Food & Drinks – Wolters World

Austrian Cuisine Guide: Classic Dishes and Drinks You’ll Love

Posted on October 23, 2025September 29, 2025 by Mark Wolters

Wolters World’s Favorite Food in Austria

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re sharing our favorite food to eat in Austria. Mark lived and worked in Austria, and it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Central Europe. Of course, food is a huge part of the travel experience, and Austria does not disappoint! These are just a few of our favorite foods in Austria.

Traditional Food of Austria

Austrian cuisine is best known for schnitzel and strudel, but that’s just the beginning! In addition to some of the traditional food in Austria below, each region also has unique specialties that are worth trying as you travel around Austria.

Schnitzel is very popular, and most people think of Wiener Schnitzel, which is made from veal. There are many varieties of schnitzel, including turkey and chicken. They’re all good, but veal is usually the most expensive.
Spaetzle is an Austrian noodle that is often served plain, with butter, or with cheese. It’s an Austrian version of pasta and it’s very good.
Sausages, or wurst, are very popular in Austria. The most common is the wienerwurst, which is a very common snack food sold on the street.
Knoedel, or dumplings, are especially popular in Innsbruck. Potato and bread dumplings are the most common, and they are often served as a side dish. They love bacon around Innsbruck, so speck knoedel is very popular and delicious. The dumplings even have sweet versions or savory versions.
Tafelspitz is a heartier dish to try; it’s boiled meat served in a broth with vegetables. It’s not the most exciting dish, but it’s a traditional Austrian recipe.
Backhendl is basically fried chicken, but it’s not greasy like what you’d get at a KFC.
Portion sizes are quite large in Austria, so if you want a lighter meal, there are lots of soup options. One of the best soups in Austria is cream of pumpkin soup.

Breakfast in Austria

A typical Austrian breakfast is similar to Americans; a pastry or yogurt and cup of coffee on the go. But if you’re staying at a hotel in Austria, then you will be in for a treat as the breakfasts are quite lavish.

Bread and rolls are central to breakfast in Austria. And it will be good bread, even at the hotel buffet! Essentially everything else at the breakfast buffet is something to put on your bread. You won’t see pancakes or waffles like you would expect in the USA.
There will be several jams, cheese, and butter to choose from as your topping.
There’s always an assortment of meat and cheeses, as well as a selection of pickled vegetables.
Musli is a type of cereal that is usually served at breakfast.
Hard and soft-boiled eggs are also typically available. Soft-boiled eggs are great for dipping your bread in the yolk.
Scrambled eggs are common as well.
Yogurt is common, along with toppings. Musli is a good topping for yogurt!

You don’t have to stay at your hotel for breakfast. You can also go to some of the cafes or if you are staying in an apartment, grab some bread and pastries from the bakery. If your hotel charges for breakfast, you can definitely save some money by going out.

Dessert in Austria

Austrians are big on cafe culture, which means they enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Some of the dessert shops in Austria are absolutely decadent! Always save room for dessert in Austria. Most of the desserts in Austria are shareable, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Sacher Torte is the most famous cake from Austria, as it was created in Vienna. You can even go to the Sacher Hotel in Vienna to try the OG version. It’s a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and an outer layer of chocolate ganache.
Once you’ve had Sacher Torte, it’s time to branch out to other options. Linzer Torte is a delicious shortbread cake with a fruit jam filling. It’s usually topped with a beautiful lattice pattern. Linzer cookies are a bite-size version of the torte.
In Salzburg, you have to try the Salzburger Nockerl, which is a vanilla souffle with fruit spread. You have to eat it fast before the souffle deflates.
Of course, there are lots of varieties of Strudel in Austria. Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is the most common. Topfenstrudel is another favorite; it’s a cheese version of the strudel. Always save room for strudel, and always get it with the vanilla sauce!
Kaiserschmarrn is another tasty dessert in Austria. It’s chopped-up pancakes topped with fruit compote and powdered sugar. There’s even a dessert chop chain called Kaiser’s where you can try several varieties of Kaiserschmarrn.
Marillenkucken is an apricot cake that’s quite good.
For sweets on the go, try Krapfen, which are basically jelly donuts.
Kiachl is fried dough that looks a lot like fry bread. The sweet version will have jam on top, or you can get the savory version with sauerkraut.
Cremeschnitte is Mark’s favorite dessert in Austria. It’s a custard cake sandwiched between layers of puff pastry.
Germknödel is a large steamed dumpling filled with jam and topped with the magical vanilla sauce of Austria. Dampfnudel is a similar version of this.
Mozartkugel is sold everywhere; it’s a chocolate truffle with pistachio, marzipan and nougat inside. These make a great souvenir for your friends back home.

Austrian Beverages to Try

Of course, you’ll need a beverage to wash down all of this fantastic Austrian food!

Coffee is very popular in Austria, and it’s a large part of the cafe culture. However, you can also get tea or really good hot chocolate if you don’t prefer coffee.
Mark likes to grab an Almdudler from the train station when arriving. It’s an Austrian soda and is comparable to ginger ale, but more herbal.
Austria has a wine region in the eastern part of the country; the white wine is especially good. We’ve found Austrian wine to be better than Austrian beer.
Most restaurants want you to pay for water and don’t automatically bring free water. They may ask if you want still or sparkling, which indicates bottled water that you will pay for. You can ask for tap water, but it doesn’t always go over well with your server.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the cafe culture of Austria, It’s a time that’s meant to be savored, not rushed. Austrian food is hearty, but you should always leave room for dessert! Want more tips for visiting Austria? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Colombian Food Tour – What to Eat in Colombia

Posted on October 13, 2024October 10, 2024 by Mark Wolters

Colombian Cuisine

You will be shocked at how well you eat in Colombia. As one of our followers said, “Their cuisine is criminally underrated.” The food is fantastic, although there are some quirks to Colombian cuisine that may also surprise you. Like soup for breakfast! And the amount of cheese in or on everything! They even put cheese in their hot chocolate! (It’s the best mix of sweet and savory!)

