Who doesn't love a good bite to eat when traveling? It's part of the experience to try local delicacies. However, some cities and towns in the USA might even draw tourism specifically for their cuisine or beverage. These 10 USA cities are best known for a specific dish or ingredient they produce and are well worth adding to every foodie's bucket list.
10 For Cherries: Head To Traverse City, Michigan
Not only is Traverse City home to where 40-50% of domestic cherries are grown, but this Michigan city is known to be the cherry capital of the world. Traverse City produces 100-120 million pounds of tart cherries each year. While tart cherries can be found here year-round, the best time to visit for peak harvest is in July. Even their airport is named Cherry Capital Airport. While cherries are the main event of Traverse City, this gorgeous town is also well-known for its wineries and picturesque blue waters of scenic Grand Traverse Bay and is notoriously one of the most popular places to visit along the Great Lakes.
9 For Margaritas: Head To Dallas, Texas
When one thinks of food and Texas in the same sentence, their mind likely goes to beef, grilled meats, and barbecue. Texas is not only home to some of the country's best beef, but one city is home to a favorite cocktail: the frozen margarita. That's right, the origins of the frozen margarita can be traced back to the fun city of Dallas. Dallas has so many great margarita offerings that they, in fact, are well-known for their margarita mile, which comes in handy since national margarita day is right around the corner on February 22nd, 2023. Some notable spots to grab a marg on margarita mile are Gloria's Latin Cuisine, Jalisco Norte, Jose, and Beto & Son.
8 For Wine: Head To Fredericksburg, Texas
Margaritas aren't the only boozy concoction the Lone Star state is known for. In fact, Texas is the fourth-largest wine-producing state in the United States of America. Who knew? Fredericksburg is one of the state's primary wine-producing towns, with over 50 wineries there, donning it the epicenter of Texan wine production. Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg was named Top All Around Winery and earned Top Texas Wine at the 2023 Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition, so though visitors can't go wrong in choosing, they'd be remiss not to include Becker Vineyards.
7 For Kumquats: Head To Dade City, Florida
A town known for the quirky fruit kumquat might seem odd, but Dade City, Florida, is so well-known for their kumquats that they hold an annual Kumquat Festival. Dade City is the largest kumquat-producing city in the USA, and anything from kumquat dressing to kumquat marmalade to kumquat body lotion can be found all throughout the city. Move over oranges; there's a new tiny orange fruit that's just as worthy in Florida: the sweet yet tart kumquat.
6 For Green Chiles: Head To Hatch, New Mexico
Green chiles are popular throughout the entire state of New Mexico, but one small town does them so well that the green chile has adapted its name: Hatch, New Mexico, where hatch green chiles are produced. Known as the "Chile Capital of the World," Hatch is notorious for growing a wide variety of peppers. The green chile has been deemed the state vegetable of New Mexico and is a common ingredient in some of the state's most popular dishes. Green chiles are so popular in New Mexico that there is an annual Hatch Chile Festival held each year in, that's right, Hatch.
5 For Pizza: Head To New York City
Some might argue that Chicago makes the best pizza, and some might even argue that New Jersey is where it's at, but only the true and tried 'za lovers know where the best slice, pie, and cheesy late-night snack can be found: New York City. New York has all types of cuisines that knock other towns out of the water, many thanks to being the melting pot of the USA, but there's no arguing that they really do their pizza right. Throughout each borough, pizza shops can be found on every corner, ranging from humble dollar slices to wood-fired sit-down restaurants to modern slices with toppings such as burrata, 'nduja, and even pasta. It's difficult to go wrong when grabbing pizza in New York, but for the best spots the city has to offer, check out this list.
4 For Hotdogs: Head To Chicago
While New York might claim the pizza title, Chicago gives the Big Apple a run for its money when it comes to another favorite cult street food: the humble hotdog. Chicago is worthy of visiting for many reasons, but toward the top of that list is to eat a proper Chicago-style hotdog. A Chicago-style hotdog starts with a steamed poppy seed bun and an all-beef frankfurter. It is then topped with yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato, a kosher-style pickle spear, and a few spicy sports peppers, all topped with celery salt. Its origins come from the Great Depression in the 1930s, and to this day, it is a favorite in the windy city.
3 For Cheesesteaks: Head To Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A simple concoction made to perfection is perhaps the best way to describe the lush delicacy of the Philly Cheesesteak. Thinly sliced beef is typically griddled with onions, piled into a bun, and topped with cheese. While many variations now offer toppings such as fried onions, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, and more, the classic Philly way is kept simple. There's a big rivalry between two popular hotspots: Geno's and Pat's. Both spots are worthy, and hungry visitors to Philadelphia should try both to decide which one is superior.
2 For Oysters: Head To Seattle, Washington
The state of Washington produces more oysters than anywhere else in the USA. With Seattle being a coastal town, it's no surprise they do this aphrodisiac delicacy correct. While it's hard to find a bad oyster in Seattle, some of the best spots to grab these seafood snacks are at The Walrus and the Carpenter, Taylor Shellfish Farms, RockCreek, and White Swan Public House.
1 For Potatoes: Head To Blackfoot, Idaho
Idaho potatoes can be found in grocery stores throughout the United States of America, but it goes without saying that they simply taste better when eaten right from the source. Blackfoot, Idaho, is the state's largest potato-producing town. There's even a potato museum here, where curious visitors can learn all about the history of one of the most versatile vegetables. Whatever way visitors choose to eat potatoes in Blackfoot, Idaho, they can't go wrong: from baked to fried to mashed.