Best Small City for Foodies
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
Self-proclaimed as Foodtopia, Asheville's food scene has an eclectic mix of restaurants that highlight the city's bohemian, Southern charm. Farm-to-table spots like Posana source ingredients from the lush gardens that surround this mountain city, and hospitality has never been higher than at Cúrate, recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its warm, attentive service. Beer and BBQ fill many corners, too, with local brews and Carolina-style roasted meats.
Bozeman, MT
Photo courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/iStock by Getty Images
People who love to explore the outdoors flock to Bozeman for its rugged beauty, only to realize that its restaurant scene is equally as enchanting. Before heading out on a hike, swing by Wild Crumb for a flaky croissant to fuel your adventures; when you return, a pint and a bite—try the local, pasture-raised burger—from Montana Ale Works satisfies the appetite you built on the trail.
Burlington, VT
Photo courtesy of Julia Potapoff/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Julia Potapoff/iStock by Getty Images
Known for its craft beer and delicious cheeses, Burlington enjoys a lakeside location close to farms that supply its restaurants with seasonal ingredients, inspiring a range of flavors. You can share small Mediterranean plates at Honey Road or indulge in a cheeseboard with a beer from one of the 30 draft lines at The Farm House Tap & Grill. Don't leave without trying Vermont's famous creemee from Little Gordo.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com
Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com
Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts more restaurants per capita than other city in the country—that alone should pique any foodie's interest. But add on its enchanting oceanside village vibe with access to the freshest seafood and some of the best wine in America, and it quickly becomes an epicurean paradise. Even Michelin has taken notice, awarding its most coveted stars to restaurants like Chez Noir and Aubergine.
Charlottesville, VA
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
A bustling college town with historical roots and a strong agricultural presence, Charlottesville is constantly welcoming exciting new restaurants like Tangerines Kitchen while supporting mainstays like the 18th-century Michie Tavern. Of course, the wineries and cideries in and around the city are also a huge draw, and spots like Pippin Hill Farms, with its garden-to-table tapas, provide the chance to experience the area's best food and wine.
Fredericksburg, TX
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images
You might not expect to stumble upon delicious European cuisine in the middle of the Lone Star State, but Fredericksburg has a rich German heritage that continues to influence this delightful Texas Hill Country city. Start your day at the Old German Bakery & Restaurant with a pancake dusted with powdered sugar, served with lemon wedges, and then savor a plate of wurst and sauerkraut from Otto's at dinner.
Galena, IL
Photo by Keren Roeglin on Unsplash
Photo by Keren Roeglin on Unsplash
For cozy bistros, global flavors and classic treats, consider a visit to Galena, an adorable city steeped in history. You can spend a day strolling down Main Street, stopping to try crazy popcorn flavors (like cherry cheesecake) from the Great American Popcorn Company before continuing on with your shopping to finally end at Fritz and Frites, an upscale café that'll make you feel like you're dining in Paris.
Greenville, SC
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Ever since Greenville began revitalizing its downtown area, talented chefs and restaurateurs have been flocking to this burgeoning city to join its culinary community. Though anchored by its farm-fresh Southern fare at places like Soby's, this city's food scene is diverse, offering everything from dim sum and birria ramen to goat korma and gyros. Tack on coffee shops like Methodical and bakeries like Rise, and it's a no-brainer foodie destination.
Gulf Shores, AL
Photo courtesy of George Dodd/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of George Dodd/iStock by Getty Images
If you can't get enough of fresh seafood, plan your next vacation in Gulf Shores. After a day on the beach, you can eat at humble dives like Sloop for Gulf-caught shrimp or splurge on a fine-dining experience at Coast, where stunning sea views are served alongside oysters and crab. Reel in a big one on a fishing excursion? Several local restaurants will even cook your catch.
Healdsburg, CA
Photo courtesy of Stay Healdsburg
Photo courtesy of Stay Healdsburg
Nestled in the middle of California's Wine Country, Healdsburg offers a restaurant landscape studded with Michelin Stars and lauded by the James Beard Foundation. Visitors can meander around its charming plaza and downtown on a tasting tour, pausing for bites and sips at places like Costeaux French Bakery, Spoonbar and Bravas. And if you're lucky enough to snag a reservation, the acclaimed SingleThread restaurant features a 10-course tasting menu.
McMinnville, OR
Photo by Ben Eubank on Unsplash
Photo by Ben Eubank on Unsplash
While this area of the Willamette Valley has been known for its wine for quite some time, only in the last 15 years or so has it become a culinary hot spot. Fueled by the flourishing farms that surround the area, McMinnville's restaurants rival those in any big city with local establishments like Okta and Hayward garnering the attention of and a few nominations from the James Beard Foundation.
