13 Trips, Towns, And Tours For Every U.S. Foodie’s Bucket List

When most individuals consider a Bucket List, they envision one thing really extraordinary: a once-in-a-lifetime journey or journey; an expedition that fuels and satisfies even probably the most insatiable wanderlust. These experiences are typically journeys to the nation’s most unbelievable locations: nationwide parks, world-renowned points of interest, superlative pure wonders. Many of those adventures are open air, and whereas we at OnlyInYourState try to incorporate various lists of bucket-list-worthy adventures which are accessible to all, we acknowledge {that a} hike on the Appalachian Path or cross-country highway journey may not be everybody’s journey de jour. 

However there’s something that connects us all, whether or not we’re superior outside fans, avid historians, or devoted conservationists, and that’s meals. Meals is a common language all of us communicate; it’s a energetic, connective expertise that’s as a lot about sustenance as it’s about tradition, delicacies, and celebration. Whether or not you’re a avenue truck aficionado, advantageous eating connoisseur, or into all issues “Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives,” this bucket checklist is for you. We’ve scoured the nation in quest of the very best journeys, cities, and excursions that belong on each U.S. foodie’s bucket checklist, and we invite you to come back together with us on these wholly distinctive, totally scrumptious, bucket-list-worthy adventures.

Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA

There isn’t any place in Seattle extra iconic than Pike Place Market; this amazing market sits proper by the bustling waterfront, and it’s probably the most photographed locations within the Pacific Northwest. Spanning 9 acres within the coronary heart of downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market was based in 1907, making it one of many oldest and largest repeatedly working public markets within the nation — and probably the most various, as well. There are greater than 500 completely different cubicles up and working at any given time; the choice of fresh-caught seafood, worldwide fare, and ROYGBIV produce is a complete sensory overload, and, as such, it is useful to have an knowledgeable paved the way. Savor Seattle affords a number of completely different foods and drinks excursions, however their signature meals tour of Pike Place Market is basically one thing particular, and a should for vacationers and long-time Seattleites alike.

Portland, Oregon, is a celebrated foodie mecca, identified for its worldwide flavors, PNW delicacies, recent seafood, avenue meals, doughnuts, craft breweries, wineries — the checklist goes on (and on). And on this bona fide meals city, Feast is the town’s proudest culinary fete. Hailed because the premier foods and drinks competition of the Pacific Northwest, Feast is a celebration of the bounty of the Beaver State: the ample oceans, fertile fields, and creative spirit that mixes to create one thing wholly distinctive and great. From beloved Oregon favorites, like Tillamook ice cream and cheese curds to Oregon ales and Pinots to the freshest catches from the Pacific, foodies have quite a bit to like (and eat) in Portland.

Between long-standing establishments like Gundlach Bundschu Vineyard (the third-oldest vineyard within the state, in actual fact) to beloved family-run operations like Chateau Diana, wine lovers have quite a bit to like about Sonoma County. With 99% of Sonoma County’s vineyards licensed sustainable, that is probably the most sustainable wine-growing region on this planet, and it is really a bucket-list should for oenophiles. However what most do not understand is that this fertile expanse is not simply nice for grapes; it is a area the place all kinds of produce lives and thrives. In Sonoma County, the eponymous Sonoma Meals Tour leads intrepid foodies to the very best markets, eating places, and sure, wine, in downtown Sonoma. These are off-the-beaten-path secrets and techniques shared by Sonoma foodies; the type of hyper native, wonderful locations the journey guides will not inform you about. When you’ve but to expertise the culinary splendor of Sonoma County, now’s the time to alter that.

Simply probably the most acclaimed meals competition within the nation, the Aspen Meals & Wine Traditional is a celebration of the distinctive culinary tradition of the U.S. Every year, the nation’s most acclaimed cooks, up-and-coming stars, and culinary celebrities collect in one of many nation’s most wonderful mountain cities to commemorate the medium that actually does unite us all. In fact, this occasion is as a lot for oenophiles as it’s for foodies, attracting famend winemakers from throughout to share their most interesting vintages and bottles. And with the gorgeous backdrop of Aspen, Colorado, that is an occasion that really is the culinary expertise of a lifetime.

The Picnic – Meals Truck Park, 1720 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Austin, Texas, is widely known for its various culinary tradition, and the town is very well-known for its meals vans. With a number of meals truck parks throughout ATX, it may be overwhelming deciding on a place to begin, so we suggest going with the *unique* meals truck park,
The Picnic. Nestled alongside Barton Springs Street, The Picnic is situated proper within the coronary heart of the town, and its array of improbable meals vans could have your mouth rumbling and abdomen grumbling as quickly as you arrive. Tex-Mex, Thai, Venezuelan, Italian… the culinary world is yours at The Picnic; and, as such, we suggest bringing an enormous, Texas-sized urge for food when visiting this acclaimed foodie vacation spot.

Tastebud Excursions and Occasions LLC, 550 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Chicago is such an underrated participant by way of meals cities; this Midwest treasure is commonly pitted towards its coastal brethren, however actually stands by itself by way of delicacies. A number of the nation’s most celebrated culinary icons hail from the Windy Metropolis, in actual fact, from the eponymous Chicago-style pizza and scorching canines to Italian beef and Jibarito sandwiches. Chicago Meals Excursions goals to point out vacationers the very best the town has to supply, by myriad accessible and thrilling experiences. The Iconic Meals of Chicago Meals Tour is a should for any Midwest foodies; on this 1.4-mile strolling tour, you will devour 5 of the enduring “Chicago-style” dishes from the eateries that perfected them. What may very well be higher?

