A Foodie's Guide to Rail Trail Lights
Discover local art and local cuisine along the Rail Trail.
The Rail Trail Lights festival is back from February 3-19, and there are plenty of ways to explore the neighborhood while you discover the 6 interactive, illuminating art pieces along the Rail Trail. Whether you're motivated by the sweet smell of donuts, craving a comforting bowl of ramen, or looking to try something completely new, discover 5 ways to explore Rail Trail Lights as a foodie.
If You're Craving Asian Food
Start at Futo Buta, because ramen is the best way to warm up before walking the Trail. See Cheek's Laboratory at The Pavilion before walking towards Flower Child, where you'll find Gold Rush and Kaleidoscopic. Next, make your way to Kingston Connection to find Moment. Cross the street and walk towards Jeni’s Ice Cream and see The Lighted Cube at the Design Center Plaza. Lastly, walk towards High Beams at Atherton. Find O-Ku near the Fairy Ring Light, where you can end the night with Okinawan style fried donuts called Sata Andagi, mochi ice cream, and matcha cocktails.
If You're Craving Latin Food
Start at Atherton, seeing High Beams first. Check out the Fairy Ring Light on the Atherton Lawn before walking across the street to see The Lighted Cube at the Design Center Plaza. While there, stop in Superica for an appetizer of chili con queso and a margarita or horchata before continuing your walk the Rail Trail. Find La Capital MX at The Steelyard, where you can enjoy authentic fajitas, tacos, and more. Once you’re done, keep walking towards Kingston Connection to find Moment. If you still have room for dessert, head to Sabor Latin Street Grill and cap off your food tour with a guava empanada (pro tip: grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream from Two Scoops Creamery next door). Keep walking the Rail Trail to find Kaleidoscopic and Gold Rush at Flower Child. End your adventure at The Pavilion, where you’ll find Cheek’s Laboratory.
If You're Craving Italian Food
Start at VANA, where you can watch chefs craft the perfect wood-fired pizza before starting your Rail Trail adventure. Walk towards Bland St. Station to find Cheek's Laboratory at The Pavilion. Next, walk towards Flower Child to find Gold Rush and Kaleidoscopic. Continue walking on the Rail Trail to find Moment at Kingston Connection, then cross the street to find The Lighted Cube at the Design Center Plaza. While there, find Elsewhere, a pocket craft-cocktail bar under the historic water tower. Walk towards High Beams Atherton to end the night with handmade pasta, espresso martinis, and craveable desserts like chocolate cake at Indaco.
If You're Craving Vegetarian and Vegan Food
Start at The Pavilion, where you'll find Cheek's Laboratory, before walking towards Flower Child. Find Gold Rush and Kaleidoscopic at the vegan-friendly restaurant and start your culinary adventure with a seasonal sangria or lemonade and hummus appetizer. Once you're done at Flower Child, keep walking the Rail Trail towards Moment at Kingston Connection. Cross the street to find The Lighted Cube at the Design Center Plaza. If you're tempted, grab a scoop of dairy-free ice cream from Jeni's before or after dinner! Then, walk towards Atherton to find High Beams, and end your adventure with dinner at Living Kitchen.
If You're Craving a Sweet Treat
Start your sweet adventure with a doughnut at the Krispy Kreme headquarters, where you can test the newest flavor combinations or check out the doughnut vending machine. Walk to Atherton, where you can find decadent desserts like tres leches cake and molten chocolate skillets at Trolley Barn, alongside the High Beams installation. Crossing the street to the Design Center, where you'll find The Lighted Cube. Keep walking on the Rail Trail to see Moment at Kingston Connection. Then, cross the street to discover unique ice cream flavors at Two Scoops Creamery. Continue walking to find Kaleidoscopic and Gold Rush at Flower Child. End the night at The Pavilion, where you can see Cheek's Laboratory.