The other week, I had the fortune of being forced to go to Youngstown, Ohio.
I am just as guilty as others when it comes to visiting the places in my own backyard, and Youngstown was definitely one of them. So when I had to go to a workshop, I decided to make a day of it. Here are the three places I managed to stop at in my limited time.
Fellows Riverside Gardens
I got here before the visitor’s center had opened, but thankfully, the Fellows Riverside Gardens themselves are open from dawn until dusk. I’m not usually a big garden person, but I loved getting to wander around and explore their beautiful piece of property.
Throughout the grounds are different gardens, from rose gardens to wooded areas to herbs. They’re beautiful and unique and so picturesque. I would highly recommend going earlier if you’re looking for some peace and quiet while you wander.
Lanterman’s Mill
Lanterman’s Mill is a beautiful site, focusing on a 1840s mill built along the rivers in Youngstown by German Lanterman. The mill ground different types of flours and still produces flour today that can be purchased there. Combine this with the Metro Parks surrounding the Mill, you can easily spend hours there.
A tour of the mill is easy to set up, and very affordable (I only paid $2 when I went). Sometimes the mill is running, other times it’s not. But there are tours available, letting you see all the floors of the mill, including going down where the wheel is. We learned all about the mill itself and the milling process.
Then, if it’s a nice day, you can go out and walk the trails in the area.
Arms Museum
The last place I was able to stop after my workshop was the Arms Museum. It’s a historic home turned museum, completely built with the medieval era in mind. Windows are filled with leaded stained glass, woodwork is carved intricately, and a suit of armor stands in the hall.
Upstairs is set up with different exhibits, focusing on a variety of different eras. Their 1950s kitchen made me feel like I was back in my grandmother’s kitchen again. Exhibits on the fashions of WWI brought some life to a rather drab time.
I didn’t get any pictures inside the house while walking through, but I did get outside. The house is right near the campus of Youngstown State University and is very easy to find.
There were tons of other places I could have stopped at while there. I believed that I’d brought with me a list of about 5 places in hopes of stopping at all of them.
Want a day of fun in Youngstown? You can also check out their Visitors Bureau’s website for all sorts of information.