YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A growing interest in antique shopping is driving tourism in the Mahoning Valley, as vintage goods and historical charm attract visitors from across the region.
Explore Mahoning, the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, has identified antiquing as a major tourism draw, according to Executive Director Megan Magnetta. Since launching a brochure dedicated to local antique shops, titled Hidden Treasures, the guide has quickly become the second most requested publication on the bureau’s website, ExploreMahoning.com.
Magnetta, who assumed her role last year and rebranded the bureau in January—formerly known as Youngstown Live—highlighted that antique shopping is especially appealing to female visitors and ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.
“There are 18 antique shops in the county, many located within close proximity to each other,” Magnetta said. “Visitors can easily visit several shops in one outing, and that’s bringing in a lot of people from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Canton.”
The bureau has capitalized on this by running targeted digital advertising campaigns in those cities. The Hidden Treasures brochure includes a map of all participating shops, along with nearby dining options to help visitors plan a full itinerary.
Antique shops and malls in Mahoning County feature a wide array of vintage items—from furniture and dishware to collectibles and fashion—often housed within larger vendor malls. These malls rent space to multiple sellers, allowing for diverse offerings under one roof.
One standout destination is Mr. Darby’s Emporium in Boardman, which recently expanded into a 25,000-square-foot former Joann Fabrics location at 7836 Market St. The new space, opened in March, features over 100 vendor stalls and has significantly boosted foot traffic.
“Saturdays are ridiculous,” said co-owner Bob Neapolitan, who operates the emporium with his wife, Karen. The couple began their business in 1996 by managing estate sales and selling online before opening their first brick-and-mortar location in 2011. The success of Mr. Darby’s has made it one of the most searched attractions in the Youngstown area on platforms like Google and Yelp.
Antique Destinations in Mahoning County
Alongside Mr. Darby’s, other notable antique shopping locations in the county include:
- Antiques at Ellsworth, Canfield
- Big Daddy’s Antiques and Collectibles, Berlin Center
- Blue Heron Antiques and Fine Gifts, Downtown Youngstown
- Consign & Design, Poland
- The Cracked Crock, Canfield
- Home Again Consignment, Boardman
- The Joshua Tree, Boardman
- Karey’s Vintage Store, Canfield
- Land Lion Antique Mall, Lake Milton
- Lou Berry’s, Boardman
- Meander Hill, Austintown
- North Jackson Antiques and Uniques, North Jackson
- Piney Creek Primitives, North Lima
- Retro Ohio, Boardman
- Terrytown Antiques and Gift Shop, North Lima
- The Western Reserve Antique Shop, Canfield
- Wizard of Odds, North Jackson
Regional Expansion of Antique Tourism
The antique shopping culture extends beyond Mahoning County into neighboring Columbiana and Trumbull counties. In Columbiana, at least seven antique stores line the city’s Main Street, attracting weekend shoppers to its picturesque downtown. Locations include Magnolia & Co., Olde Clutter’d Corner, and The Rustic Birdcage, among others.
Trumbull County also hosts a variety of vintage and antique shops, including Sprinkle Kindness Thrifts and Gifts in Howland, several stores on Broad Street in Newton Falls, and Unique Treasures & Gifts in Warren. These offerings contribute to a broader regional trend where antique tourism is revitalizing interest in small towns and historic shopping districts.
With a strategic focus on clusters of shops, dining options, and promotional outreach, Mahoning Valley is positioning itself as a premier destination for antique enthusiasts across the region.
