Bridget is a digital journalist, world traveler and farmers market forager. Her writing on food, travel and the environment for national publications has taken her from Argentina to Cambodia. Now based in New York, when she isn't writing or editing you'll often find her searching out new coffee spots and attempting to wear her golden retriever out with long walks.
Forget Reykjavik, Helsinki is the dreamy Nordic city you need to visit this year. From the culinary scene to the steaming saunas, to the boutique shopping (yes, shopping), Helsinki is booming with activities.
Nestled against the sea, Finland’s capital city offers everything you need for a holiday of adrenaline-filled adventures, luxurious pampering, or a combination of the two. And with Finnair’s stopover program, which lets you stop in Helsinki for up to five days on your way to or from select European and Asian destinations for no additional fee, it’s easier than ever to visit.
Here are the 21 things to eat, see, and do that should be on your Helsinki itinerary.
Explore Helsinki’s Central Park. The mystical forest park stretches across the city from north to south. Pro Tip: If you visit during the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland which is best explored on cross-country skis. Rent a pair at the Paloheinä Recreational Center.
Melt your worries away at Lonna, a traditional Finnish sauna.
Smell the hops and have a Finnish craft beer at Bryggeri. Whatever brew you order will go well with one of their pretzels.
Take an icy plunge in a fresh pool at Allas Sea Pool and then warm up with a steamy soak at the floating seap spa.
Take a 15-minute ferry ride to the islands of Suomenlinna, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Suomenlinna.
Indulge in vegetarian comfort food at Yes Yes Yes!.
Slurp the salmon soup at Kauppatori in Market Square. The famous market with a variety of food and craft stalls is also a good place to buy friends and family (or yourself) souvenirs.
Briefly get out of the city with a day trip to charming Porvoo. Roughly 30 miles from Helsinki, the historic city is known for brilliant red houses, cozy cafes and funky shops.
Listen to Finland’s emerging artists at Semifinal.
Dance the night away at Los Cojones (the place is small but dancing on the table is allowed if not encouraged).
Spend an afternoon or a day wandering around Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. From its market square of Hakaniemi to its vintage shops it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from this part of the city.
Driving around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the United States. A road trip here comes dotted with charming little towns that give way to the untouched landscape of the coast with the more than 70,000 acres of national parkland waiting to be explored. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Throw out your itinerary for the weekend. Simply driving along the lakeshore, you’ll find charming small towns you’ll want to stop and meander through. Munising is the largest and, as the closest to the park entrance, it’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re not camping in the park. It’s full of shops that will have you wishing you packed an extra suitcase, but, even if you’re not in a shopping mood, make sure to stop at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts and get yourself a pasty. Further from the park entrance, it’s hard to resist stopping in a community called Paradise. Check out the shipwreck museum before taking in Tahquamenon Falls, and follow it up with a craft brew at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.
Pictured Rocks Cliffs
No visit to this part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is complete without taking in the namesake Pictured Rocks Cliffs. The sandstone cliffs stretch out along Lake Superior towering 200 feet above the lake at their highest point. But more than their sheer size, it’s the colors of the cliffs, streaked with red, orange, blue-green, white brown and black, that will strike you the most. Pro viewing tips: the cliffs are best seen from the water and there are boat tours you can take, but, you can also see them by taking a 10-mile hike along the Chapel Basin.
Munising Falls
Waterfalls seem to pop up everywhere along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but the must-visit for us is Munising Falls. The 50-foot waterfall, located a short, easy walk off Miners Castle Road, is a must-visit for how incredibly powerful the falls are. Take the stairs up to the elevated platforms and watch in awe as the water drops over the cliff. On your way back from the falls, stop at Miners Castle Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in the park and one of the few places you can see the Pictured Rocks Cliffs on foot.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Lighthouses
Wander down a 1.5-mile trail from the Hurricane River Campground and you’ll find an active light station standing guard over the lakeshore. Depending on the season, you can tour the Au Sable Lighthouse, originally built in the 1800s, but even if the lighthouse isn’t open when you visit, the views along the trail are worth the walk alone.
