Regional Food Finds - Chicago to Pittsburgh

I am headed to Pittsburgh next week and I am interested in locating regional speciality items along the way. What I am looking for is food and drink items that are local to the areas that I will be visiting and are items that couldn't be purchased in the Chicagoland area.

For example, I am looking for great regional beers, cheese from local producers, condiments (e.g. smal batch BBQ sauces), etc. Get the idea...

My plan is take 80 through Indiana and Ohio; I will be spending a few days in Toledo (SIL) and will also be taking a day trip to Ann Arbor (Zingerman's here I come) and Cleveland.

As always I appreciate any and all advice...thanks!

I'm assuming you already know to stop at Tony Packo's while in Toledo, but make sure you pick up a jar or two of their hot pickles. I am usually a pickle frowner, but I make an exception for these!

Lucky you, going to Zingerman's!

When in Cleveland, make sure to spend some time at the West Side Market. I don't know that you'll find that much in the way of exclusively "regional" products there, but it will provide you with a wonderful foodie adventure; one that is sorely lacking in our hometown of Chicago.

Also, I think you will be hard pressed to find any good regional foods if you're sticking to I-80. The Indiana Tollroad (The Ohio Turnpike isn't much better) is a bleak stretch of road with few dining options. You'll absolutely need to get off the highway and onto the backroads if you're looking for regional specialties.

Buddy

Funny that you mention Tony Packo's pickles. Our local Woodman's just started carrying them.

Well, I don't know about it being regional, but if I were anywhere near Waldo, Ohio, I'd head for the G & R Tavern for a fried bologna sandwich...same as I'd go to Nick's Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana, for a Breaded Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich...because I've heard so much about it.

In Pittsburgh, stop at the Pickle Barrel on East Carson for a footlong frank, my favorite hot dog west of N.J.

The Bear

I don't know your route but I wonder if you will pass through any of the Amish areas in Ohio.
I have found that some of the smaller storesand groceries in similar areas in Pennsylvania,especially the butchers have very interesting regional founds and ingredientts.