Every place has a flavor that tells its story, and that story might be reason enough to plan a trip. That’s the idea behind a food trail—a travel journey dedicated to the best food or drink in a destination. You might spend a weekend chasing barbecue across  North Carolina, or work your way up the Maine coast one lobster roll at a time. Food trails can transform a meal into a full-on adventure, offering travelers a deeply personal way to connect with a place, its people, and its history.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by food and travel writer Kayleigh Ruller, a contributor to Food & Wine, Eater, and the Charlotte Observer, based in New York and North Carolina. With years of experience exploring culinary cultures across the country, Kayleigh brings both local expertise and a journalist's curiosity to the growing phenomenon of food trail travel.

You'll learn what makes a food trail more than just eating your way through a city, how to plan one that fits your schedule and appetite, and why the best food trails are often the ones you build yourself. Kayleigh shares her own standout trails, her most memorable food trail experiences, and thoughtful guidance on how to engage respectfully with the cultural traditions you encounter along the way.

What You’ll Learn:

3:22 What a food trail actually is and how to plan the perfect one around your interests

7:16 The most memorable food trail experiences Kayleigh has had

12:46 California food trails you have to try

20:33 Unexpected food trails worth building a whole trip around

27:06 How to engage respectfully with cultural cuisines and food traditions

Is there a food trail you’re excited about? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with Kayleigh Ruller:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleighruller/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kayleighruller3383

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises