Petting zoos, picking your own produce—such as spring’s sweet berries and summer’s peaches—and winding your way through fall’s corn mazes before choosing a pumpkin can give you a taste of rural life. But if you’re looking for a more immersive event, a farm tour offers a feast for the senses.
The Pacific Northwest is one of the USA’s top ten producers of apples, and the diversity, knowledge, and craftsmanship of its apple crops shines through ciders being produced in the region. No wonder the craft ciders of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are growing in popularity. The chance to taste ciders is one great reason to visit the area, whether you favor versions made from limited-edition heritage crabapples or the star-dotted Cosmic Crisps bred at Washington State University.
What is one of the best ways to experience a destination? Through the food, of course! Food tours all over the county have become a popular way to explore a place. The pandemic may have brought that to a screeching halt for now, but luckily you can order taste boxes delivered to your front door to explore new taste sensations without stepping foot outside. Plus, these boxes are a fantastic way to support small businesses. Here’s a collection of my favorites.
This Valentine’s Day most of the world’s lovers are planning on staying in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream of a tropical island escape. With a little planning ahead, you can even enjoy an exotic tasting tour of the Hawaiian Islands. Tease and tantalize taste buds with Hawaii’s finest flavors—with enticing options like Oahu-made chocolate, elixirs from Kauai, and wine made of grapes grown on a fiery mountainside—to feel swept away in the sensations of tropical breezes and salty waves even while at home.
If the pandemic has driven your home cooking into a rut, venture into tastier territory with a virtual cooking class. Right from your own kitchen, virtual cooking classes are an antidote to fatigue. Find inspiration and gain know-how to transform your meals into a flavorful and exotic culinary journey. Here’s a delicious round-up of some upcoming virtual cooking classes for home cooks of all experience levels.
One of summer’s great joys is celebrating the earth’s bounty by going to a farmers’ market. Purchasing seasonal produce directly from the hand that planted and tended that asparagus spear, strawberry, or tomato offers a visceral connection to the land.
Food traditions, regional agriculture, local novelties, and simple good tastes are celebrated across the U.S. with countless seasonal festivals and themed parties. It’s easy to fill up your travel calendar with foodie events. To help you get started, here are a few suggestions; this is by no means a comprehensive list! These featured foodie events aren’t necessarily the best known or largest of their kind, but they all offer a variety of events and last multiple days.
There are few better ways to immerse yourself in a destination than dining your way through it. Hawaii is no different. The diversity of food found in the Hawaiian Islands today is the result of multiple origins—among them, the indigenous Hawaiian culture, dozens of multicultural influences, and modern-day cuisines from around the world. Although the Islands offer their fair share of prestigious dining options, one of the best ways to understand the cuisine is to check out local favorites including the most popular and beloved food-truck, hole-in-the-wall, and hidden-gem eateries.Spaced between all of your hikes, beach stops and relaxing getaways, you’ll need a reliable list of local eateries to refuel your adventures.
The mere thought of chocolate can bring smiles. Cacao has been used to uplift the spirits of those lucky enough to get their hands on it since it was first discovered. These days, there’s great news for all chocolate lovers: Not only can chocolate satisfy sweet teeth, it’s chock full of antioxidants and other health benefits—let that fact quell any guilt you may feel about indulging in bars or truffles! To help ensure you’re never without a sweet treat—especially on vacation!—trust your taste buds to these 10 drool-worthy chocolatiers and chocolate-making tours across the U.S.A.
