10 Best Places to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix

What do coffee shops, markets, breweries and ice cream shops have in common? They’re all serving up pumpkin spice goodies this fall! If you haven’t satisfied your pumpkin spice cravings yet this season, these ten places in Mahoning County will do the trick.

 

Stone Fruit Coffee CompanyStone Fruit Coffee Company

With coffees roasted and brewed in house, there are plenty of drink options at Stone Fruit Coffee Company. Visit their Boardman, Youngstown, Canfield or Cornersburg locations and try some of their seasonal drinks like Nightmare Fuel cold brew or pumpkin spice latte.

 

High Octane Coffee Company   

Modeled after a 1950’s service garage, High Octane Coffee Company brews up a variety of flavored coffees (made from their own roasted beans), milkshakes and baked goods. This fall, try their hot or iced pumpkin spice latte paired with a pumpkin White House Fruit Farm donut.

 

Classic Bakery

Bakeries are some of the best spots to find all sorts of pumpkin spice goodies. Classic Bakery in Boardman serves delicious custom cakes, pies, cookies and more, and this fall, you’ll find pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin logs. You can also choose from several adorable Halloween-themed cakes.

 

N₂ by DaVill Creams & Crumbles – Nitrogen Ice Cream & Bakery

N₂ by DaVill is a nitrogen ice cream shop located inside Crumbles Bakery in Boardman. Try their pumpkin spice ice cream, made fresh before your eyes! Crumbles Bakery offers a variety of pumpkin cakes and cookies.

 

Whistle & KegWhistle and Keg

A wide variety of restaurants in the Youngstown area serve up great pumpkin beers, but for the best selection of fall flavors, try Whistle & Keg in Downtown Youngstown. Sample any of their 44 beers on self-service tap. Right now, seasonal flavors include Ace Pumpkin Cider, Pumking, Cold Press Coffee Pumking, Old Zahm Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest.

 

Vintage Estate Wine & Beer

For one of the largest beer selections (over 1300 craft beer labels in stock and 34 on tap), visit Vintage Estate Wine & Beer in Boardman. Stop in to pick up one of your favorite seasonal varieties or enjoy selections from the mead bar, wine bar and craft beers on tap.

 

Handel’s Ice Cream

Handel’s Ice Cream has long been a staple in the Youngstown community (in fact, they’ll be celebrating their 75th anniversary next year!). While you can always choose from 100+ homemade flavors, you’ll also find pumpkin pecan and pumpkin ripple at select locations throughout the fall.

 

White House Fruit Farm   

If you ask any local, “where should I go in Youngstown this fall?”, we’re sure White House Fruit Farm will make their list. You’ll find seasonal donut flavors like pumpkin iced and pumpkin cinnamon (but, if it’s your first time, make sure to also pick up an iconic blueberry donut). In the market, there’s also a wide selection of other sweets, including pies, cookies and fudge. Here’s our complete guide to fall at White House Fruit Farm.

 

The Orange Avocado      Orange Avocado

Known for their organic, cold-pressed juice, Orange Avocado Juicery in Boardman has several seasonal goodies in their shop this month. Try their pumpkin cider or opt for a pumpkin smoothie bowl topped with pumpkin seeds, granola and fresh fruit.

 

Youngstown Nutrition

New to the Boardman area, Youngstown Nutrition serves up an extensive menu of healthy teas and protein shakes. This October, try their Witches Brew tea (lemon tea, mango aloe, lemon lime and collagen) or their Maple Candied Praline shake. Bonus: all of their teas and shakes come with the option to add extra nutritious boosters to improve things like your immune system or hair health.

 

 

This fall, don’t miss the opportunity to get your pumpkin spice fix in Mahoning County! For more information about other local businesses and attractions in the Youngstown area, visit our Facebook page or our website.

If You Love Halloween, Visit…

Lovers of Halloween and all-things-fall are in luck if they’re visiting the Youngstown area this season! With haunted houses, winery parties, pumpkin patches and hayrides, you have ample opportunities to enjoy the spooky season. If you love Halloween, here’s a few places to check out.

 

The Canfield Scaregrounds  

Each October, the Canfield Fairgrounds transform into the much-anticipated Canfield Scaregrounds. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to midnight and Sundays from 7pm–10pm, the Scaregrounds feature four haunted houses, a haunted hayride and zombie paintball session. General admission includes access to all attractions (excluding paintball) and is $20. Guests also have the option to purchase just a haunted hayride pass for $10 or a paintball session for $10. For more details about the Canfield Scaregrounds, visit their website.

 

Ward Beecher PlanetariumWard Beecher Planetarium

Youngstown State University’s Ward Beecher Planetarium offers a wide selection of free astronomy programs to the public – and this October includes a few spooky specials. Families with young kids will want to check out Night-LITE, showing October 12, 19 and 26 at 2pm. It’s a fun (not scary), music and light show and guests are encouraged to arrive in costume. For those that like all things scary and horrific, head to a showing of Nightlights on October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 or 26 at 8pm! Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume to this program as well.

 

Diletto Winery and The Vineyards at Pine Lake 

While there are several uniquely wonderful wineries in the Youngstown area, Diletto Winery and The Vineyards at Pine Lake are two that are known for their packed event schedules. From sip ‘n paints and live music to yoga and vineyard tours, these wineries offer it all. And in October, you can expect to find both of their calendars FILLED with Halloween happenings.