Raise your hand if you’re always ordering the spiciest dish on a restaurant’s menu. Sure, your friends may look at you in horror while they munch on their, shall we say, bland dish? But spicy food lovers know the joy of the stages to tasting spice. First you get the flavor, then you get layers of flavor, and then you get the heat. Plus, according to a study from the University of Vermont, consumption of red hot chili peppers is associated with a 13 percent reduction in total mortality. So really, you’re being healthy when you order that craft beer brewed with ghost peppers. Here are five restaurants in the U.S. that will help satisfy your thirst for spicy food.
When in Nashville, make it spicy chicken at Hattie B’s
Nashville is known for its iconic hot chicken, basically, your traditional buttermilk-fried chicken doused in hot sauce. You should order it from Hattie B’s. The no-frills restaurant knows its spice. While they do serve a mild chicken for your friends that can’t stand the heat, you’re going to want to order their five-alarm fried chicken, “Shut the Cluck Up.” Don’t forget the side of mac and cheese.
Drink your spice in North Carolina
You’ve heard of ghost chili peppers, probably even tried them, but have you had them in a beer? Charlotte, North Carolina-based Ass Clown Brewing has two spicy brews you’re going to want to try: the Go Reap Yourself IPA, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, and a Ghost Chili IPA, made with ghost peppers.
When in NYC or San Francisco, try Mission Chinese
Eating at one of Mission Chinese Food’s locations (Brooklyn, Manhattan, San Francisco) is like throwing your very own spice party. The food is based loosely on Szechuan cuisine from southwestern China, which, on its own, is known for bringing the heat, but Mission Chinese Food takes it to another level by incorporating classics from around the world. It was one of the favorite NYC restaurants of the late Anthony Bourdain. Order the Chongquing Chicken Wings.
Spice up your BBQ at Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbecue
Don’t be scared by the dive bar exterior. Baltimore’s Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque is one of the city’s hidden gems, and it has some of the best BBQ in the country. Douse whatever you order in their sauces that range from mild to “Hot Enough for the Devil,” for a sweet and spicy taste you’ll never forget.
Some like it hot at Torchy’s Tacos in Texas
Every August, Texas-based Torchy Tacos rolls out a special “Some Like Hot” menu, and every year, people flee from the spicy tacos. (OK, we can’t confirm this, but the tacos seem to get hotter each year.) Even if you don’t hit up the place in August, though, the casual taco joint brings the spice during the rest of the year with classic options like “The Brush Fire: American Jerk Chicken,” with grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro, with diablo sauce that will have you reaching for a glass of milk.
Name a city you’d rather be whisked away to than Paris. Go on, think about it – I’ll wait. Whether you’ve never been to the City of Light or you’re there so often it’s practically your second home, Paris never fails to disappoint. There is always something new to discover and (likely fall in love with) hidden among the city’s rambling streets, gardens, and bustling cafes.
Lucky you (and me), there’s also never a bad time to go to the city. Paris is magical no matter the season—if you’ve never been you might want to avoid going in August when the city basically empties, although there’s something to be said about feeling like you have the whole city to yourself—especially for foodies who will find culinary delights at every turn. The next time you find yourself in Paris let your stomach guide you around. Think of this foodie guide to a week in Paris as your rough itinerary; after all, one of the best things about the city is the unexpected surprises you’ll find.
Getting there + where to stay
It’s so easy to get to Paris it’s almost as if the city is inviting you to come. You’ll find flights from all major cities (from NYC, it’s possible to find nonstop roundtrip flights for less than $500). Once there, between the public transportation, taxis, and your feet, getting around is a snap, but depending on how familiar you are with the city and what you want to do, I’d stay in either the 2nd Arrondissement (full of cafes and shops and the charming Hotel des Grands Boulevards), the 1st Arrondissement (full of attractions), or the 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower).
What to do in Paris (that isn’t necessarily about food)
Throw your Paris game plan out the window. The city is all about wandering. Here are a few places to start:
The 3rd Arrondissement: This historic district is a must-visit for trendsetters. You’ll find everything from fancy boutiques selling high-end designer clothes to musty antique shops.
Take in the Eiffel Tower at Dark: OK – it’s super touristy but no matter how many times I’ve been, I always make a point of stopping and appreciating the Eiffel Tower at dark.
Buy a book at Shakespeare and Company: Just do it. The English language bookshop is straight out of a fairy-tale.
