How to Fully Experience the Culinary Scene in America

Traveling to try different culinary scenes is by far one of the best reasons to travel. Looking for delicious new plates to try, experiencing other cultures and how they influence food and the way people eat. Depending on where you are, dinner can be a several hour affair.

The best part about going on vacation by far is sampling the best local restaurants, from the hole in the wall pizza places to high-end culinary experiences. There’s nothing better than having a local show you around to the kind of places that only locals know about. Even better, different parts of the country specialize in different types of cuisine, and you can try all sorts of comfort foods depending on where in the country you are. Wondering how to plan your flavor tour of the US? These are a few tips.

1. Start with the big picture.

If you’re going to Philly, you’re going to be looking at a ton of options for Philly Cheesesteaks. If you’re headed to New Orleans, beignets are definitely on the menu. And if you’re bundling up and going to the Midwest, there are tons of potato-based dishes that are up for consumption. Take a look at the major food type that the place you’re headed is famous for and go from there.

2. Look at the restaurant scene.

You can find out quite a bit when you look at what types of restaurants are common in the area you’re going to. No one does bagels like New York City or deep-dish pizza like Chicago, for instance. Take a minute to look at what types of restaurants are most common where you’re headed. It’ll give you a look at what type of demand the restaurant owners are catering to and which type of cuisine the locals seem to gravitate towards.

3. Look at the geography.

Put it this way. If you’re in Massachusetts, it may not be the best place to try soul food you have access to in Memphis. Make sure you know what types of things are local to the area you’re visiting. So if you’re in the Bay State, it might be best to try the clam chowder. Chances are you won’t be able to find fabulous seafood at a crab shack in Oklahoma, either.

The geographical area you’re going to, and the type of fresh ingredients the chefs will have access to. If you’re not sure what those might be, a quick search of the area you’re headed to can tell you.

4. Check Yelp and Google for reviews.

Understand that those people reviewing the restaurants are unlikely to be experts on the matter, so bad reviews aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker. However, if you’re looking for a great place to eat, this is the best representation of what visitors who have come before you have said about the food and service.

If you’re comfortable—try asking someone who is working in a store you stop in. They’ll know some of the best spots. Which leads us to one more way you can fully experience the culinary scene of your destination.

5. Ask a local.

If at all possible, ask a local foodie where to go. Sometimes this isn’t an option, but if anyone’s going to know which diner is better than another, it’s going to be the person who lives there and has gone to both.

Whether you’re headed a couple of states over or across the country, a guy or girl has gotta eat! Getting adventurous with your food choices is a fantastic way to truly experience a new area, and nothing brings people together like good food.