When you visit Colombia, these are some of the foods you should try or expect to see often. Of course, the food will also vary by region, so no matter where you are in Colombia, there will be new and delicious foods to try. Naturally, you will have delicious seafood along the coast, while the mountains and inland areas will have more meat-based dishes. Try them all!

The amount of delicious and exotic fruit in Colombia is shocking. You’ll enjoy juices from fruits you’ve never heard of! Lulo juice is a must-try. It looks like an orange, but the juice is green. If you love fruit, you’ll be in heaven in Colombia!

It’s also shocking how many varieties of potato you can eat in one meal. Almost every entree comes with potatoes or already has potatoes in it. You might be served potatoes and French Fries in one meal!

If you are near Cartagena along the coast, the seafood is fantastic, including the ceviche. A huge fried fish with a side of coconut rice is one of the best meals you will have. You will dream about the coconut rice when you get home! If you are in the mountains, you should also try the trout.

Arepas are like a thick corn tortilla, often served with cheese inside, which is Arepa de Queso. Some are thinner and melted together, while others are thick and sliced in the middle for a sandwich, similar to pita bread.

If you love avocados, you’ll love Colombian cuisine as they are served as a side with almost every meal. You might even have grilled avocados if you are invited to a barbeque at someone’s house.

Colombians love soup (Caldo), even for breakfast! A few soups you might see in Colombia include:

Ajiaco is a chicken and potato soup that is especially popular in Bogota
Sancocho is another potato soup, usually served with meat but in Cartagena you can often get it with fish.
Cazuela de Mariscos is a thicker stew made with seafood. It’s one of Mark’s favorite things to eat in Colombia.
Changua is a very popular breakfast soup with eggs and toast.

Tamales are popular as well, especially at breakfast. The tamales in Colombia are much bigger than the traditional Mexican tamales, which are called Envuelto.

Patacones are like a potato chip made from plantains. Sometimes it comes in a larger form as a main dish and other times, the smaller ones are served plain as a side dish.

Fritanga is a great thing to order when sharing with a group. It’s just a bunch of meats grilled together. You can order smaller portions, and it’s often sold on the street where you can try a sample. Some of them do include some more exotic meat, like intestines.

Empanadas are popular in Colombia and most of South America. There are sweet and savory versions, and we love them all.

Colombian buñuelos are different from Mexican buñuelos. In Colombia, they are like little round cheese donuts. It’s a fun snack to buy from a street vendor.

Obleas was one of our favorite street foods in Colombia. It’s a couple of round wafers with caramel or fruit in the middle. It looks like a big stroopwafel if you’ve had those.

Chocolate in Colombia is delicious, including the hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a gift to take home with you, chocolate is an excellent choice.

Service is a bit slow in Colombia, so it does take a while to get your food and drinks, but it’s totally worth the wait! If the bill shows “propina” that means the tip is already included, which is pretty common in Colombia.

Colombian Beverages

We loved the food in Colombia and the drinks were also shockingly delicious! From cocktails to fruit juices, these are some of the drinks to try when you visit Colombia. (When it’s time to drink water, the tap water in the larger cities is fine to drink.)

We already mentioned the amazing variety of fruit in Colombia, and the juices made from that fruit. But it bears mentioning again, because the diversity of juices was our favorite surprise in Colombia. Lulo and Lulada from the Lulo fruit were two of our favorite juices. Limonada, or limeade, is another favorite juice in Colombia. Add some coconut and you have limonada con coco, which is simply delicious.

The coffee in Colombia (tinto) was shockingly underwhelming, given that coffee beans are grown here! Beans are exported and processed elsewhere, so the variations of coffee that we love tend to happen after the beans leave Colombia.

Chocolate con Queso is the hot chocolate with cheese that we mentioned previously. The hot chocolate alone is really good, but you should try the cheese. It sounds weird, but it’s so good.

Cholao is a bunch of chopped up fruit, like a fruit cocktail, with condensed milk added. Liam had one with ice cream, too. It’s very sweet, so it’s kind of a dessert/drink. Avena Colombiana is another sweet non-alcoholic drink to try for dessert. It’s kind of an oatmeal shake, and it’s sweetened with cinnamon, sugar, and cloves.

You can get the big soda brands here, but you should also try the Colombian sodas. Colombiana and Postobon are two popular types of soda you’ll see in Colombia. Colombiana is a more herbal flavor that’s good in a cocktail, while Postobon comes in many fruity flavors.

Aguardiente is the local spirit of Colombia. If you are offered a shot, you can’t turn it down. It’s pretty strong, but it’s pretty good when you mix it. If you order a Refajo, it’s a mix of Colombiana soda, beer, and aguardiente. It’s a good drink to share because it’s a lot to drink! At Christmas, they mix aguardiente with hot water and sugarcane to make Canelazo.

Sabajon is another Christmas drink that’s like a Colombian eggnog. It’s very rich and sweet, but worth trying if you visit over the holidays.

Of course, being in the Caribbean, rum is also very popular here, and you’ll find some local brands to try if you want. Panela is the sugarcane that grows here, and they make a lot of drinks with the sugarcane besides rum. Agua de Panela is basically sugarcane water, and it’s served both hot and cold.

I always like to try the local beer as well. Two brands we saw the most frequently are Club Colombia and Aguila. Poker is another brand we tried in Bogota. A very local version of beer is Chicha, which is made from fermented corn. They add a bunch of fruits and it’s super tasty.

Mistakes That Tourists Make In Sorrento + The Isle Of Capri

Posted on August 18, 2024August 6, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting Sorrento & Isle of Capri

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a trip to Sorrento, Italy. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Sorrento, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting Sorrento.

Don’t Expect Non-Touristy Things

The Sorrento Peninsula is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, so it will be super touristy no matter when you visit. You won’t find a lot of quaint, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Tourist destinations like Naples and Pompeii surround Sorrento, so everything here revolves around tourism. Late April through September is peak season and you will be surrounded by crowds of tourists.

This also means you will have a hard time finding “non-touristy” restaurants in the area. Usually, we recommend walking a few blocks from the tourist center to find more authentic food, but that’s not the case here because everything is touristy. So, just pick a place that looks good. You’re going to pay tourist prices no matter where you go.

