American Travelers Embracing (Gasp!) Food Tourism

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  02.28.07 | 1:20 PM ET

imageWe all know Americans love their food, so it’s not surprising that food is playing a prominent role in their travels these days. Nevertheless, a new study confirms it, finding that 27 million Americans have recently made culinary experiences—including wine tours and cooking classes—a part of their holidays. Barry Glassner, author of the new book “Gospel of Food” (as well as the excellent “The Culture of Fear”) isn’t surprised. “We define ourselves by how we eat,” he told the AP. “We show others and we show ourselves what kind of people we are by how adventurous we are about food.” So where are Americans going for culinary tourism? Among U.S. states, California leads the way, followed by Florida and New York.

Related on World Hum:
* How To: Dig Dim Sum in Hong Kong
* The Pasta Nazi
* Confessions of a Chicken Man

Photo by Jim Benning.