Instead of giving your money to corporate brands, support the local community by shopping our many small business retailers. From fine jewelry to handcrafted furniture, Youngstown has a variety of unique stores to add to the list when planning your next shopping spree!
Ohio’s parks are filled with natural beauty and opportunity for year-round outdoor activities. Here in the Mahoning Valley, our parks are no different!
In fact, Mahoning County is home to several not-so-hidden gems that have provided outdoor adventure and recreation for generations. There are options for boating, fishing, hiking, biking and even cross country skiing! Want to learn more about our beautiful parks and plan the perfect day trip getaway? Let’s start making your bucket list!
If you’re planning a night out with your special someone and need some ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re heading out together for the first time or are simply looking for some new adventures, we’ve collected a few great date ideas located throughout the Youngstown area.
There’s no better way to start or end your date night than with an intimate dinner for two. Here are some unique, local restaurants that are renowned for both their cuisine and their atmosphere.
You won’t find many restaurants with decor like you’ll find at Selah – a real hidden gem in downtown Struthers. Diners enjoy the restaurant’s unique surroundings (it’s a converted bank) and its fabulous meals, which include steak, seafood, and homemade pastas.
Selah also hosts live dinner performances, so check the Selah’s Events page for information and tickets!
Selah Restaurant
130 S. Bridge St.
Struthers, OH 44471
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Aqua Pazzo, located in Boardman, is an authentic Italian “ristorante,” featuring modern dishes inspired by cuisine from all regions of the Italian penninsula. Choose from a variety of pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and generous cuts of meat – plus, desserts that are guaranteed to impress.
For an extra romantic experience, dine out on the patio, where the gentle lighting and water features make for a date like no other!
Aqua Pazzo
492 McClurg Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Michael Alberini’s serves high-end cuisine in a restaurant that’s reminiscent of the best eateries in New York City or Chicago. The food represents every corner of the globe, spanning Italian, East Asian and Cajun flavors! You and your date can also have your meals expertly paired with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s collection of over 600 international and domestic wines.
Michael Alberini’s Restaurant and Wine Shop
1140 Boardman Poland Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you and your date are wine or beer fans, Mahoning County has a few amazing winery/brewery options! So, whether you’re enjoying a day date or searching for a fun spot to end your night, be sure to add these great locations to your list!
Penguin City Brewing Company is located just east of downtown Youngstown in a recently renovated manufacturing building. Their beer, billed as “solid beer for solid people,” echoes Youngstown’s blue collar roots.
Besides a date, Penguin City is also a great place to meet up with friends or watch a game. Check Penguin City’s Facebook page to see what food trucks are scheduled, along with special events and new brews!
Penguin City Brewing Company
460 E. Federal St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
L’ uva Bella Winery is way more than just a wine bar! Couples can enjoy an intimate experience at L’uva Bella’s Bistro with a couple glasses of fine wine (made onsite) and delicious, modern crafted cuisine. The Bistro’s Italian-inspired rustic decor lends to its romantic atmosphere and this local favorite has an incredible selection of appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and wood-fired pizzas!
L’ uva Bella Winery
6597 Center Rd.
Lowellville, OH 44436
Hours: Thursday 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mastropietro Winery’s 14 acres of picturesque vineyards make for an ideal backdrop when it comes to a romantic wine tasting date on the patio. On a chilly night, you and your date can even cuddle up by the patio’s fire pits!
If you’d prefer to stay inside, head into the attached sports bar for some local craft beers and sandwiches or snacks.
Mastropietro Winery
14558 Ellsworth Rd.
Berlin Center, OH 44401
Winery hours: Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (except January and February), Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sports bar hours: Wednesday and Thursday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There’s no better way to spend your evening than by taking in a live music performance at one of Youngstown’s venues! This area is incredibly proud of its diverse music scene and the national acts that make regular stops here.
Covelli Centre is not only Youngstown’s premier indoor concert venue, it’s also home to the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms.
Remember, concerts and events are seasonal, so be sure to check the Covelli Centre’s Events page for information on upcoming shows. Youngstown Phantoms games are scheduled regularly throughout hockey season, which runs from November to April.
