It’s no secret I’m a foodie, in fact, I recently made it somewhat official by becoming a Certified E.A.T. Judge by the World Food Championships. No, I don’t mean “eat” as consuming food, but E.A.T. which stands for judging a dish on its own merits rather than against another dish using execution, appearance and taste (E.A.T.). My foodie nose found a “magically delicious” trail and I’m adding it to my list of things to do in Ohio. It’s called the Butler County Donut Trail.
How Many Donut Shops in Butler County, Ohio?
Located just an hour’s drive southwest of Dayton and two hours southeast of Indianapolis is this 12-shop sugary trail serving up delightful donuts. The Butler County Donut Trail is celebrating its two-year anniversary in 2018 and those who complete the entire 80-mile trail receive a T-shirt upon completion. The Butler County Visitors Bureau held a contest inviting local residents to submit T-shirt designs. The winning design depicts the Donut Trail as a “well-rounded adventure” was created by Alice Jacobs of Hamilton, Ohio.
To me, donuts are like s’mores. I LOVE them but after one, or maybe two, I’ve had my fill of the sugary sweetness so visitors attempting to complete the trail may choose to do so in one day or over a course of several days.
Why is Butler County home to a donut trail? Well, according to which Tracy Kocker, Director of Marketing for the Butler County Visitors Bureau, this Ohio travel destination is home to one of the highest concentrations per capita of donut shops in the country! There is one donut shop per 17,000 people.
The Butler County Donut Trail Means Economic Impact
The Butler County Donut Trail was established in 2016 and has attracted more than 9,000 hungry visitors from nine different countries and 44 states. It’s estimated the trail has brought in $1 million annually in economic impact to the area, since visitors are utilizing other businesses along the trail.
“Magically Delicious” Donut Flavors
What can you expect along the Butler County Donut Trail? Tracy told me it can take up to four hours to make the perfect donut and each of the 12 participating shops has a specialty. These include the traditional old fashioned kettle-fried donut to a Buckeye flavor (peanut butter and chocolate) and a Tiger Tail (a cake donut intertwined with a yeast donut) to a Banana Pudding donut. All shops are independently-owned and the earliest shop opens at 1 a.m. and once the shops sell out, they close up for the day. This may be as early as 10 a.m.
Visit the Butler County Donut Trail website to learn more and plan your delicious trip. If you’re wondering what else there is to do other than noshing on donuts, other activities range from thrilling to chilling with everything in between. I’ll be adding Butler County, Ohio to my must-visit travel list! Have you been?
Listen to my interview with Tracy Kocker about the Butler County Donut Trail on WKDW 97.5 FM.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links in order to support my traveling habit, this blog and my special-needs dog.
This post was updated June 18, 2018.
Who knew?! Butler County has the highest concentrations per capita of donut shops in the country. I see a Food Channel segment in your future! sp
Looking for unique things to do near Cincinnati, Ohio? Whether you love performance art, murals, amazing sculptures or the breathtaking sounds of a live show on the riverbank, Butler County’s art scene is overflowing with talent and expression. You’ll find art sprinkled through every corner of the county, bringing incredible creativity and beauty to your visit.
I know, right! I see myself on a road trip!