Book Now

8 Culinary Experiences That Make These Cities the Best Places to Travel for Food

Some of the most treasured travel memories are often accompanied by unforgettable culinary experiences. From a fresh cup of coffee overlooking a breathtaking view to an exciting cooking class or memorable nightcap by the fire, Select Registry’s portfolio of craft lodging properties are among the best places to travel for food, and of course, fun. Embark on a sweet and savory journey across the U.S. with our list of favorite food vacation destinations.

Paris, Virginia

A Taste of Virginia Wine Country at The Ashby Inn

Slow food travel might be a trending topic, but farm-to-table will always be in season. Set on the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is widely known as having one of the best restaurants in northern Virginia for its award-winning cuisine crafted with ingredients from local farmers and artisans that live and work in the region. On its menus, guests will encounter seasonal delights inspired by the inn’s very own garden. Choose between the A La Carte Menu or a decadent five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu for the entire table. 

Designed as a destination for those who delight in expertly paired wine and cuisine, The Ashby Inn & Restaurant offers a series of by-the-glass wine selections at both lunch and dinner for each item on the menu. And if that isn’t enough to draw sommeliers far and wide, the restaurant also showcases an impressive collection of 250 wines representing the major producing regions in the world, including those unique to Virginia. 

Middlebury, Vermont

Elevated New England Fare at Swift House Inn

In the northeast corner of the country, travelers will happen upon lush green forest, tart ciders that warm your cheeks, sweet maple syrup, and Jessica’s Restaurant at Swift House Inn. In the heart of Middlebury, Vermont—and just two blocks from downtown—this warm and inviting escape is at-the-ready to whisk you away on a delicious dining adventure. From the award-winning wine list to the freshest ingredients that suit the season, elevated New England fare awaits in the historic dining room. 

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

High Country Flavors & Mountain Views at Gideon Ridge Inn

North Carolina is widely known for its rich culinary culture, something the Gideon Ridge Inn dapples in daily. Here, each meal is crafted from locally sourced fare and paired with a side of sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views. Brushing the clouds at 3,990 feet, the restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn has been collecting accolades for its stellar culinary achievements year after year—most recently earning recognition as a James Beard Award semi-finalist. Foodies and travelers alike will enjoy its curated menu defined by local farmers. The ingredients change with the Appalachian seasons, but the one thing that always remains on-menu is the extraordinary flavors of the High Country.

Mystic, Connecticut

Sustainably-Minded Dining at The Whaler’s Inn

On the shores of the Mystic River, The Shipwright’s Daughter is capturing a taste of quintessential New England. Located within The Whaler’s Inn in the heart of downtown Mystic, only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients make it to the table at this critically acclaimed restaurant. Also a James Beard Award semi-finalist, its creative menus keep guests on the edge of their seats until the last bite with an ever-changing daily menu. The mission? Sustainability and community. From working with local growers, farmers, and fishermen, to empowering its team members all while serving delicious dishes, this tide-to-table restaurant is committed to honoring every part of the restaurant circle on the plate. It’s easy to see why it’s a must-stop food destination on anyone’s culinary tour.

The French Manor Inn & Restaurant's fine dining experience makes it one of the best places to travel for food.

Newfoundland, Pennsylvania

Mountainside Fine Dining at The French Manor Inn & Spa

Get away to an enchanting stone chateau at The French Manor Inn & Spa for a slice of France tucked away in the Poconos and feel like you're in another country. Sweeping views atop Huckleberry Mountain accompany classic and nouvelle French cuisine at The French Manor Restaurant, offering a prestigious AAA 4-diamond dining experience. Sample gourmet dishes like pan roasted duck breast served with a pomegranate, orange, and pear relish; or french onion soup made with an 18-hour house veal stock, beneath 40-foot vaulted ceilings in the elegant dining room or on the covered terrace. Bon appétit!

Geneva, New York

Chef-Led Experiences at Geneva on the Lake

Amid the historic charm of Geneva, New York an Italianate villa sits at the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Region. Diciannove Dieci is a restaurant that holds the experiences of historic culinary culture close to its heart while adventuring into the future of food. Here, culinary expeditionists can indulge in chef-led experiences like High Tea every Friday and Saturday, featuring a detailed selection of loose leaf Divinitea organic teas and a handpicked menu of light bites for an afternoon of pure luxury. Carefully curated breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course, brunch menus brim with farm-fresh ingredients in the casual ambiance of Geneva on the Lake. American cuisine takes on its own global journey at Diciannove Dieci.

Chateau Bourbon offers a unique bourbon-themed culinary experience, pairing bourbon cocktails with sweet treats.

Louisville, Kentucky

Bourbon-Themed Delights at Chateau Bourbon

It’s hard to visit the Bluegrass State without a trip to the Bourbon Trail. Nestled in the heart of Norton Commons, Louisville’s new urbanist community, sweet smells of fresh-baked pastries and soulful spirits waft from Chateau Bourbon, an aptly named bourbon-themed destination. At this Kentucky treasure you can drink your bourbon and eat it too at a three-course, bourbon-infused breakfast or Sips & Sweets Happy Hour, where guests are invited to sample homemade confections that complement the flavor profile of Kentucky’s favorite spirit: bourbon. From rich bourbon caramel sauce drizzled atop apple pie to the restaurant’s infamous bourbon toffee truffles hand-dipped in Ghirardelli chocolate, your sweet tooth will certainly be satisfied. With nearly 100 bourbons on-site, this luxury destination is a must-visit for foodies and whiskey connoisseurs. 

