In a land as diverse and sprawling as the United States, it’s no surprise that the culinary scene is just as expansive. Where else could you dine across the country on food trails devoted to niche cuisines such as Hoosier Pie or Maple Creemes?
Let your tastebuds determine your next vacation destination—these seven tasty food trails are worth traveling for.
Butler County Donut Trail, Ohio
Homer Simpson’s dream trip can be found in Ohio, where the Butler County Donut Trail offers a sweet path between 13 mom-and-pop donut shops. Don’t forget to pack your passport (your Donut Trail Passport, that is) and get it stamped at each stop—a full passport can be redeemed for a free tee shirt showing off your accomplishment.
Need help planning how to conquer this sugary challenge? A designated Donut Trail concierge can help you plan your trip. Just call 513-860-0917 to be connected.
Vermont Maple Creemee Trail
It’s not hard ice cream or soft serve—it’s something better. The creemee is a summertime staple in Vermont, and in a state famous for its maple syrup, the most iconic flavor of the treat is a maple.
As the name implies, a creemee is even creamier than soft-serve ice cream, and it’s softer than hard ice cream. Made from simple ingredients, including local milk and maple syrup, the creemee is pure summertime magic.
Follow the Vermont Maple Creemee Trail to sample the best around the state. Many stops are located at maple sugar houses, where you’ll also find plenty of maple candy and syrup.
North Carolina Historic Barbecue Trail
Experience the whole hog of North Carolina cuisine on the state’s Historic Barbecue Trail. The North Carolina Barbecue Society created the 15-stop culinary challenge to highlight the best restaurants in the area.
Along the way, you’ll sample both Eastern (which involves the entire pig) and Lexington-style (just shoulders) barbecue roasted over pits of wood or charcoal.
Hoosier Pie Trail, Indiana
A simple yet delicious filling made from sugar, butter, flour, cream, and cinnamon is sometimes called Hoosier Pie. This staple is Indiana’s unofficial state pie, so if you find yourself in the Hoosier State, you must try some.
Sample this regional delicacy and classics like coconut, apple, and chocolate pies at the 32 stops that make up the Hoosier Pie Trail.
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Trail
Before you embark on Lousiana’s Cajun Bayou Trail, download the official passport and get it stamped at each stop you visit. Once you’ve collected just five stamps, you can redeem the passport for a free t-shirt that proudly displays your accomplishment.
The food trail travels up and down the Bayou, showcasing the region’s best local cuisine, emphasizing seafood and spicy dishes. Bonus stops include festivals and events like the Wild Game Supper or French Food Festival.
Kansas City Taco Trail, Kansas
Kansas might not be a destination you associate with good Mexican food, but a trip down the Kansas City Taco Trail will change that. The trail takes hungry visitors to nearly 60 local taquerias, where you can try a wide variety of tacos from birria to barbacoa.
Sign up for the Kansas City Taco Trail here, and you’ll receive a mobile passport and map of all the best stops. Check-in on the passport each time you eat at one of the taquerias, and you’ll be automatically entered to win prizes. Complete the entire trail, and you’ll get invited to an exclusive Taco Party hosted by Visit Kansas City.
New Mexico True Breakfast Burrito Byway
New Mexico claims the state is the birthplace of the breakfast burrito, so start every day of your vacation in the Land of Enchantment with a hearty meal on the True Breakfast Burrito Byway.
The breakfast burrito is ubiquitous around New Mexico, but the food trail highlights the 37 best of the best restaurants that serve the handheld delight.
You Might Also Like:
• Flying with Gifts: The TSA Rules You Need to Know• 12 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift Travelers
• The Best Coffee Machines and Delivery Services
• 7 Foods You Should Never Eat on a Plane
• The Surprising Item You Should Skip at the Buffet to Avoid Getting Sick
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Related
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
Kenya: 14-Night Tour, Incl. Tanzania &...
smarTours
vacation $7125+7-Night Caribbean Round-Trip Cruise From Orlando:...
Norwegian Cruise Line
cruise $739+Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati
85OFF.com
Car Rental $19+