In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌤️ Weather: Mostly Sunny - Temps 82-84

 📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

 📰 Local News: 🗓️ Corn Mazes, Crafts, and Cows: A Seasonal Hit at Farmpark

 📉 Retail Vacancy in Mentor Drops to 6.6% in Q3 2025

 📰 Mentor City Council to Discuss Budget, Road Projects, and Short-Term Rentals at October 7 Meeting

👪 Travel & Discovery: 🛣️ Hidden Gems and Digital Tools Shape Seasonal Travel

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Browns Rookie QB to Make Historic NFL Debut in London Showdown with Vikings

 🏈 Buckeyes Dominate Gophers in 42-3 Blowout at Ohio Stadium

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit
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Featured Event for Oct 5

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🗓️ Corn Mazes, Crafts, and Cows: A Seasonal Hit at Farmpark

Corn and Pumpkin Weekend Combines Fall Fun and Farming Education

Lake Metroparks Farmpark kicked off October with its popular Corn and Pumpkin Weekend, held October 4–5 in Kirtland. The event drew families and school groups for a mix of autumn activities and agricultural education.

Visitors explored traditional harvest-season crafts, including making corn husk dolls — a nod to pioneer life and how children once made toys from farm materials. The weekend also featured pumpkin bowling, painting, a 3-acre corn maze, and seasonal treats available for purchase.

Beyond the fun, Farmpark used the event to teach where food and fiber come from. Guests observed apple pressing, vegetable harvesting, cow milking, and horse demonstrations. Interactive exhibits showcased both historical techniques and modern methods like hydroponics and backyard gardening.

Previously known as Harvest Weekend, the event adopted its Corn and Pumpkin theme over 15 years ago. It now sits among other Farmpark fall traditions such as Apple & Honey and Horsepower Weekends — all focused on agricultural learning.

Attendance for the weekend was expected to reach 2,000–3,000, especially with free admission for Lake County residents on Oct. 5. The park is also preparing for Halloween-themed displays and future projects, including a planned children’s garden.

Whether through hands-on crafts or farming demonstrations, the event offered a meaningful connection to agriculture during the peak of the fall season.

For More Information Visit: lakemetroparks.com

📉 Retail Vacancy in Mentor Drops to 6.6% in Q3 2025

Mentor Retail Vacancy Falls to 6.6% in Third Quarter of 2025

Retail vacancy in the City of Mentor declined to 6.6% in the third quarter of 2025, according to data compiled by CoStar and reported by the City of Mentor’s Planning & Development Department. This marks a notable improvement from the second quarter of 2025, which recorded a 7.6% vacancy rate, and a 0.4% decrease compared to the third quarter of 2024.

Mentor plays a significant role in the Lake County retail market, accounting for approximately 7.6 million square feet of retail space—about 42% of the county’s total 18 million square feet spread across 1,422 buildings. The overall vacancy rate for Lake County dropped to 4.6%, slightly down from 4.8% in the previous quarter and 4.7% in the same quarter last year.

Regionally, the greater Cleveland retail market, which spans eight counties and 194 million square feet, held steady at a 4.5% vacancy rate year-over-year.

Within Mentor, the largest currently available retail properties include 64,500 square feet at 7723 Mentor Avenue, 41,264 square feet at 7960-8000 Plaza Boulevard, and 24,282 square feet at 7797-7885 Mentor Avenue.

Source: cityofmentor.com

📰 Mentor City Council to Discuss Budget, Road Projects, and Short-Term Rentals at October 7 Meeting

Mentor City Council Meeting Set for October 7, Will Tackle Budget, Infrastructure, and Planning Updates

Mentor City Council will meet on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the council chambers of the Mentor Municipal Center. The session will be broadcast live on Spectrum 1024, U-Verse 99, and the city’s streaming app on Roku, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire.

While no public hearings or tabled items are on the agenda, council members will consider several new ordinances and resolutions. These include adjustments to city finances, updates to the legal department’s staffing authority, and resolutions tied to community and infrastructure initiatives.

Highlights include designating October as SUDEP Awareness Month and approving funding applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission for resurfacing Mentor Avenue and replacing traffic signals. An amendment to the city's 2024 Community Development Block Grant plan is also on the agenda.

A second reading of a revised short-term rental ordinance will be held, alongside reports on a new sanitary sewer connection on Grove Avenue. Council will also review its 2026 meeting schedule.

