If you're a traveler that prioritizes culinary experiences and local food, make sure to take a look at the cities that topped the "Best Foodie Cities" ranking for 2023. WalletHub recently compared over 180 destinations in the US to determine which had the best local food scenes. In order to determine the top destinations for food, WalletHub evaluated data in two key categories: “Affordability” and “Diversity, Accessibility & Quality.” Each category looked at metrics such as average restaurant meal prices and grocery costs; food and sales taxes; the number of restaurants, food trucks, farmers markets, cafes, breweries, and more per capita; access and availability of international and specialty item grocery stores, food festivals, tours, and culinary supplies stores; as well as restaurant diversity and recognition. Set aside those dieting plans for after the new year begins, and take a peak at what makes the destinations below so delicious. Top spots in the Sunshine State A taco stand in Miami, Florida by Daniel Lee - Unsplash Cities in Florida dominated the rankings, with Orlando coming out as the number one spot for foodies. It's no surprise—the city is a tourist hot spot thanks to its numerous theme parks and attractions. It tied for first place in multiple categories including the most restaurants, ice cream and frozen yogurt shops, gourmet specialty food stores, and coffee shops per capita, making it the ultimate destination if you are looking for variety and options when it comes to eating. While it didn't do as well when it came to affordability, the quality and diversity of the food scene make Orlando more than worthwhile for people looking for a tasty trip. With a bustling international food scene, Miami came in at fourth overall thanks to its top spot in the category of Diversity, Accessibility, and Quality. Cuban food is a particularly well-loved cuisine in the city, but the Miami dining scene also has an incredible amount of influence from several Latin American cultures. The south Florida gem also tied for first place in restaurants per capita and ice cream shops per capita. Tampa, Florida, ranked sixth overall, tied for most ice cream shops per capita and ranked fifth for most gourmet specialty food shops. While not making it to the top 10 overall rankings, Cape Coral also made an impressive showing as the city with the highest ratio of full-service restaurants to fast-food establishments Culinary gems in California A seafood restaurant in San Francisco by Yaopey Yong - Unsplash California was another state that topped the lists in WalletHub's research. Overall, Sacramento ranked third, San Francisco ranked fifth, and San Diego ranked seventh. Additionally, just outside of the top 10, Los Angeles made it to 13th place, Oakland came in at 21st, and Santa Ana was close behind at 23rd. San Francisco took second place in the category of Diversity, Accessibility, and Quality—which comes as no surprise thanks to its award-winning restaurants, bustling Chinatown, fresh-caught seafood, local farms, and international food scene. Sacramento and San Diego also had great showings in the same category, ranking seventh and eighth respectively. San Diego topped the list for most craft breweries and wineries per capita. Both Los Angeles and San Francisco tied in first for most restaurants per capita. Other notable California towns in the study include Fresno, which ranked fourth for lowest average beer and wine prices, and Santa Rosa, which tied for most craft breweries and wineries and came in second for highest ratio of full-service restaurants to fast-food establishments. Flavorful, affordable Western cities Las Vegas lights up the night by Ameer Basheer - Unsplash Destinations west of the Mississippi made a great overall showing, often due to the lower costs associated with food and dining. In eighth place overall, Las Vegas tied for most ice cream shops per capita and most restaurants per capita. While its affordability ranking was modest at 88th place, Sin City actually fared better than many of the other overall top-ranked cities (several of which fell near the bottom of that category, though they were redeemed with their incredibly diverse culinary scenes). Denver took 11th place overall, also with one of the better affordability rankings of the top ranked towns—the "Mile High" city doesn't quite have mile-high prices, coming in at decent 48th place. Texas towns had an impressive showing and are also more affordable overall. Austin made it just inside the top 10 at ninth place overall, came in at 13th in the Diversity, Accessibility, and Quality category, and ranked fifth for lowest cost of groceries. San Antonio showed up for a first place tie with the most ice cream shops per capita. Additionally, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and Laredo ranked first, second, and third respectively for lowest cost of groceries—though they might not be as fun for dining out as the bigger cities. Pacific Northwest standouts Coffee shop in Pike Place in Seattle by Brett Wharton - Unsplash It's all about craft breweries and good coffee in the Pacific Northwest, and that certainly helped the rankings for towns in Washington and Oregon. Amidst all the Florida and California destinations, Portland, Oregon, snuck into second place overall, thanks to an impressive 5th place finish in the Diversity, Accessibility, and Quality category. Tenth-ranked Seattle also came in fourth for Diversity, Accessibility, and Quality. Both Seattle and Portland tied for most craft breweries and wineries per capita; Spokane also tied for most coffee shops per capita. —To view the full rankings and data, visit WalletHub.

