The best way to experience a destination is through its food. From bustling food festivals to enchanting wine trails, food-focused travel offers a unique window into local culture, traditions, and flavors. Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend or a one-day getaway, following the right foodie trail can transform an ordinary trip into an unforgettable journey.
Ready to plan your next foodie adventure? Keep reading for our top culinary events and trails worth following!
Tri-Cities, Washington
WhWhere can you experience river recreation, 300+ days of sunshine, exciting events, and top-notch food festivals?
Tri-Cities, Washington!
Located in the heart of Washington wine country and at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia rivers, Tri-Cities, Washington has plenty of flavorful foodie events throughout the year.
Fiery Foods Festival
For more than 30 years, the Pasco Fiery Foods Festival has brought the community together. This celebrated event welcomes families, friends, visitors, and local celebrities for a one-day celebration of fiery cuisine during the month of September.
This year the event will take place at Peanuts Park. The celebration of all things fiery and flavorful includes a kid’s zone, vendors, food trucks, and contests. The fiery food contests are a crowd favorite and include the following:
- Pasco Wingstop’s Cluckin’ Hot Wing Challenge
- Community & VIP Pepper Gauntlet
- Taquito Eating Contest
At its heart, the Fiery Foods Festival is a food festival. If your taste buds crave all things hot and fiery, then this festival is for you!
Washington Wine Tasting
The Tri-Cities are the heart of Washington’s wine country. The region is home to more than 200 wineries and some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay in the country. The beautiful region offers a variety of sampling experiences. True enthusiasts can meet with vineyard owners and enjoy food and wine pairings. Casual drinkers can choose one or two wineries and simply sip and enjoy in a relaxing atmosphere.
Ready to toast the Tri-Cities? Request your free print and downloadable Tri-Cities Travel Guide today!
Chicago Southland, Illinois
Where can you experience some of the best restaurants, breweries, and distilleries in the Chicagoland area?
Chicago Southland!
Located just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago is Chicago Southland. Chicago Southland is home to incredible flavors including Asian fusion, Italian, Mexican, Southern-style BBQ, sweet treats, craft brews, cocktails, and of course, deep dish pizza.
Savor the Southland
What’s the best way to savor the flavors of Chicago Southland while also being rewarded?
Savor the Southland!
Savor the Southland is a mobile passport program created to encourage visitors to sample everything the area has to offer. No matter when you visit, you are eligible to earn points. Points can be redeemed for Southland-branded swag, including coasters, t-shirts, stickers and more!
Reward your taste buds and start planning your Southland getaway today. Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide!
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are a treasure found along the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. The area is known for its forest, trails, wildlife, beauty, and unique flavors.
If you want to experience the sights and tastes of the region without the crowds, then head to Townsend, Tennessee—the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains. Townsend offers the best of the region—scenic views, outdoor activities, and flavorful festivals—far away from the crowds.
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
What’s better than a music festival?
A music and food festival!
In late September, the foothills of the Smoky Mountains come to life with Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and Appalachian cooking. This free community event is perfect for visitors of all ages. During the event, visitors can enjoy tasty Southern food like fried pies and kettle corn as well as bbq and other regional cuisine. In addition to food, the festival will also feature clogging and square dancing, Appalachian demonstrations, and traditional kids’ games.
Grains & Grits Festival
Are you looking for an adults only food and spirits festival?
Look no further than the Townsend Grains & Grits Festival!
Held in November, the Grains & Grits Festival brings together southern spirits and gourmet grub in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Featuring the region’s distillers and blenders, the event is a celebration of both food and drink.
The event will also feature “The Ring of Fire” where five chefs are paired with a local distillery to create something truly unique and mouth-watering. At the center of the event is a large fire pit where the chefs roast and serve a variety of meats.
Now is the time to make memories. Request your free print and downloadable Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide today!
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota’s capital city is a celebration of food, festivals, and art. Throughout the year the city hosts countless culinary events, guaranteeing that there is truly something for everyone.
Twin Cities Veg Fest
This September, over 6,000 people will come together at Twin Cities Veg Fest. This unique one-day festival features incredible vegan food, live music, and plenty of family fun. Some of the area’s top food trucks will offer flavorful plant-based dishes including momo dumplings, vegan egg rolls, veggie burgers, and more. In addition to food, the event will also feature talks from industry experts, handmade goods, outdoor games, and cooking demonstrations.
Bloody Mary Festival
Does your idea of the perfect morning beverage include vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, special seasonings, and tasty garnishes?
If it does, then you will love the Bloody Mary Festival!
Held in early October, the Bloody Mary Festival brings together the area’s best bartenders and mixologists to create truly memorable Bloody Marys. The best part is that all of the ticket packages for the event include unlimited Bloody Marys so you can sample each and every creation. Tickets also include access to food and drink samples and the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Are you ready to delve into deliciousness? Now is the time to get your free print and downloadable Saint Paul Insider’s Guide!
Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes Region has so much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, active adventurer, or foodie, you’ll find it in Cayuga County!
One of the best ways to experience the beauty and charm of the area is the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. The wineries along this stretch of the Finger Lakes offer a true taste of the region. The area’s wineries are also host to a number of fun and flavorful events throughout the year.
Sips and Spells
On Saturday, October 31, 2026 guests are invited to “Come for the wine. Stay for the magic.” at Sips and Spells on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
This curated experience celebrates the changing of the seasons, as the wineries transition from harvest season to cozy winter months. During the event, guests will visit wineries and enjoy enchanted tasting experiences with subtle witchy touches.
Whether you prefer alcohol-based or non-alcohol based potions, there is something for everyone to sip. In addition to tasting options, ticketed guests will also receive the following:
• Goodie bag
• Spellbinding souvenir wine glass
• Curated item from each winery
Ready to experience the magic of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail? Request your free print and downloadable Cayuga County Travel Guide today!
Follow Your Taste Buds!
Foodie travel is about discovering the flavors and traditions that shape a destination’s identity. By exploring culinary events and following renowned wine trails, travelers can connect with local cultures in a meaningful and memorable way. As you plan your next adventure, let your taste buds lead the way!
Are you ready to follow your taste buds? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides!