Feast on a Great Vacation
March 13, 2007. Let's face it: When we go on vacation, we want to eat well. In fact, some of us book a luxury vacation rental purely on the basis of the local dining, according to a recent survey. Gourmet magazine and the International Culinary Tourism Association commissioned a survey that found one in ten leisure travelers go on trips strictly for the culinary pleasure.
Respondents were also asked to identify their favorite culinary destinations. We took a look at the top spots.
We were surprised New York didn't do better than third place, but at least it was in the top three. There are many great cities and regions to choose from in the Empire State, but many of the best chefs in the country call New York City their home.
America must be full of seafood lovers, because Florida took second place. Miami's restaurant scene has also benefited from the city's multiculturalism, which may also explain the high ranking with serious foodies.
California topped them all. The trendy slow food and organic movements were practically born in San Francisco, and Los Angeles has always been at the forefront of fusion cuisines.
As could be expected, California also topped the wine-related travel destinations in the survey. Tomorrow, we'll look those results and the country's most popular wine regions.
