Take a hike on Put-in-Bay’s Foodie Trail

By PETER HUSTON

Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce

In 2016 I was at the AAA Travel Show in Columbus and noticed some really cool “trails.” Turns out that there are many kinds of trails in Ohio, some that require hiking boots, going to art galleries or visiting wineries. There are burger trails, coffee trails, scenic trails … That got me to thinking that we could have a Foodie Trail here on the island. It is hard to believe, but we have 25 restaurants and unique establishments that are within walking distance of the downtown. I talked it up and Lake Erie Shores and Islands folks helped to make it come together, the Jet-Express sponsored it and Great Lakes Publishing put together a great Foodie Trail Magazine guide that was sent to thousands of homes across Ohio in Lake Erie Living and the Ohio Travel Planner.

Here’s the sizzle:

If food is the way to your heart, few places will satisfy your craving for delicious, unique and high-quality cuisine quite like Put-in-Bay. Add to that unbelievable sights from the island’s shores and it’s truly a destination where foodies of all types fall in love. This year, join the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce on its journey through some of the island’s hidden gems with the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail. From shoreline and inland hangouts to dive bars and elegant porch dining, South Bass Island has it all. Looking for the No.1 perch or walleye sandwich? Nearly every restaurant presents its own twist on these local favorites.

From tacos to po’boys, there’s no wrong way to enjoy fresh Lake Erie perch and walleye. Or, change tides with a place where you can enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in a Victorian-style speakeasy or sip some refreshing wines at a winery while mingling with the vintners.

If you have a taste for dishes inspired by other dining destinations, we have you covered with a variety of options, from Mexican, French, Italian and Irish cuisine to properly prepared conch from the Florida Keys, savory Texas barbecue and New Orleans French Quarter Jambalaya.

Of course, nothing beats a pizza on a breezy summer day. Stroll the island and discover some of the region’s most mouthwatering pies, from flatbread to firehouse. When morning rolls around, take your pick of places to enjoy the first meal of the day, many of which include weekend brunches and all-day breakfasts. What are you waiting for? Hop on the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail and experience food like never before in an atmosphere that’s as close to paradise as you’ll find anywhere.

Here’s the special sauce:

Start your adventure by asking participating restaurants for the trail map. Then, make your way through at least eight restaurants Sunday through Thursday, making sure to get your score card signed at each destination. Bring the completed card to the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center for a Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail swag bag filled with Foodie Trail T-Shirt and wine glass. So now get set to go on the best trail of all, the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail. Journey from one culinary masterpiece to the next, keep score and enjoy.

Get your Foodie Trail Score Card at one of the stops on the trail or come on in to the visitor center at 148 Delaware and we’ll give you one to start you on your way.

For information, contact the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce at 419-285-2832 or visitputinbay.com.