Travel and food are two of my biggest passions in life. And any time I get to combine those two passions into one mission — I get especially excited. As travelers like myself continue to seek out more meaningful, experience-driven getaways, some of the most exciting culinary discoveries are taking place beyond the world’s traditional foodie capitals.
From hidden wine regions and coastal towns celebrated for their seafood traditions to unexpected resort destinations blending luxury hospitality with authentic local flavors, we’ve complied a list of some of the best under-the-radar culinary destinations you won’t want to miss. These destinations give travelers a chance to eat, drink, and experience a destination like a true local. Don’t miss these upcoming events taking place across the country, geared towards foodies like us.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
When you think of “foodie destinations”, Florida’s probably not the first state that comes to mind. But hear me out on this one. Travelers seeking a fun, foodie escape paired with small-town coastal charm will love a stay at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. This resort is only 30 minutes away from the upcoming Destin Harvest Wine & Food Festival, which takes place from October 15–18, 2026 in Northwest Florida. Guests staying here get a perfect balance of convenient access to a premier culinary event and a relaxing getaway with a Caribbean-type coastline. I also like that they have a complimentary shuttle to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for even more shopping, dining, and entertainment.
“Fall is one of the best times to visit Northwest Florida, with beautiful weather and a calendar full of experiences that celebrate the region’s food, wine and coastal culture,” said Angelina Covington, General Manager at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “The Harvest Wine & Food Festival is a highlight of the season, and we’re excited to welcome guests looking to continue their culinary journey with fine dining at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, all while enjoying a relaxing beachfront stay,” says Angelina Covington, General Manager at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Naples, Italy
If you’re feeling ambitious this summer and like escaping the country, perhaps a visit to Naples, Italy is in order. If you ask me, Naples is one of the most underrated foodie destinations out there. Sure, it’s not the cleanest city and they could surely use some better trash policies. But from a foodie aspect, this place is a true playground.
Yes, it’s the birth place of pizza which opens up the door to endless possibilities. Yet, there’s so much more to be explored here — from the rich, dense Pasta alla Genovese to light bites like Sfogliatella, I fell in love with the food options here. I highly recommend going on a food walking tour if you really want to get the full experience. Lead by a local, you can connect food, travel, culture, and purpose all in one experience with a food walking tour. People are completely sleeping on Naples, Italy as a foodie destination. Just true me.
Explore Oak Park and Beyond
As a foodie, food festivals are one thing I can always get excited about traveling for. This summer, Explore Oak Park and Beyond is spotlighting a lively run of late-summer and early-fall food festivals across Chicago’s western suburbs. Oak Park Uncorked returns July 24, August 21, and September 18, offering a recurring toast to local flavors with curated pours, bites, and a relaxed downtown backdrop that makes each date feel like its own small celebration.
August brings the Taste of Elmwood Park (August 6–9), a four-day stretch of classic festival fare, live entertainment, and family-friendly crowds gathering around local favorites. The season winds down with Taste of Melrose Park on September 4-5, rounding out the lineup with a community-rooted mix of cultural dishes and hometown pride that closes out summer on a flavorful note.
“Food festivals are such a fun way to experience the personality of a destination, and our communities each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re sampling local favorites at Oak Park Uncorked, enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere at Taste of Elmwood Park, or celebrating the diverse culinary traditions at Taste of Melrose Park, these events offer visitors an authentic taste of our region. They’re a wonderful reason to spend a weekend exploring the restaurants, shops, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods in Explore Oak Park and Beyond, just west of Chicago,” says Annie Coakley, Executive Director of Explore Oak Park and Beyond.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Ok, yes, we’re back onto Florida. But you’d be surprised just how many foodie happenings are taking place around the sunshine state.World Equestrian Center – Ocala offers travelers an unexpected side of Florida, reacheing its culinary pinnacle during the sixth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival, returning November 6–8, 2026.
This signature Central Florida event invites food and wine enthusiasts to experience a chef-led weekend featuring exceptional dining, premium wines, craft spirits, and immersive culinary experiences across the resort. The destination’s culinary program takes center stage during the sixth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival, returning November 6–8, 2026. The chef-led culinary weekends features premium wines, craft spirits and immersive events throughout the resort, including a fully paired multicourse Chefs’ Dinner at The Equestrian Manor, the lively Grand Tasting, a Grand Prix Dining Experience combining exceptional cuisine with elite show jumping, and a Jazz Brunch with chef-attended stations and live entertainment.
“Food has become an increasingly important part of the travel experience, and Ocala/Marion County’s culinary scene has grown to offer visitors authentic flavors that reflect our community. From award-winning food trucks and chef-driven restaurants to fine dining steakhouses, craft breweries, and hidden speakeasies, our local food and beverage scene continues to thrive, with nationally recognized chefs helping put our destination on the culinary map. In fact, our visitor research shows that 66% of travelers say dining at restaurants is their top activity while visiting, demonstrating how local flavors and culinary experiences have become an essential part of creating memorable travel experiences,” shares Loretta Shaffer, Tourism Development Director of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.