Oxford, MS
Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford MS
Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford MS
Oxford, a town bolstered by literary legends and the arts and culture of Ole Miss, has seen its food scene blossom under the leadership of award-winning chefs like John Currence and Vishwesh Bhatt. Here, a good day starts with a meal at Big Bad Breakfast (order a side of locally smoked meats!) and ends with soul food like the sweet heat okra bowl or shrimp and grits from Bouré.
Santa Fe, NM
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Spice up your next getaway with a stay in Santa Fe, where you'll uncover inspiring flavors influenced by its Native American, Spanish and Mexican heritage. In between tours of the historic architecture and colorful art galleries, you can try local specialties like crisped breakfast burritos from Cafe Pasqual's or indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with a nine-course meal at Sazón with curated tequila, mezcal and wine pairings.
Sedona, AZ
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Imagine savoring expertly prepared dishes as the sun sets against towering red rocks, setting them aglow and creating breathtaking views. This mixing of senses is exactly what you'll encounter when you dine in Sedona, a city designed to take you to new levels physically, spiritually and mentally. To capture its golden-hour glory and thrilling flavors, we recommend dinner reservations at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Enchantment or SaltRock Kitchen.
Traverse City, MI
Photo courtesy of Meg Bowen Photography/Travis City Tourism
Photo courtesy of Meg Bowen Photography/Travis City Tourism
Popular for its bountiful cherry orchards, growing wine region and lakeside location, Traverse City is an area where you're just as likely to have a memorable meal at a refined restaurant as at a local microbrewery. Keep it casual with patio lunches at Farm Club, relish an intimate supper at The Cooks' House and enjoy mouthwatering freshwater fish at the Boathouse.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Elle
33 minutes ago
- Elle
Why Taylor Swift Didn't Have Her Big Fourth of July Party This Year
THE RUNDOWN Taylor Swift is famous for her annual Fourth of July parties at her Watch Hill, Rhode Island beach home. She last threw a bash in 2023 and seemingly chose to take a second year off in 2025. No photos have come out of any festivities at the house or of her elsewhere, and Swift was off social media yesterday. It's unknown whether she had a private celebration somewhere different; the star was last spotted in Ohio with Travis Kelce earlier this week. In 2024, Swift didn't throw a party because she was on the European leg of her Eras Tour. Now, she's off work but enjoying a break from the public eye. Given her desire for privacy, her choice to forego the much-publicized celebration makes sense. On July 1, a source told People that Swift's downtime has been pivotal for her and her partner, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is also currently in his offseason. The source explained, 'It's been a turning point for their relationship in a lot of ways. They're incredibly happy and in sync. There's a calmness and ease to their relationship right now that's been really grounding for Taylor and Travis.' 'Taylor and Travis are soaking up every minute of this slower season together,' the source added. 'They've been splitting their time between New York, Nashville, and a few quiet getaways, just enjoying each other's company without all the usual chaos. This kind of downtime is rare for both of them, and it's really allowed their bond to deepen." Swift celebrated Fourth of July with Selena Gomez and the Haim sisters in 2023, marking her first time hosting the event since 2016. At that point, she was just days away from playing her Eras Tour shows at Arrowhead Stadium, where she and Kelce would first connect. They started dating later that month. During her six-year break from the party, the singer told The Guardian in August 2019 that she stopped hosting the event due to her 'disillusionment' with America, a topic she also explored in her 2018 Lover track, 'Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince.'