The bright side of this is that you will have your pick from thousands of souvenir shops, and guided tours. If you are looking for souvenirs from your trip, you’ll find plenty! Ceramic products and lemon-themed gifts are the most popular!

Don’t Expect Year-Round Tourism

Because of the crowds, we do recommend trying to visit Sorrento in the shoulder seasons. However, if you come in the winter, you may find a lot of things are closed. You might find solitude for once, but there will be far fewer services, including ferries.

Don’t Expect Cheap Lodging

Because so many travelers use Sorrento as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast or Pompeii, accommodations are in high demand. Accommodations will be more affordable than staying along the Amalfi coast, but that’s not saying much. In four visits to Sorrento, we’ve had four pretty awful Airbnb experiences. (If your accommodation is “self-catering” be prepared to purchase your own dish soap and toilet paper! We found that out the hard way.)

Don’t Plan to Practice Your Italian Language Skills

Because Sorrento is so touristy, most people in the service industry speak English. And usually, their patience can wear thin with tourists trying to practice their Italian skills. If you’re not pretty fast, they’ll switch to English so they can get your order and move on to the next table.

Don’t Drive to Sorrento

We love renting cars to explore at our own pace, but driving in Sorrento is a nightmare. The streets are narrow and winding, and there’s no parking to speak of. The train from Naples is the easiest and most affordable way to get to Sorrento. You can also hire a driver to take you from Naples to Sorrento. It costs a lot more than the train, but worth splurging if you can.

What Not to Do When Taking Trains in Italy

If you do take the train, don’t overpack! The train gets super crowded, and there’s not a special area for luggage. The train stations and stops along the way are prime pickpocket territory, so the fewer belongings you have to keep track of, the better.

Common Tourist Scams in Italy

Don’t Miss the Isle of Capri

The Isle of Capri sits just off the coast of Sorrento, and is a popular destination for visitors. We have a few extra trips for visiting the Isle of Capri.

Make sure you pick the right ferry. The ferry can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours, so if you want to maximize your time on the island, choose the faster one! Make sure you buy a return ticket and don’t miss the last ferry or you’ll have an expensive evening!
Don’t wait to visit the Blue Grotto; when you exit the ferry, catch one of the first boats you see for the Blue Grotto. It takes a bit of time, so it’s best to get it out of the way upon arrival. You won’t have much time in the grotto, as they do rush everyone in and out in order to maximize the number of visitors. You might think about walking back from the grotto, but that is quite a hike, so be prepared!
Anacapri is one of our favorite places to visit on the island. The square is fantastic, and a great place to have ravioli caprese.
Take the chairlift up for great views of the bay
Marina Grande is the postcard scene of Capri; the beach is small, but it’s a beautiful spot to have dinner. You can take a fishing boat, dinner cruise or paddle board from Marina Grande.

Don’t Skip the Day Trips from Sorrento

As we mentioned, Sorrento is a popular home base for exploring the entire Sorrento Peninsula. Besides the Isle of Capri, there are plenty of other day trips from Sorrento.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two cities preserved by the ash of Mt. Vesuvius.
Naples has some great museums and of course, Napoli pizza!
Amalfi Coast is popular for a reason; and well worth a trip to see the beautiful coastal villages.

Don’t Miss Out on Sorrento Cuisine

Even though the restaurants are pretty touristy for the most part, the food is still really good. A few of our favorite dishes in this region include:

Gnocchi Sorrentina, which is gnocchi with mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
Seafood is super fresh here because you’re on the sea! Whether you like swordfish, calamari, anchovies, sea bass, octopus or clams, you’ll find seafood you love here. Seafood in pasta is the best of both worlds! Scialatielli is a regional type of pasta and Scialatielli alla Amalfitana has a seafood mix that we highly recommend!
Caprese means “from Capri and there are many Caprese specialties to try. Typically, they include mozzarella, basil and tomato. Make sure you choose the right mozzarella: it has to be Fior de Latte or mozzarella di bufala.
- Caprese Salad is perfect when you want a light, fresh, dish.
- Ravioli Caprese is another favorite!
- For a quick bite on the go, a Panino Caprese is a sandwich version of the Caprese Salad.
- Caprese tort is a chocolate almond cake, or Liam’s favorite, Lava Cake.
Eggplant Parmesan is another great Italian dish to have here

While you’re here, don’t pass up anything lemon! Sorrento is known for growing sweet lemons, and you can have them many different ways. Delizia al Limone is a sponge cake with lemon custard that you must try. And of course, limoncello for the adults! (Fresh-squeezed orange juice is really good, too!)

Don’t Mess with the Sun

It’s so easy to get sunburned in Sorrento. Even though you aren’t lying on a beach, you’re still going to be getting a lot of sun, so make sure you lathe on the sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Sorrento, while touristy, is a beautiful destination along the Gulf of Naples. With so many options for day trips, it’s a great place to stay when exploring the surrounding area. Of course, fresh seafood and homemade pasta are reason enough to visit!

Want more tips for traveling in Italy?

From Food to Fun What to Know about Milwuakee

Posted on August 13, 2024August 5, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting Milwaukee

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re discussing what NOT to do when planning a trip to Milwaukee. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Milwaukee Wisconsin, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting the largest city in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee insights — The architecture in downtown Milwaukee is impressive.

Don’t Skip the River

The Milwaukee River runs through downtown Milwaukee, and the riverwalk is a great place to check out some of the art and architecture of the city. You can follow the river out to the lakefront, and there are many places to stop along the way. You can even join a kayak tour or hop on a water taxi!

If you grew up in the 70s or 80s, you must get your picture with the Bronze Fonz. The TV show Happy Days took place in Milwaukee, and there is a bronze statue of the Fonz on the Riverwalk.

Don’t Miss the Lakefront

You might not think of Milwaukee as a beach destination, but the Lake Michigan shoreline is a gorgeous place to spend the day! You can take boat cruises on the lake as well. Besides the beaches, parks, and walkways, some of Milwaukee’s best museums are along the lakefront.