Walk Along the Seine: Get a little lost strolling by The Seine. Explore the bridges, walk around the Tuileries Garden, and take in Monet’s “Water Lilies” at the Musée de l’Orangerie.
A foodie’s guide to Paris
From Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall creperies to melt in your mouth croissants, Paris was made for foodies. Here’s where to eat and drink:
Les Vignerons Parisiens: You can’t go to France and not spend some time learning about and tasting wine. This urban winery makes its wine on site (most of the grapes are from France’s Rhone Valley).
Café Oberkampf: Don’t be fooled by the exterior, this unfussy coffee shop has one of the best brunches in all of Paris. Anything you order off the small menu will be incredible.
Take a Cooking Class: There’s no better way to take Paris home with you than by learning how to cook like a Parisian chef. Try La Cuisine Paris for an éclairs class or learn how to cook from ingredients picked up at a Paris market with this Market Visit and Cooking Class with a Parisian Chef class.
Pierre Hermé: Buy macarons for all your friends at home (it’s ok if you accidentally eat them all).
Marché Bastille: Give yourself plenty of time to explore Marché Bastille. One of the biggest markets in Paris, you’ll want to visit on Sunday morning if you can. You’ll find the largest and freshest selection of freshly picked fruit such as strawberries, tons of baked goods, pungent cheeses, and so much more.
La Fontaine de Mars or Chez l’Ami Jean: Make sure you have at least one old-school French bistro meal while in Paris. Go on and order the escargot.
Bonhomie: Settling into the blue leather stool at this welcoming cocktail bar you’ll feel like a 1940s movie star.
Le Mary Celeste: For a mid-day or late-night snack this fairly new restaurant is great for sharing small plates over a bottle of wine or cocktails.
La Crêperie Bretonne: Bet you can’t order just one crepe from this neighborhood spot that has been dishing up some of Paris’ best crepes since the 1930s.
We get it. As much as you like the idea of cooking a fresh, homemade meal, after a busy day the very thought of setting foot in the supermarket, trying to decide what to make, and actually making said dinner is enough to make you skip it altogether for a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn. Been there, done that. Those days were made for meal kits.
Whether you want a quick and simple weeknight dinner, want to try something gluten free, or simply want farm fresh ingredients delivered to your door, there’s a meal kit service made for you. Here are nine we think are worth your time – dinner is officially served.
If You’re Just Getting Started With Meal Kits
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the meal kit options out there you can’t go wrong with the classics. Blue Apron and HelloFresh are two of the most well-known and most popular of meal kits. Prices for each start at $8.74 per meal.
With Blue Apron you can choose from two to four recipes per week for either two people or a family plan and you can even order wine to pair with your meal.
HelloFresh lets you choose from several different types of plans including a vegetarian plan and you can choose the number of recipes you want to use each.
For Indian Food
Craving authentic Indian food? Saffron Fix has you covered. You can subscribe to their meal kit which will give you either two or three recipes (each designed to serve two people per recipe) every other week. Or, you can shop for ingredients that will help you make your own Indian cuisine inspired dishes, such as tacos or burgers. Boxes start at $49.95.
For Your Sweet Tooth
A meal isn’t a meal without dessert. Enter Red Velvet NYC, the dessert version of a meal kit. Shipping nationwide, you can sign up for a subscription or order à la carte. Each box comes with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. Boxes start at $22.
*Featured image courtesy of Red Velvet NYC
The Meal Kit For When You Don’t Want To Cook
Freshly isn’t really a meal kit. Yes, it’s a subscription-based service but the meals come fully-prepared to your door. Read: no planning, no prep work and no cooking. Prices start at $8.99 per meal or $49.99 per week with the price per meal decreasing based on the number of meals you purchase. The meals come already cooked, you simply heat them up normally in about 3 minutes. And everything comes fresh, not frozen.
The Meal Kit for Budding Chefs
Those that know their way around a kitchen and want to cook like their favorite celebrity chef will love Chef’D. Admittedly, the service can be a bit overwhelming. They have more than 900 different meals, but you can order à la carte or through a subscription, and the search function of the website makes choosing a snap. Chef’D partners with brands and chefs to create the recipes, so you can cook your favorite chef’s favorite recipe. Each box comes with the recipe, ingredients, and notes on flavor profiles.
