Foodie Fun Around the Mid-Atlantic
Plan a culinary getaway to the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. It’s where you can find fresh-catch shellfish and farm-fresh agricultural products, food & drink trails, festivals, farmers markets, signature dishes, and other scrumptious goodies.
Whether savoring seafood by the shoreline or expanding your palate at themed festivals dedicated to local favorites, great food and original takes on classic dishes are waiting to be celebrated across the Mid-Atlantic.
Here are just some of the stops to tempt foodies.
Delaware
Delaware’s Quaint Villages
Visit a hidden gem in Dover at Spence’s Bazaar & Amish Market for locally and homemade Amish cuisine with baked goods, meals to go, and more. Attend Blue Earl Brewing ‘s Annual Food Truck Throw Down featuring the area’s finest food trucks. It’s a top local event! VisitDelawareVillages.com
Maryland
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Annapolis is a foodie paradise where fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood and farm-to-table favorites abound. The City’s festivals tell the story of its love affair with all things culinary: World’s Largest Crab Feast, Maryland Seafood Festival, Oyster Festival, Naptown BarBAYq, Maryland Chicken Wing Festival, and a summer-long Dinner Under the Stars. VisitAnnapolis.org
Baltimore
Crab cakes aren’t Baltimore’s only signature dish! From home-style to pinkie-in-the-air proper, the culinary scene is mouthwatering. Try creative spins on crab at White Envelope Arepa Bar at R. House, soul food at Ida B’s Table, and Chesapeake bounty at the annual Seafood Festival in Canton Waterfront Park. Baltimore.org
Cecil County
The Wellwood Club Restaurant in Charlestown has been named “Best Crab Restaurant in Maryland” by USA Today. Diners arrive by car, boat, water taxi, or shuttle bus from area hotels. Cecil County’s many well-known local eateries are on the waterfront, in historic small towns, and in the countryside. SeeCecil.org
Frederick County
A make-your-own float at the North Market Pop Shop might be the best date night idea ever. Over 400 vintage sodas at this retro shop can be paired with your choice of fresh creamery ice cream. Impress someone with this fun twist on the root beer float. VisitFrederick.org
Hagerstown-Washington County
Hagerstown’s Warehouse Taproom prides itself on authentic local ingredients and brews, but Krumpe’s Bread Pudding, a traditional bread pudding made using Washington County’s legendary Krumpe’s Do-Nuts, stands out. Topped with chocolate drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or seasonal toppings, this signature dessert will be calling your name! VisitHagerstown.com
Harford County
From international cuisine to fresh steamed crabs from the Chesapeake Bay (paired with locally-sourced craft beer), Harford County offers flavorsome dining experiences. Restaurant Week in January is one great time to sample what we have—though you can taste local deliciousness anytime of year!—and you can also find our restaurants in the Destination Harford App. VisitHarford.com
Howard County
Howard County is home to Maryland’s Korean Way, with over a dozen Korean restaurants and bakeries. VisitHowardCounty.com
Wicomico County
With miles of waterways, Wicomico County is an ideal place to enjoy seafood such as crabs. It’s also home to plenty of farmland; taste local fare while dining out or straight from the farmer at a farmers market. Each April, special menus are offered during SBY Restaurant Week. WicomicoTourism.org
Pennsylvania
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania loves signature foods like Philly cheesesteaks, whoopie pies, and Primanti Bros. We’re also the Mushroom Capital of the World. Enjoy the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square each fall. For even more food stops, try our food markets in Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia! VisitPA.com
Berks County
Find tastefully good fun in PA’s Americana Region all year. Sample the simple goodness of Pennsylvania Dutch fare at the Kutztown Folk Festival. Chow down on new and traditional takes on burgers at Hamburg’s Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. Heat things up with a visit to the Chile Pepper Food Fest. VisitPaAmericana.com
