Diane DiPiero, Yahoo! Contributor Network

No trip to Cleveland would be complete without reliving the history of music at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, rooting for the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field, or getting scared silly on the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in nearby Sandusky. Lake Erie charms with its miles of beaches, while the Metroparks offer everything from hiking to bird watching.

If you really want to impress out of town guests, though, you have to include some lesser-known but equally impressive landmarks and events on your sightseeing adventures. These are the features that some Clevelanders take for granted, and some don't even know about. Certainly, more must-see summer spots are out there; this list will give you a nice start.

Veterans Memorial Bridge

If you have guests coming to town one summer weekend, you'll want to fit a tour of the lower level of this bridge into your itinerary. Also known as the Detroit-Superior Bridge, this 3,112-foot structure crosses the Cuyahoga River to connect Downtown Cleveland with Ohio City.

Streetcars used to traverse the lower level of the bridge, which was closed in 1955. In 2003, Cuyahoga County Commissioners approved the opening of the streetcar-level of the bridge to pedestrians a handful of times a year.

Check the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works website for the next opportunity to stroll beneath the vehicle and foot traffic on the top level, while admiring the scenic path of the Cuyahoga River. Admission is free for a self-guided tour.

More information: http://www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us

Lake View Cemetery

When you first invite your guests on a tour of a cemetery, you may get some strange looks. Reassure them that this is one of the prettiest settings in all of Cleveland. A quiet stroll through Lake View Cemetery pleases the eye with a host of flora, from thousands of yellow blooms atop Daffodil Hill to the striking pink spray of the Lake View Ginkgo tree. From the highest point you can see Lake Erie, hence the name of this tranquil garden-cemetery.

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History can be felt throughout the cemetery. This is the final resting place of John D. Rockefeller, Eliot Ness, and members of Abraham Lincoln's presidential cabinet. The monument to President James A. Garfield and the Jeptha Wade Memorial Chapel are architectural treasures.

You can tour Lake View Cemetery on your own, follow the cemetery's trail guide, or hop on a Sunday Trolley tour ($7 per person).

More information: http://www.lakeviewcemetery.com

Good Time III

This ship pulls out of the East Ninth Street pier for fun and adventure. Cruises include Friday evening rush hour cruise (21 and older), Saturday luncheon (narrated), Saturday night dinner dance (21 and older), or Sunday brunch (narrated). The 1,000-passenger Good Time III sails the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie rain or shine. This is a unique way to see Downtown Cleveland and neighboring areas while enjoying a cocktail or a hearty meal. Reservations are often required.

More information: http://goodtimeiii.com

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath

If your guests enjoy activity as much as sightseeing, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath will satisfy both. This is an 80-mile stretch of history, recalling the path that early settlers took. Today, cyclists, walkers, and joggers choose a slice of the Towpath for recreation and relaxation.

You can pick up the Towpath Trail Extension at the Cleveland Metroparks Canal Reservation near Newburgh Heights. Use the websites below to plan your itinerary heading south and stopping at points of interest along the way. Nature, wildlife, historic buildings, photo ops, and nearby dining options abound.

More information: http://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com; http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/ohioeriecanal/oec.htm

Whiskey Island/Wendy Park

Don't feel bad if you have to ask directions to Whiskey Island, home of Wendy Park. This picturesque place on Lake Erie has been a well-kept secret for years. Once you find your way, you'll always remember the place.

The Whiskey Island Marina offers lakefront dockage, ongoing volleyball events, and the Cropicana Restaurant, run by local chef Steve Schimoler. Come here for dinner and drinks and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Wendy Park is a 22-acre park that runs along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Although it is minutes from downtown, it seems a world away with a medley of wildlife and undisturbed green space.

More information: http://ww.whiskeyislandmarina.com; http://www.wendypark.org

Cleveland Cultural Gardens

A uniquely Cleveland treasure, the Cultural Gardens have been sowing seeds of history and peace since the early 20th century. From the British Cultural Garden, dedicated in 1916, to the Croatian and Syrian Cultural Gardens, both of which debuted this year, these pretty plots of land in Rockefeller Park recognize the individual heritages that together make up the region's melting pot.

A long list of summer events takes place at the various gardens. Traditional German music will be performed by local bands in the German Cultural Garden on Sunday, July 10. A Liszt Concert is planned for the Hungarian Cultural Garden on July 23. "Opera in the Italian Garden" takes place on July 31 against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance garden. One World Day, on August 8, features a variety of events in many of the gardens.

More information: http://www.culturalgardens.org

Lake Erie Islands

Yes, Northeast Ohio has islands, and they're quite the hopping places. Port Clinton and Catawba, Marblehead, Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island, and Middle Bass Island attract locals and out-of-towners during the summer months. Fishing for famous Lake Erie walleye, jet skiing or kayaking, visiting historic sites and homes, and taking in local nightlife are among the attractions. A short drive from Cleveland and a jaunt on a ferry or Jet Express will take you to an island with a faraway feeling.

More informaton: http://www.shoresandislands.com

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