If You’re Gluten Free
Most meal kits weren’t made for those with dietary restrictions and those that are tend to get pretty pricey. Mom’s Place Gluten Free is one of the exceptions. Choose from mixes for dinners, breakfasts, desserts, and more. All of the food is gluten free, non-GMO, and contains no preservatives. Plus, there’s no subscription. Simply order what you want, when you want it.
For Your Four-Legged Best Friend
Meal kits are no longer just for people. Farmer’s Dog is a delivery service for your pooch. You fill out a questionnaire about your dog, including age, personality traits, and more (it takes a maximum of 5 minutes) and then you’ll receive a recommendation for one of Farmer’s Dog’s house made dog foods.
For Farm Fresh Produce
Have the farmers market come to your door. Farmbox Direct is a delivery kit for people that love to cook but don’t love shopping for food. It delivers vegetables and fruits directly from farmers markets to you. You can choose to receive boxes weekly and even customize your delivery schedule months ahead of time. Each box can be customized to accommodate allergies or preferences such as all vegetables one week or all fruit the next. Not sure what to make? Their website has plenty of ideas. Boxes start at $41.95.
Cheese has come a long way from the orange plastic stuff of school lunches. Throughout the United States, cheesemakers are whipping up flavorful goat cheeses, rich, sharp cheddars, mild bries, and so many more varieties. Whether you like your cheese straight up, on bread, with fruit or chocolate, or in creamy mac and cheese, there’s a cheese for you. And along with these cheesemakers’ creations are artisan cheese shops, cheese trails, festivals, and classes. Here are six destinations cheese lovers won’t want to miss.
Madison, Wisconsin
No list of destinations for cheese lovers would be complete without Wisconsin, and while the whole state could easily be on this list, it’s a big state. To cover the most Wisconsin cheese ground, head to Madison. The state’s capital city is full of specialty cheesemakers, restaurants, and artisan shops selling varieties from throughout the state and beyond. They go great with the many breweries that have popped in recent years as well. Make sure you order a batch of Wisconsin cheese curds at least once during your stay.
The Crescent City may be known for beignets and hickory coffee (and you should have those when you go) but in recent years, New Orleans has become a foodie paradise. From brewers to bakers to cheesemakers, New Orleans is a delicious weekend getaway. Throughout the city, you’ll find restaurants serving fancy cheese boards, casual cheese tastings, and shops specializing in all things cheese. And if you head just outside the city, you can even visit a farm producing cheese.
You can’t go very far in New York City without running into cheese. The city is home to every imaginable type, including a Brooklyn shop that specializes in all vegan cheese. Yep, you read that right. The most famous of NYC cheese shops though is probably Murray’s Cheese. Visit them in Grand Central Station or in Greenwich Village, or sign up in advance for one of their many cheese classes.
With so many farms just a stone’s throw from San Francisco, it’s no wonder the city is home to some amazing cheese shops. It’s also the location of one of the Cheesemonger Invitationals, which puts the best cheesemongers from around the country in one room. Yum! Diehard cheese lovers should sign up in advance for a three-day intensive cheese program at The Cheese School. If that’s too intense, the school also has cheese tastings and pairing classes. Or simply pick up classic San Francisco sourdough and pair it with your favorite cheese from one the city’s many shops.
Cheese and New Mexico probably don’t seem like they go together, but the state is the fourth largest cheese producer in the country with roughly 150 dairies. Head to Santa Fe for a weekend of exploring art (the city is home to both the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum) and hiking in the area’s National Park, followed by tasting cheese from some of those many dairies.
The small state packs a big cheese punch. Vermont is home to more cheesemakers per capita than any other state and those cheesemakers produce more than 150 kinds of cheese. To make the most of this cheese destination, plan on a road trip through the state following the Vermont Cheese Trail. It’ll take you by breathtaking scenery, quaint small towns with cheese tastings, and buying opportunities at every turn. It’s a dream come true for cheese lovers everywhere.
Antioxidants – check. Good for your metabolism – check. Good for your heart – check. By now you’re likely well versed in the benefits of matcha. Part of the Japanese culture since the 12th Century, the superfood has been showing up at cafes, restaurants, and health food stores throughout the U.S. in recent years. But as popular as matcha is, its grassy taste is still a bit of an acquired one. Luckily you don’t just have to drink matcha to get its benefit. The green tea is a versatile cooking ingredient, you can add into shakes, hot chocolate, and even pasta. Check out these matcha recipes that make it easy to add the superfood into your everyday diet.
