On January 10, 2018, after a holiday break, the TTA, bolstered by Rod Gossett and Bruce Lathrop, expanded their culinary quest ever northward to Morrow, Ohio and visited The Sugar Run Grill, located on Rt. 22 perhaps all of 100 feet from the Trail bridge spanning Todd's Fork. 

As the sole customers upon entering, we were cordially greeted by Tara, who served as bartender and waitress.  Sugar Run Grill has a number of unique features, not the least of which is the warm and inviting rustic wood furniture which we later learned had been hand-crafted by owner Ed Porginski prior to the restaurant's opening in 2015.  (Ed also noted that all meat served in his restaurant, with the sole exception of chicken, is raised on his farm.)  Sugar Run emphasizes quality above all else, and that attitude is clearly reflected on the front page of the menu, which features a large stop sign and the following caution: "STOP -- This is not fast food.  Be prepared to wait for your order.  We cook from scratch."  Taking this as an encouraging indicator of good things to come, the group relaxed with a round of draft beers before ordering.  Rod and John had Sam Adams Winter Lager, while Bruce and George opted for a Deschutes IPA (which can be challenging to find in the Cincinnati area, since it comes from Bend, Oregon.  Kudos to Ed for his good taste— in brews, as well as in decor!)

Analysis of the menu quickly indicated that Sugar Run's intention is to have relatively few offerings, but to concentrate on doing them well.  Daily specials are posted on the chalk board and should be noted.  Sometimes the special is a regular menu item, like it was today, and other times it is an extra offering.  Bar staples such as appetizers, wings, sandwiches and burgers figure prominently.  Accordingly, the group started off with an order of wings, which were moist, meaty and really good!  Bruce got a bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions and fries for $11.99, and claimed to be a happy guy.  John selected a "Sunrise Burger" ($13.99), so named because it came with a fried egg atop it, accompanied by crispy fries with Cajun seasoning.  While it wasn't cooked exactly as he had requested, he still was satisfied.  Rod enjoyed his cheesesteak special ($12.99). George "lowballed" his peers, and popped just $9.99 for a pulled pork sandwich with mac & cheese.  He found the pulled pork (and accompanying sauce) certainly adequate, but unremarkable.  The mac and cheese was unexpectedly disappointing, just some grated cheese atop moist (but creamy) elbow pasta.

Morrow has been trying to get trail users to stop in their town for years.  They have attempted this by placing 4 stop signs on the trail over the quarter mile stretch through town.  They have even issued warnings and citations to trail users who don’t stop.  Morrow City Council should take a lesson from the Sugar Run Grill:  add more quality places like this one with good food and a fun atmosphere.  Sugar Run Grill has given this gang of trail users a reason to stop and we loved it!

The consensus of the group was that Sugar Run's overall food quality, ambiance and excellent proximity to the trail certainly merited 4 "bells" from the TTA.

Sugar Run Grill
100 Front Street, Morrow, OH
Phone: 513/899-2127
Hours:  Open Wed. through Sunday at 11 AM; closing time varies. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Salt Run Bridge photo by FLMSP volunteer Mike Egan
Article by Erick Wikum

Winter, which for most people is the season of hibernation, is upon us.  But you’re not most people, and with a bit of planning, you can continue to enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail even now.  Remain active and enjoy the out-of-doors on the trail throughout the winter by following these tips:

1. Use sound judgment:  Discretion is the better part of valor.  Stay home when conditions including ice or extreme wind chill make for unsafe usage.  If you don’t like the weather in Ohio, wait a few minutes.  There will be other days to enjoy the trail.  Note that Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which owns and manages the trail, does not clear the trail of snow or ice since doing so would suggest the trail is safe to use.  Evaluate trail conditions for yourself and use the trail at your own risk.
2. Choose an appropriate activity:  Avoid bicycling, roller blading and running and stick to walking or cross-country skiing when snow or moisture make for a slippery trail.
3. Dress properly:  Wear multiple layers including breathable inner layers and a windproof outer layer that can be unzipped to avoid the buildup of moisture.  Also wear a headband or balaclava, mittens or lobster gloves, warm socks and waterproof footwear.  Cover exposed skin in cold and windy conditions to avoid frostbite.
4. Remain in touch:  Communicate your planned route and schedule to a trusted friend in advance and carry your charged cell phone to stay in touch during and after your outing.
5. Stay hydrated and energized:  Bring water or sports drink as well as snacks to maintain hydration and your energy level.

Longer and warmer days will be here soon enough.  In the meantime, with a mind to safety, you can continue to take advantage of our beautiful trail, a true winter wonderland.

Would you like to help improve the deteriorating pavement on the Little Miami Trail? Here is a simple step you can take that will cost you nothing but a few minutes of time.