By: Wendy Lee | From: Travel Awaits

If you call yourself a foodie, then chances are you’re always looking for the newest Michelin-starred restaurants, the latest openings from celebrity chefs, and the hottest trends in dining. And you probably plan your vacations around food. 

I tell people I love to travel, but what I really mean is I love to travel so I can eat new foods and dine at trendy restaurants. After decades of traveling to eat, I consider myself a pretty good judge of the top culinary journeys in the United States.

Here are five cities you must visit if you consider yourself a foodie.

1. San Antonio

This city may come as a surprise until you learn it was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO — an honor bestowed upon just 50 cities around the world. 

San Antonio has strong influences from traditional southern comfort foods and a wide range of Mexican cuisines. Mixed in is plenty of traditional Texas barbecue and a smattering of German influence thanks to settlers in the 19th century. 

When visiting, be sure to check out Southerleigh for elevated southern classics, Carriqui for Tex-Mex done right, and La Panaderia for the best almond croissant you’ll ever bite into. Beer lovers will not want to miss Weathered Souls Brewing Company with some seriously creative beverages like the Rainbow Sherbert Sour and Red Velvet Stout.