It was a spontaneous sort of Friday where I wanted to try a new coffee shop, see the Butler Museum of Art, and go to the parks there and also see the suspension bridge. I’ve heard nothing but good things about each of these places so let’s take a ride!

Butler Museum of Art

I decided to go to the art museum first as I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. It’s right near YSU on Wick Avenue. I arrived on a beautiful, warm day and was impressed by the facade. To be honest, I haven’t heard the greatest about Youngstown as a whole so I didn’t know what to expect. There was a statue in the middle of the green lawn and statues in alcoves in the facade. I walked in and was told it was free to walk through.

The restroom was upstairs so that’s where I went first then explored from there. The paintings on the upper floor were realistic and I loved each one. There weren’t many people so far and I felt like the only one here at times.

After that section was the African American art then the American Folk. Then, it became a maze to me. I ended up in the basement somehow but the exhibit was cool. It was all kinetic energy and futuristic pieces. My favorite was the hidden mirror where you’d walk past it and see a 3D face appear.

I left after 45 minutes and headed to the coffee shop.

Pressed Coffee Bar and Eatery

  • Rating: 2.5/5
  • Address: State University, 215 Lincoln Avenue, Youngstown OH
  • O.G. Review Date: 04/26/24
  • Drink Tried: Banana Nut Latte

I was torn between this and Culture House and ultimately decided on pressed due to the proximity of where I was.

The coffee bar was located inside a house and two girls behind me were coming in, too. The interior was a weird set up. The bar is kind of closed off, there’s a dining area where they would have to shout when your drink was ready, and then another seating area.

The menu was extensive between breakfast foods, pastries, and drinks. I was going to have a sugar filled weekend in front of me so I held off and just got the Banana Nut in a Cup latte. Overall, it did have hints of banana but sometimes I felt that vodka (the strongness) was added as I took each sip. IT WASN’T! It was just tangy and strong at times. There’s no way to describe it. Was it good? No. Did I finish it? Yes. Will I come here again? No.

Lanterman’s Mill

A highlight of Youngstown is the Mill Creek Metroparks. There are over 5000 acres to explore and each place I visited was simply stunning and not something I expected from Youngstown.

I parked in a lot across the street from the Mill and walked on over. There were at least 30 other people around. I saw a waterfall and immediately was in awe. The Mill was neat to look at but the covered bridge behind it was neater lol. However, the scenery on the small over look to see in front of the Mill was something that could come out of Thomas Kinkade painting. The river flowing on through the miniature gorge full of forest and greenery underneath the concrete bridge. I stood there for about 15 minutes just taking in the scenery and hearing the rush of the water.

I finally left and went to the trail down from the Mill that goes next to the river. Hints of marijuana tingled my nostrils so I knew this was a hit spot but I wasn’t surprised. I walked the wooden boardwalk through some rocks and against some ledges then turned around. A true hole in the wall place.

Suspension Bridge on Valley Drive

I drove onwards to a bridge one of my bosses told me about along with some others. They all said how pretty it looked so of course I had to go. The parking lot was near full when I arrived and I noticed a few trails across the bridge but I wasn’t in hiking attire lol. I did view the bridge as different and Cinderella like. I loved it and even went underneath the bridge.

Overall, it was a wonderful few hours in Youngstown going to places I’ve never been and even walking some of YSU’s campus which I thought was decent. If I ever have the chance again, I’ll definitely go to a new coffee shop and a new part of the Metro park!