Milwaukee Art Museum is an incredible building with an impressive art collection.
Milwaukee Discovery World is a science and technology museum with exhibits for all ages
Betty Brin Children’s Museum is perfect if you’re visiting Milwaukee with kids under 10

Make sure you check the visiting hours before planning your trip; we found a lot of museums closed on both Monday and Tuesday.

Don’t Skip These Milwaukee Attractions

Besides the lakefront museums in Milwaukee, there are some other spots that you should not miss.

The Conservatory / The Domes – biodomes look like something from an 80s movie but have beautiful gardens inside
Brewers Stadium for a baseball game
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee County Zoo
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
Grohmann Museum
Pabst Mansion
Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame

While not a specific attraction, Milwaukee’s architecture deserves a nod. They’ve done a great job preserving and repurposing the historic buildings around town. As you drive into town, you’ll notice several churches. Milwaukee has over 500 churches, many of them are in beautiful historic buildings.

Don’t Forget the Historic 3rd Ward

Milwaukee has a great historic neighborhood in the 3rd ward. Within the historic streets and buildings, Milwaukee’s creative center has emerged. You’ll find art galleries, restaurants, rooftop beer gardens, and boutiques. It’s also home to the Milwaukee Public Market.

The Milwaukee Public Market is a great spot to visit in Milwaukee. There are over a dozen vendors selling all kinds of food and drinks. There are souvenir shops with fun t-shirts, and an upstairs seating area where you can enjoy your snacks. They also have cooking classes, so check the schedule before you go!

Summerfest is also in the Third Ward, and it’s a huge music festival with big acts for a few weeks each summer. If you love music festivals, you have to plan a trip to Milwaukee for Summerfest!

Brady Street is another fun area with lots of bars and nightlife but with a more eclectic vibe.

Don’t Miss the Brewery Scene

Milwaukee is known as “Beer City” and was the city that spawned Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and more! While most of those original brands aren’t made here any longer, newer craft breweries and microbreweries have taken their place. You can still tour the original Miller Brewery, and Lakefront Brewery is one of the more popular spots now.

You also have to try the root beer from Sprecher, a local brewery. It’s way better than mass-market root beer you can get at home.

family fun in milwaukee — The Whole Family had a fun time in Milwaukee.

Don’t Miss Out on Milwaukee Food

Milwaukee has a lot of German and Polish heritage, and that’s reflected in the food. Bratwurst and pretzels go hand in hand with beer! Milwaukee’s original German Beer Hall is now a Hofbrauhaus, with a pretty good German menu! From the Polish side, Polish sausages, pierogies and pastries are great! Wisconsin has long, cold winters, so Milwaukee food is hearty!

Of course, we can’t talk about what to eat in Milwaukee without talking about cheese! Wisconsin produces 25% of our country’s cheese, and it comes in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. Cheese curds are a popular snack that squeaks against your teeth. You can buy them fresh in bags, or restaurants often serve them breaded and fried. If you’re driving up from Illinois, plan a stop at the Mars Cheese Castle on your way home. They have every variety of cheese, sausage, beer, and lots of fun souvenirs.

Other foods to eat in Milwaukee include:

Fish Fry Friday is a Wisconsin tradition, thanks in part to a large Catholic population that doesn’t eat meat on Fridays. Tons of places have a weekly Friday Fish Fry.
Perch or walleye is usually the fish served on Fridays, but you should also try smelt fish when you are here. They’re small little fish that are usually fried.
Frozen custard is another Wisconsin delicacy. The fast-food chain Culver’s is spreading custard around the country, but you can still get it from the original shops like Leon’s when you visit Milwaukee.
Reuben Egg Rolls are a unique appetizer to try when you’re here.
In Milwaukee, chili is often served over pasta, making it even heartier.
Milwaukee pizza is a “tavern style” which is a thin cracker-crust cut into squares.

Don’t worry, though, you can get all kinds of great food in Milwaukee: Ethiopian, Greek, Mexican, and more! Milwaukee is a melting pot of cultures, so there’s good food all over town. Glorioso’s Italian Market is a great place to shop for authentic Italian ingredients. In fact, Milwaukee has a ton of great markets to explore, including farmer’s markets.

What NOT to Do in Wisconsin

Don’t Order a Meal with a Bloody Mary

Milwaukee is known for its Bloody Mary drinks, and not because of the flavor. Rather than the usual celery stalk or pickle, a Milwaukee Bloody Mary can come with a whole meal on top of it. Bars try to outdo each other with the most outrageous Bloody Marys. I had one with bacon, celery, a bratwurst slider, sausage, cheese curds, and shredded cheese.

Don’t Be Afraid to Hop on the Hop

While Milwaukee doesn’t have the best public transportation for tourists, they do have a free streetcar around the downtown area. It’s called The Hop and it’s totally free! It might save you some walking on a hot summer day.

Fortunately, driving and parking in Milwaukee is pretty convenient and affordable, so you don’t have to worry so much about having a car in Milwaukee. It’s probably the best way to get around.

Don’t Think You Have to Be a Biker to Enjoy Harley Davidson

Milwaukee is the home of Harley Davidson, so one of the most popular things to do in Milwaukee is visiting the Harley Davidson Museum. The history of the company is actually really cool, and they have hundreds of different bikes on display.

Don’t Be Shocked if They Call You a FIB

If you’re coming up from Chicago, or anywhere in Illinois, you are considered a FIB. We’ll just say it means “Friendly Illinois Buddies” and leave it at that. It’s Milwaukee, so they’ll still be nice, but don’t advertise that you’re from Illinois unless you want a good heckling.

Don’t Be Lax with Safety

Milwaukee is generally pretty safe, but there are some rougher neighborhoods to avoid. More importantly, be aware of your surroundings at night. Even though you’re in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a big city and does have big city problems sometimes.

Don’t Visit in Winter

We’re not opposed to winter weather, but Milwaukee is COLD. The lake effect brings extra snow and cold winds. Roads and sidewalks can be dangerous and ice-covered. The sun goes down super early, like 4 or 5 pm. It’s just not that enjoyable. Summer really is Milwaukee’s time to shine, and all other seasons can’t compare. (Although spring and fall are pretty nice, too!)