Covelli Centre
229 E. Front St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
DeYor Performing Arts Center is a great spot to see a concert, musical or play! The DeYor’s Ford Family Recital Hall is a 600-seat venue, and its famous Edward W. Powers Auditorium boasts 2300 seats. No matter what type of event you’re attending, with that seating capacity, you’re almost guaranteed good views each and every time!
Be sure to check out their Upcoming Events page for Youngstown Symphony Orchestra performances, plays and concert dates.
DeYor Performing Arts Center
260 W. Federal St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Situated between downtown Youngstown and the Mahoning River, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre is the perfect outdoor venue for live music and community events in Mahoning County. Check out their Events page to see who’s playing this summer!
Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
201 S. Phelps St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Who doesn’t love a day date? Start off the morning with brunch and then check out some of these fun things to do around town!
The Butler Institute of American Art is unique among art museums – it was the first art gallery of its kind dedicated solely to American art! The Institute’s 22,000 individual works include recognizable artists from across the nation and one-of-a-kind Native American pieces. It’s conveniently located north of downtown Youngstown, adjacent to the Youngstown State University campus.
The Butler Institute of American Art
524 Wick Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44502
Spend an afternoon at White House Fruit Farm and enjoy their outdoor spaces along with all the goodies they have to offer! Shop their selection of homegrown produce, jams/jellies, fresh-baked goodies and unique finds at their Gift Barn. Pro Tip: don’t leave without trying the donuts!
White House Fruit Farm
9249 Youngstown-Salem Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Did you know that there are over 5,000 acres to explore in Mill Creek MetroParks, with opportunities for hiking, biking, golf, boating and more? It’s your chance to get out in the fresh air and enjoy your date’s company!
Discover the inner workings of Lanterman’s Mill, one of Mahoning County’s most notable historic landmarks. Take a guided tour through the mill or explore on your own. (Don’t forget to buy some of the stone ground flour while you’re there.)
Also, many people like to walk down to the nearby covered bridge and take in its romantic views!
Lanterman’s Mill
1001 Canfield Rd. (SR 62)
Youngstown, OH 44511
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May through October. Closed Mondays and observed holidays.
Admission: Children under six – free, students six to eighteen (including college students with ID) – $1, adult Mahoning County residents – $2, adult non-residents – $3, informational tour – $3 plus admission.
Fellows Riverside Gardens is like a secluded getaway within Mill Creek MetroParks. Take a stroll with your significant other through the beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy the gorgeous views. If you get hungry while you’re there, stop for a bite to eat at the Garden Cafe in the nearby D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center.
Fellows Riverside Gardens
123 McKinley Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44509
Garden hours: Open daily, year-round sunrise to sunset
Garden Cafe hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Youngstown Flea isn’t like most flea markets – it’s more of a showcase for local artisans, craftspeople and small businesses to show off their creations.
One weekend every month, vendors gather in downtown Youngstown for an experience like no other. You and your date can browse homemade art and furniture, vintage clothing and pick up goodies like local honey or fudge! Stay for lunch at a food truck or visit one of the many restaurants nearby.
Youngstown Flea
365 E. Boardman St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a night or two without driving hours to get there, and the Mahoning Valley has a couple of luxurious options that will have you returning time and again!
Sebring Mansion Inn and Spa is an intimate bed-and-breakfast getaway located in a mansion that was built to resemble an Italian Renaissance villa. Suites are decorated with an early-20th-century style, inclusive of deep colors and rich woods.
Breakfast and dinner are served on-site in the conservatory, and Sebring Mansion also offers special add-ons like champagne, chocolate covered strawberries or their special Wedding Anniversary Romance Package (inclusive of roses, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and two customized flutes).
Sebring Mansion Inn and Spa
385 W. Ohio Ave
Sebring, OH 44672
If you’re looking for an unforgettable date night in downtown Youngstown, pay a visit to Bistro 1907 by Mark Canzonetta and then stay the night at the DoubleTree Youngstown Downtown (a unique option that offers early 1900’s charm with all the modern amenities).
Bistro 1907 features American favorites with French flair in its sleek, contemporary – yet historic – atmosphere. Enjoy cuisine you’d expect to find in a fine Parisian restaurant, and choose from an endless variety of drinks and cocktails to complement any flavor.
Bistro 1907 & DoubleTree Youngstown Downtown
44 E. Federal St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Bistro Hours:
Breakfast Buffet – Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch: Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dinner: Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Don’t overlook some of these more common yet exceptionally fun options for your next date!
