The Best Domestic Charter Destinations for Foodies

The United States has top destinations for foodies from sea to shining sea, but don’t feel overwhelmed. We’ve assembled six of the best charter destinations for foodies within the country’s borders to guide your search for the perfect dish. If you’re planning a charter trip and fancy yourself a food fanatic, don’t miss these top foodie destinations.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is a mecca of Creole, Cajun, and French-influenced cuisine. If you’re a foodie with a hunger for innovative takes on traditional dishes like po’boys, gumbo, and jambalaya, this is the spot for you. Every meal in New Orleans is treated as an event — a European perspective that’s been passed down throughout the long and storied history that’s told with every stir of a cocktail swizzle stick on Bourbon Street.

Try the beignets and cafe au lait from Cafe Du Monde for breakfast for a taste of a morning in the bayou metropolis. Later in the day, the gourmet turtle soup makes Commander’s Palace to-die-for among foodie destinations (have a reservation!).

San Francisco, California

The Golden City is famous for the innovative concoctions in its bustling restaurant scene. Michelin-starred venues by the dozen dot the hills of San Fran, and there are worthy options in every neighborhood. Only four cities in the U.S. have a Michelin guide — San Francisco is one of them. Don’t forget to investigate the Ferry Building Marketplace, which is one of the top food markets in the states.

Chowder in a bread bowl is a classic in the bay, and you can find the area’s best at San Franscisco sourdough originator Boudin’s. Small-batch frozen desserts at Bi-Rite Creamery (4 locations in San Francisco) are wonderful for a walk through the streets. For a uniquely classy experience that won’t easily be matched, head to Rich Table after 5PM for Californian fare made with fresh, local ingredients and servedin from an open kitchen in a salvaged-barn-wood space.

Napa Valley, California

Fine diners, look no further. The Napa region is famous among foodie destinations for its sprawling vineyards and wine culture, and the sophisticated restaurants are an equally strong draw. Award-winning restaurants pair local wines to dishes also made with local ingredients. 

We highly recommend a luxurious evening at Michelin-star recipients La Toque or Morimoto Napa in town, or The French Laundry in nearby Yountville. Don’t stop there, however! Consider trying one of the many local food tours to sample many of the best examples of Napa cuisine in a day of exploration.

Nashville, Tennessee

Music City is at the top of the list when it comes to Southern cuisine and honky tonk comfort foods. Hot chicken, a Tennessee creation, is a must-try at the iconic Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. You also can’t steer yourself wrong with the BBQ joints in the Nashville area, including Loveless Café and Hog Heaven.

The local wisdom is meat-and-three, or meat and three veggies. Head to Arnold’s Country Chicken for the perfect example, alongside steaming southern biscuits and refreshing fruit tea. If you’re in need of a drink, the whiskey bars in Tennessee are world-famous (and plentiful). Mosey into Gertie's Whiskey Bar and enjoy the local flavor.

Portland, Maine

Maine is a fast-rising treasure among foodie destinations in the USA. The coastal city of Portland is easily the lobster capital of the states, and top-notch seafood is the name of the game. The most famous local dish is the lobster roll, served hot or cold, either simply in drawn butter or with a little more flair. Bob’s Clam Hut will hook you up, but it wouldn’t be hard to find an example at any corner restaurant in Portland.

Tickle your tastebuds on casual fare at Duckfat, a popular pick for fries, paninis, snacks, sweets, and shakes. Only 10 minutes away, you’ll find their sister location, Oxbow Blending & Bottling, nestled down the alley of Washington Ave. Head to the fry window for Belgian-style fry cones and a smorgasborg of draft or bottled beer.

Miami, Florida

The Cuban and other Latin influences on Miami cuisine set the stage for the waterfront city’s vibrant restaurant scene. From beachside bars and diners to fancier fare, you can’t go wrong with the area’s famous dishes, such as conch-and-gator fritters, stone crab, the pastelito, and a world-class Cuban sandwich.

We recommend La Carreta for the best cafecito in town, and Knaus Berry Farms for a pitstop with mouth watering cinnamon rolls. Among the many upscale options in Miami, top foodie destinations must include La Mar by Gastón Acurio. And, don’t forget to try the caja china (a Cuban-style backyard pig roast) at La Esquina del Lochon before you head home.

Get There With Hangar 7

These hot spots stretch from coast to coast, and all are worthy of a look. Get your wheels up and soar above expectations with Hangar 7 for a flexible and comfortable charter experience tailored to your needs.