Tag: U.S.Travel

Top US Cities to Book a Food Tour in this Fall

When you live in the same town or city year after year, it’s not uncommon to develop a routine when it comes to going out to restaurants. It starts with that list of places to eat getting progressively smaller and it ends in only a small handful of menu items being considered each time you visit. When this happens, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a vacation to engage in one of the more culinary-inspiring activities possible, the food tour, and thanks to Travel + Leisure’s collection of the country’s Top Food Tours for the 2021 Fall Season, your palette is soon to be deliciously expanded.

The typical food tour brings together the best elements of travel and cuisine because when you’re far away from home, you often are more likely to release your inhibitions and try new dishes that you never would in your hometown or own kitchen. Additionally, food and culture are oftentimes closely related, so when you book a food tour, you allowyour palette to explore new tastes and textures that you might not otherwise experience, and because you’re often being led by a food tour guide, you can safely trust that you’re in the right hands.

So whether you’re looking to book a food tour to discover a new “genre” of restaurant, favorite dish, or an intriguing new recipe to add to your cooking repertoire, be sure to consider the following food tours offered in the American cities below.

Los Angeles, California

The iconic city has attracted its fair share of press, celebrities, and notoriety over the past century, but in that time it’s also drawn in culinary artists from around the world. Experience a sampling of the best international dishes that the LA Farmers’ Market has to offer by booking a “Melting Pot Food Tour,” where you can choose from a wide selection of culinary experiences. Melting Pot offers its customers the chance to choose their own culinary destiny, as they offer experiences that examine Thai Town, East LA’s Latin cuisine, and even the historic Old Pasadena. Though, one of the stand-out experiences of their available tours is booking the opportunity to dine with the Dona Juana family as part of the La Española Meats VIP Tour. On this tour, attendees are heralded by a family that is the first and last name of all Spanish cheeses, charcuterie, small plates, drinks, and imported specialties. The best part of this tour is that it ends with a lunch on a patio where you enjoy paella, tapas, and homemade churros, thus acting as the cherry on top of a perfect culinary experience.

Savannah, Georgia

Two particular food tours do an outstanding job at inundating someone with the lush history and charming spectacle often associated with Savannah. First is “The First Squares” tour offered by Savannah Taste Experience in which participants stop along six different restaurants and food boutiques to enjoy gourmet dishes and learn the history of the city’s relationship to food as you visit an authentic pub, a British Pie Shop, and an award-winning honey store. Additionally, Southern Flavors Savannah offers a three-hour excursion into the world of sweets with “The Dessert Tour.” Be sure not to book this one too close to the previous, as you’ll be swept away with the ambiance and sweetness of downtown Savannah as you collect and savor various southern delicacies ranging from creamy-textured pralines to delightfully simple and rich coffee cake amid an unforgettable setting.

Other notable entries on Travel + Leisure’s list are the “Taste of New Orleans Food Tour, Tours By Locals” in New Orleans, Louisiana; “Best of New York Food Tour by Sarah Funky” in New York City, and “Little Havana Food Tours” in Miami, Florida.

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Eight Cities For Winter Travel

Wintertime is often viewed as the least appealing season to go out and take on new adventures, but realistically that’s not true at all! Often, our favorite summer hotspots are transformed into white wonderlands, bringing a whole new perspective and round of fun activities to participate in. So grab your jackets and check out which cities you should check out this winter, told by Travel and Leisure!

Asheville, North Carolina

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, this city is filled with adventures. Head to the ski slopes for your winter sport or you can hit the hiking trails that are open year-round. You can learn all about Asheville on the downtown Asheville Urban Trail or explore the Biltmore Estate, which was George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau.  If you’d prefer inside activities to escape the harsh winter winds, wintertime is the perfect time to explore the crowd-less galleries and museums downtown.

New York, New York

The best thing about New York City in the winter? No crowds! You can easily peruse museums, comedy clubs, popular restaurants, and even a few Broadway shows without navigating through boatloads of people. Or rent some skates and try your hand at ice skating!

Honolulu, Hawaii

Make sure to pack your swimsuit because Honolulu is the perfectwinter escape for those who prefer warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Try snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, surfing the waves, or even just relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a few things to fill up your itinerary, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Bishop Museum, or Iolani Palace to learn about the island culture

Venice, California

Just a few miles north from Los Angeles International Airport, Venice is a popular California city for its street vendors, canals, and infamous Muscle Beach. You can also dine in one of their excellent restaurants, food trucks, or cafes and then head out on a shopping trip in one of their upscale stores or downplay it in a mom and pop souvenir shop.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is placed on the shore of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont, just a few miles from Burlington International Airport. Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, and Bolton Valley are just a few ski resorts that reside in this city, with slopes designed for beginners and experts. You can rent a room at one of their cozy Bed and Breakfasts and then head downtown to explore their shops, restaurants, live music, and their Church Street Marketplace.

