What to do in Cleveland when not cheering on the Cubs

The Cubs are finally in the World Series. And now you're headed to Cleveland to see your beloved team take on the Indians in Games 1 and 2, both at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. What now?

Cleveland is about a six- to seven-hour drive east on I-90. Don't forget your I-PASS: The toll roads in Indiana and Ohio accept it. And snacks (the toll rest areas - the newer ones, at least - are much improved, but the food choices are still limited). You could fly, but the drive is pretty quick. You'll want a car to check out some of what northeast Ohio has to offer when you're not at Progressive Field (still affectionately The Jake to some).

I'm not from Cleveland, but my husband was born and raised there, so he's a lifelong Tribe fan. Because he's lived in the Chicago area since 1993, he's also a Cubs fan. The Series is a win-win for us. Since he has relatives in the Cleveland area, I've visited many times (I got a little help with ideas of what to do from my sister-in-law, the foodie).

Here are a few ways to pass the time when not at the ballpark.

To do:

Great Lakes Science Center: Located on Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, the Science Center is home to interactive exhibits for all ages, including a design zone and the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. Take in a movie like “Journey to Space” in the six-story Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, which uses a three-projector, laser-illuminated projection system designed to make you feel like you're in the movie.

Where: 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, (216) 694-2000 or greatscience.com/. Admission: $15-$23 adults; $12-$21 kids 2-12. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. (According to their Facebook page, the science center will offer a $2 discount off regular admission to those wearing Cubs and Indians gear Tuesday and Wednesday.)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Next to the Science Center is where Cleveland rocks, literally. Marvel at the Hall of Fame's cool architecture before heading inside to explore tons of rock memorabilia. Check out the current exhibit, “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics,” which examines the roll music plays in patriotism and politics. Plus, learn about the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees including Chicago, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller Band, N.W.A. and more.

Where: 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., (216) 781-7625 or rockhall.com/visit. Admission: $23.50 adults; $21.25 seniors; $13.75 kids 9-12; free for kids 8 and younger with paid adult. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 daily, open until 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Cleveland Museum of Art: Head to University Circle to explore this free museum, which is celebrating its centennial this year. Current exhibits include “Elegance and Intrigue: French Society in 18th-Century Prints and Drawings,” “The Ecstasy of St. Kara” debuting her large-scale works on paper, and “Dan Graham/Rocks,” his examination of rock music and suburban domesticity in art.

Where: 11150 East Blvd., in University Circle, (216) 421-7350 or clevelandart.org/. Admission: Free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open 'til 9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; closed Monday.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History: This science and exploration hub is the home of Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor, as well as a piece of the moon from the Apollo 12 mission. Explore the Perkins Wildlife Center, the Shafran Planetarium & Mueller Observatory, the Smead Discovery Center and more, all under one roof.

Where: 1 Wade Oval Drive, (216) 231-4600 or cmnh.org/. Admission: $15 adults; $10 kids 3-18, seniors and college students with ID; free for kids 2 and younger. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; open until 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The LakeView Cemetery: Learn about the 20th president at the James A. Garfield Monument, his final resting place. The cemetery staff gives insights into Garfield's life and the architecture of the 180-foot-tall monument, dedicated in 1890.

Where: 12316 Euclid Ave., (216) 421-2665 or lakeviewcemetery.com/. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Oct. 31, until 5:30 p.m. starting Nov. 1. Garfield Monument and Wade Chapel is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 19.

A Christmas Story House & Museum: A trip to Cleveland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Ralphie's house, which has been restored to its “A Christmas Story” glory days. The museum across the street houses original costumes (Randy's snowsuit), props (the family car), set photos and more from the movie.

Where: 3159 W. 11th St., (216) 298-4919 or achristmasstoryhouse.com/. Admission: $11 adults; $9 seniors; $7 kids 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours every half-hour starting at 10:15 a.m.

Playhouse Square theater district: If you decide to stay an extra day or two, from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday you can head to Playhouse SCARE at Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., for free seances with a psychic medium and go on a “Creepy Crawl” (basically a pub crawl) through the Playhouse Square District's restaurants and bars. Or catch the start of the adult musical “Avenue Q” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave.

Where: various theaters along or near Euclid Avenue, just west of Cleveland State University. Info: playhousesquare.org/.

Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: If you want to run, walk, hike or bike while in Cleveland, head to “the valley,” aka the Cleveland Metroparks, which is spread out over 23,000 acres in Cuyahoga County. You can visit nature centers, enjoy fall colors or maybe spot a deer or two. Who doesn't love a zoo? Visit the new Rosebrough Tiger Passage, created for the zoo's two Amur tigers. Don't miss the zoo's new 4-D theater, too.

Cleveland Metroparks: clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Home.aspx

Zoo: 3900 Wildlife Way, (216) 661-6500 or clevelandmetroparks.com/Zoo/Zoo.aspx. Admission: $14.25 adults; $10.25 kids 2-11; free for kids younger than 2. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

West Side Market: Cleveland's oldest municipally owned market has been in business since 1912. Find locally grown fruits and veggies, bakery items, meats and poultry, cheeses, spices and more. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. (216) 664-3387 or westsidemarket.org/.

Where to eat:

Melt Bar & Grilled: Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and lots of beer in a slightly kitschy environ is what you'll find at the seven locations spread throughout the Cleveland area. A must-try. meltbarandgrilled.com/.

Jack Flaps: There's an 'urban breakfast shoppe' at 3900 Lorain Ave. in Ohio City and a luncheonette at 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Try one or both. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. jack-flaps.com/.

Barrio: Tacos + tequila + whiskey. Need we say more? Find them in Gateway, Tremont and Lakewood. Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday. barrio-tacos.com/. (According to their Facebook page, Barrio's downtown location will open at 11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.)

Lola Bistro: Cleveland native, James Beard award winner and Food Network/Cooking Channel regular Michael Symon puts a modern spin on your favorite dishes. Take a culinary adventure in downtown Cleveland at 2058 E. 4th St. (216) 621-5652 or lolabistro.com/.

B Spot: Another Michael Symon eatery with a focus on burgers. Locations in downtown, Beachwood, Strongsville and Westlake. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. bspotburgers.com/.

Slyman's Restaurant: Known for its corned beef. It's at 3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, (216) 621-3760 or slymans.com/.

Mason's Creamery: Handmade ice cream in flavors such as Vietnamese coffee, cherry cream pie and more. Find it at 4401 Bridge Ave., Ohio City, (216) 245-8942 or masonscreamery.com/.

Butcher and the Brewer: Farmhouse-inspired menu and shared plates from a restaurant that touts “old-world cuts” and “hand-built brews.” 2043 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, (216) 331-0805 or butcherandthebrewer.com/.

Flying Fig: This small farm-to-table eatery focuses on locally sourced food and a diverse wine menu. On Tuesday, the restaurant will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. offering Indians happy-hour specials in the lounge. 2523 Market Ave., Cleveland, (216) 241-4243 or theflyingfig.com/.

Sokolowski's University Inn: A James Beard “American Classics” award winner in 2014, Sokolowski's University Inn, which opened in 1923, claims to be Cleveland's oldest family-owned restaurant. It specializes in Polish and Eastern European cuisine at 1201 University Road. (216) 771-9236 or sokolowskis.com/.