"Youngstown is going through a huge revitalization that has been many years in the making," she says. "Downtown Youngstown is really going through a rejuvenation. There are new bars and restaurants opening all the time. It's a really great time [for the city]."
 
Dining & Drinking
O'Donold's Irish Pub is a popular after work and late night hangout for young professionals, featuring a wide assortment of craft beers, which they take great pride in. They also have a great pub menu and live music including Irish band jam sessions.
 
MVR has been around for decades and is a staple of downtown Youngstown. They have a traditional Italian menu (Lorilyn says it's the best pasta around) and a huge outdoor patio with bocce courts.
 
V2 Wine Bar Trattoria has a bigger city wine bar feel. It's very modern with DJs on the weekends. They have a relaxed atmosphere and get the after work crowd from downtown. They serve a variety of flatbread pizzas, salads, and appetizers.
 
Not far outside of downtown is Vintage Estate Wine and Beer, which has been named one of top beer and wine retailers in world for their selection. This combination bar and beer store has over 27 craft beers on draft and hundreds more by the bottle. They also have a beer school, wine tastings, twice-annual mead tastings and a mead bar, live entertainment, and an open mic night. "It's one of those really cool things for people who are into the craft beer scene." They also do "muffin pan" samplers – 4-oz. samples of any and all of their draft beers served in a muffin pan. If there's something you want but don't see, the owners will do their best to get it for you.
 
The Rust Belt Brewery was the first local brewery in Youngstown. Lorilyn, a craft beer girl herself, says that craft beer has become really popular in the last few years. This is Youngstown's signature brewery and you can find their beers in many other bars. You can also visit the brewery and taproom for brewery tours.
 
Arts & Entertainment
The Butler Institute of American Art is one of the only museums in the country that focuses only on American art. They have pieces from renowned artists all over the country, and also host special events throughout the year. The museum is a staple of the Youngstown community.
 
The McDonough Museum of Art showcases student art from Youngstown State University students and is a great way to see up and coming artists. Much of the work is in the newer art styles, like graphic arts and photography.
 
Lorilyn says Youngstown has a really rich arts culture. There are also four theatre companies that are always putting on productions, from locally written to national performances. "If you're into theatre and want to see a show, there's always something happening."
 
For young families, there is the OH WOW! Children's Center, a hands-on science museum with all kinds of great things for kids. There is a glass case that visitors stand inside which recreates hurricane level winds, a green screen for kids to see what it's like to be a weather newscaster, a paper airplane launcher and so much more. For adults they host a big craft beer tasting once a year, bringing in many different distributors.
 
The Covelli Centre is the home of the local hockey team the Phantoms, and also hosts concerts from major national performing acts like Elton John and Carey Underwood.
 
The Great Outdoors
Mill Creek MetroParks is one of the best urban parks you'll ever find, with 4,400 acres of land and miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaking, paddleboating, fishing, a beautiful rose garden, a farm, and an educational center. There are guided hikes every weekend, including monthly guided hikes for dog owners. They'll host bonfires in the warmer months and every spring they have a baby shower for all the baby animals. It's a great place for both young professionals and young families. There is also Boardman Park with trails, rental spaces and an outdoor pavilion.