Cleveland is a city of culture, resilience, and opportunity. At Engage! Cleveland, we’re passionate about amplifying what makes our city special—from its vibrant neighborhoods to its thriving professional community. We know that when we celebrate Cleveland, we build a reputation that draws in and keeps the next generation of changemakers. That’s why 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 Clevelander Lauren McGowan

“I always refer to Cleveland as home. It’s the place that has raised me, molded and shaped me, supported me, and rallied behind me. It’s my comfort, my warmth, my security, it truly is home.  

Lauren McGowan is the face behind the social account traveling_foodqueen, which features restaurants, shops, and recipes from all over the world. Though travel is a big part of her life, Lauren considers Cleveland home and features weekly content about Cleveland’s food scene to her popular social channels. 

After growing up in Cleveland, Lauren moved to Philadelphia for college, thinking she wouldn’t return. “I had plans to leave for college and never come back. But after spending four years away, I realized just how special Cleveland really is.” She said. “It’s the people, the culture, and the genuine love Clevelanders have for this city. There’s a sense of pride and community here that feels different, something you don’t find everywhere. Cleveland has this way of making you feel connected, and once I experienced life away from home, I realized just how much that connection meant to me. Now, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.” 

One thing Lauren loves about Cleveland is its rich and diverse food scene. “I connect most with Cleveland’s culture through its food. As a huge foodie and someone who spends so much of my time exploring restaurants and local businesses, I’ve come to realize that Cleveland’s food scene tells such a powerful story about the city and the people who call it home.”  

Her love for the food scene is what started her journey as a social media influencer. What started as simply sharing recommendations with friends turned into a whole community. “I found that a lot of  friends and family would often come to me for restaurant recommendations, and I’d share my feedback. Then I thought, why don’t I try to share it with a larger audience?” Lauren says. “I started back in 2021 and just really started taking out my camera and capturing the food I was eating, the experience I was having while I was traveling, really highlighting different foods while traveling and different cultures and kind of morphed into this traveling food queen concept.” 

And Lauren feels like Cleveland’s food scene is especially unique. 

“What makes our food scene so special is the incredible diversity behind it. You can experience so many different cultures through food, often by supporting businesses that were built by people sharing a piece of their own heritage and story with our community. From generation-old family recipes to new restaurants putting a modern spin on traditional cuisine, Cleveland’s food scene is truly a reflection of the many cultures and walks of life represented throughout the city.”  

As a travel and food influencer, Lauren has high hopes for Cleveland and its tourism factor, especially when it comes to the culinary reputation. “I’m really excited about the Michelin guide including restaurants in Cleveland. I think it’s going to continue to push our boundaries and limits on what the culinary scene here in Cleveland looks like.” And with a great reputation, more visitors come. “I want Cleveland to be this marquee city. And you’re seeing that with the events that we’re bringing in, you’re getting visitors coming in and having positive experiences.” 

While Cleveland’s growing national profile is exciting, it’s the city’s everyday quality of life that has made the biggest impact on Lauren personally. She also appreciates the sense of community she feels in the area and considers the city a great place to raise her family.  

“I think raising a family in Cleveland is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She says, “When you come into larger cities, it’s often harder to raise a family with that hustle and bustle. But I think Cleveland is just a nice, happy medium. If you want the city life, you can get it, but the suburbs are still thriving as well. I think having that balance is key for me as a parent.”  

Between the city and suburbs there are so many great Cleveland neighborhoods. It’s hard to pick a favorite, But if she had to choose, East 185th would be Lauren’s. “I love the hidden gems and I feel like the business owners in that area are local, they have that strong sense of community and pride, and I just love it.” 

Now that Lauren has been back in Cleveland for years, putting down roots, she loves to explore everything the city has to offer, and she recommends you do the same!  

“The biggest thing I would tell someone before moving here is that Cleveland is what you make it. If you move here and never get out to explore, try new things, or experience the different neighborhoods and communities, you probably won’t see what makes the city so special. But if you immerse yourself in everything Cleveland has to offer, meet the people, support the local businesses, and really embrace the city—you might just have the best time of your life. Cleveland has so much to give, but you have to be willing to go out and experience it.”  

Follow Lauren on social media at @traveling_foodqueen for Cleveland recommendations, travel inspiration, and great local finds for all ages!

 Authored by: Sarah McCord