Your cheat sheet to what’s poppin’ around town this week & weekend—events, bites, and treats that’ll have you out on the streets living your best life. But here’s other cool stuff inside this week’s Scoop…

Around here, when it comes to real estate, Theresa Robin is the name you hear again and again.

Why? Because her listings don’t sit. She’s constantly adding new properties—and selling them fast. Theresa knows the market inside and out, and her team makes the whole process smooth from start to finish.

This isn’t just about needing a realtor. It’s about wanting Theresa. She’s the one who gets it done.

If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling, now’s the time. Reach out to Theresa Robin and see why so many people trust her with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

👉 Ready to move? Call Theresa today and let her make it happen.

A historic gem in downtown Youngstown—the 13‑story Huntington Building—is set for a dramatic transformation. With a $1 million grant through JobsOhio’s Vibrant Communities program, the $13 million project will turn the landmark into a mixed‑use hub: commercial offices on the lower floors, and 71 modern apartments on the upper levels. Retail also remains part of the vision, preserving its legacy while supplying fresh housing and economic activity downtown.

If you’re a parent in the Valley, you know how important it is to find a safe, fun place for your kids to play. Luckily, our area has some fantastic playgrounds that are perfect for burning off energy, meeting new friends, and making family memories.

Here are the top playgrounds we think every parent should know about:

This one has it all! With four themed play zones—Adventure, Sand, Tot, and a Splash Pad—kids of all ages will find something they love. It’s part of the Mill Creek system, so you can make a whole day of it with trails and sports fields nearby. (visit the link above for more details/hours)

This is an inclusive playground, built so kids of all abilities can play together. From zip lines to pretend-play stations, it’s packed with imagination. Parents love that it’s surrounded by walking trails too.
(visit the link above for park details/hours)

Boardman Park is a classic. Kids Town is a huge wooden, castle-style playground for bigger kids, while Tot’s Town is built just for little ones. Plus, the park has trails, disc golf, and lots of picnic space—perfect for a full day out.

A neighborhood favorite with updated play equipment, plenty of space to run, and paths for walking or biking. Pack a lunch and enjoy the big shade trees while the kids play. (visit the link above for park details/hours)

Simple, safe, and fun—that’s what families love about this spot. Swings, slides, and wide-open room for the kids to run free. (visit the link above for park details/hours)

This one’s big! There are several play areas plus a splash pad for hot summer days. It’s a local go-to for families who want variety and space to spread out. (visit the link above for park details/hours)

👉 Which one is your kids’ favorite? Or is there a hidden gem we should add to the list? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Alright friends—let’s talk sushi. You know those days when cooking just isn’t it, and you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and way more fun than another sandwich? Yeah, today feels like a sushi day. 🥢🍣

Here are five spots around the Valley that never disappoint—and if you haven’t been to them yet, this is your sign to make plans tonight.

1. Edamame Ramen – Niles

Sushi and ramen under the same roof? Enough said. The rolls are fresh, the ramen is cozy, and it’s one of the highest-rated spots in the whole area.

2. Izumi – Boardman/Youngstown

A Boardman-Poland Road staple. People swear by their fresh ingredients, and it has that “local gem” feel that makes you want to keep going back.

Locals on Reddit couldn’t be clearer: “Mizu for sushi.” Simple, solid, and dependable. If you just want good sushi without overthinking it, this is your spot.

4. Sawa Japanese Cuisine – Boardman

Big rolls, hibachi on the side, and a laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place you can go with friends, order a bunch of rolls to share, and leave totally full.

5. Hawaiian Poke – Youngstown

Not your traditional sushi bar, but so worth it. Build your own poke bowl or grab one of their signatures. Fresh, light, and fun—perfect if you want sushi flavor without the formality.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Food always tastes better when you don’t have to think twice about it. These spots are tried-and-true favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy roll, a casual bowl, or a full hibachi night, the Youngstown area has you covered.

👉 So here’s my challenge: text your sushi crew, pick one of these places, and make tonight a sushi night. You deserve it.

The Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway Trail is a hiking and biking system of trails that will run continuously from Lake Erie to the Ohio River when finished. It will run from Ashtabula Harbor through Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties to where it reaches the Ohio River at East Liverpool. It is a paved trail that runs mostly through the countryside and woods except for where it winds its way through cities like Warren in Trumbull County.

The trail is called the Western Reserve Greenway in Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. It runs about forty-three miles along a former Penn Central railroad corridor and passes through towns such as North Bloomfield, Bristolville, Champion, Warren, and Niles. The trail features no automotive traffic except for where it occasionally crosses over roads as it passes through farmland, wetlands, and woods, which makes it popular for biking, hiking, running, and wildlife watching.

Once the trail reaches Niles, it becomes the Niles Greenway until it reaches the Mill Creek Metroparks Bikeway in Mahoning County. Here, it heads south through Canfield where it is planned to connect with Columbiana County trails. There is currently no continuous trail between the Mill Creek Metroparks Bikeway (it ends near Western Reserve Road in Canfield) and the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail, which begins near Lisbon. This is a gap of about 13-15 miles that planners are working to close with future extensions and connectors. The Little Beaver Creek Trail runs around twelve miles from Lisbon to Leetonia but does not yet extend south all the way to East Liverpool, which leaves travelers 15-20 miles from the Ohio River.

The trail system features many rest areas along the way with covered pavilions and restrooms in the warmer months. The scenery is pleasant with plenty of wildlife and countryside to enjoy. It is just another hidden treasure, and it is right here in the Yo!

by G.M. Gotti

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