NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Tourism trails built around food and drink continue to grow in popularity across the country, with wine trails, brewery trails and coffee trails encouraging visitors to explore local businesses and regional culture. Lawrence County is again joining that trend with the return of its “Sunday” Sauce Trail, an initiative highlighting Italian restaurants and culinary traditions throughout the county.
Organized by Visit Lawrence County, the trail features 12 Italian restaurants, markets and food-related businesses across Lawrence County. Participants can download a digital passport, visit participating locations and check in using QR codes to earn points toward prizes.
The trail is inspired by the long-standing Italian American tradition of gathering with family and friends for “Sunday sauce,” a meal centered around pasta and homemade sauce that has roots in many immigrant communities throughout western Pennsylvania.
“The goal is to showcase our local Italian restaurants and our rich Italian heritage in Lawrence County,” said Ginny Jacob Colella, assistant director of Visit Lawrence County. “Our community was built upon immigrants who relocated here and passed down their culture and traditions.”
Participating businesses include Four Pizzeria Bar & Grille, Gallo’s Italian Villa, Ladies of the Dukes, Mangino’s Pizzeria in Mahoningtown and Neshannock, Nico Luciano’s, Pagley’s Pasta & More, Patsy’s Bar & Grille, Soni’s Italian Restaurant, Valentino Cheese & Dairy Company, VentiSei Wine Bar & Pizzeria and Vinny’s Pizza and Restaurant.
In addition to dining at restaurants, the trail also encourages participants to explore specialty foods and take-home traditions, including homemade pasta and prepared sauces.
Food-based tourism trails have become increasingly common as communities look for ways to promote small businesses, encourage local travel and create regional identity around food culture. Organizers say the Lawrence County trail is intended to attract both residents and visitors while spotlighting the area’s Italian American heritage.
Dining and Cooking