A man accustomed to American food and American domestic cookery would not starve to death suddenly in Europe, but I think he would gradually waste away, and eventually die. – Mark Twain
In a melting pot like the United States, it's hard to pin down a uniquely American food. The hungry traveler on America's Byways, though, finds classic fare around every bend. Whether you seek an al fresco experience with a world-class lobster or freshly plucked fruit in the middle of an autumn orchard, America's Byways consistently deliver.
There are no lobsters like these – simply boiled, with no fancy sauces, only melted butter and lemon, they have no equals anywhere. Even shipped or flown alive away from their dark homes, they lose something. – John Steinbeck
Try the Maine lobsters that impressed Steinbeck so much on his Travels with Charley. Schoodic Scenic Byway's Winter Harbor Lobster Festival invites you to celebrate one of New England's most famous foods with Lobster boat races, craft fairs, a late afternoon parade, and of course, an afternoon "lobster feed." For another fresh seafood experience, Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway in Maryland invites you to a crab deck where you'll crack open fresh blue crabs covered in Old Bay seasoning.
Sometimes the best food experience requires a trip to the source, and Utah's Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway begins and ends where a nice chunk of the nation's food originates. Known by some as the 'land of milk and honey,' Logan offers up dairy products and fresh honey. Pick up a variety of cheeses and ice creams for a fraction of the price in your grocery store, and enjoy fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries in Bear Lake. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway in Minnesota features active spring, summer and fall farmer's markets all along the route. For a special, byway-specific treat, pick up a Paul Bunyan cookie. These sugar cookies proudly carry the byway logo.
Take all you want, eat all you take. - Amish/Mennonite saying
Trips to the local farmer's market or family farm represent a return to early American roots. Many people tout fresh produce and cheese and weekly menus planned around harvest seasons as the ultimate in healthy living. Amish Country Byway in Ohio puts that theory to test. Discover locally-made cheeses and dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, hand-crafted baked goods, and expertly presented meat and fish.
In a nation so full of cultures and ethnicities, pinning down American cuisine as a category grows increasingly difficult. While traveling the nation on America's Byways, however, you'll discover some of America's most iconic dishes.