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the Midwest

If you do visit Milwaukee in summer, make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

There’s more to Milwaukee than beers and brats! It’s a fun city to explore, with lots of great food and attractions. You can even take the train from Chicago for a weekend getaway!

Want more tips for visiting the Midwest US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

The Most Texas Foods to Eat in TEXAS

Posted on August 12, 2024August 5, 2024 by Mark Wolters

The Tastiest Treats to Eat in Texas

Everything is Bigger in Texas… Especially the Portion Sizes of Food! What should you eat when you visit Texas? There are more than a few great treats to eat for foodies when they visit Texas. Our Most Popular Dishes to eat when you visit Texas are…

Texas Beef

Texas is ranching country, so beef is king. You will see steak on almost every restaurant menu, and so many kinds of steak! Unless you are a vegetarian, definitely try some of the various steaks and beef dishes available in Texas.

Texas BBQ: Brisket!

Eat the Beef Brisket! The Beef Ribs are great too, but just know Texas BBQ is beef based, not as much pork based. And be prepared to wait a long time in line at some of the better BBQ joints around Texas. The longer the line, chances are the better the BBQ. The best BBQ joints in Texas are often holes in a wall, nothing fancy.

Of course, side dishes are equally important when getting barbecue in Texas. Lots of places serve baked beans with BBQ, but Texas BBQ is usually served with Ranch Beans. Ranch beans are more savory, less sweet, with a bit of a kick.

Texas toast is another popular side dish, and even though you can get Texas Toast anywhere, you may as well have it in Texas!

Tex-Mex:

Tex Mex is NOT Mexican food; it’s an amalgamation of various cuisines, including Mexican. It’s really good, and we recommend trying a bunch of smaller plates so you can see what you like, and you can start to learn the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food. A few things we recommend are the queso, enchiladas, and refried beans. Breakfast tacos in Texas are amazing, too. Again, go to the hole in the wall. Some of the best breakfast tacos in Texas can be found at a gas station.

Texas Chili:

Texas Chili is very meat heavy, less soupy, and many times, there are no beans in Texas chili. It seems that every family has their own recipe, so it’s never the same from one place to the next. Some Texans even put beans in their chili! Texas chili is especially delicious if you make Frito pie with it. The OG Frito Pie involves pouring chili and toppings into a single-serve bag of Fritos.

Chicken Fried Steak:

Flattened, beaten, steak, battered and fried up. A plate of pleasure for foodies in Texas. Have it with some mashed potatoes and gravy and you have CFS heaven!

Texas Beverages

Local beer is great in Texas (Shiner Bock is one of our faves) and the Margaritas will help you get through your travels in Texas. Whether it is a frozen margarita or a few bottles of Lone Star Beer you will have a good time enjoying the liquid refreshment in Texas.

For non-alcoholic drinks, Big Red and Dr. Pepper are huge in Texas.

Kolaches

While these are definitely a European thing, Kolaches have also become a Texas thing. Of course, Texas has put their own spin on them, so they taste different than the European version. If you are traveling between Austin and Dallas, head to the Czech Stop for really good kolaches.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is the official state pie of Texas. However you pronounce it, it’s delicious when you’re in Texas. So always save room for dessert.

Bucee’s Treats

Bucee’s is legendary in Texas so you have to check it out when you visit. They are known for having really clean bathrooms, but what a lot of people don’t know is that they have great food, too! We have a whole list of things to eat at Bucee’s.

Beaver Nuggets, are a crunchy sweet treat that is perfect for road tripping through Texas. And you can only get them at Bucee’s. Try a few different flavors, but make sure you try the original!

Mark’s favorite thing to eat at Bucee’s is the brisket sandwich. They’re made fresh right in front you. At a gas station.

Liam’s favorite are the cinnamon rolls from the Bucee’s Bakery. They also have kolaches, of course.

Jocelyn’s favorite is the deli area, which has fresh fruit, salads and all kinds of options.

Caleb’s favorite thing to eat at Bucee’s is the jerky. You can get it prepackaged, but you can also peruse an entire deli case of jerky options.

Of course, Texas has some favorite chain restaurants worth trying. Our kids love Whataburger, especially the spicy ketchup, while Jocelyn loves Torchy’s Tacos. And don’t forget the Blue Bell ice cream!

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Want to know what to do in Texax besides eat? Check out these blog posts:

Travel Shocks to Expect When Visiting Texas

What NOT to Do in Texas

Five Tips for Visiting San Antonio

The Do’s & Don’ts of Visiting San Francisco for 1st Time Visitors

Posted on May 24, 2024May 22, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting San Francisco

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a trip to San Francisco. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to see in San Francisco, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting San Francisco. (Not Frisco, nobody calls it that!)

the don'ts of san francisco — The Do’s and Don’ts of San Francisco, including the food

Don’t Forget to Check the Weather & Pack Layers

San Francisco weather can vary greatly within a day. It’s not Southern California with sunshine and warm weather all day. Packing layers is a must, as is being prepared for wind and rain any time of year.

While San Francisco has beaches, they are not warm, sunny beaches for sunbathing. You’re better off bringing hiking boots than a swimsuit as you can walk along some of the beaches, but you’ll be glad to have a jacket! The water is cold, and they have pretty gnarly riptides, too.

Don’t Forget to Prepare for Walking and Hills

San Francisco is a super walkable city, but it’s also very hilly. If you can train a bit before your San Francisco trip, you’ll have a much better time exploring the city on foot. Good walking shoes will also make it much more pleasant.

As an older city, you can also expect a lot of uneven pavement, so watch where you’re walking. It’s so easy to twist an ankle on a cracked sidewalk.

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Walk the Entire Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is the symbol of the city, and many people want to experience it by walking across. The bridge is nearly two miles long, so you’ll be walking about 3 ½ miles out and back. If you’re not up for a 90-minute walk, then there are other options to see the bridge. You can take a ferry tour, or drive across the bridge. There are also some great viewpoints where you can get photos of the bridge.

