Snapshots of Youngstown Winter: Get Active

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 give you some ideas on how to broaden your horizons and share ways you can expand your palate by trying new foods. Keep reading for some great ways to get active (or see others getting active).

 

Hit the (Virtual) Links

The Bunker Southern ParkJust because it’s winter and there may be snow on the ground at times doesn’t mean you can’t hit the links. Work on your swing and improve your game by trying out an indoor golf simulator. The Bunker Southern Park, located at DeBartolo Commons at the Southern Park Mall, offers eight simulators to the public, each with its own private bay and seating for eight. You can play championship courses and compete in online long drive and closest-to-pin contests, all while staying inside and warm. There’s a practice facility area that features a driving range, short game training area and even a putting green. While you’re playing, you can enjoy a full food and drink menu from Double Bogey’s, located in the sports bar.

Located adjacent to Kennsington Golf Course, the Kennsington Golf Simulator Lounge features three Full Swing Pro Series simulators with the most innovative golf software available, with features like real-time club and ball data. Play nearly 100 iconic championship courses, or have a little extra fun with football, soccer, dodge ball and more. There’s a putting green, pool table, 11 TVs, and a full bar and food to round out your day of fun.

 

Take a Hike@tricia.cantanz_millcreek

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to be more active? Winter weather in northeast Ohio can be unpredictable, but the outdoors can be beautiful this time of year with snowy landscapes along the miles of trails throughout Mill Creek MetroParks. 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. You can also head to the Mill Creek MetroParks North Golf Course and walk along the cart paths or even cross country ski. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap some awesome pictures.

 

Catch a Game

If you don’t feel like getting active, you can watch those who are. The men and women’s basketball teams at Youngstown State University have a full slate of games throughout January and February. Played at Beeghly Center on campus, the action-packed games are fun for the whole family. Join the Youngstown Phantoms at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown for an exciting night of hockey and fun with friends and family. The Youngstown Phantoms are part of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the country’s top junior hockey league. The Phantoms produce top talent on and off the ice and their games are always exciting and great for all ages.

@jodibadershall_hollywoodgamingWhile not exactly a “game,” you can enjoy the competition and action of live thoroughbred horse racing at Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course. Live races take place Monday through Wednesday and Saturdays, but you can always place your bests on simulcast races. There’s also over 1,100 video lottery terminals to test your luck while you’re there.

 

How Do I Enter Snapshots of Youngstown? 

  • Now that you have some inspiration, start the new year off right, get active 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.

Snapshots of Youngstown Winter: Expand Your Palate

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 give you some ideas on how to broaden your horizons. Keep reading for some great restaurants and events to expand your palate and try some new flavors.

 

Ely’s To Go

Ely’s To Go @ilenenasfit_sweetmelissasmakes it easy to go vegan or vegetarian. Their menu is completely plant-based, but you’d never know it with all the options available. Their menu changes daily, but you’ll often see delicious dishes like BLT’s, mac and cheese, burgers, pasta salad and lobster rolls. They are known for their spring rolls and soups which you’ll find on their menu daily.

 

Sweet Melissa’s Good Eats

If you made a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, get some of the best salads in the area at Sweet Melissa’s Good Eats. Here, it’s all about using quality ingredients to give you the most delicious salads, with unique options like Cinnamon Harvest, Blueberry Hill and Bacon & Bleu. Wraps, deli salads and daily slider specials are also on the menu. All dressings, dips and sauces are made in-house daily.

 

Taco Tuesday

What’s better than tacos and live music? El Cowboy Tex Mex Grill & Saloon in Austintown has Taco Tuesday every week. Choose any taco – hard or soft with any choice of meat, plus three toppings for only $3 each. While you’re enjoying your tacos, enjoy live music with a local band. Check out their Facebook page for the music schedule. Can’t make it on Tuesday? They also have Fajita Thursday – with steak, chicken, carnitas, shrimp or veggie fajitas for $10.99. Dine in only.

 

Brunch

drewstraveler_Bistro1907Brunch is the perfect marriage between classic breakfast favorites and savory lunch bites. And in Mahoning County, brunch is way more than just eggs and toast. At Forty10 Bar & Grille, brunch favorites include Crab Cake Benedict, Lobster BLT and Hawaiian French Toast. Their Bloody Mary’s can be your entire meal with add-on options that include sliders, bacon, grilled cheese and shrimp to their homemade mixes. Head to downtown Youngstown to Bistro 1907 to enjoy the massive Bloody Mary bar while choosing from brunch favorites like Croque Madame, corned beef hash and eggs or a French omelet for your meal, all using locally sourced ingredients.

 

Groundhog Craft Beerfest

Sample a variety of national, regional and local craft beers at the 4th Annual Groundhog Craft Beerfest taking place on January 29 at Stambaugh Auditorium. Tickets to two sessions are available: from 12-4 and 5-9. While you’re sampling your brews, enjoy food trucks and live entertainment.

 

Napa Grocery Gourmet Market@anthonymagnetta_4010Brunch

This California-inspired market offers chef-crafted meals in their display cases, along with a grab-and-go pre-packaged section that you can warm at home. Pick up a full meal for lunch or dinner or just a couple sides. Delicious sandwiches and salads are also offered. For something really different, try their Roman-style pizza with light, airy dough that is crisp and full of air bubbles. Classic pizza options are available by the slice or full pizza, plus you’ll find daily options like prosciutto, potato, artichoke and meatball.

 

How Do I Enter Snapshots of Youngstown? 

  • There’s plenty of options to expand your palate and try new dishes and restaurants throughout the area. Whether it’s brunch, beers or just a new kind of food, take some pics of your plate and what you’re eating.
  • 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.

 

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

Butler Institute of American ArtExpand 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

@martinomotorsports_wbplanetariumThe 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

Common Goods StudioYoungstown 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.