At Diletto Winery:

At The Vineyards at Pine Lake:

 

Boardman Township Park

This month, Boardman Township Park is hosting family-friendly haunted hayrides, perfect for all ages. Rides will be held on October 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 6pm–10pm. Ticket sales will take place between 6:30pm and 9:30pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under. Family rates are also available: $15 for Boardman families of two adults and four kids; $18 for non-resident families of the same size.

 

Youngstown Area Pumpkin Patches   

Molnar FarmsSpooky season isn’t complete without at least one visit to a pumpkin patch, right? Luckily, there’s plenty throughout the Mahoning County area! When in Poland, visit Molnar Farms for not only pumpkins, but also a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in their market. In Canfield, head to White House Fruit Farm (weekends are best in the fall) to peruse their pumpkin pavilion, market and fall gift barn. To carve pumpkins, visit Fellows Riverside Gardens October 10, 11 or 12, then head back on Sunday, October 13 to see them on display at the annual Pumpkin Walk at Twilight. Or, take the kids to Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on October 13, 19 or 20 for tractor-wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch. Pick the pumpkin of your choice, then decorate it to take home.

 

Area Bakeries

Although you might not think of it, local bakeries are one of the best spots to visit during the Halloween season. Why? They serve up endless fall-inspired treats! Think: flavors of pumpkin spice, maple walnut, apple and more. Stop in Classic Bakery in Boardman this fall and try their pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin muffins or pumpkin log. At Bake Me Treats in Poland, expect pumpkin spice éclairs, monster cakes and maple walnut macarons. And, at One Hot Cookie, in both Youngstown and Boardman, you’ll find pumpkin-shaped cookies, maple walnut-flavored cookies and caramel apple smash cups.

 

 

This fall, make sure to take advantage of all the fun and freaky things happening in Mahoning County! For more information about Halloween festivities and other happenings in the Youngstown area, visit our Facebook page or our website.

Visiting Youngstown State University? Here’s What to Do Downtown

Are you planning a visit to Youngstown State University this fall? Whether you’re cheering on the Penguins at a football game, or visiting the Ward Beecher Planetarium, it’s a perfect opportunity to visit Downtown Youngstown and experience all sorts of local restaurants, breweries and attractions.

 

YSU HomecomingYSU football

On Saturday, October 12, the Youngstown State Penguins take on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits for their annual Homecoming game. The festivities kick off on Saturday with the traditional Homecoming Parade at 4:00pm. Each year, floats, bands, student organizations and many others gather on Wood Street and march up Fifth Avenue, past the stadium, with crowds on both the East and West sides of the street. Make sure to arrive to the Stadium early for a good spot along the parade route! The football game follows the parade, with kickoff at 6:00pm. For tickets to the Homecoming game, call 330-941-1YSU or purchase them online. Remaining home games of the regular season are: October 26, November 2, and November 23.

 

Casual Eats Downtown

Bistro 1907Grab a casual bite to eat at any of the delicious, locally owned restaurants in Downtown Youngstown.

 

Elegant Places to Eat Downtown

V2While you’ll find a plethora of delicious, casual restaurants Downtown, you’ll also come across a few elegant spots worth visiting – especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion! For authentic Italian dishes, made mostly from ingredients imported from Italy, take a seat at Roberto’s Italian Ristorante. Or for old-time American bistro cuisine, visit Bistro 1907 located in the DoubleTree Downtown. Keep in mind: This restaurant will turn away guests wearing hats, graphic tees or ripped jeans, so dress accordingly. V2 Wine Bar Trattoria is another classy Downtown spot, known for their wide selection of wines, handcrafted pizzas and Italian small plates.

 

Drinks Downtown   Whistle and Keg

When you’re ready to grab a drink or two after the game, stay Downtown! At Whistle and Keg, expect a unique self-service craft beer and wine taproom with 44 different drinks on tap. How does it work? Visitors receive a wristband and glass, scan their band on any of the tap screens, pour, then pay by the ounce. Noble Creature Cask House is a craft brewery located in an old church-turned-tap room. Imbibe Martini Bar offers 121 varieties of martinis and Ryes Craft Beer & Whiskey has a selection of 114 American craft beers.

 

Family-Friendly Activities Downtown

OhWOW Science CenterFamilies visiting YSU: Keep the kids entertained with a visit to any of the nearby, family-friendly attractions! Stay right on YSU’s campus and catch a special (free) astronomy program at the Ward Beecher Planetarium. Fall programs include the Halloween horror feature, Nightlights, and non-scary Night-LITE. Or, treat the kids to a day at OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology located on W. Federal St. in Downtown Youngstown. It’s a world-class children’s museum with over 60 hands-on interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Visitors also have the chance to explore the museum’s 11 different galleries.

 

Where to Stay  DoubleTree Downtown Youngstown

With so much to do and explore, why not make a weekend out of your visit to Youngstown State? Local hotels in the Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and North Lima areas are all within minutes of downtown Youngstown. If you’re looking to stay right near YSU and many downtown attractions, book a night or two at the DoubleTree Youngstown Downtown. Located inside the historic Stambaugh Building, the hotel was fully renovated to include today’s modern amenities, while preserving the building’s historic charm.

 

Downtown Youngstown is brimming with exciting attractions and must-try local restaurants. So, after you visit Youngstown State University this fall, make sure to explore Downtown and enjoy all it has to offer. For more information, visit our Facebook page or our website.