Summer is a great time to hit the road and explore new culinary delights. If you’re an RVer with a passion for food, there are plenty of amazing destinations across the United States that will satisfy your tastebuds. From coastal towns to vibrant cities, these eight summer foodie destinations offer a blend of delicious cuisine, local flavors, and memorable experiences. So fire up your Class B RV or other RV, buckle up, and get ready for a mouthwatering journey!
1. New Orleans, LA
A food lover’s paradise, New Orleans is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine. You can savor mouthwatering dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, and po’ boys. Don’t forget to try the city’s iconic dishes, such as crawfish étouffée, turtle soup, and shrimp and grits. If you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, the muffaletta is another must-try menu item. This Italian-style sandwich was made famous back in 1906, when Italian immigrant Lupo Salvadore put it on the Central Grocery menu. Piled high with meats, cheeses, and an “olive salad”, this sandwich is bursting with flavor.
There are several RV parks in New Orleans to choose from, including French Quarter RV Resort, Jude Travel Park, and Three Oaks and a Pine RV Park.
2. Portland, OR
Known for its vibrant food scene and 600+ food carts, Portland offers a wide variety of culinary delights. You can explore the city’s farm-to-table restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and indulge in local favorites, like gourmet doughnuts and craft beer. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, plant-based fare, or ethnic cuisine from around the world, Portland has plenty of options.
If you want to camp in a scenic location, Jantzen Beach RV Park and Columbia River RV Park offer beautiful views and great amenities. If you want to park closer to downtown, Fox Run RV Park is a great option.
3. Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe boasts a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican flavors. Experience the distinctive cuisine with dishes like green chile stew, enchiladas, tamales, and frito pie. The city’s farmers’ markets and artisanal shops also offer a variety of locally-produced delicacies. Some additional menu items to look out for include sopaipillas (fried pastries that can either be served with sugar for dessert or alongside dinner entrees), posole (a flavorful, hominy-based stew), and beans (slow-simmered, or pureed into a delicious soup).
Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground is just minutes away from the historic downtown plaza in Santa Fe. If you’re craving stunning views, Santa Fe Skies RV Park is the perfect spot to set up camp. For a variety of amenities, check out Black Canyon NFS Campground.
4. Charleston, SC
Charleston is celebrated for its Southern charm and culinary prowess. Explore the city’s historic district and waterfront area, and savor Lowcountry cuisine, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes. If you visit in your Class A RV or other RV when the weather cools down, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a traditional Charleston oyster roast. These events draw people to church parking lots and backyards and typically serve up fresh oysters with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
If you want to stay just a quick 15-minutes from Downtown Charleston, Lake Aire Campground is a great spot to park your RV. Meanwhile, Oak Plantation Campground is known as the most scenic campground in the area, and Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday is located on an antebellum plantation that offers several amenities and activities.
5. Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a charming and eclectic food scene. Explore the town’s farmers’ markets, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, and savor dishes like Southern-style barbecue, gourmet burgers, and craft beer. Offering a mixture of Appalachian fare, Southern comfort food, plant-based restaurants, and a variety of cuisines from around the world, Asheville has a little bit of everything.
If you want to camp right outside of Downtown Asheville, check out Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park. If you’re looking for some scenic campgrounds with awesome views, Asheville Bear Creek RV Park, Rutledge Lake RV Resort, and Mountain Stream RV Park are perfect options.
6. Portland, ME
Known for its coastal charm and delightful seafood options, Portland, Maine, is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. Indulge in freshly caught lobster, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and other delectable seafood dishes. The city also offers a thriving craft beer scene and a variety of local eateries. If you’re craving a unique experience, visit the Urban Farm Fermentory or Root Wild Kombucha to sample a flight of house-made kombucha. For breakfast, visit The Holy Donut to try their world-famous, made-from-scratch potato donuts.
Some picturesque RV parks in the Portland area include Wolf’s Neck Oceanfront Campground, Winslow Park and Campground, Sandy Pines Campground, and Sebago Lake.
7. Boulder, CO
Located at the foothills of the Flatirons, Boulder is a haven for health-conscious foodies. Take in the beautiful views while you drive around in your Class C RV or other RV. Explore the town’s vibrant farmers’ markets, vegetarian and vegan eateries, farm-to-table restaurants, and enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and foods. The city also offers a large variety of cuisine from around the world, including Middle Eastern, Asian, Venezuela, and Jewish restaurants. If you’re into craft beer, you’ll find plenty of great breweries around Boulder, too.
If you decide to embark on a Boulder foodie adventure this summer, there are several campgrounds to choose from. Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and Kelly Dahl Campground are a few options.
8. Savannah, GA
Experience Southern hospitality and flavors in Savannah. Indulge in Southern comfort food, such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and pecan pie. Enjoy staple Lowcountry side dishes and ingredients, such as biscuits, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, grits, and peaches. Explore the city’s historic district and waterfront area, where you’ll find charming restaurants and cafés.
While visiting Savannah, you can park your RV at Skidaway Island State Park Campground, Creekfire RV Resort, Red Gate Campground & RV Resort, or Savannah South KOA Holiday.
Embarking on an RV adventure during the summer can open up a world of culinary exploration. Whether you’re craving seafood on the coast or seeking out regional specialties, these eight foodie destinations offer a tantalizing range of flavors and experiences. From the food carts of Portland to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, each city has its own unique culinary identity just waiting to be discovered. So make your foodie bucket list, hit the road, and savor the delicious delights that these destinations have to offer. If you’re ready to buy an RV and start planning your summer road trip, check out our new and used inventory on RVTrader.com.
