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Eat Your Way Through Southern USA & Taste Iconic Culinary Offerings

If you’re a foodie in search of your next travel destination, look no further than the states of Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee whose iconic culinary offerings have made waves across the globe. From the smoky barbecue of Alabama to the sweet bourbon and Hot Brown dishes of Kentucky to the lip-smacking Nashville hot chicken from Tennessee, these destinations are a dream come true for every culinary enthusiast out there.

With recipes that have stood the test of time and are older than even the states themselves, a lot is yet to be discovered. Follow along as we list down the most iconic and sought-after locations in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee that cannot be missed while journeying through these mesmerizing destinations.

Alabama

Alabama is home to one of the most iconic culinary scenes in the world with its barbecue culture taking center stage. From award-winning fine dining offerings to budget-friendly roadside hidden gems, Alabama’s culinary scene includes all-time favorites like mouth-melting barbecue, food truck delicacies and French-inspired cuisine.

While planning your culinary-inspired itinerary into Alabama it would be advisable for you to keep some time out to indulge in its barbeque offerings. Springtime marks the beginning of barbecue season, and one will find food festivals dedicated to the art of barbecuing across Alabama. The state is also home to several award-winning barbeque restaurants and a plethora of barbeque cook-offs.

Did you know? Alabama is HUGE on barbeque cook-offs. Every summer, the state transforms itself and plays host to several cook-off festivals that have an array of exquisite food, music, and drinks to offer. Two of the most iconic and long-running food festivals are the Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival in Florence and Hog Wild for Art Festival in Camden.

To indulge in the most sought-after barbeque offerings Alabama has to offer, foodie tourists must visit also visit the Bob Sykes & Blues Festival in Bessemer, Alabama. Combining the beautiful tunes of Blues music and a lip-smacking array of barbeque offerings served by the maestro chefs at the famous Bob Sykes B Q restaurants, this festival is a perfect addition to your culinary escapade.

Kentucky

Are you ready for the best meal of your life? Kentucky is the destination that might fulfil that wish! Culinary enthusiasts travelling to Kentucky for a holiday are in for a journey to experience food traditions that are older than the state itself.

The first destination that should be on every food aficionado’s itinerary is the gorgeous city of Paducah which has created a wholesome environment for culinary artistry. Throughout the city of Paducah, you’ll not only find a diverse collection of barbeque but also cafes serving contemporary cuisine curated using fresh, locally sourced food.

Kirchhoff’s Bakery, one of the many locally-owned restaurants has been popular through the ages. The bakery is famous for serving artisanal bread recipes and other innovative offerings like cranberry walnut and sun-dried tomato and basil bread. Another must-visit restaurant, which is a stone’s throw away from Kirchhoff’s Bakery is Cynthia’s California Tuscan Ristorante which serves tasty Italian cuisine made from homemade pastas and specially crafted breads.

A visit to Kentucky is incomplete without indulging in the state’s very own Hot Brown Sandwich. With a history dating back to 1920s, the Hot Brown Sandwich was first created for the guests of the Brown Hotel as a late-night meal for visitors. The Hot Brown Sandwich is now a part of the culture and tradition in Kentucky and is served across Louisville-area restaurants. The sandwich is so in tune with the legacy of Kentucky that there is a specially curated Hot Brown Hop that helps hungry tourists find the perfect sandwich to suit their tastes.

Tennessee

From the globally renowned Hot Chicken in Nashville to the delectable Memphis-style barbeque, Tennessee has a rich food culture that reflects its southern roots.

One of the most sought-after experiences for a foodie would be the Chattanooga Dinner Train. This unique concept train offers guests a 3-course meal while riding through the scenic landscapes of Lookout Mountains while the ambiance of the train car takes you back in time.

Every food lover travelling to Tennessee must try the Nashville Hot Chicken while in Music City. One of the restaurants serving delectable Nashville Hot Chicken would be Prince’s Hot Chicken which has been serving the gold standard for hot chicken for almost 100 years. For food enthusiasts looking at indulging in a more modern take on Nashville Hot Chicken, Hattie B’s is the place to be. Serving freshly fried chicken across six heat levels, the chicken served here is curated to specially suit each person’s pallet as per their liking.

With so many delicious experiences in the South, all cravings are sure to be satisfied!