brandon! I felt it would be pretty helpful. I'm hoping people that live close to future Nationals will do videos like this too. Hope you can make it to Cleveland next summer!

[@bowman53]

I always figured you were joking, but you weren't, and I'm so glad you actually did this. THANK YOU!

[@ReindeerStudios]

You also figured I was joking when I said I'd wear a tux and bring cake to your livestreams. I figured you'd learn by now that I'm a man of my word. 😂 Glad you appreciated this one, Alex.

[@jimmygunz6762]

I loved downtown Cleveland when I visited there! I was surprised how nice everything looked coming from Portland. I might have to plan on attending this one!!!

[@ReindeerStudios]

That'd be cool, Jimmy. It'd be great to meet you. It's been probably 20 years since I've been to Portland, but I thought it was pretty cool.

[@jimmygunz6762]

@@ReindeerStudios Portland was definitely cool 20 years ago!!!! Not so much today unfortunately 🤷‍♂️

[@thedetroitcollector]

This is such a great guide to Cleveland, I took down a ton of notes and will revisit this video next year. I’ve been to Melt a few times, since there are a few around Ohio. Absolutely love it.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Notes?! There's not gonna be a test. 😉 But I'm honored. Glad you're interested in my suggestions.

[@PickerJimS]

Oh yeah! Looking forward to it already! Can’t wait!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Absolutely Jim. So looking forward to this one. 😃

[@mathbowler2782]

The melt was awesome! I can’t wait to go back to Cleveland for this amazing show! I’m not going to wait until next August to go. check out the RV from Christmas Vacation. That’s awesome!

[@ReindeerStudios]

I can't wait either. If you do go to check out Castle Noel, I'd buy tickets ahead of time. It's next to impossible to get in there during the holidays if that's what you were thinking.

[@mookiechillson]

Hoping to take the MC world headquarters on the road next summer to CLE. This is super useful. Thank you for your help!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Glad you found it useful, Mookie! It would be fantastic if you came out to CLE. I'd love to meet you.

[@mookiechillson]

@@ReindeerStudios yeahhhhh buddy!! samesies!!

[@CleanCheapShots]

This was super awesome. I wanted to ask you these questions last night on the Live, but didn't and here you are. Thanks again.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks so much Drew. I'm glad I didn't let you down. :D

[@nufcedcards]

Booked my hotel, can’t wait! Some of those food recommendations sound fantastic.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Really looking forward to it as well. See you in Cleveland (and Strongsville), Andrew!

[@hall-of-fame-pullers1058]

Nice informative video! I can confirm that there is a lot of cool stuff to do in Cleveland. The Christmas Story House is a great experience as is the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. I specifically recall having a delicious meal at Melt.

[@ReindeerStudios]

So Christmas Story, Rock Hall and Melt -- you've basically done everything there is to do in Cleveland. 😂 Thanks Chris! Glad you agree that Cleveland can be pretty cool.

[@prestigejapanbb]

Very informative video. I will be driving up from South Florida. I made hotel reservations a few weeks ago. I got a studio king suite at Sonesta ES Suites Cleveland Airport for about $84 a night. I can't wait for next year's show.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Robert. Glad you dig the video. Sonesta sounds like a good deal. See you in Cleveland, sir!

[@AngryOldManTTM]

Super video Skaght. Fantastic information about Cleveland. I wish I had this info when I visited Cleveland 4 weeks ago. Did not know the Christmas Story house was open to the public, or about cousin Eddie's RV. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Oh man, sorry I didn't have this video out a month earlier for ya. Did you do anything fun when you were out here?

[@AngryOldManTTM]

No worries Skaght. I enjoyed Northeastern Ohio. I stayed in Madison and drove down to Cleveland. We did see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Always enjoy your vids. Hopefully I can make it to the National Next Year. I have been to the Flats a few times in my life. @@ReindeerStudios

[@thacardstory5800]

Thanks Skaght. Great video and recommend stations. Never too early to plan out Cleveland. I’m in for whirleyball. Heggys chocolates are good if people have time. Their peanut clusters are legendary.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Heggy's is down in Canton. I've never tried them, but I'll have to now. Thanks for the recommendation! I'll put you on the Whirleyball list and see if we can get something going.

