Good morning, Medina County! 👋
Halloween weekend has arrived, which means costumes are getting their final adjustments, candy bowls are dangerously full (minus a few Twix for this dad), and parents everywhere are preparing for the annual sugar rush…and crash.
But there's more happening around the county than ghosts and goblins.
We've found a local restaurant worth discovering, a historic downtown building with a pretty incredible second life, some free family fun, and a few things happening around the county you might have missed.
So grab your coffee, make those weekend plans, and save a few Reese's for yourself.
We found the good stuff so you don't have to.
IN TODAY'S SCOOP
🎃 Halloween weekend is bringing plenty of local fun
🍕 A food and drink spot worth discovering in Sharon Township
🏛️ An old Wadsworth bank gets an impressive second life
🍬 FREE Halloween fun for the whole family
❤️ Local improvements making the outdoors more accessible
AROUND THE COUNTY
🚣 Last Call for Lake Days at Chippewa Lake!
If you've been putting off one last fall adventure at Chippewa Lake, consider this your friendly reminder. 🍂
The Medina County Park District is getting ready to close the paddlecraft launch and Birding and Bridle Trail for the season on November 1.
That means you've got just a few more days to enjoy these spots before they take their winter break. Both are scheduled to reopen May 1.
Because apparently, even our favorite outdoor spots need a little time to hibernate. 🐻
THE SCOOP: If Mother Nature cooperates, this weekend is your last chance to squeeze in a paddle or explore the Birding and Bridle Trail before they close for winter. Grab a jacket, enjoy the fall colors, and make the most of what's left of autumn!
EAT & DRINK
🍕 Pizza, Burgers & a Little Country Charm in Sharon Township!
Looking for a new spot to add to your dinner rotation? We might have found one worth the drive. 🍔
Tucked away on more than seven acres in Sharon Township, Ridge & Rail is serving up specialty pizzas, juicy smash burgers, creative cocktails, and plenty of laid-back atmosphere.
Feeling adventurous? Their menu includes everything from Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza to a Ricotta Dill Pickle Pizza. Yep, pickles on pizza. Love it! 🥒
The veteran-owned restaurant also features a full bar and plenty of space to gather with friends and family.
📍 Where: 6784 Ridge Road, Sharon Township (Wadsworth address)
🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM; Sunday, 11 AM–9 PM
🔗 Menu: ridgeandrail.com
THE SCOOP: This isn't your typical strip-mall pizza joint. Between the spacious property, creative menu, and relaxed atmosphere, Ridge & Rail is like a great excuse to venture off the beaten path. Give the pickle pizza a go - do it!
NEW AROUND HERE
👗 A New Boutique Is Bringing More Sizes to Medina!
There's a new addition to downtown Medina's shopping scene, and this one is filling a gap! 🛍️
Curve Collective, located in the former Nibble storefront on South Court Street, is a boutique dedicated to women's clothing in sizes 14 and up.
Owner Melissa Ziogas, who also owns neighboring boutique The Raspberry and The Rose, created the shop after hearing from customers looking for more inclusive sizing.
Expect everything from everyday denim and cozy sweaters to dresses, jewelry, and accessories.
They did a soft open last month, but the official grand opening is scheduled for November!
📍 Where: 229 S. Court Street, Medina
🛍️ What: Women's plus-size clothing, accessories, and gifts
THE SCOOP: More local shopping options is always a win. Next time you're strolling the Square, pop in and check out the newest addition to South Court Street.
Know Something New?
Restaurant opening? New shop? Something coming to your neighborhood?
💰 FAMILY BUDGET PICK
👻 A FREE Halloween Adventure Is Hiding in Lodi!
Looking for one more Halloween adventure that won't scare your wallet? We've got you covered! 🎃
The Medina County Park District is turning Hidden Hollow Camp into a spooky outdoor playground this Saturday, complete with nature hikes, animal skulls and bones, games, treats, and ghost stories around the campfire.
It's a little spooky, a little educational, and a whole lot of FREE family fun.
And the best part? No tickets, no registration, and no admission fees. Just show up and enjoy!
📍 Where: Hidden Hollow Camp, 8672 Richman Road, Lodi
📅 When: Saturday, October 31 | Noon–3 PM
💰 Admission: FREE — all ages welcome!
THE SCOOP: Bundle up, throw on those Halloween costumes, and take the kids on a spooky little adventure before trick-or-treating begins. Fresh air, campfire stories, and free entertainment? That's our kind of Halloween! 🎃
🚗 WORTH THE DRIVE
🦖 Dinosaurs Are Taking Over Cleveland This Weekend!
Apparently, Halloween weekend isn't just for ghosts and goblins. The dinosaurs are getting in on the action, too! 🦕
Jurassic Quest is stomping into Cleveland for three days of prehistoric fun, bringing life-sized dinosaur displays, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities for little dinosaur lovers to get up close to some seriously BIG creatures.
It's an indoor adventure, too, so you won't have to worry about Northeast Ohio's unpredictable fall weather.