Astoria, Oregon

Founded as a fur trading post in 1811, this city is right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Only two hours from Portland and three hours from Seattle, the 4.1-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Astoria to Washington. Visit downtown to visit their small-town features, like the restored 1925 Liberty Theater or the Flavel House.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The ultimate winter sports lover’s dream, Jackson Hole is filled to the brim with winter activities for its visitors. You can hit the slopes or go ice skating, snowmobiling, back country skiing, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit Yellowstone National Park in a snowcoach, with access to Old Faithful, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife. Jackson Hole truly is a winter travel spot that should be on everyone’s must do list.

Key West, Florida

Florida’s southernmost point, the drive to Key West takes newcomers across 42 bridges. With winter temps in the 70s, a booming nightlife, plenty of history and culture to explore, and an ample amount of water sports, this city attracts visitors worldwide. During the day, go snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs and then dry off and head to one of Duval Street’s restaurants for a fresh seafood dinner.  Even though its not your typical winter travel spot, consider Key West for a great getaway with a little warmth when you need it most.

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Weirdest Museums in America

America is known for a lot of things, so it’s no surprise that there is a surplus of weird museums for visitors to see. Mashable shares their favorite “weirdest museums” for all of the road-trippers out there looking to add a little variety to their next adventure.

From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of weird museums to fill your daily itinerary and learn some strange facts about American inventions and obsessions. From a Maple Museum to a Toilet Seat Art Museum, there is something out there from everyone.

1.  New England Maple Museum-Weirdest Museum

Located in Vermont (because where else would an American maple museum be located?), you can learn about maple syrup’s history dating back to the Native Americans and leading up to modern day, a 200 year coverage.

Then you can check out the gift shop and take some delicious syrup back home with you!

Address: 4578 U.S. 7, Pittsford, Vermont 05763

Admission: $5

2.  The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe

If you find yourself in Richmond, Virginia, you won’t want to miss this museum!

Dedicated to all things Poe, this museum is also located in the oldest standing building in the city. You can expect to find a huge collections of manuscripts, letters, memorabilia, and experience a realistic example of how Poe lived and worked.

Address: 1914-16 East Main St., Richmond, Virginia 23223

Admission: $6

3.  National Mustard Museum-Weirdest Museum

Love condiments? The mustard museum may be just the place for you! You won’t want to miss this Wisconsin sight.

Here you’ll find more than 5,624 different kinds of mustard from 50 states and 70 countries, you’ll even be able to use a one of a kind mustard vending machine!

Address: 7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562

Admission: Free

4.  Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum-Weirdest Museum

Yep, you read that right. Barney Smith, a 98 year old proprietor, has a toilet seat art collection he opens to the public every year in Texas.

With over 1,400 decorated toilet seats, Barney makes a new one yearly for his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Somewhat odd, yet somewhat charming.

Address: 239 Abiso, Alamo Heights, Texas 78209

Admission: Free

5.  Idaho Potato Museum

Fried potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries, hash browns, au gratin – if it’s made with potatoes then they’ve got it.

Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, this museum is for all those potato lovers out there! Learn about the

History of farming potatoes and don’t forget to get a picture with the massive potato replica out front!

Address: 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221

Admission: $3

6.  International Banana Museum-Weirdest Museum

Calling all banana lovers! Check out this museum in Mecca, California and see a world-record of 25,000 banana related items and pictures. Don’t forget to try their homemade banana ice cream or milkshakes and then snap a pic with the massive banana statue!

Address: 98775 State Hwy 111, Mecca, California 92254

Admission: Free

7.  Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur Journey

Most likely the best dinosaur museum in the country, this museum borders the line between awesome and weird. If you find yourself in Colorado, make sure to swing by and check out the animatronic dinosaurs that eat each other, fossil exhibits, and pre-historic records.

Address: 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita, Colorado 81521

Admission: $8.50

8.  Historic Auto Attractions

This isn’t your average car museum.

Here, you can see the car used in the Batman television series, the DMC DeLorean from Back To The Future, and the paddywagon from Ghostbusters. Make sure you don’t miss the collection of presidential and world leaders limousines and Elvis Presley’s personal car.