[@ACollectorsDream]

I like the bumper cars and I’ll see you in Cleveland.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Absolutely, Orlando. Looking forward to it!

[@TheCardDeal]

Scott, how the hell am I not subscribed to you? I PC Cleveland players as well. Will have to connect with you soon. I am 15 min from the IX center. Hopefully the Tribe will be in town during the National. Traffic to Cleveland is like no cars to others 😂. I do recommend a set of fancy pants.

[@TheCardDeal]

Commented too early, glad the Indians will be in town for at least 2 days!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Cleveland against the world! And yeah, everyone needs some fancy pants. Next year's gonna be a blast.

[@TheCardDeal]

@@ReindeerStudios Can't wait!

[@CornetteCollections]

Thank you for sharing for all that are going.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Absolutely, Tim. I thought this would be a little helpful.

[@Dcollection]

Loved this! I’ve been to Cleveland a handful of time and have hit most of these up in my times there. I probably won’t make Cleveland but you’re making me regret not being able to make it, 😂.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Glad you enjoyed Cleveland! At least I was able to make you regret your decision not to come. Mission accomplished. 😂

[@Rocketrickj18]

See you in Cleveland Skaght! Already booked at the Radisson!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Awesome Rick! See you in Cleveland.

[@cyguy29]

This was a great idea! Never been to Cleveland, and I'd love to make it next July. Hoping to talk the wife into an eastern-midwest roadtrip.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Kevin. Hope you can swing by!

[@MrFisherbike]

I'm so happy you did this Skaght. Lots of great information, we might have to take a field trip to the Christmas story house. Haha

[@ReindeerStudios]

Happy to do it, Jayson. Christmas Story house is pretty fun. We'll be there just in time for Christmas in July.

[@TheCardhobbyist]

This information is almost as important as you. Thanks for sharing! I want to try one of those polish boys.......wait, that doesn't sound right....polish boy sandwiches!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Almost, but not quite. Polish Boys are amazing. So are their sandwiches.

[@LegendsNeverDieCollection]

Skaght, your tour guide best friend.* *Exclusively a tour guide for northeast Ohio.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Tour guide for a location that nobody asked for.

[@JStottlemire1]

Thanks for doing this video. You did a great job and it’s super helpful. Appreciate it a ton. Happy Holidays.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thank YOU for checking it out. Glad you found it helpful. Happy holidays to you as well, Josh.

[@reddingjason]

I got two VIP tickets for my first national. Really looking forward to it.

[@ReindeerStudios]

It's gonna be a blast! Glad you got your tickets.

[@4LeafCards]

Oh yeah! Looking forward to it!

[@ReindeerStudios]

I mean, you've already had a Polish Boy, so you've basically done all that Cleveland has to offer. (Even if you didn't love it...😉 )

[@4LeafCards]

@@ReindeerStudios I loved my polish boy! Wait, that doesn't sound right

[@metsrule]

Some cool history with the IX Center! Great tidbits, appreciate it bud! Is there a/c? Heard lots of complaints about that in many videos! Live Christmas movies! Polish boy sounds really good! Cleveland Rocks!

[@ReindeerStudios]

You know, I'm trying to remember how the AC was the last time I was there. Must not have been a problem if I don't remember. But you never know. Thanks Danny.

[@fernando-mychildhoodcollec5671]

great tour!... thanks for this video =)

[@ReindeerStudios]

My pleasure, sir. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@hammerforty-four]

Thanks Skaught! Super helpful.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Glad you thought so! Should be a good time. :D

[@4softcorners728]

Thank you for the tips Skaght! I nominate you for Grand Marshal of the National next year!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Oooh! Do I get to wear a cool sash and carry a scepter?