And let's face it, seeing a giant T. rex might be even more exciting than another trip through a pumpkin patch. (Sorry, pumpkins.) 🎃
📍 Where: Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Avenue E., Cleveland
📅 When: Friday, October 30 – Sunday, November 1
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event; check available sessions and current prices online.
THE SCOOP: Got a dinosaur-obsessed kid at home? We did for many years…but sadly she’s growing out of it! (I’m not crying, you’re crying)
This might be their dream weekend. Make a day of it, explore downtown Cleveland, and prepare to hear dinosaur noises all the way back to Medina and beyond. 🦖
My littles one loving on the dinos a few years ago!
GOOD NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY
🏦 From Old Bank to Downtown Gem: Wadsworth Building Wins Statewide Award!
Who says you can't teach an old bank new tricks? 🏆 Do people say that?
A historic building in downtown Wadsworth is getting some well-deserved recognition after an impressive transformation.
Elizabeth Staiger, owner of Byrd & Co., spent approximately five years restoring the former First National Bank building at 112 Main Street, breathing new life into a piece of Wadsworth's history.
The result? A beautifully restored space filled with jewelry, artwork, gifts, and creative workshops.
And apparently, the rest of Ohio noticed! The project earned a 2026 statewide historic preservation award, recognizing the effort to preserve the building's character while giving it a whole new purpose.
We love seeing historic buildings get a second chance, especially when it helps keep our downtowns thriving. ❤️
📍 Where: Byrd & Co., 112 Main Street, Wadsworth
🏆 The Good News: A five-year restoration project earned statewide recognition for historic preservation.
THE SCOOP: Next time you're strolling through downtown Wadsworth, stop by Byrd & Co. and take a look at what five years of hard work can accomplish. It's proof that sometimes the best way to move a community forward is to preserve a little of its past. ❤️
📅 THE WEEKEND SCOOP
The best things happening around Medina County this weekend.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly • 💰 FREE • ❤️ Date Night • 🎟️ Book Ahead
FRIDAY
🦙 Halloween on the Farm - Medina
📍 Majestic Meadows Alpacas, 4195 Abbeyville Road
🕒 10 AM–8:30 PM
🎟️ Paid admission
Trick-or-treating, a haunted barn maze, farm animals, and spooky after-dark effects. Because apparently, even alpacas are getting into the Halloween spirit!
🎃 Spooky Fest - Brunswick
📍 Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Road
🕒 4–9 PM
🎟️ Paid admission
Pumpkin Village is wrapping up its season with costumes, fall attractions, hayrides, and plenty of Halloween fun.
SATURDAY
🍬 Trunk-or-Treat - Medina
📍 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3355 Medina Road
🕒 10:30 AM–1 PM
🎟️ FREE
Candy, games, photo opportunities, and even a free hot-dog lunch. Your wallet can stay in its costume pocket for this one!
📚 Costume Storytime - Seville
📍 Seville Library, 45 Center Street
🕒 3:30–4 PM
🎟️ FREE; registration required
Little ghosts and goblins can show off their costumes while enjoying silly and spooky stories.
🚒 Halloween Parade & Costume Contest - Valley City
📍 Starts at Liverpool Depot, 6615 Center Road
🕒 6:30 PM
🎟️ FREE
Valley City's firefighters are bringing the Halloween fun with a parade ending at the fire station, where costumes get their moment in the spotlight!
🎃 Spooky Fest - Brunswick
📍 Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Road
🕒 11 AM–9 PM
🎟️ Paid admission
SUNDAY
🥾 Trekking Through Autumn - Countywide
📍 Participating Medina County parks
🕒 At your own pace
🎟️ FREE
Need to recover from the Halloween candy overload? The Medina County Park District's Trekking Through Autumn challenge continues through November 30. Pick a designated trail and enjoy what's left of the fall colors.
⚡ QUICK HITS
🎄 Medina's Getting Ready to Glow: The 42nd Annual Candlelight Walk returns November 20, and Main Street Medina is raising $25,000 to help bring the holiday magic to Public Square.
🚧 Almost Done on Court Street: Good news for downtown drivers! Roadwork along North Court Street (US 42) is expected to wrap up by Friday, October 30. Think they’ll do it?
❤️ Lodi Nonprofit Gets Some Love: The ladies of 100+ Women Who Care Medina County have selected Bucky Cares as their latest donation recipient, helping local families with food, hygiene essentials, and Christmas gifts.
🌳 November Fun in the Parks: Medina County Park District has a full lineup coming, including nature walks, yoga, and the Nature Art Fest at Oenslager Nature Center on November 14–15.
🏫 Changes Ahead for Medina Schools? A district committee is exploring a reconfiguration that would make A.I. Root an upper elementary school for grades 5–6 and Claggett a middle school for grades 7–8. No final decision yet.
📣 SPREAD THE SCOOP
Know someone who always asks, “What are we doing this weekend?”
Send them Medina County Scoop. The more locals who join us, the better the Scoop gets for everyone..
THAT’S THE SCOOP!
Thanks for hanging out with us. We’ll be back next Thursday with more of what’s good around Medina County.
Have a great weekend,
Ryan
Medina County Scoop