More on culinary tourism

Local travel agencies and tour operators have recently conducted trips to Savannah GA to visit “The Lady and Sons” restaurant. This is an establishment owned and operated by Paula Dean a celebrity chef on the Food Channel.

Regionally, nationally and internationally we are seeing many of the tourism players taking note of this trend and developing and marketing culinary journeys.

Napa Valley in California has long been known for its vineyards and winery tours and now the state of Ohio now has developed its own wine and cheese trail. For years Cajun, French and Italian cooking schools attracted a very small clientele but the cooking arts and culinary skills have now gone main stream.

Imagine the number of patrons that would sign on if the restaurant firm “Olive Garden” offered an “eat your way through Italy” tour program. Or maybe Jim's Spaghetti House would be a great sponsor too!

With this is mind I guess that I need to head over to Portsmouth and talk with the fine folks at either the microbrewery Portsmouth Brewing Company or the Port City Café the local Irish pub. Or perhaps have a chat with the owners of Ironton’s own Toro Loco. From a culinary tourism perspective the cultural nature of their cuisines and beverages could lead to the development of a tour to Ireland, Mexico and Germany/Czech Republic.

Moving back towards a more local focus what uniquely southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky, western West Virginia strongly Appalachian delicacy or beverage can we promote?

I have some ideas but I really need more suggestions. Email them to me at thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.