Don’t Skip Fisherman’s Wharf

Yes, it’s super touristy with a lot of souvenir shops, but it’s still worth visiting Fishermans’ Wharf. The Aquarium of the Bay is right there, and it’s also where you’ll catch any boat tours or ferries, including the Alcatraz tours. The Musee Mecanique is also a fun stop, especially if you’re into arcade games.

You can expect overpriced food when you visit Fisherman’s Wharf, though. Just like any popular destination, restaurants charge a premium in this area, so keep that in mind.

Don’t Miss Out on San Francisco Food

Food and travel go hand in hand, and San Francisco is no exception! San Francisco is a great melting pot of cultures, including Asian, Latin American, Italian and more! San Francisco food is pricey but worth it as there are some things that are just better here.

Sourdough Bread is famous in San Francisco, thanks to the unique climate in the Bay area. You can’t get sourdough like this anywhere else!
Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl is a great way to try two San Francisco specialties in one go.
Dungeness Crab is another specialty on this part of the West Coast. It’s a smaller type of crab, and it can be difficult to get the meat out. Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter the best way to clean the crab, or you can order Crab Louie, which is the crab meat already cleaned out and on top of a salad.
Pacific Oysters are also a local specialty; they are super fresh and delicious!
If you want to try several types of seafood, order Cioppino, which is a seafood stew. This dish originated with Italian immigrants in San Francisco; you’ll usually find calamari, mussels, and clams in there.
Dim Sum is a Chinatown must! You can also get upscale Chinese food, Thai Food, Korean food and Japanese food in this area. Take advantage of the local Asian population and try their cuisine where it’s done really well.
Mission Burritos come from the Mission District, which has a lot of Latin restaurants. Chipotle burritos are inspired by Mission Burritos, so picture the whole kitchen sink wrapped up in a giant tortilla.
Ghirardelli Chocolate is made in San Francisco; in fact, Ghirardelli Square is right off of Fisherman’s Wharf. There are several stores around town, and the most popular thing to try is an ice cream sundae with Ghirardelli chocolate on top. On a cold day, their hot cocoa really hits the spot.
America’s first Irish Coffee was created in San Francisco, and there’s even a plaque to prove it. The Buena Vista Cafe is the place to go for the original formula, and it’s right by the Fisherman’s Wharf Trolley stop.

When you are eating out in San Francisco, don’t expect restaurants to be open all day. Many restaurants are lunch-only, or dinner-only, or they may close between lunch and dinner. If there’s a place you really want to try, make sure you check their hours ahead of time and see if you need a reservation!

A great place to go if you want to try a bunch of different food is the Ferry Building Marketplace. They have several stalls with artisanal cuisine, and there’s a farmer’s market several days each week.

Unless otherwise specified, plan to tip 15 – 20% of your total bill when eating at San Francisco restaurants. Check your bill, though, as some places may automatically add a service charge.

Don’t Forget to Explore Different San Francisco Neighborhoods & Day Trips

Make sure you explore some of the many neighborhoods of the city and don’t just stick to what’s within walking distance of your hotel. A few of the best San Francisco neighborhoods include:

Chinatown, where you should definitely have dim sum. Fortune cookies actually originated here, not in China! You can even tour the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory!
North Beach is where many of the best Italian restaurants are found, so if you’re craving pizza or pasta, head to North Beach!
The Mission District is where you’ll find great Latin American food and murals.
Haight-Ashbury became famous in the 60s as the hippie neighborhood where the Grateful Dead lived. The neighborhood feels pretty commercialized these days, but if you’re looking for a tie-dye t-shirt, you’ll find plenty here.
Sausalito is its own city, but it’s a fun little ferry trip from San Francisco.
Muir Woods is also a popular day trip from San Francisco, but don’t forget your Dramamine! It is a winding road to get there from SF. Don’t forget to look for banana slugs when you get there!

You can probably skip Union Square unless you’re looking for a new Louis Vuitton bag or other luxury stores.

Don’t Drive in San Francisco

Driving in San Francisco is not fun, and I don’t recommend it unless you have to. Parking is difficult and expensive, directions can be confusing, and Uber & Lyft are widely available. This goes double for Lombard Street; it’s actually quite stressful to drive down. It’s more fun to walk down and watch the people trying to drive down the “crookedest street in the world.”

Don’t Forget to Buy the Clipper Card

The Clipper Card will get you access to all of the public transportation in San Francisco. You can preload it and use it all over the city. It’s so much easier than trying to figure out tickets at each bus and train stop. (If someone offers to sell you their Clipper Card, don’t accept; it’s probably already been used)

Don’t Have High Expectations for the Cable Car

You’ve seen the San Francisco cable cars in movies and TV shows, but it’s not quite so “romantic” in real life. They have been a National Historic Landmark since 1964, so it’s worth going, but keep your expectations in check!

If you board at Fisherman’s Wharf, you can expect a pretty long line that you’ll have to wait in before you can hop on. And it’s $8 for a single ride, so it’s not exactly a cheap way to get around San Francisco. For a family of four, it will cost you $32 for a single ride, unless you have kids under four.

Don’t Miss Out on Art, Architecture & History

San Francisco has beautiful architecture, like the Coit Tower or the Painted Ladies, the row houses featured on Full House, and so many cool murals in the Mission District and elsewhere throughout the city.

There are some fantastic museums as well, which are especially great for those cold, rainy days! de Young has classic paintings and sculptures, while the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the best in the country! The Wells Fargo Museum is an interesting one that is often overlooked, especially if you’re interested in Gold Rush-era history.

A few other favorite San Francisco museums include:

Railway Museum
Cable Car Museum
Asian Art Museum

Don’t Expect An Affordable Vacation

Between San Francisco hotels, attractions, and restaurants, you will probably spend a lot of money in San Francisco. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world, not just in the United States. It’s totally worth it, as it’s such a unique city, but be prepared to shell out a lot of money for your trip.

How to Save Money When Traveling

Don’t Mess with the Homeless

Yes, San Francisco has a large homeless population. As a tourist, it’s not much of an issue, other than you will likely be shocked at how many people are living on the streets. As a city with a lot of tourism, they do tend to keep the tourist areas fairly cleaned up, so you deal with it as much as the residents do. On my last visit, I felt that bad press was overblown, and it was still a great city to visit, with friendly locals. So, don’t let the media dissuade you from visiting San Francisco; come and judge for yourself.

