19. Visit a downtown
Butler County residents don’t have to wait for the weather to break if getting out of the house is one of their New Year’s resolutions.
Towns across the county are filled with activities from shopping to dining to crafting to gaming that people can take part in alone or as a group, according to Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau. As he put it, “the area's diverse offerings of small, historic towns all have their own hidden gems.”
“Visiting our small towns is a great way to be a tourist in your own city,” Cohen said. “No matter how long you’ve lived in Butler County, there’s always something new to explore.”
Cohen said visiting businesses and organizations in different downtown areas can help a person complete other goals for the new year that they give to themselves. For example, people looking to learn more about history or culture can visit museums or historic places in Butler County, and people looking for artistic opportunities can check out art studios in places such as Butler and Zelienople.
Cohen referenced CURIO Art Gallery & Studio in Zelienople, which has pottery and painting classes, and Spring Street Studio, also in Zelienople, which offers glass art lessons.
“Supporting our local artists by taking their classes is the easiest way to ensure Butler County continues to grow as a hub for creative and innovative communities” Cohen said. “No matter where you live in the county, there’s a studio near you with walk-in classes ready to go.”
Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy said downtown Butler has events and activities throughout the winter, in addition to several entertainment venues that never stop having events. He said the Butler Symphony Orchestra Association, the Butler Little Theatre, the Hobnob Theatre Company and the Penn Theater will all have shows in the winter months.
“I think they'll complement each other really really nicely,” Dandoy said of the theaters having shows throughout the winter. “That's the thing we want to also stress is people coming into downtown Butler still have those things at their fingertips.”
In addition to art classes, businesses around the county offer fitness classes in everything from cycling to yoga to Zumba to boxing, giving people options to be healthy in the new year, Cohen said.
Cohen added that other community organizations based in downtown areas can offer volunteer opportunities so people can get involved in supporting and continuing programs they care about. Museums are just one example he gave as a type of organization people can get involved with.
“Preserving our local history is so important,” Cohen said. “Supporting our museums through donations and visiting is a great way to give back to your community and ensure their existence for future generations.”
Dandoy said downtown Butler has opportunities for people to not only experience the arts, but also get involved themselves. He said the Butler Art Center’s upcoming digital show, Hobnob Theatre’s improv jam nights and the Penn Theater’s opening will offer new arts opportunities for the community.
“The arts are very much alive and well in our community. They always have been; they continue to be,” Dandoy said.