Address: 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe, Illinois 61073

Admission: $12

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8 Must Do Things in New York City this Fall

New York City is notorious for its bright lights and big-city buzz, but it’s also a beautiful spot to visit during the fall. The crisp air and colorful autumn trees bring a coolness to the city you can only experience during fall.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple or your twentieth, these eight fall must-dos are for everyone to check out.

Forget Central Park – the Botanic Center is where it’s at. Filled with green-turned-red and orange maple, sumac, dogwoods, and oak trees, you can check out the fall foliage at the Japanese Garden and smell the roses in the Rose Garden. You can also experience a true fall festival in the heart of the city with their Harvest Homecoming Festival, complete with hayrides and apple cider.

This winter activity actually begins in October in this city! The Rink in Rockefeller opens around the middle of October to make sure visitors and locals can get the most out of the seasons. Rent your ice skates directly from the center, and once you’re done grab a hot cocoa or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.

  • Explore NYC’s Haunted History On A Ghost Tour

Is it really fall if you don’t go on a ghost tour? You may not initially think of New York City as haunted, but rumor has it you can find a ghost or two once the sun goes down. St. Paul’s Chapel is said to have a headless ghost in residence, the Hotel Chelsea is the perfect place for a spooky story, and even the Empire State Building is said to have the ghosts of past suicide jumpers roaming the building. To experience a professional ghost tour, click here.

From a special theme to a Grand Marshall, this parade is everything Halloween. Come in your best-themed costume to join in on the parade and have fun with the band, dancers, puppets, and more! Then afterward join in with the after-party and have a scary good time with friends new and old.

  • Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition, so why not make it a tradition to see it in person? Held in Manhattan and lasting about three hours long, this annual parade is filled with huge balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from all over the country, guest artists, and last but not least, Santa in his sleigh.

One of the Tri-State area’s most epic fall festival, this event is held in Hudson Valley and filled to the brim with – you guessed it – Jack O’Lanterns. Make your way through thousands of elaborately detailed pumpkins, and make sure to check out the Pumpkin Carousel twirl and the Pumpkin Windmill whirl and step inside the Pumpkin Planetarium for a star show like you’ve never seen. It’s a unique way to experience part of New York City you may not have before.

This festival is one of the oldest and largest street festivals in Brooklyn, New York. Atlantic Avenue is filled with food carts, art and crafts booths, performances, and live music as community members from all over come and enjoy themselves and explore other cultures.

  • Bike Across The Brooklyn Bridge from New York City

Grab a bike rental from one of the cities many shops and get pedaling! This activity is fun andaccomplishing, and lets you get a view of the city that the locals do. Biking in fall means the weather is almost always perfect (so maybe you won’t even break a sweat!) Make sure to explore Brooklyn before heading back!

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The Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Fall

With fall comes cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and tons of things to do. October seems to be a fan favorite for traveling since the heat of the summer has worn off and everyone is eager for bonfires and sweater weather. Plus, with fall comes charming earth-toned colors that place a beautiful blanket of leaves on everything. Many people choose to travel during the fall so they can find fun festivals and events that introduce them to new places and keep their schedule busy. Whatever your reason for choosing to travel this fall, here are some of the best U.S. cities to add to your road map, according to Travel and Leisure.

The quaint southern town is the epitome of southern charm. Sprinkled with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and yummy true southern dishes, get ready to fall in love and never want to leave.

Halloween is a special time in Charleston, with extra spooky ghost stories and haunted cemetery tours for locals and visitors alike. Book a tour with Bulldog Tours and explore the Spirit of Magnolia Cemetery, or check out The Haunted Arsenal, U.S.S. Yorktown, or Haunted Jail tours – which also include expertly told, spine chilling ghost stories.

Although Sonoma is beautiful at all times of the year, fall must put something in the air. With gold and orange tint to surrounding trees and vines, a cool breeze, and a beaming sun creates the ultimate vacation atmosphere.

Make sure to check out the 45th Annual Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa or the MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa for ultimate scenery and relaxation. If you’re a Peanuts comic strip fan, check out the Charles M. Schulz Museum and have the opportunity to meet cartoonists, participate in crafts, and check out the gift shop.

Also known as The Music City, Nashville has the perfect mix of southern charm and rock n’ roll. Fill your schedule with music festivals like the Breakaway Music Festival or the Free Day of Music Festival.