[@4softcorners728]

@@ReindeerStudios I don’t think they’ll let you hold the key to the city if not!

[@lovetruth1776]

Great vid! Sure would be great to get a big group of guys catching a Guardians game. Too bad it's the same night as Baseball Collectors meet and greet

[@ReindeerStudios]

Yeah, what were those schedule makers thinking? 😂 Thanks for checking it out.

[@lovetruth1776]

@@ReindeerStudios lol

[@b1gscott35]

I can not wait to take the tour de Reindeer Studios.

[@ReindeerStudios]

Yessir! Thanks for the bathroom tip! 😂

[@chrisgraphs1015]

Cool video about the 2024 National.

[@ReindeerStudios]

I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for watching, Chris!

[@WeskerGriff]

Tell us more about Melt and the Chicken Joint!!!!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Melt's pretty rad. Some of my favorites include the Monte Christo, Might Macaroni and the Dude Abides (grilled cheese with meatballs with mozzarella sticks). They've got a pretty big menu for a grilled cheese restaurant. I haven't tried Chick N Beer yet, but one is opening up closer to where I live, so I hope to soon.

[@sticks_n_seams9904]

I am so stoked

[@ReindeerStudios]

Me too, buddy! Can't wait.

[@kenscardboard]

I’m sure that you mentioned The Rock and Roll HoF, must have missed that part. The Cuyahoga River is cool and they have a train 🚂, if you like trains. Great stuff Skaght! I should look into a place to stay. Do you know if people are already getting together for an Air B&B?

[@ReindeerStudios]

Yup, I mentioned the Rock Hall. I'll add the CVSR to my list of recommendations. Great call. Air B&Bs are being booked. I can't think of anybody who might be working on one off the top of my head, but definitely ask around.

[@FlyingDutchmenCards]

Polish Boy! Looks good! So what about camping in your backyard? I mean it wouldn’t “technically” be staying “in” your house, right? Perhaps a Mrs. Reindeer exception? Or we could Cousin Eddy it in a RV…😂😂😂

[@ReindeerStudios]

I checked and she said backyard tents are acceptable, but we might have to rent a porta-potty. I do like the idea of commandeering Cousin Eddy's RV.

[@basementcardcollector]

This was very interesting! We are heading to Cincinnati next weekend for the Cubs-Reds game. Have you heard of Cincinnati, Ohio?😁 I hope to go next year!

[@ReindeerStudios]

I thought Cincinnati was in Kentucky. ;) Have fun at the Cubs game. And hope to see you in Cleveland.

[@thevintagecomposer]

What a silly concept: hotel? BNB? ...of course I'll be staying in your basement! Tell Mrs. R. I'll bring a boatload of Polish Boys. Can't wait!!!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Well if you bring your own Polish Boys, it's hard to turn you away.

[@SammyThunder]

Skaht, thank you so much for taking the time to put this video together. One question, do you have to pay for parking at the IX Center?

[@ReindeerStudios]

You usually do have to pay for parking, but I assume there will be National level tickets that include parking (super VIP?). I don't know for sure

[@SammyThunder]

Thanks!@@ReindeerStudios

[@lisazdankiewicz8846]

I dont plan on going. Too expensive for me. But I still watched this video. I can tell you put a lot of work into making this. Yes, Cleveland does right boring to me LOL I am a Tiger fan so I will not attend a Guardians game lol Great video, thanks for making this !!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Well I still appreciate you watching. I've attended many Guardians / Tigers games in Cleveland and Detroit. (That's who's playing this particular week. 😉) AND CLEVELAND'S NOT BORING!!! Thems is fightin' words! 😂 Thanks Lisa.

[@JohnMiller-jj9kx]

Wow, good info. Are the Ubers and such in Cleveland and if so, what kind of cost is there to get from some of the hotels to the card show? Also, any famous pizza joints nearby? Are there charter boats on the lakes for Walleye fishing? How many card shops are there in the area? Famous delis? Thanks for sharing as this 68 yo guy will be making his first National!

