The Country's Best Local Food Festivals

By Sarah Bruning, CNTraveler.com

As if we weren’t already looking forward to beach weather and alfresco grilling, the summer also brings a plethora of destination-worthy alfresco eating events. From coast to coast, these are the food-centric festivities we’re most excited for this season.

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GEORGIA PEACH FESTIVAL
Fort Valley, GA

Dates: June 6–7, 13–14

More than 10,000 visitors head to this annual celebration of the state’s iconic fruit. Though events include live music performances, a kooky cross-dressing beauty pageant, and 3D fireworks, the main attraction is the unveiling (and subsequent eating) of a humongous cobbler that measures 11 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 8 inches deep. We won’t tell you how much butter or sugar it contains (hint: a lot), but we will say that the peaches weigh in at a hefty 75 gallons.

See Also: America’s Best Sandwiches 

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COPPER RIVER WILD! SALMON JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
Shelburne Farms, VT

Dates: July 18–19

Equal parts arts-and-crafts jubilee and sustainable seafood bonanza, this two-day event also encompasses several fun runs and a cook-off. Both days are capped off by performances by local bluegrass and folk bands.

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VERMONT CHEESEMAKERS FESTIVAL
Shelburne Farms, VT

Date: July 20

Calories and cholesterol will be the furthest things from your mind as you wander from booth to booth during this dairy extravaganza, sampling ultra creamy Bries, firm sharp cheddars, mild goat cheeses, and pungent Roqueforts from more than 40 award-winning creameries. Refresh your palate with sips from local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and expand your horizons with cooking and cheesemaking demos.

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LOUISIANA WATERMELON FESTIVAL
Farmerville, LA

Dates: July 24–26

Few fruits signal summertime quite like crisp, thick slices of rosy watermelon. This annual bash gathers aficionados for a variety of contests, including eating, growing, and seed-spitting competitions. Other jubilant activities, such as bike races and a tennis tournament, pepper the schedule.

See Also: How to Make a Long Flight More Comfortable

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GLORIOUS GARLIC FESTIVAL
Penn Yan, NY

Dates: Aug 2–3

Gilroy, CA might get most of the national attention for its garlic haul, but Finger Lakes Wine Country boasts its own “stinking rose” shindig worth a visit. Hosted by Fox Run Vineyards, the festivities range from cooking demos and garlic tastings to a wine-paired menu packed with allium-accented fare by local chefs.
Courtesy Fox Run Winery

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SWEET CORN FEST
Millersport, OH

Dates: Aug 27–30

One of the quintessential summer foods, corn-on-the-cob reigns as this carnival’s marquee munchie. Most days feature several eating contests and tractor pulls, plus clogging performances, which show off a form of percussive folk-dancing common across the Midwest.

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