Interviewed and written by: Belle Mercurio, Marketing & Communications Manager for Engage! Cleveland

Have you ever been in the room when a negative comment leaves someone else’s lips sounding like, “Cleveland is the mistake on the Lake,” or “There is really nothing special about Cleveland”? 

Hurts your heart a bit, right?

Engage! Cleveland knows the importance of celebrating Cleveland, and how a good reputation can drive attraction and retention of the next generation of Clevelanders. 

According to the 2023 State of the Young Professional Community Report (SYPCR), a survey Engage! Cleveland conducts bi-annually to get a finger on the pulse of the early to mid-career professional community in Cleveland, a whopping 91% of respondents had a positive view of Cleveland, but only 27% of those respondents said they were “cheerleaders” of Cleveland, with the remaining respondents being passive, or negative. 

That’s why, since the beginning of the year, we’ve been highlighting local influencers who actively champion Cleveland—people using their platforms, passions, and voices to reshape the narrative and showcase all that makes this city exceptional.

Each month, we shine a spotlight on an individual who inspires us, and this month’s feature is Northeast Ohio native Katie Noble. Avid traveler and Ohio explorer, Katie is the queen of Ohio content creation!

Stay tuned as we continue honoring these individuals and sharing their stories. Read on to learn more about Katie and follow her journey on social media @OhioPlacestogo.

EC: Thanks for sitting down with us Katie, we are excited to get to know you better. Tell us a little more about yourself before we dive in.

KN: Thanks for having me, I am excited to be here. Well, my name is Katie Noble and I am the content creator behind Ohio Places To Go, a social media page that shines a light on all things Ohio, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and everything in between.

EC: Do you currently work and/or live in Cleveland?

KN: Yes. I create content at businesses in Cleveland, but live in the Akron area.

EC: How long have you worked or lived in Cleveland?

KN: A little over 2 years I have created content here.

EC: How would you describe yourself? A Cleveland transplant, boomerang, or life-long resident.

KN: I am only about 45 minutes from Cleveland but it is my favorite city in Ohio and I resonate with being a life-long resident of the area. 

EC: What is it about Cleveland that makes you feel at home here, and why do you choose to live in this city over other places?

KN: Cleveland feels like home because of its large city vibe downtown with cute surrounding neighborhoods. The people are so friendly and Clevelanders are always hyping up their city!

EC: Can you describe your favorite neighborhood or area in Cleveland? What makes it special to you, and how does it reflect your connection to the city?  

KN: I personally love Downtown. There are so many things to do from sports events, to delicious dining and views of Lake Erie. I love being close to everything and seeing the old and new architecture downtown. 

EC: Cleveland has a rich history and culture. What part of the city’s history or culture do you connect with most, and how does that shape your view of Cleveland today?  

KN: I think it’s so cool how many influential people have come out of Cleveland. It shows that this city is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to grow, to learn, and to become something. Knowing that people from here have made such a big impact makes me see Cleveland as an innovative, inspiring city full of opportunity. It reminds me that there’s room to grow here, and that anything is possible—even starting from right here at home.

EC: What are some of your favorite places to visit in Cleveland, whether for leisure, food, or entertainment? Why do these spots stand out to you?  

KN: Cleveland has so many underrated gems that offer the perfect mix of history, fun, and flavor. Barrio is my go-to taco spot—not just because the food is amazing, but because it captures that laid-back, creative Cleveland vibe. Edgewater Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie, especially at sunset. And of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a reminder that a huge part of the music industry was founded right here. 

EC: Cleveland has a passionate sports community. How does being a fan of Cleveland’s sports teams (or the city’s overall sports culture) enhance your experience of the city?  

KN: Cleveland is my favorite city for sports because it has 3 huge teams all with super passionate fans! There is always a fun game to go to Downtown.

EC: How do you typically spend a weekend in Cleveland? Are there any local events or activities that you never miss?  

KN: My favorite way to spend a weekend in Cleveland is either a sporting event, a night out in the Flats, and dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants Downtown. I have been dying to go to the Cleveland Pickle Festival so I hope that I can make it this year! 

EC: What would you say to someone who is thinking about moving to Cleveland? What do you think they should know about the city and its people before making the move?  

KN: It is such an amazing city with so much to do. Whether you want to spend a day at the beach, attend one of many festivals, or check out a sporting event, there is something for everyone!  

EC: In what ways do you celebrate Cleveland—whether through its festivals, local businesses, or other cultural traditions?

KN: I love hyping up Cleveland to people who’ve never been here. Anytime I meet someone new, I send them my ‘Ohio Places To Go’ videos to show off how great the city really is. My favorite is when someone comments, ‘This is Cleveland?’ or ‘Is this really in Ohio?’—because that’s when I know I’ve sparked their curiosity. They start looking into the city more, and it feels good knowing I helped open their eyes to all the cool and unexpected things Cleveland has to offer.

EC: What improvements or changes would you like to see in Cleveland in the future, and how do you think those changes could help the city grow while maintaining its unique character?  

KN: I personally love Cleveland and have really enjoyed watching the city grow over the last 10 years. It’s been amazing to see how much progress has been made—from new developments downtown to the energy in our neighborhoods. I’d love to see even more waterfront parks and public spaces along the lake to help people connect with the natural beauty we have right here in the city. But overall, everything about Cleveland feels great to me!

EC:  What’s your personal way of showing love for the city?  

KN: My goal is to create engaging, creative content that shines a spotlight on Cleveland businesses and helps bring more visitors through their doors—and to the city as a whole. I get genuinely excited when a video goes viral because it means more attention, more business, and more love for Cleveland!

EC: What are some ways our audience can engage with you or your work? 

KN: The best way to engage with Ohio Places To Go is to tag friends and share any content that you love! If you are a local business that wants to be featured, email is the best way to connect with us. OhioPlacesToGo@gmail.com.

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