When there's a need for tight-jean, greasy-hair, guitar-laced and groupie-filled nights, Buffalo doesn't really have a rock 'n' roll hot spot. But, students don't have to wander far out of their comfort zone to enjoy legend after legend at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
When staying in Cleveland, students can avoid four-star prices but still get the VIP treatment at a three star rate for $84 a night, according to www.orbitz.com.
The downtown area is a little pricier, but it holds all the fundamentals for a rock star weekend: bars, city life and shopping, but the No. 1 hit of the trip is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
According to the Hall of Fame's Web site, the museum is open all day and extends its hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. The price for admission is $22, a little more than a science museum, but well worth the cost due to the one-of-a-kind material.
Since the Hall of Fame holds personal artifacts from various artists, there is no photography allowed. However, memories won't be hard to come by after experiencing the vast collections that the museum holds.
One area is dedicated to the many rock 'n' roll influences while bluegrass, country, folk and gospel exhibits line the way to other collections. Many pay tribute to the people and places most familiarized with rock 'n' roll.
From the Viper Room in Los Angeles to the '70s scene in London, one exhibit shows the infamous rock cities that started all the rage throughout the decades.
Other exhibits focus on the people behind the music. Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones are a few of the names that have contributed personal pieces of their rock experience to the museum. These pieces of memorabilia share with visitors the tour days, the backstage experiences, and the soul behind the music that kept them going.
Another current exhibit shows treasures that will be heading back into the vault, so visitors should hurry and see them soon. See Bob Marley's hand written lyrics to "Turn Your Lights Down Low," Tina Turner's dress from her "Private Dancer" video shoot and the suit worn by Elton John when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The current heat wave created by Bruce Springsteen has also made its way to the Hall of Fame. An upcoming exhibit focuses on the life and music of Springsteen, and will consist of hand written lyrics, guitars, clothing and album covers.
The building itself reveals a rock 'n' roll quality of architectural genius, a mixture of a '80s studio, retro vibes and spaceships. This design can please guests even from the outside.
To get to the Hall of Fame, one can take a train, a plane, bum a buddy's car or join a couple of friends on a bus. The travel options are considerable.
Travel time and rates depend upon the mode of transportation. For a quick weekend get away in true jet setter style, a round trip flight to Cleveland can cost around $200, according to the Orbitz Web site.
If saving money is more important than finding the quickest possible route, ground travel is consistently the penny pinchers favorite method.
The classiest and most old fashion way to travel, besides by wagon, is the train. According to www.amtrak.com, the average price for a round trip ticket to rock 'n' roll heaven is $80.
Taking this old school form of public transportation can be time consuming and a little more costly than the good old bus. The lowest fare for buses, according to www.greyhound.com, is $33.
By sharing a car with friends, one can enjoy more comfort and privacy than they would find on the bus or train. The trip takes about three hours by car, which allows for plenty of time to listen the rock classics.
Bring the family and bring friends; The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame holds stars from every era of music appreciation and plenty of attractions to keep any avid listener happy.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
