Jul 6, 2026 | Written By Carline Joseph
It's 11 a.m., I'm in first class (seat 1a), I have my red wine in hand, and I'm looking out the window of a plane headed to Cleveland, Ohio. Somewhere I've never been before. My first time in Cleveland, and I'm going with one of my good girlfriends, Amber, so I already know it's going to be 10/10. Coming to Cleveland was definitely on a whim, but I'm so grateful to have spent 48 hours there with her, a native.
Being on the plane felt so surreal because life is definitely not playing fair these days. Some would question why I am even on a plane. I thought experiencing the DMV would mean just that: being in the DMV and exploring all the things that I couldn't as a child. But I'm realizing that being in the DMV has meant so much more for me. I've traveled more, learned more about myself, and spent time with family I haven't been able to in a very long time.
That feeling extended all the way to Cleveland. I wanted to travel more and explore beyond my own surroundings. Flying lets me do that. And I was excited to explore beyond what I know, to sightsee, engage, thrift, and EAT!
When I looked out the window at the clouds, I felt an ease I'd never felt before on a plane. Calm. Which is crazy, because I honestly don't enjoy flying. But I took it as an opportunity to lean in. To write what I was feeling and experiencing, not for anyone else but for myself.
Amber had the itinerary and plan, and I was there for the vibes. I was so excited to see her and spend some much-needed time with her! Here's a snap of how this trip went, along with some reflections from my travels.
This is my thank you to Amber for sharing and exploring her home with me.
Day 1: Tuesday, the check-in
Amber was ready to pick me up just moments after I landed, and we welcomed each other with open arms. Excited to take on a city she loves with a friend, she shared her ideas for our couple of days together, and we hit the ground running. Day 1 was filled with coffee shops, checking into the most BEAUTIFUL BNB ever, one of the BEST thrift shops I've been to (with quality unique finds), then wrapping up the day with a beautiful view of the sunset on Lake Erie and one of the best Polish "Po" Boys I've ever had.
Day 2: Wednesday | Market, Winery, and Music
We headed to Westside Market to grab all the ingredients we needed for breakfast (Amber's famous BLT) and, honestly, to also take some cool pictures to capture these moments. I loved spending time with Amber and just taking the time to be. We found out that sliced bacon starts (for the most part) as a slab, lol. A lovely "Did you know?" moment.
After the market, we made our way back to the Airbnb to get dressed for our trip to Geneva on the Lake. We visited a beautiful winery, Harpersfield Winery, but unfortunately found out that it was closed. But we didn't want to waste the drive, so we did what we thought would be the best use of our time, lol — we hopped out and took some of the most stunning pictures of each other. It was beautiful to see how we saw each other through the lens, and I'm so grateful to have captured my girl.
After that, we drove a few miles to a nearby winery to enjoy wine flights and each other's company. It was a beautiful time well spent.
Heading home from the winery gave us time to think about what else we wanted to do, whether that be going out for a nightcap or heading to a nearby music festival, before heading back home to look at our amazing photos from the weekend. We chose the latter. Laughs, margaritas, and bed by midnight. A dream.
We captured so much across 4 different cameras, and at the end of day 2, we spent time laughing and going through our footage. Hands down one of the most beautiful experiences I've had in a long time.
Day 3: Thursday | The checkout
A couple of days of travel with the right people does it for me every time. Waking up to head to the airport went smoothly, and everything I bought from the thrift store fit in my carry-on suitcase, so that was a WIN!
Looking out the window, Cleveland is so colorful and quaint. Feels like a world away from DC, honestly. I realized that we all need that sometimes. We need the colors; we need the step-backs into a reality that might not really be our own, or be similar to what we already know. The car ride was quiet and short, but my mind was loud. Welcoming what the rest of my week would bring and getting back on the airplane home.
As I walked through the airport, I noticed the captivating black-and-white images of musicians, including Aretha Franklin, and for some reason, they stopped me in my tracks. I thought to myself, "I didn't realize so many amazing musicians came from Cleveland." I continued to read, learning about Sammy Davis Jr., The O'Jays, Stevie Wonder, Peaches and Herb, Chuck Berry, and so many more (pictured below). Now I understand why the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even the 90s were a time to be alive.
Amber, thank you, friend. I love you!
Reflections & Reminders:
- Have you ever thought, "How is this real?" Then I remember God is.
- It's 2026 and you can still be the "only."
- Driving around and seeing all the beautifully colored homes brought me pure joy. It's etched into my memory
- Amazing artists from Ohio have influenced our culture like no other. Aretha Franklin, The O'Jays (whose name comes from their friend and deejay Eddie O'Jay's dedication).
- It's okay to shock yourself with your own talents.
- When you rush, you miss the things that could stop you in your tracks and give you the inspiration you need for the day and beyond.
- I'll be back, Cleveland, and I mean it.
- Farmers' markets are the GOATS. Real food, real farmers, quality on quality on quality. I wish I could be at a farmers' market every weekend.
- Take. More. Pictures... of YOU!