Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Sharon, PA

  • Published 2022/03/01

Sharon is a small city located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, with a wide range of tourist attractions, recreational activities, and restaurants and eateries you can enjoy!

Located along the shores of the Shenango River, this riverside city is home to water sports and activities that will keep you and the entire family preoccupied!

From cultural centers to historical homes and everything in between, Sharon City provides a unique and entertaining visit year-round for tourists!

You may even catch some of their annual festivities in select seasons that will complete your trip!

Check out some of the things you can see and do in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Spend the Day at Shenango River Lake

A person riding his jetski at Shenango River Lake during sunset

Adam Kenneth Campbell / Shutterstock.com

Shenango River Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shenango River Valley that you should check out!

From water activities to land sports, you won’t run out of things to do at this reservoir, located just a short distance from the heart of the city.

Guests have the opportunity to go swimming, take a kayak ride down the lake, water-skiing, paddleboarding, and so much more!

This lake is home to a wide variety of fishes, such as bass, catfish, walleye, and other species that you can catch while fishing!

You may grill your live catch for lunch or dinner and even bring a tent for camping if you want to spend the night at their campgrounds.

Eagles sometimes fly by overhead along with other wildlife, so be sure to be on the lookout for them!

Whether it’s a relaxing day you’re looking for or an adventurous one, Shenango River Lake is the perfect place to go!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Daffin’s Candies

Since its establishment in 1949 in Sharon City as its flagship location, Daffin’s Candies has been serving community members their irresistible sweet chocolates and candies!

Made only with the best, high-quality ingredients, these locally made chocolates are a luscious delectable you shouldn’t miss out on.

One of their main highlights is Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom, a fantasy mini-village made entirely out of chocolate!

Weighing over a hundred pounds of chocolate per piece, The Chocolate Kingdom has artfully sculpted castles, animals, houses, and even a train that’ll amaze you.

Their wide selection of chocolates and candies is impossible to choose from, but they guarantee that you’ll fall in love with them and even purchase multiple boxes!

Aside from Valentine’s Day, Easter is one of their busiest holidays with their special seasonal flavors that are limited for a certain amount of time only.

Get a taste of heaven at Daffin’s Candies, which you can find at the heart of Sharon!

Take a Cooking Class at Thyme In Your Kitchen

This culinary boutique situated right at the city center is a heaven for all home cooks, bakers, and aspiring chefs!

More than just a shop where you can purchase some of the finest kitchen supplies and equipment, they also offer cooking classes where you can learn the basics and techniques of cooking.

You get to practice your kitchen skills at these classes, whether you’re a beginner or an expert!

With the freedom to exercise your culinary creativity, you’re sure to make fun and lasting memories while cooking in an interactive environment with some of the most talented chefs in Sharon City!

It’s fun to learn to cook together with friends and family while on your trip, so try and stop by Thyme In Your Kitchen!

Admire Sports Memorabilia Collections at Henry Ekker’s Autograph Collection

Calling all sports fans!

Henry Ekker’s Autograph Collection houses a wide variety of memorabilia from many sports and athletes!

Named after the man responsible for the collections, Henry Ekker is an avid sports fan and has been accumulating these priceless objects for over 40 years and have been kept at this library for public viewing.

Inside this library, you can find cases upon cases of preserved sports objects that have been signed and autographed by their respective player.

Some artifacts you can find are autographed basketballs, football shoes, boxing gloves, and more!

Make sure to visit this unique library while visiting!

Visit a Historical Home at Frank H. Buhl Mansion

Exterior of the Frank H. Buhl Mansion

Jon-Mark Davey from Deerfield Beach, FL, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Named after the man who founded the Sharon Steel Corporation, which greatly contributed to the financial stability of this city, Frank H. Buhl’s Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This historic home was originally built in 1891 for the entire Buhl family to reside in, and its Richardsonian Romanesque-inspired exterior is a sight to behold!

On this expansive 2-acre property, you’ll find exceptionally manicured gardens, a breathtaking castle structure, the conservatory, swimming pool, and other sites on the main residence that’ll make your trip worthwhile.

Side exterior of the Frank H. Buhl Mansion

Melissa Medved Davidson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aside from the guided tours they offer of this massive, spacious mansion, they’ve also opened Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, a bed, breakfast, and spa accommodation!

This luxurious department of the mansion allows guests to book a room where they get exclusive access to their spas, restaurant and diner, and art gallery.

Frank H. Buhl Mansion is located right at the city center for easy access to be sure to drop by!

Watch Amazing Performances at WaterFire Sharon

WaterFire Sharon is one of the most sought-after events in Sharon City as they host public performances and other entertainment along the Shenango River for tourists and locals alike!

Performers from around the world, such as fire dancers, singers, and musicians, gather together for this festival celebration!

At dusk, the lighting ceremony begins and lights up at the night sky as visitors stroll around and have their senses stimulated!

You may even go boating and take advantage of their water activities, dance along to the live musical entertainment, or try out the various food being sold by the vendors!

Guests are also free to check out the art installations or admire the array of lit bonfires that line the river!

This event lasts all night long, allowing for a fun-filled, memorable night in downtown Sharon!

Drop by the Remaining German Club at Apollo Maennerchor

As the only remaining German club and restaurant in Shenango Valley, Apollo Maennerchor provides its visitors with German cuisine and traditions combined with nightly entertainment!

Also featuring a full bar, you can get a taste of some of the finest German beer or dine in and select a meal from their full menu.

This building has been standing for over three centuries and has consistently catered to the members of this community since its establishment.

