Tune into this special two-for-one episode of Eat Play Stay where we explore both Youngstown, Ohio and New Castle, Pennsylvania and show you some of our favorite spots to explore near Pittsburgh.
Where are Youngstown and New Castle?
Youngstown is 10 miles west of the Pennsylvania state line. It’s midway between Chicago and New York City and is considered a gateway to the Midwest. The once-booming steel town (it was second only to Pittsburgh for steel production in the 1920s) is undergoing a bit of a renaissance with recent developments to its downtown area.
New Castle is 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. It’s known as both the hot dog capital of the world and the fireworks capital of America.
The two cities are just 18 miles apart. The tight-knit communities each have a rich history, great food, beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, and plenty of adventure, making them great cities to visit or settle down in.
EAT – RESTAURANTS NEAR NEW CASTLE, PA
Youngstown Axe and Tap House
📍 Youngstown, Ohio
Run out of the old Rhine Haus Bier Hall location, Youngstown Axe and Tap House is the spot to be if you want to enjoy great food, awesome beer, and exhilarating axe throwing. It’s the perfect way to let off some steam after work or enjoy a little friendly competition with your friends or family.
Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts
📍 Youngstown, Ohio
Like to get crazy with your hot dog toppings? This lowkey downtown bar is for you. Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts not only has the best craft beer on tap, but they also take their hot dogs very seriously. Create your own hot dog or try the customer-favorite “big dog” stuffed inside a Chicago-style bun and topped with lettuce, onion, pickles, and thousand island dressing.
Sometimes known as the “hippie bar” in the area, Thursday night is jam band night. They also host a slew of other events.
PLAY – THINGS TO DO NEAR NEW CASTLE, PA
Lawrence County Historical Society
📍 New Castle, Pennsylvania
The Lawrence County Historical Society is in charge of gathering artifacts and preserving the history of Lawrence County.
New Castle was one of the fastest growing towns in the country in the early 1900s because of the boom in the tin industry. When you visit the Historical Society, you’ll learn more interesting facts like this and get to see their unique collections that can only be found in their museum. As the fireworks capital of America due to several fireworks companies being headquartered there, you’ll also get to explore that rich history.
White House Fruit Farm
📍 Canfield, Ohio
Fresh fruits and veggies, fresh baked donuts, apple cider, local meats and cheeses — White House Fruit Farm has it all. Located just southwest of Youngstown, the multigenerational fruit and vegetable farm has been in the family since 1815. They joined the business of selling fruits and vegetables in 1924.
Not only are they known for their fresh, delicious produce grown right on the farm, but their donuts have also become hugely popular. They make more than 30 varieties daily.
Selah
📍 Struthers, Ohio
A hometown restaurant with big city flair, Selah is located between Youngstown and New Castle. Selah began as a coffee shop that offered homemade desserts and had dinner theater events before turning into a full-scale restaurant with French and Italian influences. Count on fresh bread and pasta made from scratch. The building may have been a bank years ago, but now it’s a warm, cozy restaurant that feels like home.
Ascend
📍 Youngstown, Ohio
Ascend is a climbing gym for climbing newbies and experts alike. Because it’s a bouldering gym and the walls are only 16-feet high, there are no harnesses or ropes. The gym welcomes people new to the sport who are ready to learn and go at their own place, as well as a passionate climbing community. It’s the ideal spot for those looking to conquer their fears and try something new.
Can’t make it to Youngstown? You can climb with Ascend in Pittsburgh at their Southside location.
A stop along the route
Need to stop for a meal on your way to or from New Castle, may we suggest one of Pittsburgh’s most haunted pubs? Located in Harmony, just off Interstate 79, you will find The Harmony Inn. The Harmony Inn serves us great food and craft beer in a historic, haunted home.
STAY – WHERE TO STAY IN NEW CASTLE, PA
Jacqueline House
📍 New Castle, Pennsylvania
The Jacqueline House is a bed and breakfast and rural retreat and conference facility all rolled into one. The house was built in 1993 and offers a luxurious, relaxing stay for guests who don’t want to stay in a big box hotel.
Looking for more Pittsburgh Area Getaways?
Check out the other episodes of Eat Play Stay for more great spots for day trips and weekend getaways near Pittsburgh.
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