Gaby Dalkin is the blogger behind What’s Gaby Cooking opens in a new tab, where she shares mostly healthy and sometimes decadent recipes from her everyday life. Her first cookbook, Absolutely Avocadoes, was published last year.Living in California is awesome for a multitude of reasons. We have amazing fresh produce, it’s sunny the majority of the year and it’s really easy to hop in the car and drive to a new fun city for a weekend road trip.
Growing up we didn’t really do any epic road trips. They were mostly for tennis tournaments around the Southwestern United States. We’d pack up the car with plenty of snacks like Almond Coconut Granola opens in a new tab and Homemade Granola Bars opens in a new tab and hit the road.
These days, road trips are a little more exciting! In the past few years I’ve road tripped up and down the coast of California a few times. I’ve headed even further north through the Pacific Northwest, and my favorite road trip to date was from Los Angeles to Austin on an epic 5-day adventure. All of these have been carefully charted road trips that have one goal in mind: finding the best food!
Culinary road trips are totally a thing. In fact, I think we should aim to make them even more popular. Grab some homemade snacks, hop in the car and head somewhere fun where you know good food awaits!
A few weeks back my husband and I did just that. We drove about two hours south of LA to explore a bit of the coast and eat some seriously great grub. I’ve compiled a guide to having the most epic culinary road trip so you’ll always be prepared no matter where you go Ready… set… let’s do this!
Snacks. These are key. Always have a little something to snack on if you’re going to be in the car for over an hour. You never know when hunger might strike and it’s best to avoid being “hangry” while traveling (hungry + angry).
Take advice from locals. Talk to your friends, ask some distant relatives, post about it on social media, you get the idea. And find out the BEST places to eat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, cocktails…we need lots of options.
Map it out. Using the suggestions provided by your trusted friends and family, map it out so you can hit all the desired locations without backtracking or spending unnecessary time in your car.
Take pics. If you don’t instagram it, it didn’t happen! Well, let’s not get carried away. But be sure to pack a camera or smartphone so you can document your culinary road trip extravaganza.
Pack comfortable clothes. Sitting in the car for hours is not really an opportune time to sport some snazzy new outfit. Opt for some items that you know will keep you comfortable and happy all day long.
Refreshments. Stock up on some water, sparkling lemonade or any other beverages you’d like while driving. These are key.
And there you have it…a few ways to have an epic culinary-focused road trip. This summer is the perfect time to grab your friends or family and hit the road for a new adventure!
Have you ever travelled just for the food? Tell me about it in the comments below.