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks John. Great questions. I'll try my best to answer, although I admit, I don't have any expertise in any of the things you asked about... Ubers: Cleveland does have Ubers. I did a little googling and it looks like it would be $15-$25 each way from the Radisson that I mentioned. Pizza: Cleveland does not have a signature pizza style like Chicago, NY or Detroit, so I wouldn't call any of the pizza places "famous". Some that frequently pop up on "best of" lists include Il Rione, Mama Santa's, Saucy Brew Works, and PIzza 216. Walleye fishing: Yes, there are plenty of fishing charters. Card shops: There are some, but I can't say "many". B&B Sports Cards seems to be the closest. My LCS, Triple Play Vintage, is probably 40 minutes south. Delis: I mentioned Slyman's. That's the most famous. Corky & Lenny's and Jack's Deli are also supposed to be good.

[@adamscardcloset9020]

Thanks for the info

[@ReindeerStudios]

My pleasure, Adam!

[@50-Fifty-Vintage]

Definitely nothing weird about researching restaurants when you visit somewhere new - huge food guy here so appreciate the recs. And I am *definitely* getting a Polish boy. Here's a question for you: Are there any good food options within walking distance of the IX Center, or within a 5 min drive?

[@ReindeerStudios]

Nothing within walking distance, really, as it has a huge parking lot. As far as I know, the only restaurants close by would be standard airport faire unfortunately.

[@50-Fifty-Vintage]

@@ReindeerStudios I had a feeling that was going to be the answer. I'll have a car so not a huge deal, I just didn't want to miss anything good. Thanks - GREAT video, very helpful!

[@ReindeerStudios]

@@50-Fifty-Vintage So glad you found it helpful. Fortunately Cleveland's pretty easy to get around.

[@goodyg]

What a great information video. Is there any public transportation that is worth using if you car-less and cant afford multi ubers a day?

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks Goody. There are busses and some light rail, but I've rarely ever used them. Hard to say how good it is.

[@goodyg]

@@ReindeerStudios cool thanks

[@the_card_closet]

Haven't decided if I'm going yet, but will tag this just in case. Thanks! Wait, not even room in your house for a best friend?

[@ReindeerStudios]

Mrs. Reindeer says I got too many besties. 😂 Hope you can make it!

[@LouRokTV]

cant wait

[@ReindeerStudios]

I know! Me neither. People gotta stop making National videos so we can think about something else for a while and get our minds off of it.

[@mookiechillson]

My pal just booked us an Air BnB in Berea! (Is that good?) Cleveland, here comes Mookie!

[@ReindeerStudios]

That's perfect! That's where I would stay if I had a choice. Hello Cleveland!!!

[@mookiechillson]

@@ReindeerStudiosright freaking on! Thanks Scott - see you at the KZbin hang out!

[@theautographfishermanjonbu325]

Fun video

[@ReindeerStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it Jon!

[@donsfieldofdreamscards9197]

I am so in for that bumper car game. I already bribed Mrs Reindeer with treats so I can stay at your house. Right?

[@ReindeerStudios]

Whirleyball sounds like it could be a possibility. And Mrs. Reindeer says because you brought her treats, you can sleep on Milo's play loft

[@donsfieldofdreamscards9197]

@@ReindeerStudios nice

[@TonyBlack574]

Please tell me more about this Melt place

[@ReindeerStudios]

It's almost as good as Al's Beef.

[@poormansstack]

Does it have AC?

[@ReindeerStudios]

I was there this summer for a show and didn't notice, so that's a good sign.

[@stos5363]

I only live 45 minutes away clutch

[@ReindeerStudios]

No excuses then! You gotta check it out.

[@stos5363]

@@ReindeerStudios me and my 8 year old can't wait

[@3GoodNerds]

I was not expecting to watch this video and leave hungry. My PB&J no longer sounds appealing,

[@ReindeerStudios]

You know what's funny? Now I want a PB&J. 😜