Butler County
Dr. Sous’s Chop Shop is ranked No.1 out of 100 restaurants in Butler on Tripadvisor. It’s Butler’s most creative place to eat! Awesome atmosphere? Yes! Amazing food? Definitely! Graffiti on the bathroom walls? Encouraged! Where else can you get a funnel cake sundae for breakfast or “Eternal Damnation” for lunch? VisitButlerCounty.com
Central Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State University, originally known as the Farmer’s High School, is memorable for many things, but one of the most popular is the Penn State Berkey Creamery. The Creamery, now over 150 years old, is legendary for its plentiful flavors and educating both Ben and Jerry. VisitPennState.org
Clearfield County
Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub became famous in 1998 for “The Ye Olde 96er” which is the six-pound burger grand challenger. Denny’s has been featured on Rachael Ray, Food Network, Travel Channel, Good Morning America, and Today. Guests have dined from all 50 states and from countries around the world. VisitClearfieldCounty.org
Cumberland Valley
The Cumberland Valley is home to diverse dining. Downtown Carlisle features authentic international flavors from Spain, Belgium, France, England, and Mexico. There’s also the yearly Greek Festival, which celebrates all things Greek and takes place every May in Camp Hill. VisitCumberlandValley.com
Endless Mountains
Chocolates by Leopold in the Endless Mountains offers the finest artisanal chocolates on the market. Each confection is a masterpiece of the best ingredients available globally. Discover products from caramels to creams and nuts to truffles when you visit or attend the annual Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival in spring. EndlessMountains.org
Erie
Erie has a flair for homemade fare! Must-eats: Smith’s Hot Dogs, pepperoni balls, chocolate-covered strawberries from Pulakos Chocolates, and Romolo Chocolates’ sponge candy. Take an Erie Downtown Food Tour and learn the history and culture of Erie’s beautiful downtown while enjoying delicious food from locally owned restaurants and specialty shops. VisitErie.com
Huntingdon County
Raystown Destination Dining offers plenty of unique tastes. Dive into the Signature Burger at Tops Diner, Lobster Bisque at Riverside Grill, Bourbon Street Scallops at Mimi’s Martini Bar, Crepes at Stone Town Gallery, Vegetarian Boxerito from Boxer’s Café, Steaks and Salad Bar at Hoss’s, or award-winning Ribs at Doans Bones. Raystown.org
Lancaster County
The culinary options in Lancaster County, the Garden Spot of America, range from down-home”eats” to upscale cuisine. Led by the growing restaurant scene in Downtown Lancaster, we’ve got distinctive local cafés and microbreweries, famous PA Dutch family-style restaurants and smorgasbords, award-winning gourmet dining, and a variety of ethnic eateries. DiscoverLancaster.com
Laurel Highlands
Have a stinkin’ good time in the Laurel Highlands! On the third weekend of August, the aroma of garlic rises from Faranda Farm. The event brings chefs to demonstrate their garlic specialties with free samples, a farm-to-table garlic dinner with local wine and moonshine, workshops, live music, and more. LaurelHighlands.org
Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley boasts all things bacon! Make your way to a ballgame at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs for chocolate covered bacon on a stick or a pulled pork parfait. Mark your calendars for the first weekend of November as PA Bacon Fest takes over downtown Easton with plenty of scrumptious offerings. DiscoverLehighValley.com
Pocono Mountains
Foodies rejoice at annual festivals in the Pocono Mountains! Popular events include The Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, Pennsylvania Wing Festival at Pocono Raceway, and the Pocono Garlic Festival at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. PoconoMountains.com
Potter County-Tioga County
Highland Chocolates, famous for locally-produced Pretzel Bark, is a non-profit enterprise employing the area’s disabled residents. World-class confections are created using local products to craft handmade sweets. Visiting the factory store is the sweetest time you can have in Tioga and Potter Counties! VisitPotterTioga.com
York County