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San Francisco is definitely a must-visit city in California and one of our top cities in America! It’s one of those cities where even the “tourist traps” are worth visiting. Between art, architecture, outdoor attractions, and fantastic food, San Francisco really does have it all. With your basic travel smarts, it’s a safe city to visit, with lots to see and eat!

Want more California travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

Best Canadian Food To Eat in Canada!

Posted on July 31, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Canda, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Canada, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. If you want to experience traditional Canadian food, there are some really great Canadian foods that we recommend trying. It’s not just maple syrup; Canada has some really tasty treats!

Poutine

When people think of Canadian cuisine, poutine is often the first thing that comes to mind. If you’re going out for beers with friends, or are looking for a quick appetizer or snack, it doesn’t get any tastier than Canadian poutine. Originally from the Quebec province, you can get poutine all over Canada. What is poutine? It’s a bowl of French Fries with cheese curds, covered in gravy. It sounds weird, but it’s amazing! In most places, you can add other toppings like pulled pork or steak. Poutine is “hands-down” the best snack food in Canada! Be sure to pair it with a local beer.

Tim Horton’s

If you are driving across Canada, you will inevitably stop at a Tim Horton’s along the way. This magnificent chain is unique to Canada. Imagine if you combined a Starbucks, Dunkin, and a Subway, and that’s what Tim Horton’s is. They have great sandwiches and donuts, which is why they are everywhere in Canada!

What NOT to Do in Canada

Seafood

Yes, Canada is a huge country with coasts and plains, but there is some really great seafood in Canada. Seafood is a major ingredient in Canadian cuisine. Along the coasts, you’ll get fresh ocean fish, and in central Canada, rivers and lakes produce really tasty fish as well. No matter where you are in Canada, you will find good seafood or fish. Salmon, halibut, fish-n-chips, PEI mussels, chowder, oysters, and trout are just some of the seafood options you’ll find in Canada.

eat in canada — Eat well! Don’t worry, you will.

Canadian Sweets

Canadians love their sweet treats. When it comes to Canadian sweets, you have to try salmon candy. It sounds weird, but it’s really tasty. It’s smoked salmon bits glazed and candied in maple syrup. On the west coast, they also have what’s called a Nanaimo bar, which is like a seven-layer bar. Another Canadian classic is the Beaver Tail, which is fried dough dusted with cinnamon and sugar. You might also want to compare American brands with Canadian brands. For example, Kit Kats are different in Canada than in the US. It’s fun to do a taste test of the same product between the two countries.

Maple Syrup

This is probably the first thing people think of when it comes to Canadian food. It is everywhere and you’ll find maple flavoring in everything from chewing gum to pizza. Canadian maple syrup also makes a great souvenir to bring home. If you visit Canada in the winter, you have to try maple syrup snow candy, which is made by freezing the syrup on a stick and rolling it in snow.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Canada

Canadian Snacks

In addition to unique candies, there are some great snacks to try in Canada. You’ll find unique items like ketchup chips in a bag. There are some really great smoked meats in Canada, too. Back bacon is a good one too. Also known as Canadian bacon, it’s a tasty snack or breakfast item.

Caesar Cocktail

Canadians love their cocktails. Canadian beer is really popular, but if you don’t like beer, you’ll find plenty of mixed drinks to enjoy. A Caesar Cocktail in Canada is their version of a Bloody Mary with clam juice. Like a Bloody Mary, a Caesar Cocktail is often enjoyed the morning after a big night out.

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Canada has some really fun and tasty food and trying new food is always a part of our family travels. While travel in Canada can be expensive, some of the best Canadian food is cheap street food and snacks. You can eat really well in Canada, without breaking the bank. Looking for more tips on travel in Canada? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Nicaragua Food You Must Try!

Posted on July 28, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Nicaragua, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Nicaragua, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. If you want to experience traditional Nicaraguan food, there are some really good food in Nicaragua that we recommend trying. Remember, this is Central America, so that means every meal will likely feature beans and rice, aka Gallo pinto. Even breakfast!

Seafood

If you are visiting Nicaragua beaches, you should definitely have fresh seafood! Corvina is a popular fish served here, and you’ll also see ceviche on a lot of menus. Seafood across Central America is fantastic!

What to Know Before You Visit Nicaragua

Jalapeno Steak

The beef is pretty good in Nicaragua, and I like to have a “jalapeno steak.” It’s a steak smothered in a spicy, jalapeno sauce. It’s spicy but really tasty! If you like spice and you are craving steak, you have to try it!

Nacatamal

This is a tamale wrapped in a plantain leaf. (You don’t eat the plantain leaf!) Like Mexican tamales, there are many variations of this tamale. You might find rice and pork, or potatoes and beef. We even had some from a gas station, and they were delicious!

Nicaragua Street Food

If you get sick of Gallo pinto, Nicaragua has a lot of great street food. They even have things like hot dogs and hamburgers, and the French Fries are actually really good! Our favorite street food in Grenada is the Quesillo. It’s a tortilla filled with white cheese, spices, and crema. It’s messy and delicious! We also had something called vigron, which is a yucca base with chicharron on top. You’ll also see pupusa and elote, but my favorite street food in Nicaragua is tostones. These are fried plantains with cheese and they are super tasty!

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Empanada

Another popular Nicaragua street food or snack is the empanada. I think every culture has this food – whether you call it a calzone, or pierogi, it’s very similar. An empanada is a doughy pocket baked with filling. Often it’s rice and beans, or cheese and meat. Empanadas are a great on-the-go snack that you can buy almost anywhere on your Nicaragua vacation.

eating in nicaragua — Quesillos, pupusas, and more tasty treats.

Nicaragua Alcohol Drinks

There are two brands of beer that are local to Nicaragua. Tona and Victoria. They are both good, but I find Tona to be a bit smoother and easier to drink. You should also try Flor de Cana, which is the local rum made in Nicaragua. A Nica Libre is a rum and Coke, and they also make lots of frozen mixed drinks with rum.