Love Dolly Parton? The Grand Ole Opry is hosting a tribute to the country music icon in early October and those Elton John lovers can head to the Bridgestone Arena for Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellowbrick Road Tour.

When you get hungry, head downtown for some southern barbeque or hot chicken and then head to the Bobby Hotel to catch up with some old friends.

Calling all foodies! Chicago is the place to go for the ultimate deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, or Italian beef sandwiches. Want something a little more classy? Make sure to check out some of the cities upscale dining spots, like Oriole or Alinea.

More into films than food? The 55th Chicago International Film Festival occurs in October and has more than 150 short and full-length festivals from around 50 countries.

Prefer to take in the sites and keep it casual? Taking a river cruise is a perfect way to see this U.S. city (take one at sunset – you won’t regret it), or take a walk on the Chicago Riverwalk and check out the Community Market and public art.

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Top 10 Unique Airbnbs in the United States

Airbnbs are a great way to make a trip even more fun, regardless of whether it’s a “stay-cation” or an adventure that takes you from coast to coast. Inspired by Trips to Discover’s post, 11 Most Unique Airbnbs in the United States, check out these ten Airbnbs in the United States that will be sure to add adventure to your vacation.

Secluded Treehouse (Atlanta, Georgia)

Do you love being in nature? This cute little “home in the sky” is just minutes from downtown Atlanta, but the intimate ambiance and soothing sounds of nature will make you feel like you’re miles away from anyone. The treehouse is made of three separate areas – mind, body, and spirit.

Brand New Studio Earthship (Taos, New Mexico)

For those looking to go off-the-grid, this home is just for you! It has the ability to catch its own rainwater and generate its electricity, and the interior stays at a constant 72 degrees throughout the day. Its amenities include wifi, Netflix, and a deep soaking tub. Love stargazing? Step outside and embark on your intergalactic adventure!

Love Nest (Morongo Valley, California)

Howdy, cowboy! About twenty minutes from Palm Springs, you can spend your days hanging with the various animals on the farm or exploring hiking trails. Prefer to stay in? Have fun with a game of pool, horseshoes, or ping pong and then head outside to see the stars!

Dog Bark Park Inn B&B (Cottonwood, Idaho)

What’s more of a unique Airbnb than a home shaped like a dog? Dog lovers unite in this beagle shaped home! This quaint bed and breakfast is surrounded by prairies and mountains – a dog’s dream home. Following the dog theme, you can check out their collection of puzzles, books, and games to keep you busy while enjoying the in-the-dog breakfast that’s included.  What’s more of a unique Airbnb than a home shaped like a dog?

Ocean View Malibu Hideaway (Malibu, California)

Surrounded by three acres of gardens, this cozy home is nestled into a canyon overlooking the sea. With a wall of windows, you never have to take your eyes off the calming ocean. Beach access and the Santa Monica Mountains are just minutes away, leaving adventure accessible at any moment.

Man Cave Apartment (Geneva, Florida)

Ready for a guys trip? This man cave is located in part of an active airplane hangar on a private airstrip (how cool is that?!) and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With amenities like satellite TV, a wood-burning fireplace, and wi-fi, you’re guaranteed a weekend of fun.

Underground Hygge (Orondo, Idaho)

Have a Lord of the Rings adventure in this earth house that’s tucked into the Columbia River Gorge mountainside. Complete with an iconic round doorway, step inside for “hobbit-y” adventures and charming knick-knacks.

Fully restored 1920s Sheep Wagon (Shirley Basin, Wyoming)

Channel western history in this 1920s sheep wagon home for a night. Placed in the middle of a 30,000-acre ranch, you can fill your day with lake fishing, star-gazing, and hiking trails. Interested in the history of the ranch? Ask for a guided tour!

Grass-Roofed Earthen Hobbit Hut (Geyserville, California)

Calling all Tolkien superfans! This one-of-a-kind grass-roofed hut is paired with exotic neighbors, a hot tub, a sauna, pool, and an outside shower. Want to stay in? This dwelling is equipped with an adobo pizza oven. Ready for a night on the town? You’re just minutes from excellent restaurants and the Russian River.

The Houdini Estate (Las Angeles, California)

Built in the early 1900s, this home is perfect for large families. In true Houdini-style, you’ll find caves, hidden tunnels, and terraced gardens all over this estate, making it an extremely unique Airbnb. Equipped with a heated pool, and jacuzzi, you can even see the deep water tank where Harry Houdini practiced underwater escapes. Want to find more to explore? Venture out to the hiking trails and see gorgeous ocean views!

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