It’s hard to imagine just a few months ago we were vacationing, eating out every night, and hugging family and friends. Things have definitely changed the past few months, but back in February we had an amazing time spending a weekend in the Glass City. We are so THANKFUL to every essential worker and are happy to do our part by staying at home, BUT WHILE we stay at home we are already dreaming about traveling again.
We aren’t sure when we’ll jump on a plane next, BUT we do know an amazing weekend trip you can add to your bucket list that’s only a short drive away. We decided to share our Toledo Travel Guide and hope you are also looking forward to the day when you can support local restaurants and businesses in person!
We were super lucky to partner with Destination Toledo for this trip. They were our virtual tour guides and gave us an amazing list of places to check out. Make sure to head over to their instagram for more Toledo Inspo!
WHERE TO EAT
Toledo is full of amazing restaurants. Here are just a few that we think you will LOVE!
Brim House
Located inside the Renaissance Toledo Hotel you’ll find this restaurant is amazing for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The Chef does a wonderful job creating a locally influenced menu with something for everyone. During our stay we made this our first brunch stop. We tried the Maumee Eggs Benedict made with poached eggs, fried walleye, rosemary ham, peppered braised greens, and cajun hollandaise. Also the Local Cakes which are pancakes made with cornmeal and fresh corn. These were totally unique menu items that we really enjoyed trying!
You can find Brim House inside the Renaissance Toledo Hotel
You can view their menu HERE
Registry Bistro
This is the perfect date night spot. Attached to the River House Arts Gallery, it’s a beautiful restaurant and bar. With a seasonally changing menu by Chef Erika Rapp you’ll find dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. The wine list, cocktails, and desserts are exceptional. We also loved that they had plenty of vegetarian and vegan options!
My entree was the Wood Grilled Berkshire Pork Shank served over Pimento Cheese Grits and Braised Winter Greens. My sister ordered the Potato and Squash Gnocchi. Our appetizer was unreal! We had vegan Thai Sticky Meatballs with the cleverest plating ever. For dessert we had the Brown Sugar Cake and Chocolate Trifle. The service here was impeccable. If you have any questions about a dish, the wine list, or cocktails ask your server. They will 100% point you in the right direction with what to order.
You can find Registry Bistro here: 144 N Superior St, Toledo, OH 43604
You can view their menu HERE
Fowl and Fodder
This is a super casual restaurant perfect for breakfast or lunch. This local fave has a fun menu featuring items like Chorizo Tacos, Kale and Beet Salad , Chicken and Waffles, Avocado Toast and Goat Cheese Balls! We were OBSESSED with the Goat Cheese Balls and House Tots! The Chicken and Waffles are amazing. This dish is made with Almond Crusted Chicken served over a waffle, maple syrup, and homestyle milk gravy. It’s a MUST TRY. And Make sure to order their take on a Mimosa the Mi’almosta Cocktail, it’s a 10/10!
Fowl and Fodder has a few locations, you can find the location we visited here: 614 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604
You can view their menu HERE
Benchmark Restaurant
If you’re in Toledo for the weekend and looking for an AMAZING Steakhouse head a little ways outside the city to Benchmark Restaurant in Perrysburg. The service, food, and drinks are fantastic. If you can sit at the Chef’s bar do it! We loved chatting with Chef and he and our server Dave gave us amazing recommendations. Your meal will start with their house made popovers which were divine. We also ordered the Feta Dip and bread as an app, and we both died over how amazing it was. Definitely order this! I went with the Chef’s recommendation and ordered the 10oz Prime filet served Chef’s Way. That meant the perfectly cooked steak was topped with Korean Steak Butter, King Crab, and Black Truffle Bernaise sauce. It was 20/10. The steak had a glorious crust and perfectly cooked center. This is one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
You can find Benchmark Restaurant here: 6130 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg, OH 43551
You can view their menu HERE
Bellwether at Toledo Spirits
If you are looking for an AMAZING bar Bellwether at Toledo Spirits is worth the trip! Try their seasonal signatures or classic cocktails and enjoy the cozy laid back vibe. This place is perfect for date night or girls night. We highly recommend the Peacock a Tropical | Fruity | Boozy drink made with Heart of Glass, Banae du Brasil, White Rum, All Spice Dram, Pineapple Juice, Lemon, Lime, Angostura Bitters, Salt
You can find Bellwether at Toledo Spirits here: 1301 North Summit Street Toledo, Ohio 43604
You can view the Bellwether at Toledo Spirits menu HERE
Maddie & Bella
I’m so happy to have an awesome coffee shop to recommend during your Toledo stay! Maddie & Bella offers fresh roasted coffee and house made syrups for exceptional coffee creations! They have a seasonal menu and are currently featuring their PB&J Latte. You can also find breakfast sandwiches, toasts, and pastries! We loved this coffee shop and it’s perfect for a weekend break!