Nicaragua Non-Alcohol Drinks

The first rule of drinking in Nicaragua is you do not drink the tap water! Bottled water is everywhere, and you can also get the usual international soda brands you drink at home. With so much fruit grown in Central America, there is a lot of fresh fruit juice to drink.

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We found that Nicaragua food was pretty good, and it’s so cheap! We often ate for $2 or $3 per person, including drinks! If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server to recommend something. Our Nicaragua vacation was one of our all-time favorite family trips; we can’t recommend it highly enough! Looking for more tips on travel in Central America? Check out some of these other blog posts!

El Salvadorian Food You MUST Try

Posted on June 16, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in El Salvador, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in El Salvador, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. If you want to experience El Salvador traditional food, there are some really good meals and drinks in El Salvador that we recommend trying.

Pupusas

Probably the most famous El Salvador food is a pupusa. It’s like the Mexican gordita; two tortillas with a filling in the middle. You can choose which type of tortilla, as well as what you want inside your pupusa. Beans, chicken, and cheese are popular fillings. Ask the locals you meet for their favorite pupuseria.

Beans & Rice

Beans and rice are major staples of El Salvadoran cuisine. They will be served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes, they are even served together. Hopefully, you don’t have an aversion to rice or beans because you will see them a lot. You may need a break from them by the end of your trip.

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Plantains

Plantains are another staple in El Salvadoran cuisine. If you haven’t tried plantains, they are similar to bananas and are very common in Central American countries. We’ve had plantain juice, stuffed plantains, fried plantains, and plantain chips. They’re also used in similar ways that we use potatoes in the United States.

pupusas — Screen capture pictures don’t catch the tastiness, but they catch the fullness 🙂

Seafood

The seafood in El Salvador is fantastic. Snapper is very popular, as are prawns and shrimp. You also really should try the ceviche; it’s fantastic and super fresh, especially if you are on the coast. (Don’t worry if you don’t like seafood, there is also plenty of chicken and beef!)

Fruit and Fruit Drinks

Fresh fruit is plentiful in El Salvador, and you’ll have fantastic fruit and fruit juices. Liquidos is fruit and milk blended together, and they are delicious! Chances are, there will even be fruits you’ve never heard of, so take a chance and try something new amongst the Salvadoran fruit!

I really like the limonada con hierbas, which is a fresh lemonade with herbs mixed in. Chan is another fruit drink we enjoyed, although it is very sweet. Most of all, we recommend drinking horchata in El Salvador.

Whatever you do, don’t drink the tap water in El Salvador!

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Vegetables

Vegetables are also featured heavily in El Salvador cuisine. One of the most common is yuca, and you’ll see it in many different dishes. One of our favorites is yuca frita and chicharrones, which is a very popular snack that’s often something you’ll order with drinks between lunch and dinner.

El Salvador food — The boys were enjoying all the treats in El Salvador.

Coffee

Neither of us is a coffee drinker, but we make an exception in El Salvador because the coffee is so good. So, whether you are a coffee drinker or not, make sure you try the coffee in El Salvador!

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We thought El Salvador food was pretty good, and it’s so cheap! You won’t believe how much food you get for your money in El Salvador. Also, note that dinner is on the earlier side here. Unlike Europe and larger cities where dinner is eaten very late, dinner in El Salvador is usually around 6 or 7:00. Looking for more tips on travel in Central America? Check out some of these other blog posts!

New England Food You Must Try!

Posted on May 12, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in New England, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in New England, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great New England food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat and drink in New England.

Lobster

Of course, when you think of New England, you probably think of lobster. It’s everywhere, and that’s because the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean are prime lobster habitat. Order a whole lobster and dip the meat in butter. Have a lobster roll, lobster bisque, lobster macaroni and cheese, and every derivation you can imagine. Lobster ice cream? You can find it in New England! (When you order lobster, don’t be ashamed to wear the bib…you will be glad you did!)

Oysters

Another New England seafood staple is oysters. You can get fresh, delicious oysters up and down the East Coast. They come in several variations and preparations, from salty to sweet. You typically order oysters by the dozen, and many restaurants will let you mix up the dozen and try several different preparations. If oyster shooters aren’t your favorite, you can also try fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, or oyster stew.

Clams

Last on the New England seafood list is clams. Have steamed clams, fried clams, or clam chowder. They make clam-flavored potato chips. When you get fried clams, you have to choose between whole belly clams or clam strips. New England clam chowder is our kids’ favorite soup; it’s the white clam chowder, and it’s creamy and delicious!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Boston

Regional Specialties

Now that we’ve covered seafood along the coast of New England, the next “must eat” food is actually several foods. Each area of New England has a regional specialty. Often, they are sweet treats, but these are a few of our favorite regional New England foods:

A fluffernutter is a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. This New England staple is so delicious, and you can get them toasted to make everything extra ooey-gooey.
Boston baked beans are a Boston staple, obviously.
Boston Creme Pie is one of Mark’s favorites
Vermont is home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, where you can tour the factory and try some of the newest flavors.
Whoopie Pie is another of our favorite New England desserts you should try. Invented in Maine, it’s a little sandwich made of dense chocolate cake with marshmallow fluff or buttercream frosting in the middle.
In the summer, you’ll see a lot of blueberry treats, like blueberry muffins, blueberry pie, and blueberry sundaes.

What NOT to Do When You Visit New England

New England Drinks

You will need something to wash down all this great New England food! Jocelyn’s favorite is flavored seltzer water. At the grocery stores in New England, you’ll find as many varieties of seltzer water as soda. Mark prefers New England beer, and there is a lot to sample! Vermont and Connecticut have some of the best breweries in the USA. (Note: liquor laws vary by state, but you can’t always buy liquor at the grocery store. Sometimes, you have to visit a specific liquor store.)

Although they do speak English in New England, there are some New England food names that might leave you scratching your head. A “grinder” is actually just a sub sandwich and a “frappe” is a milkshake. A milkshake in New England is just flavored milk! Keep this in mind as you sample all the good New England cuisine and drinks! Looking for more tips on travel in the northeast United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!