Shabby Chic Boho Some people love going on vacation, lying on the beach, and doing nothing. Others like to explore historical landmarks, the wonders of the world, or immerse themselves in local culture. And the beauty of travel is that there’s no one way to do it or experience the world. There’s no rule that says travel only counts if you visit x, y, and z or if you do a, b, or c.
Your life, your preferences, and what is available to you mean you can plan the perfect trip regardless of your interests.
And this has never been truer for those with a passion for food and drink. The US alone offers a wealth of experiences for food and drink lovers, and you can travel the country sampling some of the best national and regional delicacies.
If you want to plan a trip around your taste buds for 2026, here are some great ideas on what you can do.
Wine Tasting Trips
If it’s slow afternoons surrounded by vineyards, then you’re spoilt for choice. One region in particular is a hub for wine lovers, and the Napa Valley Wine Travel Guide will help you plan your route through the famous region to sample some of the best wines on offer and uncover some delectable pairings.
Or you can head to Sonoma or Willamette Valley in Oregon for a change of pace, especially if you’re more of a pinot noir fan, while the Finger Lakes in New York is also a great place for a weekend wine tasting break too.
Chef’s Table and Tasting Menus
For those who find joy in sampling some of the finer dining options in the US, trips built around tasting menus or chef’s tables are definitely the right choice for you.
While most cities will have options for evenings of this kind, if you’re planning a trip, locations such as Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas are popular hotspots for those wanting to merge the bright lights of a big city with their tasting experience.
But for those wanting more intimate dining arrangements, smaller foodie towns can also give you exactly what you’re looking for, notably Santa Fe and Portland, which both have amazing chef-led experiences.
Craft Beer and Brewery Trails
It’s not all about the wine anymore; craft beer is having its moment, and with this has risen the brewery trails and craft beer experiences.
The Hudson Valley Ale Trail is a popular choice with strong brewery hubs and many places to visit on the tour, while Knoxville, TN, is known for its beer tours and trails with both bus and walking tours for those wanting to sample the goods as they head around the best spots.
Farm to Table and Food Retreats
If you want to strip things back and get to grips with food closer to the source, there are plenty of farming environments here where you can experience agriculture, get to know the local community, dine on seasonal meals, and follow the life of the working farm.
Blue Ruby Farm is one such experience in Northern California, and places like Sonoma, Cape May, NJ, and Bristol, Virginia all have amazing farm-to-table experiences for those who want to enjoy a more rustic trip surrounded by stunning scenery, curated menus, and fresh seasonal offerings.
Photo by Vincent Rivaud: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-on-round-black-and-white-table-2381345/