Blueberry Matcha Cooler
This refreshing smoothie from Raw Generation was made for spring. It’ll keep you energized all morning or work as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Serves: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c frozen blueberries
1 1/2 c water (or use a bottle of your favorite Raw Generation juice as your liquid ingredient)
1 tsp matcha green tea powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
A few dashes of ginger
Optional-sweeten with a couple of dates
Puree ingredients in blender until smooth and enjoy!
Matcha Green Tea Gelato
Chef Jimmy MacMillan, a pastry chef with DineAmic Group, is a huge fan of matcha. “The flavor profile has such a unique rich taste that it is simple to include it in just about any dessert.” His recipe for matcha gelato will let those with a sweet-tooth get their ice cream fix without the guilt.
Serves: 8
Time:1 hour
Ingredients:
2 tbsp matcha green tea powder
3 oz sugar
1 oz milk powder
1 oz egg yolks
16 oz milk sup Bia
2 1/2 oz butter
In a small plastic container with a lid, combine matcha green tea powder, sugar, and milk powder.
In a small saucepan, whisk together milk and egg yolks. Add butter and warm over low heat, stirring constantly until butter is melted.
Add the combined matcha powder, sugar, and milk powder mixture to the saucepan, a little at a time, stirring continuously.
Gently raise heat and continue stirring until gelato mixture reaches 150F.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into bowl and chill immediately to 46F.
Blend on low speed with hand blender (this will create a superior mouth feel).
Process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Matcha Green Tea Gelato frozen until ready to serve.
Matcha Hot Chocolate
Upgrade the childhood favorite with a bit of matcha. This matcha hot chocolate recipe from Hello Fresh is full of chocolatey goodness with a superfood boost sure to help you relax after a long day.
Serves: 2
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp matcha powder
10 oz milk
50 g white chocolate
3-4 large marshmallows
Sift matcha powder into a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons milk and whisk until no lumps remain. Whisk in remaining milk and add white chocolate.
Heat over medium-low, and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is warm.
Top with marshmallows and a sprinkle of matcha powder.
Matcha Pasta
Yes, there is such a thing as matcha Pasta and it’s delicious. Professional chef and artist Jenny Dorsey created this matcha Pasta recipe that adds a healthy twist to comfort food.
Add flours, matcha, and salt to KitchenAid mixer. Create a well and add eggs.
Knead with dough hook, 2-3 minutes, until mixture forms a ball. Remove dough and knead by hand for 10 minutes.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let rest 1 hour.
Process through pasta sheeter and/or slicer to desired shape.
Suggested toppings: dashi cream sauce, crab, ikura (salmon roe), uni and nori flakes.
Almond Green Tea Pancakes
There are more ways to add matcha to your morning routine than simply tea. Birch Benders’ recipe for Almond Green Tea Pancakes has us planning Sunday brunch on a Monday.
Makes: 2 stacks
Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3/4 c Birch Bender Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix
2/3 c almond milk
4 tbsp matcha powder
Almonds for garnish
Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-high heat, about 375°F. The pan is hot enough when flecks of water sizzle off quickly after contact. If using a cast iron pan, keep an eye on your heat as the pan will hold heat well and you may need to turn down your burner over time.
Lightly grease pan.
Heat almond milk to a light simmer, about 170°. Stir in matcha powder.
Combine Birch Benders and matcha-infused milk. Using a 1/4 c measure, scoop batter into pan, one or two pancakes at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
Cook until bubbles have formed and popped, and the sides are mostly dry.
Turn once, cook an additional minute. Remove from heat. Store in a 200° oven while you continue making all the batter into pancakes.
Top with maple syrup and garnish with almonds.
Matcha Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze
These vanilla glazed cookies from Mountain Rose Herbs are so good, you’ll crave the last crumb.
From bone broth to matcha lattes, the past few years have seen a rise of tonics as a way to boost energy and soothe ailments, but the simplest tonic to add to your diet may be apple cider vinegar. Before you start adding a morning shot of apple cider vinegar to your daily routine it’s important to understand the history of tonics and both the benefits and possible side effects.
