Things to Do for Older Adults in Mercer County
Scenic drives, community meals, historical landmarks, and relaxed outings perfect for retirees and seasoned locals.
Mercer County has a pace that suits people who've learned to appreciate a slower day. Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just prefer activities that don't require running shoes, there's no shortage of things to enjoy. This guide highlights some of the best outings, gatherings, and quiet pleasures the county has to offer for older adults.
Scenic Drives Through the County
One of the great underrated pleasures of Mercer County is simply driving through it. The countryside between Sandy Lake and Stoneboro is rolling farmland dotted with old barns and church steeples. Route 19 from Mercer south toward Grove City passes through some of the prettiest terrain in the county, especially in October when the maples turn. For a longer loop, drive out to Shenango River Lake, circle through Clark, and come back through Hermitage. You'll pass lakes, forests, and enough pastoral scenery to fill a photo album. If you enjoy covered bridges, the county has several worth seeking out along the back roads. There's no schedule to keep and no admission to pay, so just fuel up the car and go.
Visit the Mercer County Courthouse
The historic Mercer County Courthouse, sitting on the diamond square in the borough of Mercer, is one of the finest public buildings in western Pennsylvania. Even if you have no business inside, the grounds are worth a visit. Benches surround the square, and the local shops and cafes nearby make it a pleasant place to spend a morning. The Mercer County Historical Society, located nearby, has exhibits on local history, the iron and steel era, and early settlement in the region. Plan to pair the courthouse visit with a walk around the borough itself. Mercer's downtown has a quiet charm, with a handful of restaurants and shops around the diamond.
Community Meals and Senior Programs
Mercer County's senior centers and community organizations host regular meals, card games, and social gatherings throughout the week. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates programs across the county, and many local churches, from West Middlesex to Stoneboro to Grove City, offer weekly fellowship meals open to all ages. These are the kinds of events that don't always make it onto a website, so ask around at your local church or borough office. They exist, and they're well-attended. If you're new to the area or recently retired, these gatherings are one of the best ways to build a social circle without any pressure.
Lunch and Dinner Out
Mercer County has a solid lineup of sit-down restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed meal without the noise and rush of a chain. In Greenville, Morelianos serves authentic Mexican dishes in a welcoming, family-owned setting right on Main Street. It's the kind of place where you can sit down for a proper lunch and not feel hurried. The borough of Mercer has a few options around the diamond square, and the Hermitage corridor along East State Street has everything from diners to family restaurants. If you're looking for something more upscale, Tara, A Country Inn in Clark offers fine dining overlooking Shenango Lake. Most of these spots are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, so weekday lunches tend to be quieter and easier to get a table.
Morelianos (Greenville)
Authentic Mexican restaurant on Main Street in Greenville. Open 7 days a week.
Fishing at Shenango and Beyond
If you enjoy fishing, you're in the right county. Shenango River Lake offers excellent bass, walleye, crappie, and muskie fishing from both shore and boat. The lake is well-maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, and accessible fishing piers are available at several points around the shoreline. Beyond Shenango, the county has dozens of smaller streams and ponds that are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission each spring. A senior fishing license in PA is a bargain, so check the current rates with the commission. Even if you don't fish, the shoreline areas around the lake are peaceful spots to sit and watch the water.
Antiquing and Thrift Shopping
Mercer County is antique country. Shops in Mercer borough, along the Hermitage commercial strips, and especially in Volant (just south of the county line) are packed with furniture, glassware, vintage tools, and collectibles. If you grew up in this part of Pennsylvania, you'll recognize half the items on the shelves. Thrift stores operated by local charities are scattered throughout Sharon, Hermitage, and Grove City, and they're well-stocked with prices that are hard to beat. It's a fine way to spend a morning, and you can easily make a full day of it by combining a few stops with lunch at a nearby restaurant.
A Day Trip to Volant and New Wilmington
The villages of Volant and New Wilmington are a short drive south of the borough of Mercer and offer a completely different pace. Volant's Main Street is lined with antique shops, craft stores, and excellent bakeries, the kind of places where you can lose an hour without trying. New Wilmington is home to Westminster College and has a quiet, collegiate charm with tree-lined streets and a peaceful downtown. Horse-drawn buggies are a common sight on the roads between the two towns, a reminder of the area's Amish community. Stop at one of the roadside stands for fresh baked goods or handmade quilts on the drive back. The whole trip makes for a comfortable half-day outing.
Buhl Park: A Walk at Your Own Pace
Buhl Park in Hermitage is just as enjoyable at a leisurely pace as it is for families with small children. The paved walking paths are flat and well-maintained, the gardens are beautiful in season, and the fishing lake is stocked and peaceful. Several benches are placed throughout the park for resting. In the summer, the free Tuesday evening concert series draws a loyal crowd of regulars who bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music. The Buhl Club dining room is also open to the public for lunch. At 305 acres, you don't have to cover the whole park in one visit. Just pick a path, walk as far as you like, and come back another day for more.
Wendell August Forge in Grove City
Wendell August Forge is the oldest and largest forge in America still making hand-hammered metalware, and it's well worth a visit at any age. You can watch craftsmen shape aluminum and bronze right on the production floor. It's a free, self-guided tour that takes about 30 minutes. The gift shop carries ornaments, trays, and keepsakes that make excellent gifts. The forge is located just outside downtown Grove City, so you can pair the visit with a stop at the Grove City Premium Outlets or one of the nearby restaurants for lunch.
Local Libraries and Book Groups
The Mercer County Library System has branches in Greenville, Sharon, Grove City, and other communities, and they're more than just book repositories. Most branches host regular book discussion groups, guest speakers, and seasonal programs that are well-suited to older adults. The libraries also offer computer classes, large-print collections, and audiobooks. If you're new to the area or looking for a low-key social outlet, the library is a good first stop. Many branches also have comfortable seating areas where you can read the newspaper or use the Wi-Fi, with no purchase required and no time limit.
Breakfast at a Local Diner
Sometimes the best outing is the simplest one. Mercer County has some truly excellent diners where the coffee is always fresh and the waitstaff knows the regulars by name. The Middlesex Diner in West Middlesex has been serving breakfast since 1989 and opens at 6 AM. Breakfast at Tiffany's in Sharpsville is famous for oversized pancakes. The Main Street Diner in Grove City does all-day breakfast with a Greek touch. Pick one, bring a friend, and take your time. Nobody's rushing you. A lot of longtime friendships in this county started over coffee at a corner booth.
In This Guide
- 1.Scenic Drives Through the County
- 2.Visit the Mercer County Courthouse
- 3.Community Meals and Senior Programs
- 4.Lunch and Dinner Out
- 5.Fishing at Shenango and Beyond
- 6.Antiquing and Thrift Shopping
- 7.A Day Trip to Volant and New Wilmington
- 8.Buhl Park: A Walk at Your Own Pace
- 9.Wendell August Forge in Grove City
- 10.Local Libraries and Book Groups
- 11.Breakfast at a Local Diner
More Guides
Things to Do with Kids in Mercer County
Playgrounds, farms, fairs, and family-friendly fun - a parent's guide to keeping the kids entertained around the county.
Things to Do for Couples in Mercer County
Date nights, weekend getaways, and quiet escapes - the best spots for two in and around the Shenango Valley.
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