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- 📣 Fun Things To Do in Youngstown & The Latest Scoop
📣 Fun Things To Do in Youngstown & The Latest Scoop
Steel Valley's Local News & Events for the Week of August 17 - August 23, 2025
Good Morning Youngstown!
We’ve got another exciting week ahead of us as school starts up for many districts! Just because school is starting doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your weekend. From sip n paints to country line dances, we’ve got something for everyone here in the Youngstown area. Read through this letter and see what catches your eye. And as always, we thank you for enjoying another edition of The Steel Valley Scoop.
The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!
Sweet Melissa’s Brings Fresh Eats to Howland With New Location
Spellbound Sisters Bookstore & Café Brings Mystical Charm to Boardman
Events going on this weekend
Let’s dive in.
Steel Valley Spotlight
Sweet Melissa’s Brings Fresh Eats to Howland With New Location
Sweet Melissa’s is bringing fresh, made-to-order wraps, creative salads, and power bowls to Howland with its brand-new location opening this October in the Giant Eagle Plaza. Known around the Valley for wraps like their Pesto Chicken and Garlic Chicken Salad, and inventive salads such as Thai Chicken, Tuscan Chicken, and the veggie-friendly Purple Haze, this cafe has built a loyal local following. The new Howland spot will offer more seating for casual lunches and a relaxed space for gatherings. It’s one more Valley favorite taking root, perfect for a quick lunch stop or a healthy dinner option closer to home.
Youngstown State University Set to Commemorate the Debut of Its Innovative Radiologic Technology Program
On Tuesday, the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official debut of the University's innovative Radiologic Technology program and its accompanying laboratory. Attendees can expect a formal ribbon-cutting ritual followed by guided tours of the cutting-edge facility, with the festivities kicking off at 10 a.m. in the Cushwa Hall Atrium.
Sinkhole repaired, road reopens
A section of the East Midlothian Boulevard has reopened to traffic after the spot located directly at the base of the southbound I-680 off-ramp was closed off roughly two weeks ago when a sinkhole developed above an aging sewer pipe, requiring repair teams to reconstruct the site where a manhole lid had failed, with the underlying bricks possibly dating back almost a century before they ultimately crumbled.
Business Brief
Spellbound Sisters Bookstore & Café Brings Mystical Charm to Boardman
Over the weekend, my wife and I visited Spellbound Sisters Bookstore and Café in Boardman after spotting their posts on Facebook, and we’re glad we did. The moment you walk in, you feel the cozy, mystical vibe that sets this little gem apart. While the book selection isn’t massive, it’s clear the owners care about quality over quantity. My wife found a new read to add to her collection and was absolutely in love with the curated titles. And while I’m not much of a reader myself, I was fascinated by their mystery book offerings, gift-wrapped surprises labeled with just a few intriguing clues. I almost grabbed one for myself just for the fun of it.
The café, though, stole the show for me. We both ordered the “Zombie Apocalypse,” a berry drink that honestly puts Starbucks to shame. The flavors were bold, refreshing, and totally unexpected from a bookstore café. It’s clear Spellbound Sisters is doing something different, blending great reads with creative drinks and a magical atmosphere. If you're a book lover or just someone looking for a unique spot to hang out, this is absolutely worth checking out.
Kennywood Amusement Park
It was national roller coaster day last Saturday and we celebrated by driving up to Kennywood in Pittsburgh. Kennywood Amusement Park, opened in 1898 as a trolley park attraction. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it features 45 rides across 80 acres, including eight roller coasters like the historic Jack Rabbit (1920), Thunderbolt (1968), and record-setting Steel Curtain (2019). Owned by Herschend since 2025, it operates seasonally with events like Phantom Fall Fest. It’s definitely worth the day trip if you like roller coasters and a taste of history.
Have You Heard of The Spellbound Sisters Bookstore & Café Located in Boardman? |
Charity Spotlight
Kitten the Bully Mix Is Ready to Steal Your Heart
Despite her name, Kitten is a 4.5-year-old Bully mix with the kind of personality that makes you fall in love instantly. She walks beautifully on a leash, is basically potty trained, and knows basic commands like sit and stay. But it’s her sweet, affectionate nature that really stands out. Kitten adores people and soaks up every bit of love and attention you’re willing to give. She’s dog testable, kid-friendly, and has a calm confidence that makes her feel like an old soul in a young pup’s body.
Kitten is the kind of dog who just gets it. She’ll nuzzle you when you’re having a bad day, lean into your leg on walks, and flash those gentle eyes that seem to say “thank you” every time you pet her. She’s looking for her forever home or a foster family that will give her the love, comfort, and companionship she’s been waiting for. If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your home, Kitten just might be the perfect fit.
Weekend Planner
Thursday, August 21st
🛍️ Penguin City Night Market │ Penguin City Brewing Company │ 5:00 PM
🎨 Arts and Crafts in the Phelps Street Gateway | Phelps St. | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🍷 Sip and Paint Art Class | Halliday’s Winery | 6:00 PM
Friday, August 22nd
🤠 Country Line Dance Night │ Penguin City Brewing Company │ 9:00 PM
🇬🇷 St. John’s Summer Greek Festival | 4955 Glenwood Ave. | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
🍿 Movies in Boardman Park | Boardman Township Park | 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 23rd
🫖 Tea with Wednesday & Enid │ Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room, Canfield │ 7:00 PM
🍯 Honey & Lavender Festival | 1588 Mahoning Ave. | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🐮 Budgie Barn | White House Fruit Farm | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, August 24th
🏃♂️ Panerathon 2025 – 10K & 2‑Mile Run/Walk │ Covelli Centre, Downtown Youngstown │ 10:00 AM
🍳 BYOB Brunch │ Penguin City Brewing Company │ 10:00 AM
🍂 Shaker Woods Festival 2025 │ Shaker Woods, Columbiana │ 9:00 AM
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