I've traveled the world to experience some of the best food scenes, from Modena to New York, and everywhere in between. But the lesser-known cities never cease to amaze me. If last year's list James Beard Foundation Award Winners (including the Best Chef in the South award to Natalia Vallejo of Cocina al Fondo in San Juan, Puerto Rico) are an indication, I'm not alone. According to Food management tourism, 80% of travelers choose their trip based on the destination’s culinary offerings. Look beyond family spring break and book a vacation from your vacation – without the kids. Here are some destinations that will surprise and delight this spring.
Boise, Idaho
Boise presents one of the most underrated music festivals in the country – Treefort Music Festival which will take place from March 20 to 24. The City of Trees will host top artists such as Dawes and Neko Case performing at venues across the city center, as well as hundreds of other bands performing in a myriad of venues you never imagined you would have envy. But it's not just about music. The festival also offers other “forts,” such as a wine fort and a food fort where extremely rare wines are served and dishes from James Beard award-winning chefs can be savored. The city is also home to the largest Basque population in the country. So, don’t miss out on tasting the delights of the Basque Country during your visit. Finally, less than an hour's drive away is one of the country's main AVAs: Snake River Valley. If you go, stay at Boise's favorite four-diamond boutique hotel, the center of all the festivities – Hostel at 500 Capitole.
Pensacola, Florida
Home to the famous Bushwacker cocktail, world-famous beaches and the Blue Angels, direct flights are offered daily from Nashville to Pensacola. But what about downtown Pensacola? Chef Georg and Luba Lazi of George Bistro + Bar bring the pearls of the sea and the freshest seafood, as well as the horns of the land with tasty burgers and sandwiches to the Pearl and Horn in The Garden At Palafox + Main for lunch. And, for dinner Jackson's Steakhouse has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence nine times – a staple of the Pensacola dining scene. Or opt for the award-winning Iron Restaurant, which focuses on contemporary Southern cuisine. For a perfect evening, go to Old Hickory Whiskey Bar where more than 650 whiskeys and craft cocktails await you. If you go there, two luxury boutique hotels in the city center catch your eye: Lily Room And Oyster Bay Hotel.
