Toledo and northwest Ohio’s primary marketing agency is calling on area imbibers to experience new drinks and destinations and meet new people on the 2023 419 Ale Trail adventure.
“You're getting out. You're discovering new places and new drinks, going to little towns throughout northwest Ohio,” and possibly make new friends, said Cathy Miller, the program’s administrator for Destination Toledo.
Ms. Miller spoke Thursday at Maumee Bay Brewing Company during a media event that previewed Destination Toledo’s round three of 419 Ale Trail kickoff Sunday.
Established in 2021 by Destination Toledo, the 419 Ale Trail is now a network of 32 breweries throughout the region, from Toledo to Defiance to Carey. Those on the trail download a “passport” on their phone, and check in at each participating brewery they visit. Prizes, drawings, deals, and discounts incentivize them to complete the trail.
Chris Thompson, the owner and brewer at the Aistear brewery in Bowling Green said Ms. Miller’s thought was also his thought exactly.
“The whole theme is the brewery adventure,” Mr. Thompson, who focuses on stouts and sours, said.
“We get a lot of new faces coming in who wouldn't otherwise make their way all the way down to Bowling Green,” he said. “And then we try to pull in new fans out of it just because it's someone who's never experienced our crazy beers before.”
Lilli Cruz, marketing manager for the Twin Oast brewery on Catawba Island, said it’s the third year the brewery will participate in the ale trail.
“It is engaging us with our community,” Ms. Cruz said of the program. “We definitely have a lot of people that come in from other towns just for the trail, which is awesome.
“They definitely love interacting with our staff about it too. So we just think that it's a great way to get more people to come in and check us out.”
Alex Drozdowicz, the brewer and co-owner of the Quenched Tempered brewery on Jackson Street, expressed similar feelings about the program.
“I've had people last weekend come up from Cincinnati and Dayton because they know about the [419 Ale] Trail,” Mr. Drozdowicz said, adding that he specializes in European-style beers.
“They are like, ‘We look at that list and we know exactly where we want to go.’ They look at what beers we have, and they come straight to us.”
Here’s what event organizers suggest those interested should do:
• Sign up at 419AleTrail.com or scan the QR Code at any participating brewery
• Officially begin checking in at participating locations on June 18
• Earn points as you go to win prizes
• Receive discounts and offers along the trail
• Complete the 419 Ale Trail by June 17, 2024
One participant will win an overnight stay at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, brewery merchandise, and gift cards. The winner will be drawn after the completion of the trail on June 17, 2024.
Lance Woodworth, Destination Toledo president and chief executive officer, said that the effort is ultimately intended “to shine a light on all the special things that we're doing as a region so that selfishly we can draw those visitors into Northwest Ohio.”
Brochures will be available at all participating breweries that will include sign up instructions, a QR code, and a list of participating businesses. The list of participating breweries and details on how to sign up are also available at 419AleTrail.com.
First Published June 15, 2023, 11:26 p.m.
