Explore City Tours celebrates anniversary with new name, expansion to Akron & Wooster
Barb Abbott has always been fueled by her love of the outdoors, parks and diverse cuisine.
The creator of Canton Food Tours has rebranded her popular food exploration business as Explore City Tours.
And she is marking her 12th anniversary with expansion. Her tour stops now go beyond Stark County's borders into Wooster and Akron.
Abbott, a native of Akron and a resident of Jackson Township for over two decades, has long embraced her passion for community engagement.
After getting a degree in biology from the University of Akron, she became a park naturalist at Quail Hollow Park in Lake Township near Hartville. She often had an owl on her arm as she explained the wildlife offerings at the park.
It provided the perfect platform to refine her skills in interpretation, helping to create memorable adventures for visitors for 13 years.
However, it was a transformative food tour experience in Scottsdale, Arizona, that ignited Abbott's vision to bring similar immersive experiences to the Canton community.
Canton Food Tours becomes Explore City Tours
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On May 9, 2012, Canton Food Tours opened, offering an exploration of the city's culinary delights and history.
Abbott's philosophy is simple: “Knowledge and passion can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.”
Abbott and her tour guides help clients uncover new experiences, perhaps places they didn't know existed.
“I make it fun. The city is my stage, and as we are walking you through it, you are the actor. You are part of the show,” she said.
Abbott remains dedicated to creating memorable experiences. Under the rebranded umbrella, her company has expanded its horizons beyond food-centric excursions.
Tony Ly, owner of Basil Asian Bistro, a longstanding collaborator, attested to Abbott's role in elevating Canton's food profile.
"It has been a privilege to work with Barb as one of her restaurant partners for the last decade," he said. "It sounds unbelievable when I say it out loud — a decade? When Barb had approached me about joining the tours, I thought, 'Wow, only big cities do that.'"
Based on 265 reviews, the tours are rated excellent on Tripadvisor.
Exploring Akron and Wooster's history and food offerings
So why expand into Akron and Wooster?
“Growing up in Akron, tours there are 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 steeped in history and innovation. There are four distinct tours being offered in Akron, both afternoon and evening.
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These three-hour walking tours feature food stops, art and culture through some of the oldest blocks in Akron. The Akron Art Museum, The Nightlight Cinema, BLU-Tique hotel are among the stops. Small plate samplings can include Akronym Brewing Co., Heera, Chameleon Café and The 1 Food & Spirits.
Two Akron Canalway Food Tours feature canal history, Locks 1 and 2, the Civic Theatre and more lively conversation about Akron’s history. Small plates to eat and drink on these tours include The Daily Pressed, Cilantro Thai and Sushi and Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks & Grille.
The former Akron Savings and Loan building that now houses the restaurant Crave has a special meaning for Abbott.
“My dad, attorney Claude M. Fiocca, had his law offices there while he served in the Ohio House of Representatives (40th District) for eight years during the 1970s. He gave me my love of history, the community, and public speaking,” Abbott said.
In Wooster, Abbott offers visitors a glimpse into its Amish heritage and culinary delights. Tours highlight the city’s architecture and take a circular route through Wooster’s public square. Participants learn about The Scots and Revolutionary War roots, all while stopping to sample small plates from an average of four eateries that include Spoon Market, Basil Asian Bistro, Tulipan Pastry & Coffee Shop and The City Square Steakhouse.
Canton tours are still ongoing and celebrate the city’s NFL history, iconic landmarks and culinary delights.
Christopher Goff, president and CEO of Employers Health, was eager to share his experience with Abbott's offerings.
“Explore City Tours provides a great corporate team-building experience that allows colleagues to bond over a unique walking experience that mixes a history lesson with a local culinary adventure," he said. "She brings enthusiasm and subject matter expertise that my colleagues often reminisce when recalling their favorite Employers Health First Friday events — something we do as a company each month as a fun team building experience or a community service project.”
Goff also takes out-of-town family members on food tours when they visit Canton.
"My wife and I travel frequently throughout Europe and almost always include a food tour to increase our knowledge of the city’s culture, history and culinary offerings," he said. "With the tours that (Abbott) provides, one doesn’t need to travel across the ocean to take advantage of such a memorable and rich experience.”
For additional details or to book a tour, go to https://explorecitytours.com.
Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Food Tours is now Explore City Tours, expands to Wooster, Akron
