Asheville, a city in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and just under a four hour drive from Atlanta, it’s vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. It’s also blossoming into a city with a rich food culture. Asheville was named one of the top 5 food cities by Southern Living magazine in 2020 and one of the South’s Best Food Towns by Garden & Gun in 2017. Essential restaurants in Asheville, as laid out by Eater Carolinas, include Cucina 24, Cúrate, Limones Restaurant and Saw Horse. Check out the full list here if you plan on making a trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Georgia natives know that the foodie culture in Atlanta is hard to beat. However, cities across the southeast boast a similarly vibrant restaurant scene.
Check out these 5 cities providing foodie heaven.
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Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses. Charleston was ranked at number two on Southern Living’s 2020 list of best food cities in the South as well as one of Garden and Gun’s best Southern food towns. Additionally, the city was named as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best Food Cities on the Planet. Travel + Leisure writes “Charleston is an international food destination now, like Paris or San Sebastian, Spain. You can’t walk half a block without stumbling on some inventive new oyster bar, café, or barbecue joint.”From oysters at The Ordinary to buttermilk biscuits at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, there’s no shortage of delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Charleston. Visit the city’s official guide to the culinary scene to see what they have to offer.
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Birmingham’s cultural influence is undeniable. As one of the most populous cities in the state and the site of many important events during the Civil Rights Movement, the city is certainly well known. As for its food culture, Birmingham came in at number 10 on Southern Living’s list of top ten best food cities in the South. Dive in to all the food that Birmingham has to offer with Food Network’s guide to the culinary wonders of the Magic City.
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Located on the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee, Knoxville boasts a unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. Due to the heavy focus on locally sourced foods and groups of talented chefs, Knoxville was named a one of Garden & Gun’s upcoming food cities. Check out the Travel Channel’s 11 Knoxville restaurants you can’t miss or the Daily Beacon’s guide to eating like a local to begin your Knoxville foodie journey.
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This city, the capital of Virginia and one of the oldest major cities in the country, might be best known for its historical significance and countless opportunities to relax in the great outdoors. But what about it’s food culture?Richmond has long been a destination for good food, and in recent years, the dining scene has catapulted onto the national stage. With local ingredients taking center stage and pairings with local wines, craft beer and outstanding cocktails there’s no reason Richmond shouldn’t be on the foodie bucket list. Check out Eater – Washington D.C.’s guide to the 18 essential restaurants in Richmond.
