Posted By: 
John SBob,
The IX Center really is in the middle of nowhere.  I live in the Cleveland area and have many suggestions for places to eat, visit, etc.  There are a number of hotels and restaurants about five miles east of the IX Center in Independence, OH on Rockside Road.  If you do a mapquest this area is located where 
I-77 and I-480 intersect.  If this a vacation do not plan too much time in downtown....not much to do.  Anyone that has any questions please feel free to contact me.