Ellwood City
Long-term resident of Ellwood City Stephani Damato has lived here her entire life & recently purchased her first home on the North side. “This is my home town,” she says. “I was born here, grew up here & never had the urge to move away.” No one knows Ellwood like she does!
The close-knit town is perfectly situated smack dab in the middle of some of the most popular destinations for shopping. With Cranberry Township, Chippewa, New Castle & Monaca on each side, you have your pick of where to go & what to do. You want to head to the Beaver Valley Mall? We’ll be there in 30 minutes. Want to hit the shoppes in Cranberry? We’ll be shopping within the hour! Everything you could want is within a 30-minute car ride.
When it comes to dining, however, Stephani finds no need to venture from her own Ellwood backyard. Ellwood City residents pride themselves on homemade dining & a supportive nature of small businesses. When it comes to quaint family restaurants – you have a buffet of options!
“My mom’s birthday is tomorrow, & she wants nothing more than to go to Vinny’s!” Their Italian background makes places like Vinny’s & Nico Luciano's popular with the Damato family. (Editor’s Note: I have to admit, my #1 spot for crispy French fries is Vinny’s for sure!) Recently, however, Stephani tried one of the local hot-spots – Smokin' Dave's BBQ. With a menu that far exceeds the typical BBQ joint, she was pretty pleased with their Mexican fare of all things. She’s now hooked after trying their signature nacho grande & quesadilla. “I’ll definitely be going back!”
National Grind is also one of Stephani’s go-tos. She enjoys their unique drink offerings almost as much as she likes the chocolate milkshakes at Sweet Carolines. “I know it sounds boring – a chocolate milkshake – but there’s just something about their chocolate milkshakes!” Speaking of ice cream, many Ellwood residents find themselves in the lines outside of Barry’s Ice Cream. It wouldn’t be summer without throngs of people – couples, men in suits sneaking a snack on the way home from work, teams of little league’ers – mulling around the sliding windows waiting for or enjoying their ice cream. Take it from Stephani when she says: “BARRY’S! I LOVE THAT PLACE!”
The small-town, almost Mayberry-like feel of Ellwood City is never more prevalent than during the community events. Businesses & residents flood the streets during Ellwood City’s Light Up Night each December, & homemade food & crafts are showcased during the Arts & Crafts Festival every July. The very active Ellwood Chamber of Commerce is a big part of the success of these events. Stephani is impressed each year with the unique vendor turnout. “This event really draws a crowd,” Stephani says. “It’s a positive thing that really brings everyone together.”
Growing up, Stephani’s childhood home was right on Crescent Avenue. An ideal location – walking distance to Ellwood City Children’s Center as well as Lincoln High School, the Ellwood City school district overflows with school spirit. In the summer, however, Stephani remembers walking to the annual bazaar. “It was a big deal! My cousins would come in from out of town, we would have bonfires in our backyard, & we would walk to the bazaar EACH NIGHT.” The rides, games & food is a fond memory of many Ellwood residents. “When I think about my childhood – that’s it.”
No matter where you like to worship, Ellwood likely has the church community for you. Peppered throughout the streets, you’ll find churches whose congregations are as beautiful as the buildings themselves. Listen for the bells tolling from the town at Trinity Lutheran Church or attend a mass surrounded by the stained glass of Holy Redeemer. The outreach programs are an impressive display of small-town goodness.
“I feel that Ellwoodians are good at coming together, supporting each other. When it comes to a small-town, close-knit vibe – that’s what I enjoy.” Well said, Stephani.