Tonics and elixirs are anything but new. They date back to the ancient Egyptians who used combinations of plants, barks, fruits, and other products from nature to create bitters, tonics, and elixirs that fought disease, aided digestion, and cleansed the body. Here’s the lowdown on the apple cider vinegar tonic.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Sometimes called cider vinegar or ACV by the cool kids, apple cider vinegar is simply vinegar made from apples. It’s actually pretty easy to make at home if you have apples, sugar, water, and patience—it takes a couple of months to be ready to drink.
What Does it Taste Like?
Honestly, ACV does not have a pleasant taste. It’s a wake-up shot to your system with a very acidic apple and vinegar taste. Thankfully, you shouldn’t actually drink ACV straight, but more on that later.
Lovely, So Why Should I Add Apple Cider Vinegar to My Diet?
ACV has a long history of health benefits, some of which are still thought of as old wives’ tales, but others are backed up by scientific studies. A few of the more established reasons to add ACV to your diet include: it can kill many types of bacteria, lower blood sugar, help fight diabetes, and make you feel fuller. There’s also some evidence that adding ACV to your diet can prevent indigestion, lower cholesterol, and boost energy.
Got It. So How Should I Add Apple Cider Vinegar to My Diet?
Don’t drink it straight. ACV is highly acidic and could make the enamel on your teeth erode leading to a whole host of other issues. Buy raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. You can add a tablespoon to a cup of tea or even your morning smoothie or simply add a tablespoon of it to a glass of water along with a tablespoon of either lemon or honey. Another easy way to add it to your diet is to use it your rinse your fruits and vegetables. It adds some ACV to your diet while also cleaning your produce.
There’s nothing quite like a plate of heaping fried chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food indulgence. In the South, fried chicken is religion and everyone has their favorite place or their favorite Aunt that they swear makes the best you’ve ever had. But fried chicken isn’t actually southern. It’s Scottish.
The Scots have been frying chicken for centuries and Scottish immigrants first brought the dish to the United States, where it’s continued to evolve. Whether you want fried chicken and waffles, hot chicken, or traditional, you’ll find a plate or two to fall in love with in one of these nine states.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you can’t stand the heat, fried chicken in Music City might not be for you. Nashville is known for its iconic hot chicken, basically your traditional buttermilk-fried chicken doused in hot sauce. According to legend, Nashville hot chicken started in the 1930s, when the girlfriend of a man named Thornton Prince III got so frustrated with his philandering ways she taught him a lesson by adding cayenne pepper to his fried chicken. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack was born where you can still get hot chicken today.
Best known for sourdough bread, San Francisco has been having a bit of a love affair with classic Southern food in the past few years. A number of chefs have been opening up eateries featuring good ole’ fashioned comfort food, especially fried chicken. Here you’ll find everything from swanky supper clubs serving up chicken served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and -wait for it- a house-made chive biscuit, to laid back family joints serving chicken and waffles and more.
Atlanta takes its soul food seriously and there’s no shortage of restaurants in the city serving up fried chicken. Some have been around for nearly a century; others only a few weeks. But it’s almost impossible to have a bad dish of fried chicken in the city. Granted, as there’s only so much fried chicken you can eat during a stay you’ll want to head to the cafe that’s been dishing it up for more than 70 years, or, if you’re in town on a Wednesday night, the restaurant that only serves fried chicken on that night and often sells out. Get there early.
Banish the words KFC from your mind. Yes, Kentucky may have introduced much of the world to fried chicken by way of KFC, but that’s not where Louisville locals go when they’re craving some comfort food. For fried chicken the way your grandmother made it (if she was the fried chicken-making type) you want Shirley Mae’s Cafe, whereas locavores will favor Harvest, where all the ingredients are sourced from within 100 miles. Both go well with a weekend of bourbon tasting or a trip to the Churchill Downs.
The Crescent City may be best known for chargrilled oysters, beignets, and gumbo but its chefs know how to whip up mean fried chicken too. The city even has an annual fried chicken festival in September. But no matter when you visit New Orleans you’ll find places serving up crispy, spicy battered, Cajun fried chicken and more. Perfect for a day after dancing, drinking and listening to music in the French Quarter.