Residents wishing to speak on non-agenda items must register before the meeting. The next regular council session is scheduled for October 21.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🛣️ Hidden Gems and Digital Tools Shape Seasonal Travel

Fall Travel Trends Reflect a New Kind of American Getaway

As fall settles in, travel across the U.S. is taking a turn toward simplicity, flexibility, and deeper experiences. Summer trends point to a clear shift: Americans are choosing shorter, more local trips over long international getaways.

Domestic and short-distance travel is on the rise, with many opting for “micro-cations” close to home — from weekend drives to nature escapes or quick city breaks. The ease and lower cost of nearby travel make it a smart choice as budgets tighten.

Flexibility is key. Travelers are delaying bookings, watching for discounts, and staying open to last-minute options. While financial pressure is real, it's not stopping people from traveling — it’s just changing how they plan.

There’s also growing interest in offbeat, off-peak experiences. From lesser-known destinations to nighttime events, travelers are seeking less crowded, more meaningful moments. “Noctourism,” or nighttime travel experiences, is gaining popularity.

Technology is playing a bigger role in this shift. AI tools, social media, and digital platforms are helping travelers personalize trips, find deals, and adapt plans quickly.

Even with shorter trips, the goal is high-impact experiences. Whether it’s a quick retreat or a short cultural visit, travelers are making the most of their time away. Intentional, quality-focused travel is replacing quantity.

Despite rising costs, Americans remain resilient. By traveling smarter — and often closer to home — they’re finding creative ways to explore without overspending.

As fall colors peak, expect more purposeful, local escapes designed around experience, value, and timing.

🏈 Browns Rookie QB to Make Historic NFL Debut in London Showdown with Vikings

Vikings and Browns Clash in London: Three Key Storylines for Week 5 Showdown

The NFL’s international series continues Sunday as the Cleveland Browns face the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. ET, with both teams looking to rebound—Minnesota at 2-2, Cleveland at 1-3.

This marks a rematch of their 2017 London meeting, when the Vikings won 33-16. Here's what to watch in their return overseas:

1. Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Makes Historic NFL Debut

Cleveland turns to rookie Dillon Gabriel, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to debut overseas. Gabriel replaces veteran Joe Flacco in hopes of jumpstarting an offense ranked 31st in scoring (14 PPG) and struggling to move the ball.

He’ll face a tough Vikings defense led by coordinator Brian Flores, which has tallied two or more sacks in eight straight games. Protecting Gabriel will be critical, and getting top receiver Jerry Jeudy more involved could ease the pressure.

2. Vikings’ Offensive Line Faces Browns’ Pass Rush

Carson Wentz makes his third straight start for Minnesota. After a strong debut, he struggled against Pittsburgh last week, taking six sacks and throwing two interceptions. This week, he'll face a Browns defense led by Myles Garrett, who has four sacks and ranks second in quick pressures.

Minnesota’s offensive line is depleted, missing three starters. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, returning from injury, is expected to take on Garrett in a key matchup that could determine the outcome.

3. Isaiah Rodgers Building DPOY Case

Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers has emerged as a standout. In recent weeks, he’s returned two kicks for touchdowns, forced a fumble, and blocked a kick. He’s also excelled in coverage, allowing just 4.2 yards per target and a 44.4% completion rate.

With a rookie QB across from him, Rodgers may have more opportunities to make an impact and add to his Defensive Player of the Year resume.

The Browns hope their rookie spark will shift momentum, while the Vikings aim to stay above .500. Both teams will have plenty to prove in London.

Read More at nfl.com

🏈 Buckeyes Dominate Gophers in 42-3 Blowout at Ohio Stadium

Ohio State Rolls Past Minnesota in 42-3 Rout

Top-ranked Ohio State remained unbeaten with a dominant 42-3 win over Minnesota at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night, improving to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.

Quarterback Julian Sayin was nearly flawless, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-27 passing. Carnell Tate led all receivers with nine catches for 183 yards and a touchdown, while Jeremiah Smith added two scores.

Minnesota struck first with a field goal but struggled from there, finishing with just 221 total yards and converting only one of nine third downs. Ohio State's defense was sharp again, allowing no touchdowns and continuing its season-long red zone dominance.

Special teams contributed with a trick punt return that set up a touchdown, and backup QB Lincoln Kienholz added a late rushing score. Sonny Styles led the defense with eight tackles.

Ohio State now turns its attention to a road game at Illinois as the Buckeyes continue their push for a Big Ten title.

Full Article at dispatch.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115