You can find Maddie & Bella here: 44 S St Clair St Toledo, OH 43604
You can check out Maddie & Bella’s menu HERE
WHAT TO DO
You’ll find lots to do during your weekend in Toledo! Destination Toledo recommended some awesome attractions for us that we think you will enjoy!
Toledo Museum of Art
We had an amazing visit at this museum. The art collection was impressive and they are currently featuring the Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water exhibition. This exhibit is truly unique and we highly recommend buying tickets if they become available again. Disclaimer: The Toledo Museum of Art is currently closed. For updates on the museum opening and the Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water exhibit please visit toledomuseum.org
You can find The Toledo Museum of Art here: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620
You can view their website HERE
River House Arts Gallery
River House Arts is a small gallery in downtown Toledo featuring local artists. It’s truly a unique space with exciting art pieces and beautiful natural light. Since it’s also attached to Registry Bistro combine the two for the perfect afternoon or night out.
You can find River House Arts here: 1214141, Toledo, OH 43604
You can view River House Arts website HERE
Cannaley Treehouse Village
Toledo has many beautiful MetroParks but one of the most exciting ones is the new Treehouse Village! We got to check it out before they officially opened and we were so IMPRESSED.
The Treehouse Village at Oak Openings Preserve will provide Metroparks visitors new, memorable experiences that connect people with nature. With help from Nelson Treehouse and Supply, of the TV show “Treehouse Masters,” the Cannaley Treehouse Village will feature:
- A six-person treehouse
- A four-person treehouse
- Two, 2-person treehouses
- Three tent/hammock platforms for camping in the trees
- A common treehouse with seating for up to 49 people
- A crow’s nest
- And a canopy walk linking the common treehouse to the crow’s nest
The four private treehouses and tent platforms will be available to rent for overnight stays beginning in 2020, while the common treehouse will be reservable for group gatherings.
All of the treehouses were beautiful with awesome views and amenities. If you’re looking for a unique experience ADD THIS TO YOUR BUCKETLIST!
You can learn more about Cannaley Treehouse Village HERE
JupMode and Handmade Toledo
If you love shopping make sure to make a visit to Jupmode Screen Printing shop and Handmade Toledo. Jupmode offers tons of Toledo Gear and Handmade Toledo had an awesome selection of locally made clothing, candles, art, jewelry and more. We came home with some cool sweatshirts, art prints, and yummy smelling candles! #supportlocal
You can find Jupmode here: 2022 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604
You can find Handmade Toledo here: 1717 Adams Street . Toledo, Ohio 43604
WHERE TO STAY
We can not speak highly enough of Toledo’s Renaissance Hotel. It has a great location on the Riverfront and a fantastic restaurant and rooftop bar. The main restaurant on the lobby level is Brim House and later in the evening you can head to the roof for drinks and eats at The Heights Bar. You’ll find spacious rooms, accommodating staff, and a beautiful lobby during your stay. We have booked here numerous times and will always recommend this hotel!
You can find The Renaissance Toledo hotel here: 444 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604
You can check out The Renaissance Toledo hotel website HERE
We know you can’t book a trip at the moment but we hope we’ve added Toledo to your radar! It’s a great weekend getaway with unexpected food, drinks, and so much to explore!
We want to thank Destination Toledo for sponsoring our trip and for the great recommendations. As always we only support restaurants and locations we have visited and truly enjoyed!