Snapshots of Youngstown Winter: Get Outdoors

Snapshots of Youngstown Winter: Get Outdoors

Let’s face it: This past year hasn’t been easy on any of us. Whether you’ve struggled mentally, physically, financially or all of the above, we can all agree that it’s time for a fresh start. We’re looking forward to brighter days ahead with our Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2021 gift card giveaway, beginning January 19, 2021! Take a photo of what YOU are doing to start the year off right for a chance to win one of twelve $50 gift cards to local restaurants.

Need ideas? Follow this blog series for suggestions! We’ll share all the details on things like staying active, starting a new hobby or taking an online class. Keep reading this post for ways to enjoy the outdoors in Mahoning County.

 

But First, What Is Snapshots of Youngstown?

Great question! Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2021 encourages you to start the new year off right in a healthy and positive way. Share a photo of what YOU are doing for a fresh start to 2021 and YOU can be randomly chosen as one of two weekly winners of a $50 restaurant gift card. We’re talking some of Youngstown’s favorite local eateries, like Stonebridge Grille & Tavern, Magic Tree Pub & Eatery, Cassese’s MVR, or Mojo’s Pub-N-Grill, just to name a few.

How to enter:

  • Take a photo of what you are doing to start the new year off right (hiking outdoors, healthy eating, yoga, reading, etc.)
  • Submit your photo here
  • Continue submitting photos for more entries!

Two winners of a $50 local restaurant gift card will be chosen each week, January 19 through February 28. Winners will be chosen at random and notified on Mondays. Multiple entries can be submitted, but winners are limited to winning one gift card. Learn more about Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2021 here.

 

Take a Winter Hike

With miles and miles of trails to discover, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a path in Mahoning County that’s right for you. The best part? Hikes and walks are known to lower stress levels, improve mood and improve health. In Mill Creek MetroParks alone, there are 45 miles of trails for you to explore. For an easy and scenic 0.25-mile loop, hike the Lily Pond Circle Trail. For a more difficult hike, opt for the 1.5-mile East Cohasset Trail. In Lake Milton State Park, visitors can hike the 1.25-mile paved nature trail. And at Boardman Park, try the ADA-accessible 4-mile North Trail. For more popular trails to hike this winter, read this blog.

 

Capture Snowy Scenery

@tracy_shane_millcreek3While on your hike or walk, don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful winter scenery surrounding you. Mill Creek Park is filled with photo opportunities – snow-covered trees, the Suspension Bridge and Lanterman’s Mill, to name a few. The lakes and ponds in Mill Creek MetroParks offer even more opportunities for winter scenery photos. At Lake Milton, capture a sunset photo over the water, or head to Poland Municipal Forest for pictures of woodland wildlife. Tip: The photos you submit to Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2021 do not have to have you in them. They can simply be landscape photos!

 

Try Cross Country Skiingcross country ski

Fun and easy to learn, cross country skiing might be your family’s next favorite winter activity! Cross country skiing is offered at several spots throughout Mill Creek MetroParks:

  • Mill Creek Golf Course
  • Par 3 Golf Course
  • East Golf Hike & Bike Trail
  • East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail
  • Chestnut Hill Dr.
  • Calvary Run Dr.
  • MetroParks Bikeway

 

Go Ice Skating Outdoors

In case you missed it, the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown just installed a new outdoor synthetic ice rink, located behind the Community Center building at 505 Gypsy Lane. The 80-by-40-foot rink is free and open to the public. Guests can bring their own skates or rent them for $4, and warm up with hot chocolate at the Ice Shack. Because the rink is made out of synthetic ice, it can remain open in all weather and temperatures. Right now, the rink is slated to stay open Thursdays-Sundays until at least March 28, 2021. Reservations are required at this link.

 

Walk or Run a Virtual 5K

What better way to get a fresh start than with a walk or run? You can get your steps in with the rest of the Youngstown community during the New Year’s Resolution 4-Miler, hosted by Second Sole in Boardman, on January 23, 2021! In order to keep the health and safety of everyone a priority, the 4-mile walk or run will happen in two smaller heats, starting at 1pm and 2pm. A virtual option is also available for anyone uncomfortable competing in person. Registration for the event is $30 and the first 250 registrants will receive a limited edition scarf. For more details on upcoming area races, follow the Second Sole Facebook page.

 

 

Now that you have some inspiration, get outdoors and take some photos of your fresh start! Stay tuned for more Snapshots of Youngstown Winter 2021 blog posts right here on our website. In the meantime, visit our Facebook page or our website for more information about all things Youngstown.