Plan a weekend getaway close to home in Youngstown and enjoy the beauty of the autumn season.
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the spectacular color Mother Nature provides as the leaves change in beautiful Mill Creek MetroParks. With 4,500 acres to explore, you can relax, unplug and enjoy nature at its finest. Explore 45 miles of trails, from rustic to paved, where you’ll find hidden waterfalls, numerous species of birds, and incredible scenery. Pedal the 11-mile Bikeway. Park at the MetroParks Farm Bikeway Trailhead and you can also enjoy a round of Disc Golf located adjacent to the Farm. There’s a 9-hole learn-to-play facility for beginners and a challenging 18-hole course that winds through forests and meadows with pond landscapes.
Mill Creek is also home to one of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks, Lanterman’s Mill & Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1846, it operates today as it did in the 1800s grinding corn and wheat. Enjoy the scenic overlook of Lanterman’s Falls, the covered bridge, and hiking trails. Fellows Riverside Gardens is one of Ohio’s finest public display gardens. Over 400,000 visitors a year stroll the grounds and enjoy seasonal displays and scenic vistas.
Looking for a new golf destination? The Youngstown area has been ranked #4 in the U.S. for top-quality, affordable public golf courses. Whether you’re up for the test of a Donald Ross-designed course, or want to try a links-style course, you’re guaranteed to enjoy well-maintained, scenic courses that will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Fall is a great time for golf with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. No need to travel far for a golf getaway, as local hotels offer affordable Stay-and-Play packages.
Reserve Run in Poland has been hailed as one of Ohio’s top public golf courses. Designed around an old quarry by architect Barry Serafin, Reserve Run was rated as a 4-star Ohio course by Golf Digest.
A favorite since 1928, the historic Mill Creek Golf Course in Boardman features two 18-hole championship courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Golfweek recognized Mill Creek in its Best Courses You Can Play category. Just two miles away, Kennsington Golf Club in Canfield features scenic ravines, tree-lined fairways and lakes. New golf simulators will be open before year’s end in the adjacent Waypoint 4180 Center, and will allow you the virtual experience of playing courses from around the world.
The Links at Firestone Farms in Columbiana offers a challenging links-style course designed by Brian Huntley. Olde Dutch Mill in Lake Milton winds through an interesting natural landscape around the Lake Milton Dam and the Mahoning River, and is adjacent to the popular Halliday’s Winery, which you can enjoy following your round. For more information on these and other Youngtown-area courses, visit www.golfyoungstown.com.
And speaking of wineries, the Youngstown area has five great options, each with its own unique ambiance. Several feature waterfront locations with spectacular views. Food options range from snacks and flatbreads to full-menu restaurants. What better way to end a day than enjoying a beautiful fall sunset with a great glass of wine?
Mastropietro Winery sits on 14 acres in Berlin Center. Estate-grown varietals include Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin and Frontenac. Lil Paws Winery and Halliday’s Winery are located nearby in Lake Milton. Lil Paws name was inspired by their “K-9 Kids” over the years. They also offer six varieties of craft beer, brewed on site.
As you enter The Vineyards at Pine Lake in Columbiana, you’ll drive through their vineyards, then curve your way to their expansive lake-front location. Take in the beautiful fall foliage while sitting and sipping on their large outdoor patio area. L’uva Bella Winery & Bistro in Lowellville is the largest wine-making operation in Ohio. Their passion for winemaking ensures that all wines produced are rich in character and quality.
Any visit to Youngstown should include time to enjoy the world-renowned Butler Institute of American Art. Boasting one of the finest museum collections in the country, the Butler’s numerous galleries house the works of Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, Norman Rockwell, William Merritt Chase, and many other American artists. From the crowning pieces of its permanent collection to the temporary exhibits, a walk through The Butler is a walk through American History, with masterpieces leading the way. Admission is always free, and the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 12-4.
Intrigued? Plan your weekend getaway today! Award-winning, comfortable lodging choices abound. Visit www.youngstownlive.com or call 800-447-8201 for a complete listing of our upcoming seasonal and special events, or to download or request our free travel guide.
Autumn in Youngstown