Best Places to Stay in Blowing Rock

Gideon Ridge Exterior
porch
salmon plate
mountain view
mountain view
Exterior of Gideon Ridge with blue sky in the background and paved driveway with shrubs and flowers out front

Gideon Ridge Inn

Blowing Rock, NC

Best Places to Stay in Geneva

Geneva exterior
7Geneva
sunset
5Geneva
Geneva outdoor dining
3Geneva
2Geneva
DCIM100MEDIA
Geneva on the lake ext view beautiful green lawn
rainbow
plated meal
Geneva garden
plated meal
Exerior of Geneva on the lake with blue skies and maze shrubs. Pool in the foreground.

Geneva On The Lake

Geneva, NY

Best Places to Stay in Louisville

Chateau Bourbon Exterior
Chateau Bourbon glass
Bedding with pillows at Chateau Bourbon
Chateau Bourbon interior
Innkeepers at Chateau Bourbon
Innkeepers Missy & John Hillock
Cocktail & Dessert
Waffle with bourbon buttered maple syrup
Bourbon selection
Angel's Share suite
Reserve suite
Single Barrel suite
Stillhouse suite
Sleeping porch
Innkeepers Missy and John shaking cocktails and prepping appetizers

Chateau Bourbon

Louisville, KY

guestroom with pink tulips and white bedding
dining room with navy wallpaper, crystal chandelier and fireplace
living room with tall gothic windows and antique furniture
gothic staircase with ornate ballustrades and high ornamented ceiling
facade of house. gothic and three story painted black with white bargeboard.  Springtime photo with blue sky in background
foreground of pink tulips with a made bed in the background
common and game area on the second floor of the main house.  seating area shown with nice art and mirror on the wall
full large soaking tub with two champagne glasses on a dresser near the tub
french toast with menu and orange juice
guest room with large gothic windows and dark green walls.  King sized bed and two chairs
guest room with king bed and rose pink walls. Large gothic window in the background
deluxe snack board with meats, cheeses and vegetables.  Available as part of the forever valentine package
flight board of high-end bourbons and two bourbon bottles
front facade of the house with main house and adjacent cottage.  Both painted black with blue sky above
front porch with rocking chairs and a bourbon setup.  Sun is shining
back private deck with hot tub and patio furniture and bourbon setup
bottles of bourbon and a tray with shot glasses of bourbon
rockers on a front porch
living room with antique furniture
antique tub with champagne glasses
exterior of inn with gray paint and white trim
Rockers on a front porch

Inn at Woodhaven

Louisville, KY

Best Places to Stay in Middlebury

Airel drone shot of Swift House Inn
Swift House Inn interior staircase
swift_house bar
Plate and Menu at Jessica's- Swift House Inn
Swift House Inn, Exterior dusk
swift_house_inn_exterior
swift_house room
swift_house steak
swifthouse-food
Swift House Inn- winter snowstorm
Swift House Inn- Logo Sign
Swift House Inn, Guest House
Swift House Inn, Jessicas Restaurant
Swift House Inn Winter
Swift House Inn Summer
Interior of the inn - foyer with stairs and rug

Swift House Inn

Middlebury, VT

Best Places to Stay in Mystic

whalers-inn-mystic
whalers_neiraimage
whalers_bed1
whalers_neira3
whalers_bedroom
whalers_hoxie_king
whalers_morgan_suite
whalers_exterior_lobby
guest room
Rose tasting glasses with a meat platter
Exterior of Whaler's Inn on a bright, sunny day with blue skies and American flag

The Whaler's Inn

Mystic, CT

Best Places to Stay in Newfoundland

french manor exterior
Enjoy our AAA 4-diamond restaurant
French Manor Outdoor Dining
Onsite Spa offering a wide range of spa treatments
french manor indoor pool
French Manor Yoga with a View
Suite with fireplace and whirlpool tub
bath tub
french manor outdoor
french manor view
frenchmanor massage tables
french manor juice
Salt-water pool
30 mile views of the Northern Pocono Mountains
Enjoy luxury amenities by Loccitane at the French Manor
Luxury Suites with fireplace, relaxing soaking tubs and balcony views
Romantic Double Slipper Tubs in our La Maisonneuve Suites
Enjoy a healthy poolside lunch during your day at the spa.
Picturesque mountaintop views
Treat yourself with Breakfast served in Bed
Suite with fireplace, whirlpool tub and private balcony

The French Manor Inn and Spa

Newfoundland, PA

Best Places to Stay in Paris

front entrance
aerial view
evening walk
breakfast spread
outdoor patio
guest room
guest room
meeting room
outdoor breakfast
evening by firepit
living room
event table
Exterior of the front of the Inn - white building with trees and shrubs surrounding during the day

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

Paris, VA

Related Journal Entries

Cleveland, Ohio skyline at dusk.

Foodie Finds at the Cleveland West Side Market!

Taste Your Way Through Cleveland! There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Cleveland this winter, including visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and...

READ ON
A winery during summer

North Georgia Wineries to Visit This Summer

Georgia's On Our Mind This Summer! There are many wonderful reasons to visit the southern state of Georgia this summer.  While your first thought may be historic...

READ ON
City view from the river of Nashville at sunset

Discover the Best Places to Stay in Nashville!

Nashville is an extraordinary city to visit any time of year, and we're here to help make sure you not only find the best things to do...

READ ON
Vineyard rows landscape in Mendocino County

Discover the Best Wineries in Paso Robles

Tour California Wine Country This Spring While Sonoma and Napa Valley may be considered a top wine-tasting destination and have more big-name wineries, there are plenty of...

READ ON
Picnic basket with wine, cheese and bread in a field of purple flowers.

10 Can't Miss Texas Hill Country Wineries

Wine Tasting & More in Texas Located in central and south Texas, Texas Hill Country is a spectacular destination to visit this summer.  Though there are plenty...

READ ON
 
 
YOUR SELECT FAVORITES
SELECT YOUR FAVORITES

You haven’t selected any favorites. Look for the to add items to your favorites.