After a recent trip to Italy with their chefs, the owners of Tutoni’s are eager to bring what they tasted, learned, and took notes about back to York to share with the restaurant’s guests! YorkPa.org
Virginia
Alexandria
Alexandria boasts hundreds of independent, chef-driven restaurants, many in historic buildings dating back to the 1700s. Alexandria offers everything from al fresco dining in warmer months to creative comfort food to restaurants with patios overlooking the Potomac. VisitAlexandriaVA.com
Arlington
Dine around the globe in Arlington, where you can try authentic delicacies from anywhere A-Z. Try Uzbekistani comfort food, taste cocktails and small plates from the Balkans, experience one of the only Uyghur restaurants in the country, or create your own traditional Lebanese favorites at a cooking class. StayArlington.com
Fairfax County
From chef-driven, farm-to-table restaurants to a wide array of mouth-watering global cuisine and Martha Washington’s famous peanut soup, you’ll never eat the same thing twice in Fairfax County. Food festival fans should save the dates for the annual Taste of Vienna in May and Taste of Reston in June. FXVA.com
Hampton
Once known as “Crabtown, U.S.A”, Hampton proudly calls the crab cake its signature dish. Grilled, broiled or fried, crab cakes are served at most of Hampton’s top restaurants, including Mango Mangeaux, The Deadrise and The Vanguard. A 2016 contest found the city’s favorite crab cakes at Phoebus’ Olde Towne Tavern. VisitHampton.com
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg’s locally-owned and nationally-recognized restaurants and breweries will take you on a culinary trip around the world, with an array of flavors and infusions to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Choose farm-to-table menus, a boozy weekend at Brothers resolute release party, or the International festival a global foodie extravaganza. VisitHarrisonburgVA.com
Loudoun County
In Loudoun, dine in a glass atrium on a farm or in a restored mill circa 1905. Visit a trendy café that was once a shoe shop or enjoy lunch in a turn-of-the century national bank building. Here, chefs source ingredients from Loudoun’s farms and transform them into culinary masterpieces. VisitLoudoun.org
Lynchburg
Lynchburg is for locavores. With our farmers market being one of the oldest in the U.S., we’ve been kind of spoiled. And our chefs know what to do with all that bounty! Whether you are vegan, veggie, meat lover, or dietary restricted, all foodies will find a home here. LynchburgVirginia.org
Richmond
Fire, Flour & Fork is a four-day food festival celebrating both the Richmond region and nationally-recognized chefs. Taking place in early November, you can participate by attending a class, demonstration, dinner, beverage tasting, or seminar at venues throughout the region. VisitRichmondVA.com
Shenandoah County
Celebrate Shenandoah County’s agricultural roots by dining in one of many establishments that value locally-grown foods and sustainable farming. The owners of Cristina’s Café, Swover Creek Farm Brewery, and the Woodstock Garden Café all run family farms and are committed to serving the freshest foods at their tables. VisitShenandoahCounty.com
Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Virginia’s Blue Ridge boasts a special flavor where the tastiness reflects the region’s culture. Savor the iconic peanut soup at historic Hotel Roanoke and famous scratch-made buttermilk biscuits at The Roanoker Restaurant. Don’t miss the world-famous cheesy western and “chile” with onions from the 1930s Texas Tavern. VisitVBR.com
West Virginia
Hampshire County
Born in the “Gateway to the Mountains,” Farmer’s Daughter (FD) in Capon Bridge is a whole animal butchery and full-service grocery dedicated to respectful and sustainable sourcing. For the last three years, FD has won several Good Food Awards. FD appears weekly at the Shepherdstown Farmer’s Market. CometoHampshire.com
Pocahontas County
Foodies flock to Pocahontas County in September for the Mid-Atlantic’s wackiest food festival. The West Virginia Road Kill Cook-off challenges chefs to whip up some unusual fare: road kill. From teriyaki marinated bear, to turtle stew, and venison wontons the regional festival offers up flavors all its own. NaturesMountainPlayground.com