National Geographic
2 hours ago
- National Geographic
European cities are embracing adventure. Here's how you can get involved
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Packing for a city break used to involve comfortable shoes, a smart casual outfit or two, a big appetite and a sturdy liver. Indulgence was the focus, with a little light sightseeing to ward off the gout. The contents of today's carry-ons can look very different: swimsuits, trainers, hiking boots, waterproofs, sports kit and perhaps even a little Lycra. And that's because, in many of our favourite European cities, there's an awful lot more than tasting menus and artisanal wine to get stuck into. Cycle paths and jogging trails are now standard — an integral part of all but the most overtly sedentary cities. However, in recent years, a whole host of outdoor urban adventures have been added, offering visitors a fresh perspective that's both exhilarating and endorphin-fuelled. Paddleboard through the ancient heart of Ljubljana. Abseil off a bridge 230ft above the Douro in Porto. Swim in a converted barge in Berlin. Surf in a former canal in Rotterdam. Kayak past 13th-century palaces in Stockholm. Ski down, or clamber up, a power plant in Copenhagen. The options are as varied as they're innovative. Elsewhere, travellers can blend their sightseeing with stadium climbs and rooftop hikes, freerunning adventures, canoe excursions, e-bike expeditions and — in certain coastal cities — an introduction to e-foiling (surfing without all the strenuous paddling). So, what's driving this change? A post-pandemic focus on both physical and mental health, certainly. A recent report by Neilson Beach Clubs, who have resorts across Europe, including Greece, Croatia and Sardinia, found that more than three-quarters of those polled now embrace activity on holiday — a pattern which is mirrored in the city-break sector. 'With health and fitness now such an integral part of our culture, people are turning to holidays that have an emphasis on wellbeing over traditional sightseeing,' says the CEO of Neilson, David Taylor. In Slovenia, paddleboarders can often be seen making their way down the Ljubljanica River on a sunny day. Photograph by Getty Images, Robert Pavsic Lena Andersson started Go! Running Tours in Copenhagen in 2013. A dozen years on, the sightjogging company, which combines running with sightseeing, operates in nearly 80 cities worldwide — more than half of them in Europe. The running boom only partly explains the proliferation, she thinks; for every habitual jogger she and her network of guides cater for, there are plenty of new runners looking to enliven their city break with something unusual and immersive. 'Visitors want to get beneath the surface of a city,' she says. 'They want to mix, interact and connect with a local, get tips and recommendations. By the end of a tour, someone will have seen the main sites, sure, but they'll also know all about the guide who accompanied them. They'll uncover their go-to coffee spots and favourite restaurants.' While some city breakers are bringing their active lifestyles with them, others are being nudged this way by the destinations themselves. Facilitated by warmer climes, more hours of sunshine or 'human-centred' urban planning, many of Europe's city-break destinations have activity in their DNA. And it's something visitors increasingly want to experience. 'People don't come to Copenhagen for big tourist attractions, as we don't really have those,' says Giuseppe Liverino, of Wonderful Copenhagen, the Danish capital's tourism board. 'They come for the lifestyle. Cycling everywhere, renting a kayak, taking a sea swim or an ice dip followed by a sauna. These aren't contrived activities — this is what the locals do. These days, what visitors want is a blend of authentic and 'outside the box' experiences.' CopenHill is a unique waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen with a ski slope and climbing wall on its roof. Photograph by Amélie Louys Giving back Lena believes environmental sensitivities feed into the trend. 'If you're coming to a city and you're using your own power to get around, that's reducing the impact on that place,' she says. Some visitors go further and seek to have a net positive effect. GreenKayak is a scheme that operates in around 20 European cities, allowing visitors to borrow a craft in exchange for collecting litter. To date, nearly 85,000 people have taken part. 'It's a triple win,' says founder Tobias Weber-Andersen. 'People get to be active, explore the city in a new way and give something back to the destination. You feel you're contributing.' Outdoor adventures have another benefit, particularly in our financially straitened times: affordability. Plan a city-break itinerary around landmark attractions, stage shows and destination restaurants and costs can quickly spiral. Go for a swim, grab a rental bike, a paddleboard or go rollerblading and the costs will be comparatively modest. For those who are time poor, it also showcases more, in less time. The subtle but inescapable twinning of sport and destination marketing also feeds into the interest in active urban adventures. From Barcelona welcoming the America's Cup to Paris hosting the Olympics last year, cities now woo big sporting events in the same way that brands have always courted big-name sports stars. Why? Because it puts them in the global spotlight, positions them as dynamic and active, and guarantees a generous flow of similarly minded visitors downstream. Inevitably, social media plays its part. No one posts about a straightforward walking tour they went on; an eye-catching urban adventure is where the kudos lies (literally, in the case of the Strava app), and destinations are responding accordingly, dreaming up offerings that they know will generate traction on Instagram and other platforms. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, says Tobias. 'We encourage people to use social media,' he says. 