Snapshots of Youngstown: Broaden Your Horizons
With a new year comes the chance for a new start. There are plenty of opportunities to try new things throughout Youngstown and Mahoning County this winter. Participate in our Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2022 promotion, happening January 12 through February 21! Take a photo and share with us what YOU are doing to start the new year off right. YOU could be randomly chosen as one of two weekly winners of a $50 gift card to a place in the Youngstown area you’ll want to try in the new year, like The Bunker Southern Park, Steel Valley Brew Works, Bistro 1907 or Ely’s To Go, just to name a few.
Need ideas? Follow our blog series! We’ll share ways to get active, and tell you how you can expand your palate by trying new foods. Keep reading for some new ways to broaden your horizons, try some new activities and learn something new.
Head to a Museum
Expand your knowledge of American Art at The Butler Institute of American Art. Take a stroll through the ever-expanding collection of pieces that date back to 1710 and appreciate the beauty of it all. Their most recent exhibit, Lifescapes, by Painter P. (Philip) Smallwood features watercolor paintings that are a powerful form of portraiture and visual narrative.
OH WOW! Children’s Center is a world-class children’s museum focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and is the perfect destination to keep the kiddos busy and entertained on a cold winter day. There are 11 different WOW! Zones that offer activities for kids of ages 0 to 14, and the adults will have a blast too.
See a Show
The 2022 season of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra starts off with An Evening of the Romantics on January 16. This show features a night of classical romantics by Bartok, Brahms and Beethoven with guest artist, Stephen Tavani, who was appointed as assistant concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra in September 2018. For a bit of a different show, the symphony will be performing a variety of Broadway classics featuring music director and founding director of Cleveland pops Orchestra, Carl Topilow, and vocalist and violinist Connor Bogart. The show takes place on February 4.
If you prefer more of a visual show, enjoy a show in the “sky” at the Ward Beecher Planetarium on the campus of YSU. Enjoy two unique shows at the planetarium: Beyond the Sun (January 29, February 5,12 and 19) and BIG Astronomy (February 4, 11 and 18). All shows are free and open to the public and a treat for the whole family.
Shop Local
Youngstown and Mahoning County’s local makers and shops need our support now more than ever. There are many local stores in the area that not only carry amazing finds, but many of them feature items that are handmade or repurposed by local and regional vendors. The Youngstown Flea will be open on February 12 from 9am to 3pm. Here you’ll find jewelry, art, crafts, clothing, food/food trucks and collectibles from artisans, all with the goal of connecting the local community. For other handmade goods, head to Common Goods Studio. Featuring over 45 vendors on a daily basis, you will find clothing, candles, soaps and cosmetics, pottery and unique items all made by talented individuals from the area. While you’re shopping, grab a Branch Street Coffee, bagel from Mamalagels or vegan brunch on the weekends.
You almost won’t know where to start at Mr. Darby’s Antique and Collectible Emporium. As you walk the aisles, it’s almost overwhelming (in a good way) to see all the rare and unusual finds, vintage antiques, collectibles, furniture and glassware. There are over 100 vendors that display an ever-changing inventory. So if you’re thinking about redecorating in the new year or just looking for a new piece or two, this is the perfect place to start.
How Do I Enter Snapshots of Youngstown?
- Now that you have some ideas, get out, expand your horizons by shopping, learning or trying something new and take some photos of the ways you’re doing it!
- Submit your photo here
- Continue submitting photos for more entries!
Two winners of a $50 local gift card will be chosen each week, January 12 through February 21. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Tuesdays. Multiple entries can be submitted, but winners are limited to winning one gift card. Tap here for the official giveaway rules.
Check out our other Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2022 blogs posts right here on our website. You can also visit our Facebook page or our website for more information about all things Youngstown.
