No vacation is complete unless you sample the best cuisine a region has to offer, from food trucks to restaurants serving family recipes spanning generations. And some trips are worth taking for the food alone. Here are some of the most unique food trails throughout the U.S. to satisfy your cravings. 

1. North Carolina Historic BBQ Trail

Visit the Tar Heel state and you’ll hear a thing or two about what style of barbecue is superior. Some will swear by North Carolina’s signature Eastern Style Barbecue, in which the whole pig is smoked and lathered with a simple vinegar-based sauce. Other North Carolinians worship Western style, also known as Lexington style barbecue. Only the pork shoulder is roasted before it's topped with a red sauce made with a ketchup, vinegar, and pepper base. Each cook has a twist on the spice blends in a Lexington sauce, flavors can be little sweet or spicy.

Eat the best of both Eastern and Lexington style barbecue at 15 stops on the North Carolina Historic BBQ Trail. Regardless of style, each BBQ joint on the route roasts pork traditionally, over pits of wood or charcoal. Your first stop will be at the Skylight Inn in the eastern North Carolina town of Ayden. Founded in 1947, this mom-and-pop favorite is known for its pork sandwiches, slaw, corn bread, and barbecue chicken. The tour ends at Herb’s Pit Bar-B-Que, located near the borders of Tennessee and Georgia. Herb’s is known for its open pit cooking.

2. Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail

The state of Wisconsin is home to some of the world’s best cheese — who are we to ‘dis a brie? Wisconsin cows help produce about 600 varieties of artisanal cheese, in the amount of more than 2.8 billion pounds annually. To showcase the hard work of our bovine friends, Travel Wisconsin created the three-day Great Wisconsin Cheese Tour. Visit The Cheesemaker in Mequon for a two-day cheesemaking course where you can learn to craft cheeses like camembert, brie, blue cheese, chevre, feta and mozzarella. Because wine and cheese pair perfectly, be sure to stop at Cedar Creek Winery for a tour and wine tasting. Visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producers-only market in the nation, to shop for artisan cheeses, honey, meats, produce, and more.

3. New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail

The state of New Hampshire is another dairy paradise. Beginning as an effort to promote New Hampshire’s dairy farms, the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail features more than 40 purveyors of the dessert. Sample regional favorites like maple walnut and moose tracks at charming parlors like Dewey’s Ice Cream Parlor and Café. See where it all begins during tours of local dairy farms Brookford Farm and Connolly Brother’s Farm. 

4. Alabama Doughnut Trail

Satisfy your craving for sweets on the Alabama Doughnut Trail. You’ll begin at Big Foot’s Little Donuts in Huntsville. Featured on the Food Network, the small business is famous for its decadent mini donuts in unique flavors like spicy churro, apple butter, and monkey bread. Next, head south to Albertville Home Bakery and Coffee Shop for a cup of coffee and classic, freshly baked glazed doughnuts. About an hour away is Hero Doughnuts and Buns, specializing in brioche doughnuts made with locally sourced ingredients. Lickin’ Good Donuts in Mobile serves incredible apple fritters and kolaches.

5. Arizona Sonoran Hot Dog Trail

A truly regional dish, Tucson Sonoran Hot Dogs blend Mexican and Arizona flavors with bacon-wrapped hotdogs, pinto beans, pico de gallo, and more on a bolillo roll. The Arizona comfort food is described by Arizona Journey as “a cross-border street food classic.” Give the dogs a try on the 14-stop Sonoran Hot Dog trail. But if you are going to try a single Sonoran Hot Dog – and we bet you can’t just have one – dine at El Guero Canelo. The restaurant won a James Beard Award for its take on food and has locations in Tucson and Phoenix.

6. Concord California Taco Trail

The small city of Concord in northern California is home to more than 40 taquerias that are stops on the Concord California Taco Trail.  Enjoy traditional family recipes from regions across Mexico. Salsa Mexican Grill and El Yahualica feature cuisine from the state of Jalisco. Totilleria El Molino and Mercado Del Sol serve Michoacan-style food, and Taqueria Autlan dishes up Yucatan classics. For restaurant deals and weekly raffle prizes, download the Concord Taco Trail app. 

Travel is an investment, so you’ll want to protect any trip with travel insurance. Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide reimbursement for certain expenses in the event your trip is canceled and delayed for a covered reason. Depending on your plan, our travel insurance benefits can also include covered expenses incurred due to baggage loss or delay, and emergency medical benefits.  Get a quote today to find out how we can protect you on your travels.

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