Barb Abbott has always been driven by her love of the outdoors, parks, and diverse cuisine.
The founders of Canton Food Tours have rebranded their popular culinary exploration business to Explore City Tours.
Now, she is celebrating her 12th anniversary and is making further progress. Her tour destinations now extend beyond Stark County lines to Worcester and Akron.
Ms. Abbott is an Akron native who has lived in Jackson Township for over 20 years and has long had a passion for community involvement.
After earning a degree in biology from the University of Akron, she became a park naturalist at Quail Hollow Park in Lake Township near Hartville. She would often carry an owl on her arm and explain about the wildlife the park had to offer.
It provided the perfect platform to hone her interpreting skills and helped create memorable adventures for visitors for 13 years.
But it was a transformative food tour experience in Scottsdale, Arizona that ignited Abbott's vision to bring a similar immersive experience to the Canton community.
Canton Food Tour becomes Explore City Tour
Some of the best restaurants: Discover Stark County with 11 local restaurants chosen by foodies
On May 9, 2012, Canton Food Tours opened its doors for you to explore the city's delicious cuisine and history.
Abbott's philosophy is simple. “Knowledge and passion can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.”
Abbott and her tour guides help clients discover new experiences, places they probably never knew existed.
“I'm going to have fun doing it. The city is my stage, and when we show you around the city, you're an actor. You're part of the show, too,” she said.
Mr. Abbott remains dedicated to creating memorable experiences. Under the new brand name, the company is expanding its business beyond food-focused tours.
Longtime collaborator Tony Lee, owner of Basil's Asian Bistro, testified to the role Mr. Abbott has played in enhancing Canton's culinary reputation.
“It has been an honor to work with Barb as one of her restaurant partners for the past 10 years,” he said. “I feel like it's unbelievable when I say it out loud, but 10 years? When Barb asked me to go on tour, I thought, 'Wow, only big cities do that.' Ta.”
Based on 265 reviews, this tour is rated excellent on TripAdvisor.
Exploring the history and cuisine of Akron and Worcester
So why expand into Akron and Worcester?
“I grew up in Akron, so touring there is a natural transition for my company,” Abbott said.
She wants to remind everyone that Akron, once known as the rubber capital of the world, is full of history and innovation. Her four different tours are offered in Akron, both in the afternoon and in the evening.
Ice cream and more: 2 Scoopz opens this season in downtown Canton
These 3-hour walking tours feature food, art, and culture through some of Akron's oldest neighborhoods. Stops at the Akron Art Museum, Nightlight Cinema, BLU-Tique Hotel, and more. A sampling of small plates includes Akronym Brewing Co., Heera, Chameleon Café, and The 1 Food & Spirits.
Two Akron Canalway food tours feature canal history, Locks 1 and 2, Civic Theater, and lively conversations about Akron's history. Small plates available on these tours include The Daily Pressed, Cilantro Thai, Sushi, Eddie's Famous Cheesesteak & Grill, and more.
The former Akron Savings and Loan building, which now houses restaurant Crave, has special meaning to Abbott.
“My father, attorney Claude M. Fiocca, had a law practice here during his eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives (40th District) in the 1970s. He instilled in me a love of history, community and public speaking,” Abbott said.
In Worcester, Abbott offers visitors a glimpse into Amish tradition and delicious cuisine. The tour will introduce you to the city's architecture and take you on a circular route through Worcester's public squares. Attendees will learn about the Scottish people and their Revolutionary War roots while sampling small plates at an average of four eateries, including Spoon Her Market, Basil Asian Bistro, Thuli Pan Pastry & Coffee Shop, and City Square Steakhouse.
The Canton Tour continues today, celebrating the city's NFL history, iconic landmarks and delicious food.
Christopher Goff, president and CEO of Employers Health, was eager to share his own experience with Abbott's services.
“Explore City Tours provides an excellent corporate team building experience that brings colleagues together through a unique walking experience that combines a history lesson with a local culinary adventure. She brings enthusiasm and subject matter expertise to the table. “My colleagues remember me well because of what I bring to the table,” he said. When they think of their favorite Employer Health First Friday event, it's something we do as a company every month as a fun team-building experience and community service project. ”
Goff also takes out-of-town families on gourmet tours when they visit Canton.
“My wife and I travel frequently throughout Europe, and most of the time we incorporate gastronomic tours to increase our knowledge of a city's culture, history and cuisine,” he said. “With the tours[Abbott]offers, you don't have to cross an ocean to have such a memorable and enriching experience.”
For more information or to book a tour, visit https://explorecitytours.com.
Contact Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.