The Big Apple may be a world away from the south but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to do fried chicken right. This is in large part thanks to both southern and international chefs who now call the city home and are leaving their own mark on soul food while creating new twists on the classic. Take, for instance, Virginia native Keedick Coulter who brines his free range birds overnight at the Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Club. One bite of the crispy, flaky, fried chicken and you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
From beer to coffee and everything in between, foodies know that Portland, Oregon is its own type of eater paradise. That reputation extends to fried chicken as well, even if the city is thousands of miles away from the South. Here you’ll find indulgent fried chicken being served up with waffles and on sandwiches piled high with other fried goodies like green tomatoes and more. Fuel up before you spend an afternoon wandering around the city taking in the street art.
Rumor has it the first printed U.S. recipe of fried chicken came from Virginia. Today, you’ll find delicious fried chicken options in every part of the state. You’ve heard of chicken and waffles but what about doughnuts and chicken? That’s what you’ll find in the metro Washington, D.C., area, whereas over in Charlottesville you’ll find a traditional fried chicken from a recipe dating back generations. And in Newport News, it’ll be melt off the bones, Korean fried chicken.
The city on Lake Michigan may seem like an odd place to find fried chicken but, trust us, this up and coming travel destination deserves a spot on every foodie travel list. Surrounded by farms, Milwaukee is a locavore’s dream. Chefs have been moving to the city in droves in the past few years, re-shaping the Milwaukee’s food scene and adding some great options for fried chicken. Here you’ll find traditional fried chicken, wings galore, and even Korean BBQ style.
Halfway between Norway and Iceland lie the magical Faroe Islands, where cliffs rise up from the sea, fog gives way to rolling green landscapes, and tiny villages seem to appear out of nowhere. This is a place you need to witness to truly realize its beauty.
With its location in the North Atlantic, the 18 volcanic islands that make up the Faroe Islands archipelago can feel incredibly remote and yet they’re a short flight from the United Kingdom. Less than 50,000 people call the islands home, the majority of whom live on the island of Streymoy. And while you’ll encounter more sheep than people in many spots, the bridges and tunnels that connect most of the islands make them easy to explore. Plan to spend a few days at the end of a European vacation wandering about the islands or make them your whole destination and spend a week hiking, dining, and sightseeing.
Adventure
Adrenaline seekers can spend their days on the Faroe Islands biking, diving, and fishing. There are opportunities to fly fish as well as go deep-sea fishing, where you can try your hand at catching cod, halibut, and even shark. Diving tours offer the chance to immerse yourself in the seabed fauna; just plan a trip for the winter when visibility is better if diving is the main focus of your vacation. Biking is becoming one of the best ways to explore the islands and cyclists will appreciate the accessibility of the roads and bike trails.
Hiking & Birdwatching
For those that want to take a break from the sports while still being outside, the Faroe Islands are full of hiking spots. You’ll feel as though you’re walking through middle earth as you hike up to the waterfall of Múlafossu or climb to Slættaratindur, the highest peak on the islands. While you stand in awe of the landscape, make sure to spend a few minutes paying attention to the various species of birds. Birdwatching is one of the most popular pastimes on the Faroe Islands and no trip is complete without a visit to the island of Mykines where you can get up close and personal with puffins.
Dining & Shopping
Foodies know Faroe Islands cuisine even if they don’t think they do. In the past few years, Leif Sorensen has made Nordic food mainstream in the United States and you’ll see similarities on the Faroe Islands. Expect many dishes to center around seafood as at any given time you’re only three miles from the ocean. Other traditional Faroe Islands cuisine you should try includes fermented lamb, blood sausage, and stewed vegetables. Ask one of the locals, who all tend to be very friendly, for their recommended spots. After getting your fill of local food there’s plenty of shopping to be done, especially near the capital, where you’ll find art galleries where local artisans have captured the beauty of the islands. Save room in your suitcase.
Sightseeing
Around every bend is something to see on the Faroe Islands. Walk up to the Kallur Lighthouse or explore the ruined Fort Skansin to take in the medieval center of the Faroe Islands home to stone houses and St Olav’s Church built in 1111. Keep your itinerary lose and you’ll discover something new at every turn and return from your vacation with memories of a place unlike any other.
Featured image: TJØRNUVÍK via Visit Faroe Islands
A lifestyle magazine inspired by author Sylvia Day