Passengers excited to board the Rapid to ride to sports event

In Shaker

The Van Aken District. Just steps from the Warrensville-Van Aken Rapid Station (at the eastern end of the Blue Line) is the Van Aken District, the City’s vibrant new mixed-use development. Shop the boutiques, enjoy a delicious meal (or ice cream at Mitchell’s), or just hang out in the Market Hall or the outdoor “Living Room” with friends and neighbors. Visit TheVanAkenDistrict.com to learn more.

Shaker Square & Larchmere District. Why drive to the Square and spend time searching for a parking spot, especially on a busy Saturday market day, when the Rapid can get you there in just a few minutes? Exit the Rapid at Shaker Square; Larchmere is just a few blocks away (walk north on N. Moreland Blvd.). On Saturdays from April to October, enjoy the North Union Farmer’s Market (founded by Shaker resident Donita Anderson). In June, you won’t want to miss Porchfest, Larchmere’s an annual outdoor music festival. Or head to this area any time to take in a movie at Shaker Square Cinemas or peruse the unique shops and restaurants on the Square or on Larchmere Blvd. Visit Larchmere.com or VisitShakerSquare.com to learn more.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Ride the Green Line to the Nature Center, where you can wander the trails or participate in one of the Center’s many programs (such as an early-morning bird walk). Exit the Rapid at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes/South Park stop. Walk north on South Park until you reach the Center’s entrance, about a quarter-mile away. Visit ShakerLakes.org to learn more.

Beyond Shaker

Public Square/East 4th Street To get to this area of Cleveland, which is chockablock with restaurants and plenty more, simply take the Green or Blue Line from Shaker Heights to Tower City.

Dining. Here’s a fun fact: Two of the region’s – heck, the country’s – most admired chefs live in Shaker Heights. Michael Symon and Zack Bruell both have restaurants on Cleveland’s bustling East 4th Street. Chef and former resident Jonathon Sawyer also has one. There’s Symon’s Lola Bistro, Bruell’s Chinato, and Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern. To get to East 4th, exit from Tower City onto Public Square and walk east on Euclid Avenue for about five minutes. Just be sure to make a reservation at the restaurant of your choice. Visit East4hStreet.com to learn more.

Sports & Culture. Progressive Field, The Q, House of Blues … No need to drive to a concert or to see your favorite Cleveland sports teams. These venues are just a short walk from Tower City. For First Energy Stadium (aka Browns Stadium), simply switch to the Waterfront Line at Tower City (which will also take you to the Rock Hall and Science Center).

Festivals & Events. The Rapid is a great way to take advantage of downtown Cleveland events, like the annual Cleveland International Film Festival or the annual 4th of July celebration in the Flats. In the summer, the RTA’s annual Kids Ride Free program means kids ages 12 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (maximum three kids per adult).

Here’s how to find out what’s happening any time of year:

  • Visit ClevelandPublicSquare.com for a calendar of events in this newly redesigned — by the same designers who created New York City’s High Line — outdoor public venue. Events include Summer Splash in the Square (splash pad), Square Sounds (live music), and Food Truck Tuesdays, among many others.
  • Visit ThisIsCleveland.com, by Destination Cleveland, for a listing of events throughout Cleveland.