Cooler temperatures, beautiful landscapes and affordable rates – what’s not to love about golfing in Youngstown and Mahoning County in the fall? Although not considered “peak season” for many golfers, we’d argue that fall might be THE time to golf! Here’s five reasons why you shouldn’t put those clubs away as the leaves begin to change.

 

Mill Creek South-fallThe courses are less crowded.

Think about it: summer is the season for lots of golf leagues, tournaments, outings and leisure golfing. In the fall, crowds start to slow down, giving you better opportunities to hit the course without worrying about being rushed or waiting on other groups.

 

Rates are typically cheaper.   

Golf is very affordable in our area, but because fall is a slower season for most golf courses, rates usually drop. If you’re looking for an inexpensive round of golf, fall is the best time to find it. In addition to seasonal rates, make sure to also keep an eye out for special senior and junior discounts. At Mill Creek Golf Course, for example, you’ll come across all sorts of unique rates.

 

Opportunities for longer drives.  

Cooler temperatures and (hopefully) not a lot of rain mean a firmer course on which to play. If you catch that sweet spot off the tee, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll see more roll out in the fairways than you’re used to. However, fall weather conditions also mean that the grass is growing slower, so don’t be surprised if more ropes or traffic signs appear along the courses to maintain good playing conditions until the grass returns to full-growing-speed in the spring.

 

Flying BThe weather is more comfortable.   

You can kiss those brutally hot summer rounds of golf goodbye once fall arrives. Perfect fall temps allow you to truly enjoy golfing, rather than dreading the trek to your remaining holes. And if you’re typically a cart person, you might want to try walking to enjoy the views.

 

You can enjoy fall foliage views.

Mahoning County is situated in the ideal spot for fall foliage views. At nearly all area courses, including Reserve Run, Kennsington and Bedford Trails, you’ll be surrounded by lines of red, orange and yellow trees. Use this map to plan a day of golf during peak Ohio fall foliage.

 

Beautiful Golf Courses in Mahoning County

Mill Creek North & South Course – features two 18-hole championship courses designed by Donald Ross

Reserve Run – rolling fairways and majestic lakes provide an unforgettable experience

Kennsington Golf Club – this course blends natural beauty with a challenging layout

The Links at Firestone Farms – panoramic lake views, plush fairways and over 50 bunkers

Salem Hills – offers a challenging, but fair, design to test golfers of all skill levels

Olde Dutch Mill – an oasis for serious golfers

Bedford Trails – scenic wooded course

Lakeside – 18-hole course operated by family members for more than 50 years

Knoll Run – a very challenging Par 72 course

Stambaugh – 9-hole course with long tees and small greens

Flying B – affordable rates with beautiful fairways and greens

 

Stay-and-Play Hotel PackagesReserve Run Golf Course

Youngstown-area hotels situated near courses offer unique Stay-and-Play Packages to visiting golfers. Contact the below hotels directly for pricing and reservations.

 

Several area hotels also offer special room rates to golfers. Call any of the following hotels for more information about their discounts and reservations:

 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another destination in the Midwest that can match Youngstown and Mahoning County’s access to affordable, high quality public golf courses. Take advantage of the local hotel Stay-and-Play Packages, choose a course that’s right for you and book a Fall Golf Getaway! For more information about local golf, download our Golf Guide, or visit our Facebook page or our website.

 

Cooler temperatures, crisp apples and fluffy pumpkin donuts can only mean one thing in the Valley – fall has officially arrived at White House Fruit Farm! As a staple in our local community and destination for visitors, White House pulls out all the (freshly grown) stops during the fall season. Here’s your guide to what’s happening on the farm this fall.

 

Pumpkins, Apples & Sunflowers

sunflowersIt’s not fall without pumpkins, right? Luckily, White House Fruit Farm has plenty in their Pumpkin Pavilion. On the property, take time to peruse and take pictures with a variety of pumpkins, available in all shapes, sizes and colors. The fall season also marks the return of White House’s signature crop: apples. The farm grows over 20 apple varieties, sold in their market throughout the year. In September, expect varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala and Red Delicious to hit the shelves. Here’s the full apple variety chart. Don’t forget the fresh apple cider, and last, but certainly not least, don’t miss the opportunity to pick sunflowers at White House this fall! Their vast sunflower field will be open in late September to visitors for pictures and picking.

@vivalabrooklynn


Don’t Forget the Donuts

White House Fruit Farm and donuts…is there a more iconic duo? Baked fresh each morning, White House donuts are an absolute must-try when you visit. And although their blueberry donuts are definitely the most popular, the bakery whips up a wide variety of limited time flavors in the fall. September rings in the return of the pumpkin donut. Once October rolls around, check the case for pumpkin cinnamon and pumpkin iced donuts. Here’s the complete list of donut flavors that White House offers throughout the year.

 

Fall Gift Barn

The Fall Gift Barn with Lutz Greenhouse opens its doors Friday, September 6 and stays open daily until Sunday, October 27. Inside the barn, expect to find all sorts of seasonal gifts and décor, and fall mums. The barn is open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. After October 27, the Fall Gift Barn transforms and reopens on November 2 as the Winter Gift Barn.

 

Fall Festival Weekends 

For all things fall at White House, visit during the farm’s Fall Festival Weekends. These themed weekends are a one-stop-shop for every White House experience you’d hope to have – and they’re about to start up again for the fall season! Fall Festival Weekends begin Saturday, September 7 and continue each Saturday and Sunday (11am-5pm) until the last weekend of October. Here’s what you can expect to find:

  • Horse-drawn wagon rides ($4/person)Truck
  • Petting zoo
  • Pony rides ($5/person)
  • “Budgie” Bird feeding experience ($2/person)
  • Food vendors with fall fare
  • Kettle corn
  • Caramel apples
  • Flowers and foliage from Lutz Greenhouse
  • Pumpkin Pavilion and Gift Barn filled with fall décor
  • Professional family portraits by the lake

 

applesMark Your Calendars

While the fall season is definitely a fun time at White House, the farm is also home to a variety of other exciting events during the year. Sample the brand new Evercrisp apple starting November 1 or get your holiday shopping done inside the Winter Gift Barn (open select weekends, starting November 2). Then, mark your calendar for Christmas on the Farm, December 7 & 8! This year, you can expect to find photo opportunities with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores, holiday music and more. Here’s the full calendar of events happening at White House.

 

 

Looking for other things to do in the Mahoning Valley this fall? Visit our Facebook page or our website for more information on local attractions and upcoming seasonal events.