North Carolina serves up more than just incredible flavors — it’s a place where food, craft and culture blend into unforgettable experiences. Whether you're tasting, exploring or meeting the makers, every experience is rich with local flavor.
Every dish, drink and handcrafted piece in North Carolina has a story behind it. From pitmasters carrying on generations-old barbecue traditions to artists weaving heritage into their work, we are a haven for those who appreciate flavor, authenticity, creativity and passion, be it plated, poured or painted.
NC Tips
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The Flavor of Tradition
Barbecue in North Carolina isn’t just a meal — it’s a craft. Visit pitmasters who have spent decades perfecting their techniques, taste the regional differences between Lexington-style and Eastern-style, and experience a time-honored culinary tradition that’s as much about community as it is about flavor.
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Handmade and Homegrown
Wander through pottery studios where hands have shaped clay for generations, sip and sample celebrated wines unique to each region, or witness as glassblowers turn fire and sand into art — North Carolina’s craft scene is as diverse as its landscapes.
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Beyond the Plate
Plan your trip around one of our many unique festivals and events and you’ll be able to taste one of the many beloved specialities of North Carolina — think Cheerwine-glazed barbecue, fresh Calabash-style seafood, and classic biscuits and gravy that'll stick to your ribs.
Award-Winning Cuisine
Flavors Worth the Hype
North Carolina’s chefs are redefining Southern cuisine, blending heritage ingredients with bold, modern flavors. From James Beard Award-winning restaurants to hidden gems making waves, here you'll discover masterpiece meals worth savoring.
North Carolina is a culinary behemoth. Not only are we known for some of the best restaurants in the country, but hyperlocal food and drink trails allow visitors to explore some of the tiny culinary gems you might miss on a trip to some of NC’s signature attractions. From craft beer and barbecue to fine wines and gourmet cheese, it’s easy to find a trail for every palate.
If you’ve ever wanted to put some South in your mouth, consider this the ultimate guide. Try different kinds of North Carolina ‘cue as well as other quintessential dishes with ingredients like green tomatoes, sweet potatoes and seafood. Just be sure to save room for peach cobbler or sonker.
With our relatively mild winters, North Carolina makes a great winter vacation destination where you can hike, ski or explore one of our historic, charming cities in 50-degree temperatures by day, then cozy up to a fire at night when the temperatures drop. To help you get the most of your next North Carolina winter getaway, we’ve curated this list of restaurants that know how to up the cozy factor with blazing fires, fun winter cocktails, seasonal craft beers and flavors born from the season. Add in some twinkling lights and plush couches and you’ll have a winter dining experience to remember.