Apollo Maennerchor also aims to educate its people on the culture and heritage of Germany that promote a diverse culture.

Indulge yourself with their live entertainment while enjoying their German cuisine and drinks at Apollo Maennerchor as a lovely way to end your night!

Attend the Annual Father’s Day Car Show in Downton Sharon

Every Father’s day, Antique Automobile Club of America hosts a car show in Downtown Sharon as a way for kids to spend quality time with their dads who share a love for cars!

During this event, people flood the streets as a combination of showy and antique cars are put on display for the public to view.

You can see around 500 cars lining the street as car enthusiasts flock around to admire these restored and preserved vehicles.

Interested guests can also find food vendors selling a variety of snacks!

This event is free and open to all, lasting for almost the whole day as you spend quality time with your family!

Purchase Tie-Dye Shirts and Other Novelty Items at Sugar Magnolia Merchandise

At Sugar Magnolia Merchandise, there are a variety of items you can purchase that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a souvenir to remind you of your vacation!

This shop specializes in tie-dye shirts and other items, but they also sell a wide range of items, including jewelry, handbags, and even pet items!

You can even learn how to create a tie-dye shirt of your own if you take one of their tie-dye classes or have a customized shirt made as long as you request one ahead of time.

This gift shop is home to some unusual and quirky items that would look good as decoration for your own house!

Add this hippie-style shop to your itinerary and see what products you fall in love with!

Practice Your Golfing Skills at Buhl Farm Golf Course

A gold hole at Buhl Farm Golf Course.

acme401, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Formerly known as “Buhland Golf Course,” Buhl Farm Golf Course is one of the only free, 9-hole golf courses in this city!

Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a golf club for the first time, the rough and fairways of this course can ensure a quality experience!

You even have the option to take private golfing lessons with their certified golf coaches to touch up on your putting skills.

Experienced players get the chance to participate in their golfing events all throughout the spring and summer!

This facility also features a driving range where young adults can practice their driving lessons.

Other amenities such as a gift shop and golfing simulator, combined with the fresh air and scenic views are bound to ensure a good time!

Taste Some of the Best Wings at Our Gang’s Lounge

Deemed as one of the best wing diners in the state, Our Gang’s Lounge serves made-to-order chicken wings to ensure the freshest and crispiest bites!

With over 300 flavors to choose from and 35 sauces to dip it in, there’s a wide number of combinations to mix and match.

They also serve beer at their bar that will go best with your chicken wings!

From 2008 to 2015, they’ve been awarded the title of “Wing King” for their delicious and irresistible chicken wings.

Whether you’re going with your friends or family, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at Our Gang’s Lounge!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Do Some Outdoor Activities at Buhl Park

A short 2-mile drive away from Sharon City takes you to Hermitage in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find Buhl Park, a spacious park with lots of amenities and activities for you to enjoy!

As one of the most famous parks in Western Pennsylvania, Buhl Park attracts thousands of visitors each year.

They’ve also been awarded the “2018 Great Public Space” award because of how gorgeous and nationally renowned this park is!

Their amenities include a playground for the younger children to enjoy, a swimming pool, paddle boarding, fishing, and more that can cater to anyone of all ages!

You may also make use of their jogging trails and hiking paths to admire the surrounding nature at Buhl Park or visit their health and fitness center if you’d like to get some exercise.

The community here is active and connected, which will make you feel right at home!

Be sure to check out this park and spend some quality time with the people you love while doing some outdoor recreational activities!

Go Bowling at 10 Pin Alley

This family-entertainment center in Hermitage also calls for a fun-filled family day!

Challenge your family and friends to a game of bowling and see who gets the most strikes!

They also feature an arcade center complete with virtual reality games, claw machines, and pinball machines.

This immersive and interactive game center will keep you entertained for a whole day.

In case you get hungry, you may grab a meal at the Splitz Sports Bar & Grille right across the street that offers a full menu and bar!

This bar contains a pool table and dartboards for a fun nightcap!

Get Active at Olympic Fun Center

Olympic Fun Center is another entertainment center with lots of activities for you to enjoy, such as the arcade, rock climbing wall, laser tag, and so much more!

Their Playzone is open for younger visitors, while the older audience may participate in more adventurous activities like bumper cars and roller skating.

You also get the chance to create your very own stuffed toy at Teddyland that lets you customize a new cuddle buddy!

In case you get exhausted from all the activities at this spacious fun center, you may check out their Cafe that serves pizzas, other food items, and drinks!

Don’t forget to add Olympic Fun Center to the list of places to visit while on your trip!

Sip Award-Winning Wine at Webb Winery

Made from only the freshest and locally-sourced ingredients, Webb Winery serves award-winning wines that range from dry to sweet to match your preferences!

Webb Winery’s founders, Kevin and Carlee, strive to only produce the best wine in a relaxing atmosphere for all to enjoy by using a farm-to-bottle method and ensuring high-quality wine.

Since its opening in 2012, this winery has consistently been crafting only the best wine in all of Hermitage!

There’s a wide variety of wines you may choose from; whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or fruity, they have it in stock just for you!

Be sure to check out their specialty wines, too, that have special and unique flavors!

Final Thoughts

Perfect for any season, Sharon City is packed with attractions and activities for all to enjoy year-round!

Home to some of the best restaurants in the state, diverse cultural centers, festivals, and celebrations, you’re bound to have a fun-filled getaway in this city.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an adventurous vacation, this riverside city has something for everyone of all ages to enjoy!

Fun and adventure await you at Sharon City, so book a trip now!

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