There’s nothing like a little friendly competition on a date! Check out these local alleys that have much more than just bowling!
Camelot Lanes is a local favorite for many reasons! Couples can play billiards, arcade games, and giant-sized versions of childhood favorites like Connect 4 and Jenga.
Plus, you can enjoy a drink from the fully-stocked bar along with pizza, wings or a burger and fries. All in all, Camelot has your date night covered!
Camelot Lanes
628 Boardman Canfield Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512
Hours: Monday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Westside Bowl is one of the best places in Youngstown to see a local band, and it plays host to a variety of special events like trivia, open mic night and karaoke!
Plus, Westside Bowl has a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and pizza to share while you’re enjoying the show or bowling a few games.
Westside Bowl
2617 Mahoning Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44509
Hours: Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Let’s not forget about the classic “dinner and a movie” date. Bring your date to one of the area’s movie theaters and take in a film together. In Boardman, there’s Cinemark Boardman and XD and Regal CinemaSouth. In Austintown, head to Golden Star Theaters Austintown Cinema.
Cinemark Boardman and XD
7401 Market St. Suite 575 (Located at the Southern Park Mall)
Boardman, OH 44512
Regal CinemaSouth
7420 South Ave.
Boardman, OH 44512
Golden Star Theaters Austintown Cinema
6020 Mahoning Ave.
Austintown, OH 44515
The Youngstown area has some of the best golf courses between Cleveland and Columbus! So, if you and your date are avid golfers, a golf date is a perfect way to spend the day. Check out the Mill Creek Golf Course, Reserve Run Golf Course or Knoll Run Golf Course websites for rates and tee times (and those are just to name a few!).
For a more complete listing of area golf courses, check out our Youngstown Golf Course Guide!
Mill Creek Golf Course
1 W. Golf Dr.
Boardman, OH 44512
Reserve Run Golf Course
625 E. Western Reserve Rd.
Poland, OH 44514
Knoll Run Golf Course
1421 State Route 616
Lowellville, OH 44436
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, live music, or a quiet place to enjoy each other’s company, Youngstown is full of date ideas to try. For more fun activities in Youngstown and throughout Mahoning County, Youngstown Live is your source for everything local!
If you’re on the hunt for some fun, free things to do in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, look no further! We have a great list of activities that are free of charge and perfect for the entire family!
No matter what season you choose to say “I do,” some of the very best wedding venues are located in the Youngstown, Ohio area. Rich with history and natural scenery, there are plenty of places to walk down the aisle and celebrate your wedding. Plus the Valley is filled with places to see and things to do, so guests can enjoy an entire weekend in northeast Ohio!
Whether you’re looking for a complete event center to host both your wedding ceremony and your reception or you are simply looking for a reception hall, we’ve got you covered. As wedding planning gets underway, keep this list of Youngstown-area wedding venues handy so you can choose the location of your dreams for your big day.
Ohio is proud to be the home to some of America’s best museums. Every major city in the state has something to offer, with every museum a reflection on that city’s history, culture and interests.
Not to be outdone, the city of Youngstown also has an amazing selection of museums! If you or your family are interested in art, history or science, there’s a museum here to fascinate and inspire you! Check out this list and plan your visit to one (or all!) of Youngstown’s amazing museums.
What do you do when it’s a rainy day in Youngstown? Instead of just watching a movie or playing board games, why not get out and have a good time? There’s all sorts of fun things to do in Youngstown on a rainy day – just take a look at the list below!
Soup is a favorite around the globe, especially in colder months. To those of us in northeast Ohio, soup is the ideal wintertime comfort food! So, where can you go to get the best soup in Youngstown, Ohio? Let’s find out!
NOTE: This listing is from 2022. Visit our up-to-date events calendar for upcoming holiday events.
The holidays are a time to make special memories with your family and loved ones. From craft shows and unique wintertime events to colorful Christmas displays, we’ve got the list of the best holiday events to attend in and around Youngstown!
The Youngstown area is home to some fantastic spots when it comes to great coffee (from experienced roasters to long-standing, locally owned favorites). So, rather than visit the typical corporate-chain-type coffee shop, why not try something truly unique?!
