When you’re looking for a foodie road trip, western Pennsylvania might not be the first place you think of. However, tucked in and around Butler, PA are some real gastronomic gems. Grab a pencil and check off a few of these for your next trip – you’ll tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your stomach. There’s something here for everyone.
This article is in two parts. This one is for the more adventurous. It’s for those who like to discover new ingredients or methods to do-it-themselves. Another one is for those who just want to sit down and be served. Within just a short drive from Butler, PA, there are plenty of each. Let’s dive in.
Historic cooking done authentically will only be found at The Old Stone House in Slippery Rock. With a rich history as a stagecoach stop and tavern in the mid1800’s the building has been lovingly restored and is used for a myriad of period events. Historic cooking classes take place inside and out during summer and fall, using the methods and tools of our forefathers. While their ingredients may have been limited, the menu could still be quite sumptuous. Biscuits made over a wood fire were some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere and kettle cooked soup is to die for. You’ll need reservations for their events, or you might want to have an event custom staged just for your group. A great day with the reward of great food – can’t beat it. The Old Stone House; 2865 William Flynn Highway; Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Extra virgin olive oils and vinegars are of the highest quality at the Enchanted Olive in Harmony, PA. With dozens to choose from, you might want to spend an hour or two tasting all the varieties available. When you find the ones you like, they’ll be bottled fresh while you wait. My favorite – a Ripe Peach White Balsamic . If there’s anything you wanted to know about oils, Sherry Cepek, owner/manager is a wealth of knowledge. Enchanted Olive; 120 North Perry Hwy (Rt. 19); Harmony, Pennsylvania 16037
Herbs make the meal and for a great selection, log on to Herbal Delights. Jill Wall doesn’t have a retail location, but she packages organic and natural specialty mixes that give that special flavor to breads, appetizers, dips, whatever. You might run into her at a local festival in PA, OH, NY or VA; but you can find her entire line on-line. Their Gardener’s Sea Salt Seasoning is the perfect topping to any meat or vegetable dish. Check out their extensive offerings online and give them a try.
Smokin’ good eats are what you’ll find at Willie’s Smoke House in Harrisville. A tradition in Western Pennsylvania for over 40 years now, this is THE place for smoked turkeys, hams, sausages, jerky, cheeses, bacon, salmon, ribs…well, you get the idea. If it’s smoked, you’ll find it here and I guarantee you’ll love it. Willies Smoke House; 562 South Main Street; Harrisville, PA 16038.
Candy, candy, candy will satisfy your sweet tooth at Baldinger’s on Perry Way in Zelienople. Row after row and aisle after aisle of your favorite candies, the old time classics (Pez and Bun) and the newest crazes are always available. Mix in some custom chocolates, make-it-yourself candy supplies and a ton of cookie cutters/candy molds and you are in sweet, sweet paradise. Proprietor Pat Boylan has been satisfying Pennsylvania’s sweet teeth for years. Stop in and ask what’s new. Baldinger’s museum of fine foods from all nations; 519 Perry Way (Rt.19); Zelienople, PA 16063
Brew your own with some supplies and some inspiration from the Porter House Brew Shop. Beer and wine making isn’t near as difficult as you might imagine if you have the right ingredients and the right tools. Want to give it a try – pick from numerous “starter kits” and you’ll have everything you need. Still not sure, sign up for one of their classes. Porter House Brew Shop; 1284 Perry Highway; Portersville, PA 16051
Raspberry wine from their own vineyard is about as good as it’s going to get at Deer Creek Winery. Made from 100% raspberries, Deer Creek Raspberry is their signature wine. They also offer a Raspberry Royale which is a dry wine with a hint of almond. In addition to a half-dozen or so reds and whites, they have really interesting seasonal fruit wines like Autumn Breeze (apple), Blackberry, Cranberry, Peach, Strawberry, and Blueberry. Sold at five outlets throughout the region including Cranberry Mall; 6945 U.S. 322 Cranberry, PA 16319
Locally grown wines are also featured at Volant Mill Winery. Want a really sweet Blackberry? It tastes like you just picked it off the vine. Two of my favorites were their Volant Red (their number one seller) as a great table wine and their Delaware – a semi-sweet, very light and fruity white wine. Available at four locations in the area, their main location is Volant Mill Winery; 1229 Main Street; Volant, PA 15156
Read the other article about Butler eats.
More stories about Butler County, Pennsylvania:
Two historical gems along the Butler Freeport Community Trail
Halloween events in Butler County
A day away in PA – a tour of the barns of Butler County
Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Butler County Balloon Fest