Berkeley Plantation, Home of The First Thanksgiving While it is commonly accepted that New Englanders held the first Thanksgiving, many actually contend Thanksgiving in English-speaking America took place in Virginia, at Berkeley Plantation, more than a year before the Mayflower set sail for Plymouth. Records show that Captain John Woodlief led his crew and passengers from their ship to a grassy slope here along the James River for the New World's first Thanksgiving service. Once they disembarked, in accordance with rules laid out by their British company expedition sponsor, the English colonists knelt down and prayed. The date was December 4, 1619. Today on the site where Woodlief knelt, a gazebo contains the following words: "Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God." While the plantation holds an annual Thanksgiving Festival during the first week of November, visitors can tour this fascinating historic home in Charles City year round. American Indian Heritage Month at Colonial Williamsburg Colonial Williamsburg. Courtesy of colonialwilliamsburg.org. Throughout the month of November, Colonial Williamsburg features special programming to learn more about American Indians in 18th-century Williamsburg, where they were a regular and frequent presence. There were local "tributary" tribes, who were considered subjects of Great Britain by the 18th century, such as the Pamunkey, Mattoponi, and Chickahominy. And there were “foreign” Indian tribes who had a nation to nation relationship with Great Britain, such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, who would come to Williamsburg to discuss treaties with the Royal government of Virginia. These diverse native nations had an influence on American culture, democracy, and its struggle for independence. The explorations of these American Indian nations and their role in our collective story then and now is essential in understanding modern American life. At a special event on Thanksgiving Day, visitors can hear from President George Washington himself during a special reenactment event. Following a resolution of Congress on October 3, 1789, Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, 1789, a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” devoted to “the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.” In setting aside a day for Thanksgiving, Washington established a non-sectarian tone for these devotions. It stressed political, moral, and intellectual blessings that make self-government possible and personal and national repentance. History-lovers will also want to book a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at one of the historic taverns, such as Christiana Campbell's Tavern or the King's Arms. American's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts Plymouth Thanksgiving parade. Courtesy of seeplymouth.com. Plymouth, Massachusetts is one of the most visited places in New England, especially in the fall. Located where the Pilgrims first settled back in the 1600s, many of the town's historic sites have been wonderfully preserved or restored. Plymouth hosts several special holiday events during the weekend before and on Thanksgiving day. This year's festivities include a harvest market, historic village and living historians, children's activities and food trucks, Plymouth Philharmonic concert, as well as American's only historically-accurate chronological parade. On the day of Thanksgiving, the town puts on “Pilgrim Progress," a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath procession to worship. Costumed participants representing survivors of the winter of 1621, assemble to the beat of a drum, proceed down North Street, along Water Street past Plymouth Rock, up Leyden Street to School Street where a short Pilgrim worship service is observed near the site of the original fort/meetinghouse. Psalms sung are taken from The Book of Psalms by Henry Ainsworth, used by the Pilgrims in Holland and in Plymouth. Passages read by “Elder Brewster” are from Governor Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation or other sources. After the service, the march continues through town on Main Street, ending at the Mayflower Society House via North Street. Then at noon, the National Day of Mourning March and Ceremonies are held at the Massosoit Statue. Since 1970, Native Americans and their supporters have marched to Plymouth’s Town Square and then gathered on Cole’s Hil. Organized by United American Indians of New England (UAINE), the march has brought about revisions in the depiction of United States history and government as well as settler relationships with Native American peoples. A day of remembrance and spiritual connection, the annual event is held to create a renewed appreciation for Native American culture, and to protest the treatment of American Indians.

