">
Looking for the perfect one-day getaway? From Amish Country to Mosquito Lake and the Italian Food Trail, Trumbull County offers small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and delicious eats, all in a single day.
When I was last in Cork, Ireland, I found myself sitting in the kitchen at a friend’s house. Catherine enthusiastically explained that she had recently taken one of her daughters to London for the day to celebrate a birthday. Baffled, I repeated, “London?”
Sure enough, they had made the three-hour drive to Dublin, hopped on a quick flight to London in the morning, saw the sights, grabbed some food, and were back home by nightfall.
This is fairly common in Europe, where a budget airline ticket can cost as little as $50. The trend, sometimes called “extreme day tripping” – is making its way to the U.S. It’s a perfect fit for restless spirits who don’t have a ton of extra time.
I have to admit, I’ve done it myself. Just earlier this summer, I popped down to Knoxville, Tennessee, for a single day to catch up with some friends who were passing through after a rained-out music festival. It was a fast trip, but I realized I’d rather spend my one day off with them than sit at home staring at the TV.
But what do you do when you only have one day?
In Trumbull County, perfectly positioned between Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Columbus, you can fit in small-town charm, outdoor adventure, history, and a lot of good food. Here’s how I’d spend it:
Brunch Time
Any good day trip starts and ends with food. If you’re looking for something light, grab a breakfast taco and coffee from Nova Coffee Co. in downtown Warren. Or settle in at Mocha House, known for its decadent pastries, it’s perfectly acceptable to order dessert first here.
Northeast Ohio’s Amish Country
Alright, get that caffeinated drink to go, because you’re headed to northern Trumbull County’s Amish Country. No trip to Trumbull County is complete without a stop at the End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia. Grab some penny candy and a fry pie, stroll the historic commons, and get a picture with the giant horse and buggy. You could spend most of your day up here – but you have more of the county to see!
Mosquito Lake in Trumbull County
Next stop: Mosquito Lake. Bring a fishing rod, rent a kayak, or just stand on the beach with your toes in the water. Trumbull County’s 11-mile-long man-made lake is a favorite spot for all types of outdoor recreation. It’s also popular among birders, who have catalogued many species at the lake. If you brought your dog along for this trip, good news: there’s a dog park here, too.
Grab Another Coffee (You Deserve It)
If you’re like me, you’re ready for a caffeinated drink. Head to Howland Corners to grab a fresh beverage at Market House Caffe or The Howland Bean. While you’re in the area, you might want to pop into Andrew’s Shopping Center. Yes, technically, it’s a hardware store – but you’ll find a lot more than doorknobs at this nostalgic, family-owned store, including a wide selection of model cars.
Museums: Art or Cars
Speaking of cars, this is where the day trip turns into a choose-your-own adventure. For your relaxed afternoon activity, you’re headed to a museum. The National Packard Museum in Warren is home to dozens of classic cars and rare Packard family memorabilia. Brothers James Ward and William Packard of Warren started Packard Electric and then Packard Motor Car Company at the turn of the 20th century. The family are still celebrated in local history and folklore, and their legacy is well-preserved in the museum.
If you prefer art to cars, you’ll find no shortage of wonders to behold at the Medici Museum of Art in Howland. Catch one of the engaging rotating exhibits of classic, modern, and contemporary visual arts at this free and accessible museum.
The Perfect Dinner Spots
Well, you must be getting hungry by now. Trumbull County has tons of amazing restaurants, but if you’re only here for one day, you’re going to have to eat some Italian food. Pick a spot off the Italian Food Trail. Some favorites include Sunrise Inn of Warren, Enzo’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall, Salvatore’s Italian Grill, Café 422, Vernon’s Cafe, Leo’s Ristorante, and Station Square Ristorante – though there are no bad choices here. Wherever you go, be sure to try some peppers in oil, a local specialty typically eaten on bread or meat. Other popular local Italian dishes include Italian greens and old-world pizza.
Stay the Night, If You Like
If all of that extreme day tripping has you too beat to head home, check into one of Trumbull County’s many places to stay. Good news, if you chose Green Eagle Winery as your last stop, you can just right there, at the Eagle’s Nest. If you’re after country charm, the Peter Allen Inn & Event Center or Julia’s Bed & Breakfast has that covered. Or you can live it up at The Grand Resort.
And with a good night’s sleep, you’ve packed plenty into your extreme Trumbull County day trip. But wait, you didn’t even hit the McKinley Memorial Museum or any of Trumbull County’s historic homes or cemeteries. You could have caught a show at Robins Theatre, Packard Music Hall, or Trumbull New Theatre, but you ran out of time. And there are still so many Italian restaurants to try, not to mention all the great burgers, noodles, and tacos!
Well, I guess you’re just going to have to visit again!
