Bon Appétit magazine has just named our nation’s top “Foodiest Towns” of 2010. To even be considered for this prestigious list, towns had to fit certain criteria including:
- Small, fewer than 250,000 residents or a small town feel
- Quality farmers’ markets
- Concerned farmers
- Dedicated food media
- First-rate restaurants
- Talented food artisans
- Community of food lovers
With this strict criteria, standard top foodie cities, like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, didn’t make the cut. However, by keeping this criteria to smaller towns, you’ll see that some true gems were able to shine. So who made the cut?
TOP FOODIE TOWN
Boulder, CO – Hands down, Boulder topped this list for many reasons. It is the home of innovative food companies, top-tier restaurants, and one of the best farmers’ markets in the country. Other runner-up cities included:
RUNNERS UP
- McMinnville, OR
- Big Sur, CA
- Traverse City, MI
- Louisville, KY
- Ithaca, NY
Surprisingly, I have actually been to one of these small town foodie destinations – Traverse City. However, the last time I was there, at least 10 years ago, it was really just coming into its own as a foodie town.
What top foodie towns have you been to? What’s your favorite?
I’ve been to McMinnville, but had no idea it was considered a foodie town. Might have to revisit. 😛
Thanks for bringing our attention to this list of greats. I have been to 2 of them, Ithaca & Boulder. Both deserve to be on the list 🙂
Hi Suki! I’m still hoping we can connect while I’m in San Fran next month. Fingers crossed!
Hi Marla – I have a friend who graduated from Cornell – she’s mentioned how awesome Ithaca is on more than one occasion! I think we should all make a goal to go to one of these towns next year and report back – sound fun? 🙂
I live in Ithaca, and fully agree! 🙂