In a world where many people are increasingly focused on their well-being and strive to strike a work-life balance, most still find themselves neglecting their hard-earned vacation days. Those looking to Sonoma County, California will find a harmonious blend of nature's beauty where the art of relaxation awaits, promising to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Experiences in Sonoma County include opportunities for forest bathing, stargazing, and engaging in wellness, creativity workshops, and more. A multitude of offerings provide visitors with the chance to immerse themselves in a midweek or weekend dedicated to self-care, relaxation, rejuvenation, connection, and holistic well-being. Forest bathe amongst the Redwoods Redwoods in Sonoma County by David Singleton - Unsplash Immerse yourself in the serenity of Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery for a very special forest bathing and estate wine tasting experience Certified Nature Therapy Guide, Jenny Harrow-Keeler. Jenny leads guests through the Japanese meditative practice, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), opening all five senses to the land and vineyard, connecting you with nature. Take the time to slow down and truly be aware of your surroundings - on all levels. Enjoy the beauty of the plethora of life at Bartholomew amongst the vines, redwoods, and creeks of the 375-acre sanctuary. Following the forest bathing experience, you'll be guided to Bartholomew's picturesque Oak Knoll for a seated tasting of wines grown in their sustainably farmed vineyards. Forest bathing enhances the wine, and the wine enhances your experience of the land. It's a full circle experience of connection and oneness. Forage for seaweed in Bodega Bay Sunset in Bodega Bay by Georg Eiermann - Unsplash Examine Sonoma County's underwater life with seaweed expert Heidi Herrmann of Strong Arm Farm. Heidi knows what to pick, how to pick it, and most importantly, how to make it taste delicious! This two to three-hour guided foray meets on the beach in Bodega Bay and is followed by a talk on what you collected, the science of seaweed, and how to cook your catch. Taking place during coastal low tide, foraging participants can expect to explore the normally underwater inter-tidal zone at a negative low tide, connecting with the local food system, enjoying umami direct from the source and takeaway 10 pounds of raw edible seaweed – a nutritional powerhouse – during your Bodega Bay adventure. Go glamping on the "Sonoma Serengeti" Experience a magical evening glamping on the Sonoma Serengeti as Safari West commemorates three decades of dedicated wildlife conservation. Don't miss out on this unique, memory-making experience. During your visit to Safari West be sure to be on the lookout for Otto, Safari West's first-ever Southern white rhino baby born to mother, Eesha, and father, Ongava. And to sprinkle even more joy on your experience, children stay free. This special offer is available through December 2023, Monday through Thursday only. Please note that holidays are excluded, and it is applicable for new reservations only. Go horseback riding through the heart of wine country Vineyard in Sonoma County by Trent Erwin - Unsplash Celebrating 20 years, Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers private horseback tours in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country on some of the finest riding trails in the world, past acres of vineyards for premium wines, cross open oak woodlands and through shady groves of tall redwoods at the renowned, Jack London State Historic Park. Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers a variety of ride lengths to suit their guests' riding interests and schedules. Daily ride times vary. Triple Creek horses are saddled specifically for their reserved rider and rotated daily to insure a happy, healthy mount. Since Sonoma County wine tastes better after riding a horse, Triple Creek offers a complimentary tasting at nearby VJB Cellars. Learn about herbal remedies for winter wellness Herbalist Colleen Solis leads this empowering class on herbal remedies for winter wellness at Wind & Rye, highlighting the plant allies and herbal traditions used in the winter months to keep our bodies nourished and our immune systems strong. The concept of fire cider reaches back centuries but was officially named and perfected by famed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970s. Learn about how to use traditional brews in your everyday cooking