‘Endless pasta-bilities’ on Trumbull’s 2022 Italian Food Trail; here’s how to play and win

Trumbull tourists can treat their tastebuds at more than 60 stops along the county tourism bureau’s 2022 Italian Food Trail, which kicked off Tuesday with a mobile app and prizes to be won.

America’s first Italian food trail, launched in 2018, highlights the classic dishes and ingredients that are “rooted in the traditions of the Italian families who settled in the region generations ago,” reads a news release from Trumbull County Tourism.

“In the late 1800s, Italian immigrants began to arrive in the Mahoning Valley, settling in places like Youngstown, Warren, Lowellville and Niles. They brought with them their culture, and an abundance of food – including pasta. That food has become a staple of restaurants everywhere, including in Trumbull County,” wrote Valley native Vince Guerrieri in 2018, when covering the food trail for TourismOhio.

The trail includes locations like Francesco’s Pizzeria in Hubbard, The White Rose Spaghetti House in Masury and “fan-favorite” locations like the Sunrise Inn and Café 422 in Warren and Vernon’s Cafe in Niles. The more locations you check in at using the trail’s mobile passport, the more chances to win prizes.

If you download the trail’s mobile pass by July 25, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card at one of those spots. If you’re one of the first 100 users to verify a check-in at five local eateries by Nov. 30, you’ll get a commemorative baseball cap.

“Enjoy authentic old-world flavors in our many locations as you take a tour of traditional Italian cuisine right here in beautiful Trumbull County! There will also be other ‘Pop Up’ Perks along the way,” said Beth Carmichael, executive director of Trumbull County Tourism.

We want to hear YOUR favorite local Italian spot. Email us at news@mahoningmatters.com and tell us why it’s your favorite, or tell us about your go-to menu item. You can also leave us a message at 888-655-1012, option 2.

This story was originally published July 6, 2022 at 5:00 AM.