Previous Talbott Tavern, 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA

The Bluegrass State’s most celebrated spirit takes middle stage on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which options at least 41 top-tier distilleries. The connection between the Bluegrass and bourbon is inextricable, with the state answerable for producing 95% of the world’s provide of this sultry spirit. In style stops alongside this path embrace Jim Beam, Bardstown Bourbon, and Maker’s Mark — however it’s not all libations on this iconic tour. Situated in charming Bardstown within the coronary heart of Kentucky Bourbon Nation, the Previous Talbott Tavern dates again to the late 1700s, and is hailed because the oldest bourbon bar on this planet. Guests can come and order from over 200 types of Bluegrass bourbon (bourbon flights can be found for many who want to pattern a number of varieties), and dine on bourbon-infused dishes like bourbon-glazed hen and bread pudding, for a well-rounded, chef’s kiss, culinary celebration of the spirit that put Kentucky on the map in an enormous approach.

French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USA

There’s a soul to New Orleans — a dwelling, respiratory spirit that is really distinctive to the town. This pleasure de vivre is positively palpable, and one thing that may actually solely be skilled. Whereas well-known for Mardi Gras, the spirit of New Orleans is much deeper than the pomp and revelry of this occasion. Meals, particularly, is a big a part of the NOLA expertise, and there are some really iconic spots you will undoubtedly wish to go to. From the beignets at Café Du Monde and the muffalata from Central Grocery & Deli to the fried oyster po’ boy from Mom’s Restaurant and the seafood gumbo from Antoine’s, New Orleans is a spot that’s colourful and scrumptious and larger-than-life, and finest skilled by meals.

Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando, FL, USA

Not solely is Walt Disney World Resort identified for taking guests across the globe with its points of interest, however the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival affords a culinary tour de power of among the world’s most interesting meals and wine. Sip and savor your approach throughout six completely different continents, consuming and ingesting till your coronary heart’s content material at this annual food-filled jubilee, probably the most well-liked in each the park and Orlando, Florida. That includes dozens of scrumptious meals cubicles representing delicacies from all throughout the nation, that is simply probably the most family-friendly foodie fest within the U.S. In fact, exploring Epcot in and of itself is an expertise to not be missed, however when you actually wish to degree up your journey, be sure you go to throughout this epic competition.

Thought to be probably the most lovely locations on this planet, Seaside is a delightfully distinctive waterfront group in Florida that has quietly develop into probably the most coveted trip locations within the state. Along with unbelievable boutiques, charming retailers (together with an impartial bookstore and file store), and an cute grocery, the city’s Central Sq. is house to a world of delicacies, from advantageous eating eating places to a lineup of meals vans on Airstream Row. Inside this energetic meals hub, adventurous foodies will discover all kinds of scrumptious eats, from the crave-worthy Cubanos and Pan con Tortilla from Cocina Cubana to the epic, Southern-fried platters from Barefoot BBQ. When you’re extra of a traditionalist, the Nutella Crepes from Crêpes du Soleil will make you very, very blissful — as will the cheeseburgers from Pickle’s Burger and Shakes.

Over the previous few years, Charleston, South Carolina, has quietly develop into one of many coolest cities within the South. With its towering timber and iconic structure, Charleston is among the most lovely cities within the U.S., with a historic district that is each fascinating and irresistibly charming. Anchoring this city, although, is a vibrant meals scene that actually is an inextricable a part of the town’s cultural identification. Charleston’s Historic French Quarter and Metropolis Market are two of its most iconic locations, providing guests immersive historic context with a heaping aspect of wonderful delicacies. Charleston Culinary Excursions celebrates the town’s meals tradition throughout its participating, guide-led excursions that mix components of a historic tour with a culinary journey. From historic pubs and French bistros to basic Southern cooking and Lowcountry delicacies, there is no higher solution to expertise Charleston, South Carolina, than to eat your approach by city!

New York Metropolis is a fabulous culinary melting pot the place just about each kind of worldwide delicacies is represented. And Meals of NY Excursions goals to assist of us see this extensive, great world, visiting among the metropolis’s most iconic and under-the-radar markets, neighborhoods, and eating places. Clearly, NYC is thought for its pizzerias, delis, and various boroughs, however there’s a lot extra to see and style within the metropolis than what’s within the information books or “High 10” listicals. Providing each strolling excursions and bus excursions, meals tasting afternoons and all-day excursions, Meals of NY Excursions go to the very best eateries and epicurean hubs within the metropolis, and really is a should for all gourmands, foodies, historians, and cultural fans. (In different phrases, just about everybody.)

320 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Lobster and chowder, blueberries and beer, Portland, Maine, is an underrated culinary mecca within the Northeast. Portland’s annual Harvest on the Harbor competition celebrates this culinary tradition every fall, however guests and locals alike can revel within the metropolis’s most scrumptious fare year-round with Maine Day Ventures. On these guide-led strolling excursions, adventurous foodies will sip, style, and slurp their approach by Portland, Maine, consuming seafood that is fairly actually been pulled from the city waterfront and ales straight from the fermenters. These excursions are a should for foodies, however particularly seafood followers — whether or not you are into huge lobster rolls, comforting clam chowder, or uncooked oysters, you will get a full style of the Atlantic on this only-in-Maine journey.

Along with, in fact, the meals, the very best half about all of those adventures is how accessible they’re. These are bucket-list experiences anybody can take pleasure in, so long as they bring about a way of journey — and hearty urge for food — to the desk.