'They can feel happy and proud about being active and doing something a little different. And we get the message across that our cities are something that need to be looked after.' With almost 340 miles of cycle paths — and more being added all the time — Copenhagen is often ranked as the world's most bicycle-friendly capital. Photograph by Getty Images, Alexander Spatari Three action-packed cities to visit 1. Rotterdam While its northern neighbour, Amsterdam, wrestles with overtourism, the Netherlands' second-most visited city continues to refine what one might call 'optimised tourism'. Its obliteration by German bombing raids in the Second World War left post-war planners with what amounted to a blank canvas; the result is a city as open and efficient as it is young and dynamic, with lots of green spaces and waterways. Hike through the half-mile-long urban oasis of Dakpark, or Roof Park, so called because it's elevated to optimise views of the port and surrounding city. Alternatively, back on the ground, join the rollerbladers, skaters and runners navigating the paths through the forested Kralingse Bos on the fringe of the city. There are jogging trails and an athletics track that's open to the public at Roel Langerakpark and smooth cycle paths stitching the green spaces together. Urban swimming has been embraced in a big way, too. One of the best spots is Zwembad Rijnhaven, in the middle of the city, with sunbathing platforms and ladders into the water. Why go now? In keeping with the city's active and entrepreneurial spirit, the world's first outdoor urban surf pool opened last summer in a former canal overlooked by Rotterdam's neo-Renaissance city hall. A decade in the making, RIF0101 — named for the Dutch word for 'reef' and the postcode in which it's located — generates immaculate waves, provides lessons, board and wetsuit hire, and even has a bar with a sprawling terrace. Canoes and SUPs can also be hired to explore the waterways fanning out from the pool. Still got some energy left? The highest abseil in Europe is on offer at the towering Euromast, on the edge of tranquil Het Park, with a descent of almost 330ft. 2. Copenhagen In 2022, the Tour de France began with an eight-mile time trial through the streets of Copenhagen. Rarely has the race's country-hopping prelude been staged in a more apt location. The Danish capital is the most bike-centric of all European cities, the consequence of smart, livability-focused municipal planning. As a visitor, you can't help but get swept along. Hiring a bike is a breeze (most hotels as well as cycle shops rent them, or use apps such as Donkey Republic). With cars marginalised, the myriad of green spaces around the city are less polluted and full of trails for walking and running. Copenhagen hosts the world road-running championships next autumn, while 'plogging' — combining jogging and rubbish collection — is one of the activities that feature in the city's CopenPay initiative. Set to be expanded this summer, it offers visitors perks and free experiences in exchange for 'green' activities. Why go now? It's the reinvention of the former military and industrial harbour as a giant waterborne playground that really sets the tone. The water is clean enough to yield mussels and oysters for the city's restaurants and there are more than a dozen havnebadet (harbour baths). Outdoor pools such as Islands Brugge and Fisketorvet are popular year-round, despite the cold Scandic winters; and kayaking, waterskiing, canoeing, paddleboarding and other watersports are all on offer, too. CopenHill — a £500m world-first fusion of a green energy plant and an adventure centre — remains a huge draw. As well as a 1,640ft ski run and a climbing wall with dizzying views of the city, there's a landscaped hiking trail planted with 200 trees winding up to Copenhagen's highest viewing platform. As you burn off energy, the plant generates it. 3. Munich Perhaps it's the proximity to the Alps; or maybe its legacy of hosting huge sporting events. One thing is certain: this is a city that has activity in its veins. There are 745 miles of cycle paths, with 80% of Münchners estimated to own a bike, and dense pockets of green line the banks of the Isar, tempting both locals and visitors outdoors. Best known, perhaps, is the Englischer Garten — one of the largest urban parks in the world, and year-round, it's a hive of activity. In summer, river surfers tackle the white water of the Eisbach, which flows off the Isar; wooden rafts are paddled downstream; and bathers and picnickers converge on the white-sand beaches. In the winter months, the 3.5-mile cross-country ski trail that weaves through the floodplains of the river is a big draw. Horse-riding excursions are available, and there are nearly 50 miles of trails through the park for joggers and cyclists. Why go now? 'Two hours at high altitude' is how Munich's Olympic Stadium bills its roof-climb experience, high above the hallowed turf on which the 1972 Olympics, and the World Cup final two years later, were staged. The tour culminates — if you're daring enough — in a zip-line down to pitch level. For summer, the variety of pools and swimming spots within the city almost rivals Copenhagen. The Dantebad is heated to 30C throughout the year. Prinzregentenbad, across the Isar in the east of the city, has an outdoor pool and an adjacent river beach popular with volleyballers. And, for an alternative take on the palaces of Schloss Schleissheim and Schloss Nymphenburg, do as the Bavarian overlords once did and consider a ride in a Venetian gondola along the adjacent canals. After all that activity, a little sit down will be a welcome relief. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
12 hours ago
Protests against surge mass-tourism in Mexico City end in vandalism, harassment of tourists
MEXICO CITY -- A protest by hundreds against gentrification and mass tourism that began peacefully Friday in Mexico City neighborhoods popular with tourists turned violent when a small number of people began smashing storefronts and harassing foreigners. Masked protesters smashed through the windows and looted high-end businesses in the touristic areas of Condesa and Roma, and screamed at tourists in the area. Marchers then continued on to protest outside the U.S. Embassy. Graffiti on glass shattered glass being smashed through with rocks read: 'get out of Mexico.' Police reinforcements gathered outside the Embassy building as police sirens rung out in the city center Friday evening. It marked a violent end to a more peaceful march throughout the day calling out against masses of American tourists who have flooded into Mexico's capital in recent years. Tension had been mounting in the city since American 'digital nomads' flocked to Mexico City in 2020, many to escape coronavirus lockdowns in the U.S. Since, rents have soared and locals have increasingly gotten pushed out of their neighborhoods, particularly areas like Condesa and Roma, lush areas packed with coffee shops and restaurants. The Mexico City protest comes at the same time other European cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Rome and more are also facing mounting protests railing against mass-tourism.
