A Day in Youngstown

Small-Town Charm, Scenic Views & Hidden Gems

There’s something undeniably special about Youngstown. Just ask Sue McNaughton, a lifelong resident and proud ambassador of the village, who says, “I love the village. This morning, I saw the usual group of men gathered on the porch of the coffee shop. One of them walked up the steps with a leaf blower—maybe the porch needed cleaning, or maybe he just wanted to show off his new toy? Then I headed into the Youngstown Diner and settled in at the counter to catch up on local news, hear what’s interesting on the History Channel, and learn who’s feeding peanuts to the squirrels. After that, I put the OPEN sign out at my shop, and a neighbor stopped by with plates of Iris Toes from her garden, free for anyone to take. It’s life in a small town.”

Sue recently welcomed travel blogger Carly Marie for a day-long tour of her town, and Carly was quickly enchanted, and says, “Youngstown is charming and quaint, with a really adorable small-town USA vibe. It’s one of those underrated destinations you don’t know about unless you have a reason to visit.”

Carly had been to the area once before with her father to visit Old Fort Niagara. They’d made a short detour down Main Street but didn’t explore further, so when Sue gave her a tour, Carly says, “I’m so glad I came back. There’s so much to see and do.”

Coffee, Waterfront Views, and Pilates by the Lake

Sue and Carly’s day began at Hill of Beans Coffee Shop, a cozy café housed in a historic building. The owner, Lou Beans, a Texas transplant, has created a beautiful space filled with warmth and local flavor, a perfect place to start the day.

From there, Sue introduced Carly to Youngstown’s scenic waterfront, home to the Youngstown Yacht Club and a hub for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and all things water. Sue says sailing is huge here, and Carly emphasizes it’s a hit for young and old. Sue is a former racer who’s stepped back from competition now but still beams with enthusiasm as she tells Carly about the village's sailing programs and summer regattas.

The pair’s next stop was Studio A Pilates, a stunning space inside a historic building with panoramic views of the lake. Carly says, “It’s absolutely beautiful. Practicing with that view—just incredible. Studio A is a fantastic addition to the village.”

Shops, Scoops, and Small-Town Hospitality

Sue then led Carly to her own shop, Everything Youngstown, which she and a friend opened just before the pandemic. Full of local pride, the boutique carries Youngstown-themed apparel, gifts, home goods, and souvenirs. Carly says, “It’s a celebration of the village. Definitely stop by while you’re in town.”

They made a quick window stop at Pete’s Treats, Youngstown’s beloved ice cream shop, where locals, especially youth after games, line up for a scoop. Next door, they settled in at the Village Diner for lunch. Carly says, “This is truly the heart of Youngstown. Everyone knows everyone. Even as a visitor, I felt that strong sense of community. As soon as we sat down, the waitress brought Sue her usual hot water without her having to ask. It’s the kind of place where you’re instantly welcomed.”

After lunch, they strolled through one of Youngstown’s three village parks, full of kids playing, gardens blooming, and a peaceful hometown vibe. Carly says it’s “so charming and unique,” with “gardens and landscaping that reflect the time and effort people put into the place they call home.”

Parks, Pints, and & History by the River 

The pair toured Griffon Brewery, a local craft brewery. Carly says, “This is where they brew for all [the company’s] locations and it was pretty cool to tour the facility up close.”

Next door is Youngstown Marketside, a family-owned grocery store filled with everyday staples, fresh-made sandwiches, and incredible home-baked goods. Carly raves, “It’s a lovely, classic hometown grocer that has been family-owned for generations.”

Of course, no visit to Youngstown is complete without a stop at Old Fort Niagara. With reenactments in summer, demonstrations, and a museum rich in history, it’s the village’s biggest draw. Carly recommends visiting the museum before touring the fort to fully experience the site. She says, “Everything there is so fascinating for the history, but also just being on the water, seeing Canada across the river … There’s not a bad view there, sailboats out on the water, it’s a very scenic place.” Definitely a must-visit.

Evening Wind-Down: A Local Legend 

Before wrapping up their day, Sue and Carly stopped at The Stone Jug, a historic inn and bar that’s been around since the 1800s. “It’s the bar in town,” Carly says, and it was a great place to end the day. Carly says the day with Sue in Youngstown was amazing, and it was incredible to take the time to check out the places that make the town special.

Check out Youngstown’s festivals, races, and community gatherings throughout the year. “There’s always something happening here,” Carly says. Whether you’re into history, outdoor fun, local flavor, or just a little peace and charm, this small town has a big heart—and plenty to discover.

Carly’s Takeaways 

Carly’s favorite part? “The mix of experiencing the charming, small-town feel, and being so close to the water is just so special and magical.”

Top tip for visitors: “Take your time. Don’t just pass through. Youngstown isn’t a 20-minute stop. Take time to explore and fully experience the town. There are so many hidden gems to discover when you give yourself time to do so.”

About Carly Marie

Carly Marie Giumento is a passionate New York State-based travel blogger behind Travel With Me, sharing vibrant itineraries and insider tips for adventures near and far. With a focus on hidden gems, unique stays, and weekend escape ideas, she helps readers uncover unforgettable experiences across NY and beyond. Her engaging content includes detailed guides with scenic spots, waterfalls, and local culture woven in. Visit her website carlymarie-travelwithme.com or follow her on FB as Carly Marie and IG as @carlymarie_travelwithme, to join her journey of fun getaways, personal exploration, and creative travel inspiration.

@carlymarie_travelwithme • carlymarie-travelwithme.com