Get a Taste of the Action
Food tells a story, and in North Carolina it’s one worth following beyond the episode. From barbecue joints shaped by generations to chefs reimagining Southern flavors with seafood that’s landed just hours before it’s served, dining feels rooted, confident and camera-ready. Pair it with local beer or wine and suddenly the trip makes as much sense as the menu.
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A Quick Fire At Full Speed
Season 23's first Quickfire Challenge unfolds at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, transforming speed, precision and pressure into a culinary showdown with NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch helping set the pace. Whether you want to experience the roar of the track firsthand or celebrate the legacy at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte provides a strong start to any trip plan.
Big Energy, Bold Flavors
Chefs across North Carolina are blending creativity with a deep sense of place, elevating local seafood, heritage grains and mountain-grown produce onto the national stage.
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Must-Try NC Dishes and Food Items
Buckle up for a culinary journey through the Tar Heel State, allowing plenty of time to stop and savor these iconic dishes.
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Dig In to Food & Drink Trails
Grab your favorite foodie friends and visit culinary trails around our state that include barbecue, wine and beer, cheese and sweets.
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Follow Freshness on the NC Oyster Trail
Aw, shucks! The NC Oyster Trail is packed with aquatic farms and restaurants where you can eat your fill throughout the year.
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Farm-to-Table Dining Spots
Some of the best elements of North Carolina's culinary scene are fueled by the small, sustainable farms of the surrounding area.
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James Beard-Nominated Chefs and Restaurants
Celebrate culinary excellence of NC's semifinalists, nominees and winners with the "Oscars of Food," the James Beard Awards.
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Meet the Chef
Season 23
Brittany Cochran studied culinary arts at Charlotte’s own Johnson & Wales University, and after a stint sharpening her knife in New York's culinary scene, has been leading Stagioni's bustling, seasonally-inspired kitchen since July 2020.
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Meet the Chef
Season 23
Oscar Diaz is the chef behind the MICHELIN Recommended Little Bull in Durham, Aaktun in Clayton and multiple other Triangle restaurants. As a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast, Diaz is bound to bring the heat.
Make a reservationNC's Michelin Moment
From MICHELIN Star restaurants to hidden gems making waves, here you'll discover masterpiece meals worth savoring.
Raise a Glass in NC
North Carolina’s wine scene is as varied as its landscape, from rolling vineyards with big views to urban tasting rooms with delicious bites to accompany each glass.
Show Us How You #VisitNC
Even if you might not want to share a bite, share your vacation photos on social using our hashtag for a chance to be featured.
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A helpful guide in your pocket
Get access to free travel guides, highway maps or guides to handicap-accessible attractions, wineries and Civil War trails.
Get your Guide