Ready, Set, Go... Trips

BY ANN FAZZINI

Kuchta Farms

Winter warm-up

National Packard Museum

When the weather outside is frightful, a trip to the newly expanded Medici Museum of Art is the perfect remedy. The museum is home to a world-renowned collection of Norman Rockwell paintings, including many of his famous works for the Boy Scouts of America. There’s even more art to see at the Trumbull Art Gallery, which highlights local artists in several exhibitions throughout the year, and a gift shop full of unique treasures.

Car buffs will love the National Packard Museum, which features a rotating display of antique cars and memorabilia from the famous Packard Company founded in Warren (don’t miss the antique motorcycles exhibit at the museum January–May). Continue your tour through history with a visit to The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum to see personal belongings and campaign artifacts from the 25th U.S. President.

Kids tired of the cold and snow? Schedule a trip to the Oh Wow! Children’s Center for Science and Technology, where youngsters can ignite their imaginations with interactive exhibits exploring the earth, engineering, energy and more. If your family likes to rock and roll, lace up your roller skates for a few laps around the Cortland Roller Rink. Have a team of puzzlers? Work together to beat the escape room at Steel Valley Nightmare and Escape or change history at Escape History Escape Rooms.

For a treasure-hunting adventure, download Trumbull County’s Where’s Wally? Mobile Pass and em-BARK on a cute scavenger hunt across the county to find your own Wally plush toy. Still need to get some energy out? Bounce, climb and play on 10,000 square feet of trampolines at Extreme Air Trampoline Park. Turn the fun into a multi-day affair with a stay at the stately Peter Allen Inn, which hosts Charles Dickens dinner theater, holiday teas and other winter activities (make reservations a month or two in advance if you’d like to spend the night).

Think Spring

Get a glimpse at new spring blooms with a bike ride along the Western Reserve Greenway or grab your binoculars and search for migratory birds and especially bald eagles — Mosquito Creek and Grand River wildlife areas are birdwatching hotspots. It’s also a great time to tee off at one of Trumbull County’s more than 15 scenic golf courses or try your hand at one of five challenging disc golf fairways (be sure to bring your own discs with you).

After a morning round, pick up a cinnamon roll at McDivitt Family Maple Café in Southington or a cup of coffee at Market House Caffe in Howland. Elsewhere in the county, get breakfast no matter when you wake up with all-day breakfast at Rhonda’s Emerald Diner in Hubbard, or at Raptis Family Restaurant in Howland.

Mesopotamia is home to the second-largest Amish community in the state and springtime is the perfect time to check out the Commons, the town’s scenic historic district. All 21 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the quaint End of the Commons, one of Ohio’s oldest general stores that’s stocked with fry pies, candies, Amish collectibles and more. The Old Stone House, built in 1825, is the perfect spot for an overnight in the area.

Looking for a great date night? Take in a concert, play or comedy show at Packard Music Hall, managed by the JAC Entertainment Group. The Warren Civic Music Association hosts concerts at the venue in an array of genres throughout the year.

Endless Summer

Summertime means festival season. Start celebrating in June at the Trumbull County African American Achievers Festival and enjoy great eats, arts and music. In July, rides, animals and plenty of fantastic food await at the Mahoning River Trumbull County Fair. For more fest fun, check out the Mesopotamia Ox Roast Antiques & Flea Market for great chow and unique antique treasures.

Kids and kids at heart can experience nostalgic summer entertainment taking in a movie at one of Trumbull County’s two classic drive-in theaters — the Elm Road and the Skyway. Challenge the family to a friendly round at the Putt-Putt Fun Center of Warren, one of the oldest mini golf courses in the country and designed by Donald Clayton, the founder of Putt-Putt. Serve up some strikes at one of the bowling alleys across Trumbull County, including long-time local favorites Echo Lanes and Cortland Lanes.

Water lovers can enjoy a journey on the Mahoning River via kayak — Mahoning River Adventures will provide the ride, boat, life jacket and paddle — or bring along your boat and splash around on one of Ohio’s largest lakes at Mosquito Lake State Park. After a day on the river, rock out at an outdoor show at the River Rock at the Amp concert series, with the world’s greatest cover bands performing the hits of Pink Floyd, Queen and the Eagles. Also look for concerts on the lawns at many of the town’s community gazebos.

For something a little different, get a unique up-close-and-personal experience with zebras, camels, bison and more than 350 other exotic creatures on a safari through Wagon Trails Animal Park.

Want to extend your summer getaway? You’ll find everything from camping sites to charming B&Bs, inns and national hotels in the area.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR!

Every season is an opportunity to experience Trumbull in a brand-new way. Whenever you like to get out and explore, there’s plenty for you to find.

Scan QR code and download the “Where’s Wally” Mobile Passport to explore Trumbull County and follow Wally’s tracks to the best locations in the area.

All For Fall

Take a walking tour of the historic mansions on Millionaires Row — once the homes to political and industry leaders. Book one with a guide or pick up a self-guided tour map at the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau in Warren. Those looking for a side of scares on their tour will love the Fine Arts Council and Trumbull County Historical Society’s Ghost Walk — guides and historical actors tell the terrifying tales of Warren on a walk around historic areas.

Speaking of scares, two local wineries pull out all the haunts for Halloween fun (with or without adult “spirits”): Greene Eagle Winery hosts a re-enactment of scenes from the classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and Woodland Cellars invites brave souls to explore the Haunted Mansion & Hallowine Trail (both attractions feature mild scares but are family friendly).

Pick your own Halloween pumpkins and sunflowers or challenge yourself at the corn mazes at both Hartford Orchards and Kuchta Farms, the latter a Braceville staple since 1954. Another long-time local favorite, Kravitz Delicatessen, serves up fall-perfect comfort foods like corn beef and pastrami sandwiches with a steamy side cup of homemade wedding soup.

Extend your fall getaway with a night at Julia’s Bed and Breakfast in Hubbard — most rooms have Jacuzzis and fireplaces and are perfect for a warm and cozy night in.