Summer is a great time of year to travel because the weather is so nice! This is also the time when the growing season is in full swing. This means certain fruits and vegetables are only available to enjoy fresh during the summer. So we came up with a plan to create a culinary journey to what we consider the best summer travel destinations for foodies!
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for its seafood, but there are also enough farmers’ markets scattered around the city to satisfy any food lover! Visit one of Boston’s renowned seafood restaurants to sample the freshest catches the city has to offer. Or, shop for fresh, local foods in one of the markets. One of our favorites is Haymarket in Boston’s historic marketplace near Faneuil Hall. It’s open all year on Fridays and Saturdays (dawn to dusk), except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
If you venture out of the city, visit one of the roadside seafood “shacks” for which New England is famous. Places like The Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. Local New Englanders consider their lobster roll to be one of the best in the country!
If you can’t make it to Boston in the summer, we highly recommend making the trek out to the suburbs to experience the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market. Held at Russell’s Garden Center every weekend in Wayland, MA. Check their website for hours and weekly vendor themes. Go early or arrive late to avoid the bulk of the local crowds. This place is always hoppin’!
San Francisco, California
While Boston is the hub for seafood in New England, San Francisco is a great food destination for those on the West Coast! Visitors can experience traditional favorites such as sourdough bread, California seafood chowder, Dungeness crab, halibut, sea bass, and salmon. It’s also the home of Ghirardelli Chocolates and is considered the United States birthplace of Irish coffee. A popular adult-only beverage made with coffee and Irish whisky.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a progressive culinary city that has been a favorite travel destination for foodies for years. It not only has access to fresh seafood but many of its restaurants are known for their creativity and innovation. One of the things that makes Portland so special is the relationship the chefs have with the local farmers. Whenever a great crop becomes available, the restaurants receive only the freshest selections. Those who travel to the city are able to eat one amazing meal after the other! Portland is also known for its vibrant artist community located in the Alberta Arts District.
New York City, New York
It’s difficult to find a more diverse city than New York. Whether you have lunch at a famous deli, eat at one of the many ethnic restaurants, or enjoy a luxurious meal in the heart of downtown, there’s something here for everyone! Since there are so many well-known restaurants, chefs need to be as innovative as possible in order to attract visitors. There are also plenty of things to do here that don’t involve eating; however, the first-class restaurants make the city an even better gastronomic destination!
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is another melting pot city that has a number of great ethnic restaurants and lively cuisine all their own. This makes it an ideal summer travel destination for those who love food! As an even bigger bonus, Chicago has plenty of sights to see. You can work up a healthy appetite exploring the city and eat a great meal after you’re done. Perhaps some deep dish pizza or a classic Chicago-style hot dog, to name a few.
Happy Travels!
No matter where your travels take you this summer, exploring your destination’s local cuisine is a fabulous way to expand your palate and explore each city’s attractions through a culinary journey! You don’t even need to travel far from your home to find unique culinary experiences. All you need is an open mind and an open road to find your own favorite Summer Travel Destinations for Foodies.
If you’d like to share your passion for culinary experiences with someone unable to travel this summer, consider delivering a gourmet gift right to their door! We’re a woman-owned, family business, located in scenic Seacoast New Hampshire. Our family of employees would love to help you select the perfect gift and they’ll even recommend their favorite culinary destinations in New Hampshire if you ask!
© Featured Photo by kevinruss from Getty Images