While Cleveland is well known for its Rock and Roll Museum, probably the most famous "rock" on the Cleveland landscape was John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil Company. Raised in the city on the bay of Lake Erie, he revolutionized the petroleum industry and with keen business acumen, became the world's first billionaire and richest man.

Defining modern day philanthropy, he invested heavily in arts, music, education and religious institutions, and grew Cleveland into one of the wealthiest business and cultural centers in the nation. Still standing as a tribute to this giant who lived nearly a century from 1839 to 1937, the Rockefeller Building, 614 Superior Ave., is a 16-floor structure that features a decorative iron façade, and some say the spirit of the man.

Rockefeller Park and John D.'s former Forest Hill estate (now Forest Hill Park) on the border of Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland, are reminders of the prominence and wealth Cleveland enjoyed as the first city to have outdoor lighting supplied by Brush arc lamps in 1879. I learned this on Lolly the Trolley tour that shares with visitors the parks, museums and hot spots while entertaining riders with little known trivia.

Rockefeller's hand was everywhere, but he is most remembered for the causes he donated to. Several included The Cleveland Orchestra, Western Reserve University, and Case School of Applied Science, all prominent institutions and organizations in Cleveland today.

Located in University Circle, you can visit The Western Reserve Historical Society, historic Severance Hall (winter home to Cleveland Orchestra), Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Botanical Garden. All are within walking distance of each other, making for a full day of museum hopping.