If you’re in search of some of the best coffee shops in and around Youngstown, OH, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog! Whether you’re in search of the perfect latte or a unique gift card option for your best friend, these coffee roasters are a great place to start.
Stone Fruit Coffee’s Diedrich coffee roaster located at Steel Valley Brew Works.
A group of friends founded Stone Fruit Coffee in 2015, and since then, this local favorite has expanded to include stores in Boardman, Canfield, Poland, the YSU campus, and a location inside Steel Valley Brew Works (at DeBartolo Commons) in the Southern Park Mall. When you visit Steel Valley Brew Works, don’t miss the massive Diedrich coffee roaster as you enter – it’s capable of roasting three million pounds of coffee beans a year!
They roast their beans in-house, and name their coffees after recognizable Youngstown landmarks and events (such as Smoky Hollow, Black Monday, and Brier Hill). Can it get much better than that?
Besides coffee, you can also try a selection of toasts and toppings to pair with your brew, along with baked goods. If you’re in a rush, the Canfield and Poland locations have a convenient drive-thru service.
When you visit the Steel Valley Brew Works location, you can also enjoy billiards, bocce, pinball, and their selection or appetizers, flatbreads, salads, and paninis!
Packaged coffee at Branch Street Coffee Roasters.
Branch Street Coffee Roasters was named to Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 list of the best coffee in every state. From its location on Boardman-Canfield Rd., Branch Street imports and roasts its beans in order to give every customer a unique coffee experience. You can also find tea and brewing equipment at Branch Street, as well as whole beans that you can grind at home.
Coffee being roasted at High Octane Coffee Co.
High Octane Coffee Co.’s Austintown location isn’t the norm when it comes to coffee shops. The location is completely decked out in motorsports-themed decor.
High Octane’s coffees are roasted in-house, sporting names like “Hammer Down,” “Gasoline Alley,” and “Victory Lane.” The shop also features sweet treats like locally made ice cream, donuts from White House Fruit Farm, and delicious breakfast sandwiches!
Serving coffee at the Culture House Coffee Co.
Culture House Coffee Co. roasts all of their beans at their shop on Youngstown’s North Side, bringing recognition to the origins of their coffee beans while also making sure their visitors have an amazing cup of coffee!
Culture House also has delicious baked goods like croissants, scones, bagels, and more, as well as drink flavors that change with the seasons.
The Valley is home to some locally owned shops that have been fan favorites for decades. Grab a bite to eat, order online for takeout/pickup or simply pop in for your favorite coffee drink!
Sweet treats from Peaberry’s Cafe.
Peaberry’s Cafe recently moved from Canfield to its new location in the Shops at Boardman Park, featuring a full line of hot and cold specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes, mochas, and espressos. But they also feature all-day breakfast, a lunch menu of hot and cold sandwiches (burgers, too!), and delicious baked goods.
Barista making coffee at Pressed Coffee Bar & Eatery.
Pressed Coffee Bar & Eatery is located in a historic home on Lincoln Ave. near the Youngstown State University campus. It’s a fan favorite among students and locals alike for hot and cold coffees, coffee-inspired frozen drinks, and smoothies! Be sure to try their breakfast and lunch menus, too! (Pressed is well-known for its breakfast frittatas and panini sandwiches.)
Coffee drink from The Mocha House.
The Mocha House has locations in downtown Youngstown, and Boardman. A longtime staple of the Mahoning Valley, The Mocha House is a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner at its Boardman and Youngstown locations, as well as a huge variety of coffee drinks.
Before you leave, be sure to try some of their incredible baked goods, including New York style cheesecakes, pies, cakes and other desserts – all baked fresh daily!
Coffee and sweet treats from Hallowed Grounds Coffee Co.
Hallowed Grounds Coffee Co. is a perfect small-town coffee and breakfast spot located in New Middletown, Ohio. Stop in to choose from a variety of hot coffees, iced drinks, and a selection of teas. Food options include an ever-changing list of baked goods and tasty breakfast sandwiches.
We all make a point to try and shop local when it comes to clothes, food and more; the same goes for your next cup of coffee!
So, when your caffeine craving hits, head to one of our Valley’s many local coffee shops – you might just find your new favorite place! For more insider info on everything going on in and around Youngstown, check back with Youngstown Live for upcoming concerts, events and happenings!