to support immunity and more. Every attendee will leave with a fire cider, elderberry syrup and bundle of broth herbs created in class. As always, a nourishing meal made with local organic Sonoma County ingredients will be served with drinks at the conclusion of the class. Dip into a one-of-a-kind cedar enzyme bath Sunlight pouring through the redwood trees by Kristina Wagner - Unsplash In a quiet corner of Sonoma County sits Freestone, California, home to Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the only spa in North America that offers a Cedar Enzyme bath. A Cedar Enzyme "bath" involves submersion in a redwood tub filled with rice bran and warm cedar and fir shavings, a dry microbiome in which fermentation produces unique salutary benefits for metabolism, digestion, the cardiovascular system, relieving joint and muscle pain and improves sleep. Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary has a 30-year history of creating a unique healing environment in Sonoma County that provides spa services in resonance with nature. Beyond the uniqueness of their offerings—such as the one-of-a-kind Cedar Enzyme Bath and award-winning Japanese Zen gardens—their commitment extends to the close attention they give to making guests feel at home, comfortable, and well taken care of. Join in on a Star Party at Robert Ferguson Observatory The Milky Way stretching over the night sky of California by Rodrigo Soares - Unsplash Located in the majestic Mayacamas Mountains in northeast Sonoma County, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a striking testament to the state's vast and varied landscapes. Encompassing over 4000 acres, the park is a treasure trove of verdant valleys, craggy peaks, and sprawling meadows. Within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park visitors can enjoy the Robert Ferguson Observatory, a must-visit for anyone with a passion for astronomy. Offering a unique chance to view celestial objects through high-powered telescopes, the Observatory hosts regular star parties and events throughout the fall season. During these events, volunteers guide visitors through the universe, from the planets in our solar system to far-off galaxies. For those who prefer to stargaze alone, the park's high elevation and minimal light pollution make it an ideal location for appreciating the beauty of the night sky and connecting to the universe.

When the final leaves drift down from the treetops and the snow begins to pile up, Wyoming becomes a winter wonderland for a variety of adventure seekers. From shredding powder down a double black diamond slope in Jackson Hole to a laid-back afternoon at the spa or soaking your worries away in the mineral-bearing hot springs in Saratoga, the Cowboy State is a superior winter destination for all ages and interests. Hit the slopes in Jackson Hole For those who label themselves as expert skiers or for others who are eager to sharpen their skills on the slopes, there are many ski areas Wyoming has to offer. Known for being the first designated ski area in Wyoming, Snow King Mountain Resort in Jackson Hole has 500 acres of skiable terrain, three operating lifts, a state-of-the-art gondola, three Magic Carpets and an impressive array of 41 designated runs. Apart from skiing, visitors can also enjoy alternative winter activities such as the Cowboy Coaster, snow tubing and exploring the soon-to-launch world-class observatory & planetarium. For more information, visit snowkingmountain.com. Located 12 miles northwest of Jackson Hole in the picturesque Teton Village, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers an assortment of family-fun activities, an extensive skiable terrain of over 2,500 acres with 13 ski lifts and more than 130 named trails with options available for all skill levels. Visitors uninterested in hitting the slopes can always make a quick stop to ride the iconic aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. For more information, visit www.jacksonhole.com. Click here for a full list of ski options in Wyoming. Glide through enchanting wilderness trails A cross-country skier in Wyoming by Glenna Haug - Unsplash If the fast-pace of downhill skiing isn't your thing, explore some of the wilderness trails across the state. Laramie, in southeast Wyoming, offers the Tie City/Happy Jack trail network and the Snowy Range for diverse snowshoeing and cross country skiing opportunities. The one-third-of-a-mile Summit Loop provides majestic views, while Chimney Park Trail's 15 miles