Photo courtesy of Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Cold Comfort
Hocking Hills’ hearty food tour brightens up the chillier season
Columbus has certainly earned its reputation as a foodie town, but people seeking tasty options outside of the city limits when the mercury drops, the Hocking Hills Comfort Food Cruise aims to satisfy those cravings that come with the colder months.
The cruise, now in its third year, will be offered the weekends of Jan. 23 and 24, Jan. 30 and 31, and Feb. 6 and 7.
Hosting the cruise in the winter not only provides a fun winter outing, it also attracts visitors during Hocking Hills’ off-season, says Karen Raymore, executive director of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, which organizes the tour.
This coming year, there will be 12 stops. Tickets are $15 per person, of which $5 benefits area food pantries. The tickets are valid for any of the three weekends, though most people finish the cruise in one.
“Folks who are coming in and renting a cabin to enjoy the winter in Hocking Hills, they’ll typically do it in a Saturday and Sunday,” Raymore says.
Photo courtesy of Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Cold Comfort
Some Hocking Hills locals do spread it out over the three weekends simply because they live nearby.
“We have some really hearty folks who can do it in one day,” Raymore says.
The portions at each stop vary. At some locations, such as Sandy Sue’s Silver Diner, there may be a scoop of ice scream. At another stop, such as Maya Burrito, there could be a chocolate churro.
“What we try to do is set it up so (visitors) can start with breakfast-type items in the morning,” Raymore says. “The last serving is at 4 p.m. … We didn’t want to conflict with the dinner crowd.”
The participating restaurants have had nothing but great things to say about the cruise, Raymore says.
“(The restaurants) love it. Even local residents have been to restaurants they’ve never been to before,” she says. “They’re getting exposure.”
Photo courtesy of Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Cold Comfort
Raymore says the idea for the Comfort Food Cruise originated after a Google search failed to turn up similar offerings.
“The first year we thought, ‘It would be great if we sold 100 tickets,’” Raymore says.
That first year, 474 tickets were purchased, and 700 sales followed the next year.
“It’s really fun for us,” Raymore says. “We have such a good time. By the end of the cruise, (everyone) knows each other pretty well, because you’re following each other all around (to the restaurants).”
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Hocking Hills Comfort Food Cruise 2015-16 Stops
Pearl’s Home Cook’n – Biscuits and gravy
Jack’s Steak House – French toast sticks
M&M Family Diner – Vegetable soup
Maya Burrito – Chocolate churro
The Ridge Inn – Meatloaf
Hocking Hills Dining Lodge – Meaty mac and cheese
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – Ultimate chocolate brownie
Boot Factory Grill – Prime rib sliders
Pizza Crossing – Pizza
Sandy Sue’s Silver Diner – Ice cream
Olde Dutch Restaurant – Choice of chicken and noodles or homemade mashed potatoes with gravy, or homemade mashed potatoes with noodles for vegetarians
Millstone Southern BBQ – Corn muffins
There will also be a bonus stop at the Hocking Hills Welcome Center. Mini cinnamon rolls, coffee and a special souvenir will be available to all ticketholders.
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