{"id":2914,"date":"2012-08-06T16:07:45","date_gmt":"2012-08-06T20:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=2914"},"modified":"2017-11-19T10:03:38","modified_gmt":"2017-11-19T15:03:38","slug":"great-food-and-refreshing-drinks-from-butler-county-pa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/great-food-and-refreshing-drinks-from-butler-county-pa\/","title":{"rendered":"Great food and refreshing drinks from Butler County, PA"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re 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.\u00a0 Grab a pencil and check off a few of these for your next trip \u2013 you\u2019ll tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your stomach. There\u2019s something here for everyone.<\/p>\n

This article is in two parts. This one is for the more adventurous. It\u2019s 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<\/span>. Within just a short drive from Butler, PA, there are plenty of each. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Historic cooking<\/strong> done authentically will only be found at The Old Stone House<\/a> in Slippery Rock. With a rich history as a stagecoach stop and tavern in the mid1800\u2019s the building has been lovingly restored and is used for a myriad of period events. Historic cooking classes<\/span> 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\u2019ve ever had anywhere and kettle cooked soup is to die for. You\u2019ll 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 \u2013 can\u2019t beat it. The Old Stone House; 2865 William Flynn Highway; Slippery Rock, PA 16057<\/p>\n

\"Enchanted_Olive\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Extra virgin olive oils and vinegars<\/strong> are of the highest quality at the Enchanted Olive<\/a> in Harmony, PA.\u00a0 With dozens to choose from, you might want to spend an hour or two tasting all the varieties available<\/a>. When you find the ones you like, they\u2019ll be bottled fresh while you wait. My favorite \u2013 a Ripe Peach White Balsamic . If there\u2019s anything you wanted to know about oils, Sherry Cepek, owner\/manager is a wealth of knowledge.\u00a0 Enchanted Olive; 120 North Perry Hwy \u00a0(Rt. 19); Harmony, Pennsylvania 16037<\/p>\n

\"Herbal_Delights\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Herbs make the meal<\/strong> and for a great selection, log on to Herbal Delights<\/a>. Jill Wall doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s Sea Salt Seasoning is the perfect topping to any meat or vegetable dish. Check out their extensive offerings online<\/span> and give them a try.<\/p>\n

\"Willie's<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Smokin\u2019 good eats<\/strong> are what you\u2019ll find at Willie\u2019s Smoke House<\/a> in Harrisville.\u00a0 A tradition in Western Pennsylvania for over 40 years now, this is THE place for smoked turkeys, hams, sausages, jerky, cheeses, bacon, salmon, ribs\u2026well, you get the idea. If it\u2019s smoked, you\u2019ll find it here and I guarantee you\u2019ll love it. Willies Smoke House; 562 South Main Street; Harrisville, PA 16038.<\/p>\n

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See more photos at the end of this article, as well as links to other Butler articles.<\/div><\/div>\n

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\"Baldingers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Candy, candy, candy<\/strong> will satisfy your sweet tooth at Baldinger\u2019s<\/a> 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\u2019s sweet teeth for years. Stop in and ask what\u2019s new. Baldinger\u2019s museum of fine foods from all nations; 519 Perry Way (Rt.19); Zelienople, PA 16063<\/p>\n

\"Porter<\/a>Brew your own<\/strong> with some supplies and some inspiration from the Porter House Brew Shop<\/a>.\u00a0 Beer and wine making isn\u2019t near as difficult as you might imagine if you have the right ingredients and the right tools. Want to give it a try \u2013 pick from numerous \u201cstarter kits\u201d and you\u2019ll have everything you need. Still not sure, sign up for one of their classes. \u00a0Porter House Brew Shop; 1284 Perry Highway; Portersville, PA\u00a0 16051<\/p>\n

Raspberry wine\u00a0<\/strong>from their own vineyard is about as good as it\u2019s going to get at\u00a0Deer Creek Winery<\/a>. 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\u00a0Cranberry, PA 16319<\/p>\n

Locally grown wines<\/strong>\u00a0are also featured at\u00a0Volant Mill Winery<\/a>. 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 \u2013 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<\/p>\n

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Read the other article about Butler eats.<\/span><\/p>\n

More stories about Butler County, Pennsylvania:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Two historical gems along the Butler Freeport Community Trail<\/span><\/p>\n

Halloween events in Butler County<\/a><\/p>\n

A day away in PA – a tour of the barns of Butler County<\/a><\/p>\n

Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival<\/p>\n

Butler County Balloon Fest<\/p>\n

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PHOTO GALLERY<\/strong> – Click on any photo to see larger version, then use left and right arrows to see more.<\/div><\/div>\n
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