I love the days that I am off work and have a day where I can go anywhere. The bad part about that is that I live in the middle of nowhere. And what is there really to do in Butler other than a Target and Panera outing? To be honest I’m not really sure still but I made a list of my favorite places in the Butler/ Saxonburg area that you might not know about. 

1. Glade Run Lake

If you live near the Butler or Saxonburg area and like nature, you probably know about this place. There are around 2-mile trails, a dock, and of course, the lake. It’s super pre

tty during sunset and since the trail gets muddy, they added wooden planks in spots to make it easier to walk. It’s a calming place to go for a walk when it’s not busy and overall I give it a 10/10. It’s by far one of my favorite “parks” in the area.

2. Alameda Park

If you’re looking for a park more towards the Butler area, then Alameda is the place to go. It’s way larger but has fewer trails if any. I’ve only been here once, but all I really saw were gazebos, a pool, and too many children. It’s right in the middle of Butler and I was surprised to see how big it actually was. I give this one a 7/10. Not really much to do and I was disappointed to see there weren’t any swings. 

3. Branded in Butler

Right on Main Street Butler, this is one of the only places that you can get more vintage-type clothing other than a thrift store. It’s mainly streetwear sweatshirts and crewnecks. They resell fancy shoes like Jordans and other $700 type shoes. I’ve been here once but a few people recommended I put it on this list. “It’s like a thrift store but it’s nice. Everything is organized and in good condition. It’s definitely more expensive but it’s worth it,” said senior Cale

 Patten. I would rate this a 6/10 because I am lacking the money to shop here, and it is not really my style. 

4. Benjamin Beetle

Right beside Branded in Butler, Benjamin beetle is my FAVORITE store in butler. They have more alternative types of stuff, but clothing-wise it’s pretty much just band t-shirt

s, long skirts, and clothing people make. They have art and jewelry that they buy from people who make things in the area. They sell crystals, incense, bags, and they have an upstairs with some “adult items.” I’m not going to explain that but you can go and check it out if you’re over 18 or something. Overall I give it a 9/10 only because it’s hard to parallel park on Main Street.

5.  Deer Lakes Observatory

This is a bit farther out, being in deer lakes and I’ve personally never been here but, by the pictures, it looks SO cool. Mr. Smith

 recommended this to me and he said he’s been there once. “I went there and saw over 100 shooting stars/ meteors when the Perseid meteor shower happened in August,” Mr. Smith said. “I just googled where to watch a shower and that popped up. I don’t know much about it but I know if you’re going to see a meteor shower the courteous thing to do is turn your headlights off and park farther away because the ambient light will affect the sky when you want it to be dark.” I’m basing this rating off of google pics and reviews but 10/10. I will definitely be going here soon.

6. Cummings Candy and Coffee

This last one is my favorite coffee shop ever. I think it’s better than Starbucks and I am the biggest Starbucks fan. It’s on route 8 near the dollar store but the worst part about it there is that they close at 1 pm. Absolutely perfect coffee though and I highly recommend it. You know how you go to Starbucks or Dunkin and your coffee is either phenomenal or toilet water? Cummings is perfect every time. It’s so underrated for a small business and I would definitely suggest stopping for a latte and a pastry. 10/10 (despite closing when I wake up).

Megan Edder

1. What is a place in the butler/ Saxonburg area that most people don’t know about?

There is a monument in Summit Township for the Oesterling family which were ancestors of my grandfather.

2. When and how did you find out about this place?

I learned about it from my mom who saw an article about it in the newspaper. 

3. Why is this important to you?

It is the location of the original homestead of the Oesterling homestead from when they came over from Germany. I have always loved learning about my family and the fact that my ancestors were settled so close is really awesome.

4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

It may not look like much to someone that sees it from the road, but to me, it is a piece of my family history…and let’s be honest, how many people can say their family has a monument?