Map Out Your Route Around Iconic Diners
Start by researching iconic diners along your route. Places like The Blue Benn Diner in Vermont or The Varsity in Atlanta are beloved institutions. Plan your road trip so you can stop at these famous spots for a slice of Americana with every meal.
Explore Regional Specialties
Each region of the U.S. has its own signature dishes, so plan your stops to experience the local flavors. From Philly cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania to deep-dish pizza in Chicago, hitting up regional specialties makes your food tour even more memorable.
Plan Breakfast at Classic 24-Hour Diners
For a true road trip experience, start your day with breakfast at a 24-hour diner. Look for places like the retro Bluebird Diner in Iowa or California’s famous Mel’s Drive-In for classic breakfasts that keep you fueled up for the day’s adventures.
Stop at Roadside Ice Cream Stands
Nothing says summer road trip like stopping at a classic roadside ice cream stand. Look for local favorites like Dairy Joy in Massachusetts or Ted Drewes in St. Louis, where you can savor soft serve, frozen custard, or hand-scooped cones.
Use Social Media to Find Local Gems
Before you hit the road, check Instagram or Yelp for recommendations from locals. Many diners and sweet spots don’t make it into guidebooks but are widely celebrated by food lovers online. You might discover a hidden gem that’s not on the tourist radar.
Pack a Cooler for Takeaway Treats
On a road trip, you’ll come across delicious treats you’ll want to take with you, like homemade pies, fudge, or regional snacks. Pack a small cooler so you can store your sweet finds and enjoy them throughout your journey.
Visit Vintage Soda Fountains
Make a stop at an old-fashioned soda fountain, like the historic Rexall Drugs in Dublin, Georgia, or Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Queens, New York. These spots serve classic milkshakes, sundaes, and root beer floats that give you a taste of the past.
Explore Small-Town Bakeries
Small-town bakeries are some of the best places to find freshly baked pies, cookies, and pastries. Places like The Dutch Maid Bakery in Tennessee or O&H Danish Bakery in Wisconsin offer delicious baked goods that are perfect for a road trip snack.
Visit Diner Museums and Exhibits
If you’re a true diner lover, consider adding a museum stop to your trip. The American Diner Museum in Rhode Island showcases the history of diners, while you can also find vintage diner cars and exhibits at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.
Try Famous Donut Shops
Donut shops are a road trip essential, and every state has its beloved favorites. Try legendary stops like Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, or The Donut Man in Glendora, California, for unique flavors and iconic donuts.
Plan Around Local Food Festivals
Check the calendar for food festivals happening along your route. Whether it’s a barbecue festival in Kansas City or a chocolate festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania, these events are great ways to sample a variety of local dishes and sweet treats.
Stop at Historic Drive-Ins
Take a step back in time by stopping at a classic drive-in diner like The Big Chief in Missouri or Wagner’s Drive-In in Minnesota. These retro spots serve up classic American fare, often with carhop service, adding nostalgia to your foodie road trip.
Seek Out Pie Shops Along the Way
Road trips and pie go hand in hand, so keep an eye out for diners and bakeries serving homemade pie. Places like Bang Bang Pie Shop in Chicago or the Pie-O-Neer in New Mexico are known for their exceptional pies—perfect for a sweet roadside indulgence.
Visit Small-Town Candy Shops
Candy shops in small towns offer more than just sweets—they provide a nostalgic experience. Stop at places like Chutters in New Hampshire, home to the world’s longest candy counter, or River Street Sweets in Savannah for old-fashioned candy, fudge, and pralines.
Indulge in Regional Sweets
From beignets in New Orleans to saltwater taffy on the Jersey Shore, regional sweets are a must-try on your road trip. Plan to stop at famous spots like Café du Monde for beignets or Fralinger’s in Atlantic City for some iconic taffy.
Plan Pit Stops at Foodie Landmarks
Along your route, stop at well-known foodie landmarks like the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Vermont or the Jelly Belly Factory in California. Many of these places offer tours, samples, and gift shops where you can grab treats for the road.
