The Very Best U.S. Vacation Spots for Foodies

For breathtaking views, Ceiba at Evermore Resort serves upscale Mexican cuisine from a rooftop perch where you can watch Disney fireworks without setting foot in the parks. The budget-friendly Milkhouse food hall gathers Swine & Sons alongside Foxtail Coffee, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, and Ravenous Pig Brewing under one roof.

Mills Market transforms a former Asian supermarket into a culinary destination housing three acclaimed eateries recognized for exceptional food at great value: UniGirl's creative onigiri (Japanese rice balls starting around $5), Bánh Mì Boy's Vietnamese sandwiches ($10-$14), and Zaru's udon noodles. Flûtes Champagne Bar in the Orlando suburb of Winter Park pairs exceptional champagne with French-inspired small plates. Head to Orlando Farmers Market, held Sundays at Lake Eola Park since 1987, to grab fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods at budget-friendly prices.

From left: The cattle at the Biltmore Estate; Inside the Twin Leaf Brewery both in Asheville, North Carolina

From Left: The Biltmore Company; Courtesy Explore Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville’s food scene is having a well-earned moment, with 15 local restaurants recognized in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide selection for the American South — a city that has long championed farm-to-table dining.

For refined dining, Table showcases James Beard semifinalist Jacob Sessoms' farm-to-table cuisine like Sunburst trout, while Wildwood Still serves craft cocktails with sweeping city views from its rooftop perch.

Beyond the accolades lies a community grounded in resilience. In the River Arts District, recovering from Hurricane Helene, Baby Bull from the Bull and Beggar team dishes up affordable, no-frills double burgers for about $13.

At Biltmore Estate, Farm to Table Tours showcase estate-raised cattle, hogs, and produce with butchery demonstrations and lunch. Raise a glass at stalwart breweries like Twin Leaf or Green Man, where you can nosh on budget-friendly eats (like tacos, BBQ pork sliders, or hot dogs, all under $15) delivered to your bar stool from a local eatery.

From left: Tacos at Veracruz All Natural; Sustainable Food Center at the Austin farmers market

From left: Jessica Attie/The New York Times/Redux; Courtesy Sustainable Food Center/Buff Strickland

Austin, Texas

Austin lives up to its reputation as a food lover's paradise. Start with the city's legendary BBQ scene — from award-winning la Barbecue (try the chopped brisket sandwich for about $15) to Terry Black's, with all the traditional fixings and that authentic smoky flavor.

For breakfast tacos, take a morning stroll to Veracruz All Natural, where you'll find authentic Mexican flavors that define Austin mornings. Fuel up with locally roasted coffee at Jo's Coffee (multiple locations). Later, sip a craft beer at Lazarus Brewing, boasting a scratch kitchen with affordable options like tacos ($5.50) and ceviche tostadas ($11). For a unique culinary adventure, book a three-hour butchery class at Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club.

On Saturday mornings, the SFC Downtown Farmers' Market at Republic Square draws crowds with dozens of local farmers, artisan vendors, ready-to-eat foods, and live music. Austin's food truck scene is legendary — you'll find everything from $5 tacos to Thai cuisine along South Congress and East Sixth Street.

From left: The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain offering a nostalgic, old-fashioned soda fountain experience alongside a full-service pharmacy; Michelin recognized restaurant Potchke Deli both in Knoxville, Tennessee

Courtesy Visit Knoxville, 2

Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville continues to cement its place as a rising food destination. Since earning MICHELIN recognition for restaurants like Potchke Deli, the city has proven that exceptional food can emerge from unexpected places — including a budget-friendly deli with world-class bagels.

Behind an unmarked door at The Oliver Hotel lies Peter Kern Library, Knoxville's beloved speakeasy, where craft cocktails are served in an intimate setting (password is on Instagram). Just outside in Historic Market Square, the Saturday farmers market (May through November) showcases regional produce, artisan goods, baked goods, and food trucks.

Don't miss Matt Robb's Biscuits, a hidden gem where handcrafted biscuits ($4-$6) sell out quickly. At Pretentious Beer Co., the world's only brewery with an onsite glassblowing studio, you can watch demonstrations while sipping craft beer. And at The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain on Gay Street, an operating pharmacy doubles as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor where you can enjoy handmade sundaes at a vintage soda fountain.