Trip Home + Memories = Happiness

Just got back from spending a few weeks visiting family and friends in the states. I celebrated my nephew's first birthday and took him to his first Pirate's baseball game.

I was able to attend my cousin's wedding, in addition to visiting family and friends. I visited my grandmothers who are 100 and 93, so blessed to have them in my life! Then I traveled a few hours to visit two old friends who I have known for over 23 and 11 years. We picked up right where we left off like no time has passed! I cherished these friendships!

While home I try and make time to visited Mill Creek Park which is located in Youngstown, Ohio, only a few miles from where I grew up. I am super lucky to have this gem in my life. Mill Creek Park covers more than 2,900 acres and is home to numerous wonders. One can explore gardens, wetlands, hike, visit a historic grist mill in additional to numerous recreational opportunities. My dad and I spent alot of time here when I was a kid, so it holds a special place in my heart. Of all the places I have seen in the world, Mill Creek Park is still my favorite place, definitely my happy place.

When I visit Mill Creek Park, Lanterman's Mill is always my first stop. Here is a little information about the mill. 
The mill was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly. The waterfall which powers the mill was located when John Young's, founder of Youngstown, surveyors were out exploring the area. The first mill was built from log and was used as a sawmill and grist mill. The second mill replaced the first and was used just as a grist mill until it was washed away in a flood in 1843. When the river is low you can see the grinding stone which was used embedded into the creek bed. Today, the mill grinds corn, wheat and bucket wheat which can be purchased in the gift shop. Since it has been many years since I visited the inside I decided to explore. Inside I explored the grinding stones and then went to the basement where you can see the water flowing from the river and see the mill wheel turning. 

From there I walked along some of the boardwalk with connects to the Gorge Trail which is a 2 mile loop along the Mill Creek River. I didn't walk very far, but have in the pass and it's beautiful. I wished I had more time and the weather permitted because I wanted to explore the numerous trail the park has to offer. I grabbed a trail guide and hopefully next time I am home, I can explore some new trails.

 From there I crossed over the suspension bridge and stopped at Ford Nature Center which is located in the historic district of the park and is a nature education facility. As a kid, my dad and I visited here often and it's still the same!

Then headed to the Fellows Riverside Gardens which is more than 30 different garden areas and is connected by over a mile of walkways where visitors can view more than 2,000 types of plants. No matter what time of the year you visit , it is beautiful!

* All Mill Creek Park information came from brochures from the park.