Top 5 Walking Food Tours in the American Southeast You Must Book Early

Few regions express themselves through food like the Southeast. A good walking tour combines history, architecture and five or six tastings — and the best ones sell out weeks in advance.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Lowcountry cooking — shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, benne wafers — comes alive on a walk through the French Quarter and along King Street.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

A French Quarter food history tour covers Creole and Cajun origins, muffulettas, pralines and a stop for a proper Sazerac.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Strolling the oak-shaded squares between tastings of pralines, Southern biscuits and Low Country boil makes this the most beautiful tour on the list.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

Beyond hot chicken, a Germantown or East Nashville tour reveals bakeries, barbecue joints and a growing natural wine scene.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Farm-to-table pioneers, chocolate makers and craft breweries line a compact downtown that is perfect on foot.

Booking Tips

• Book four to six weeks ahead for spring and fall.
• Eat a light breakfast — tastings add up to a full meal.
• Look for free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.