cater to various skill levels. The Barber Lake Trail, groomed for classic Nordic skiing, offers thrilling descents and climbs in the Medicine Bow National Forest.In Yellowstone National Park, winter enthusiasts can explore miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, but they must consult park rangers for trail conditions, as some areas are closed to protect wildlife. Among the recommended trails are the 4.2-mile Snow Pass Ski Trail, the Lone Star Geyser Trail with its geothermal wonders and the historical Bannock Ski Trail. Near Yellowstone's east entrance, Cody provides over 15 miles of groomed trails at Sleeping Giant Ski Area and Pahaska Tepee Resort. One hour south of Yellowstone, Jackson Hole offers the Shooting Star Nordic Track for dog-friendly skiing, Teton Pines Nordic Center for wildlife sightings and Turpin Meadow Ranch for resort-style skiing. Backcountry enthusiasts will find Snake River Dike and Moose-Wilson Road captivating.South of Casper, a biathlon venue boasts 26 miles of groomed ski trails, perfect for both novices and experts. Casper Mountain's 28 miles of trails and adjacent biathlon facility provide a unique skiing experience. In Pinedale, scenic trails like Sweeney Creek, Grouse Mountain and Kelly Park, cater to skiers of all levels. Finally, head to Lander, located in the Wind River Range, to explore the Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area and Sinks Canyon for various skiing experiences. Discover a snowmobile paradise Snowy Grand Tetons by Joel Holland - Unsplash Wyoming boasts a snowmobiling paradise with over 2,500 miles of trails, including the renowned Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System, often ranked among the best in the country. Some key destinations include the Bear Lodge Mountains with 78 miles of groomed trails, the Bighorn Mountains offering 387 miles of trails and epic snowfall, the Black Hills with 40 miles of groomed trails connecting to South Dakota and Casper Mountain providing 46 miles of groomed trails at elevations over 7,000 feet.The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail offers a 270-mile adventure through breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the Snowy Range boasts 25 feet of annual snowfall, while the Wyoming Range offers a 335-mile trail system.Finally, Yellowstone National Park, with its abundant wildlife and pristine winter setting, provides over 3,400 square miles of exploration, open to those with authorized commercial guides and advanced reservations recommended. Dog sled through national forests Dog sledding in Wyoming - courtesy of Jason Lindsey/Wyoming Office of Tourism While Alaska often springs to mind for dogsledding enthusiasts, Wyoming also offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of this wild and snowy adventure. Located primarily in the northwest corner of the state, Wyoming boasts a selection of dogsled tour operators for travelers to explore.Take a scenic joyride with Jackson Hole Dog Sled Tours, guided by eight-time Iditarod veteran Frank Teasley, bringing guests from town to the majestic Granite Hot Springs.Roughly a 45-minute drive northeast of Jackson Hole, Continental Divide Dog Sled Adventures takes guests on a thrilling sled excursion pulled by more than a dozen Alaskan huskies through the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests. Relax in natural hot springs The Thermopolis Hot Springs by Michael Kirsh - Unsplash Soak your worries away in one of many Wyoming hot springs. Free to the public, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis features both indoor and outdoor soaking pools, as well as attractions like a swinging bridge and Teepee Fountain. Have the family experience of a lifetime at Star Plunge, located inside Hot Springs State Park, which offers heated pools filled with mineral-rich water and additional amenities like water slides and a vapor cave.Granite Hot Springs near Jackson boasts a waterfall-fed soaking pool accessible in the winter via snowmobile, skis or a dog sled. Astoria Hot Springs Park near Jackson features man-made soaking pools rich in mineral compounds, along with amenities like snacks and a playground.Saratoga Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers a 70-foot outdoor hot springs pool and teepee-covered soaking pools, along with spa treatments like Couples Retreats. Last but not least, Hobo Hot Pool in Saratoga is a free natural spring with two pools next to the Platte River, even allowing visitors to wade into the river.