From MSN to Lonely Planet, travel articles tout the finest food destinations. Every Top Ten list differs a bit depending on the author’s tastes. After residing in four US regions, travel blogger Claudette Schwartz learned the top food secrets of the US. If you need a weekend away from it all and love tasty morsels, these destinations deliver.
Northeast US
Every American should visit Niagara Falls, NY, at least once. This fabulous wonder of nature offers breathtaking views. On your way there, stop in Tonawanda, NY, a smallish town boasting the first US Tim Horton’s location. In Canada, the Tim Horton’s chain combines tasty coffee and delicious donuts. Established in 1964, 20 years later, it crossed the border into the US, starting in Tonawanda and bringing with it a bit of Canadian ingenuity—the maple donut. The soft, sweet taste of these maple donuts defies words, so eat one to understand. The chain now has more than 300 US locations, but the first retains a true Canadian flavor.
Deep South
When you cross the old Mason-Dixon line into the southern US, you enter a new world of food. Pit stop at any food truck or stand advertising boiled peanuts. A large bag still costs only a dollar or two, and the zingy burst of peanut juice, salt, and nuts can’t be beat.
Grits define Deep South cuisine. This versatile grain comes from the tip of a kernel of corn. Southerners dine on it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Head to Charleston, SC, to a restaurant called 82 Queen, also the address of the eatery. Order the shrimp and grits to experience real Southern food at its finest.
Southern Midwest
The states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas form more than a formidable football region. This area of the country boasts some of the finest barbecues in the nation. Some spots offer the best brisket, while others specialize in chicken and turkey. Stop into Oklahoma City’s original location of Billy Sims’ BBQ to dine on a three-meat plate and try the top tastes of all the BBQ specialties. For those with anti-spicy palates, beware of the sauces. Sims offers two homemade creations, both concocted with his family members. One could burn the roof off of anyone’s mouth; the other offers a mild smoky flavor. They’re color-coded, but not marked, so ask the counter person which is which before you pour. Sims operates a chain that encompasses six states, but the Heisman-winning retired pro football player started with one local restaurant-none of them located in Texas.
Texas does offer a fabulous BBQ, though. Stop in at Stubbs in Austin, TX, for a bit of brisket. Originally located in Lubbock, its founder, Christopher B. Stubblefield, moved the eatery to Austin, where it became a hotbed of music performances and BBQ meats. Today, people enjoy Sunday dinner there with a live gospel concert.
West Coast North
Head to Monterey to dine at FishWife, a charming restaurant near the ocean. Technically in Pacific Grove on Sunset Drive, this eatery offers indoor and outdoor dining in a relaxed atmosphere. No one rushes at FishWife. The chef makes every dish from scratch. It’s not slow service, but careful crafting of an ideal meal that diners experience. This little gem near Pacific Grove Gate serves delectable lobster ravioli and creamy clam chowder. Few tourists know of this spot, but the locals dine here regularly. Make reservations for the shortest wait and best table.
That’s it for my foodie travel secrets for today. Whenever visiting any city, ask the hotel staff or clerk at a retail shop where the locals dine. Doing so lets you avoid tourist traps and experience the true nature of the location.
