Mount Dora, Florida was recently added to USA Today’s list of 10 best small town food scenes in the US. The small city in Central Florida’s Lake County has long been a destination for tourists, travelers, and those with insatiable tastebuds. The globally inspired food scene is impressive, ranging from British pubs to authentic Cuban eateries.
With chefs inspired by global influences and a unique natural landscape, the San Francisco Peninsula is home to a collection of vibrant and diverse restaurants. This remarkable selection of Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants—with establishments earning Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand distinctions—offer everything from refined fine dining experiences to innovative and scenic casual eateries.
Dan grew up playing baseball in the Manor Ridge area and went to school in the city at Sacred Heart. “I don’t have a single bad memory of my childhood growing up,” Dan says, leading me on a pre-dinner walk around the Elkridge Furnace Complex.
The igloo experience is a personal heated sanctuary, complete with soft blankets, glowing heaters, and Bluetooth speakers to set the mood. These igloos can comfortably host up to six guests, making them ideal for everything from romantic date nights to festive gatherings with friends. Once settled in, guests peruse menus spotlighting Maine’s freshest ingredients, paired with inventive cocktails to warm both body and soul.
In 2020, I was scouring Philadelphia looking for out-ofthe-way, non-descript eateries—trying to find a hidden gem—when I heard about Kalaya, a restaurant by Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon in Bella Vista.
Nature lovers, history buffs, or just those traveling the county’s beautiful roads will find exceptional eats throughout the area. From breakfast to snacks to dessert, Shenandoah County eateries and foodie spots make this small part of western Virginia one of the most delicious spots in the state.
I was looking for a healthy, vegan restaurant in Center City, Philadelphia. Trying to avoid the dinner rush, we arrive early at Charlie was a sinner. and my party of four is the first seated on this particular Sunday evening. I walk into the empty space, rich with wood and deep colors dimly lit by overhead chandeliers, and I think I’ve found a vegan speakeasy. Our host leads us through the dimly lit restaurant to the last table in the long dining area where we spend our evening watching couples come into the restaurant.
Lake County, Florida is one of the most visited counties in the state, even if folks are just passing through on their way to nearby Orlando. A traveler can find a quaint and delicious breakfast spot in Lake County’s many small towns like Mt Dora, Taveres, or Clermont.
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, water is the necessity, and food trucks are the invention.
It has been a decade since Chincoteague Island issued a permit for brick-and-mortar restaurant construction, something that’s given the food truck scene an opportunity to flourish.
The barrier island, famous for its wild ponies and windswept shores, is wedged between the sea and the mainland, separated by five miles of brackish bays and tidal wetlands. Managing fresh water and its corollary is crucial. “Food trucks are a draw for potential business owners because we have a limited sewage capacity,” says town manager Mike Tolbert, who explains that food trucks are the kind of eateries that have minimal wastewater impact and a few zoning stipulations. “Costs to start these businesses are not prohibitive,” he says.
While eateries throughout the U.S. may lay claim to the invention of America’s mealtime classic, the burger meets perfection in the Old Dominion.
