The Most Epic State Fair Foods In Every State
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There's nothing quite like fair food. You've got your classics like corn dogs, fried Oreos, cotton candy, fried potatoes, and funnel cakes. It wouldn't be a fair without these offerings. But some states have a slew of decadent treats to offer that would stop you in your tracks. We're talking fried butter, pickle-topped pizza, donut burgers, and more. Other state fairs get visitors from far and wide searching for the item that's unique to that state, like Maine's red snapper hot dogs.
We can all agree that it's hard to go wrong when it comes to any fair fare. But, that said, if you want to sprinkle in some unique, can't-miss items, we have picks that come highly recommended by fairgoers from each state.
Alabama: Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are not to be missed at the Alabama State Fair. Grab a bag of the spicy ones if you're feeling adventurous.
Alaska: Donut Burger
Two words for you: donut burger. As a fairgoer describes one from the Alaska State Fair as "A delicious, delicious disaster. Is it ridiculous? Yes. Would I order it again? Also, yes."
Arizona: Lobster Roll
When you think Arizona State Fair, you probably don't think "lobster." But apparently, this is the dish to order at the Arizona State Fair.
Arkansas: Steak Sandwich
According to Kat Robinson with Tie Dye Travels, a steak sandwich from the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association is definitely worth trying at the Arkansas State Fair. It comes piled high with steak, caramelized onions, cheese, and a special horseradish sauce.
California: Beef Rib
Rumor has it you shouldn't leave the California State Fair without trying the beef ribs from Soul On a Roll. Get a plate of shrimp and grits while you're at it.
Colorado: Sloppers
Every year, the Colorado State Fair hosts the World Slopper Eating Championship. What's a slopper, you ask? It's an open-faced cheeseburger covered in green chile.
Connecticut: Big Donut
In the mood for sweets? If you're in Connecticut, head to the Durham Fair and snag "The Original Big Donut" at The Dough House.
Delaware: Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is hard to beat. That's especially true if you're at the Delaware State Fair, where you can grab a scoop or two from the UDairy Creamery. They make ice cream using milk harvested from cows at the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Florida: Funnel Cake Sandwich
There are plenty of classics to enjoy at the Florida State Fair, like deep-fried pickles, but we have our eyes on the new funnel cake sandwich—piled high with Spanish pork, smoked ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard.
Georgia: Korean BBQ Fries
Last year, Meester Mike's took home the "Best Savory" award at the Georgia National Fair for its Korean BBQ Fries, which are topped with kimchi and Korean BBQ.
Hawaii: Poke Bowls
Word on the street is that you should definitely get a poke bowl from at the Hawaii State Fair.
Idaho: Twister Potatoes
For obvious reasons, you can't go to the Eastern Idaho State Fair without getting a ribbon-cut fried potato on a stick—and the Garlic Truffle Tortatoe from Tortatoes is a fan favorite.
Illinois: Apple Pie Fries
We hear the apple pie fries from Truckin Good Food at the Illinois State Fair win big. Honeycrisp apples are cut into strips, dipped in cornstarch, fried, tossed with sugar, and topped with whipped cream.
Indiana: Pickle Pizza
Calling all pickle lovers! 2022's "Taste of the Fair" winner at the Indiana State Fair was the pickle pizza from Swain's Concessions.
Iowa: Corn Dog
Iowa hosts one of the most iconic state fairs. And according to a poll, there's no Iowa State Fair food more iconic than the corn dog.
Kansas: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Lollipop
Bacon. Wrapped. Chicken. Enough said! Grab one of these from Jackson Meat if you find yourself at the Kansas State Fair.
Kentucky: BBQ Pulled Pork Mac 'n Cheese
You'll find plenty of Kentucky State Fair food recommendations here, but at the top of the list is the BBQ pulled pork mac n' cheese from Sivori Catering.
Louisiana: Deep-Fried Oreos
This is a fair food classic. Multiple local outlets recommend trying these when you head to the State Fair of Louisiana.
Maine: Red Snapper Hot Dog
Maine's known for these distinctive red hot dogs, so if you're at the Bangor State Fair, you've gotta try one.
Maryland: Peach Sundae
Does anything sound more refreshing at a state fair than a peach sundae? One fairgoer calls Maryland State Fair's "an absolute must-try."
Massachusetts: Fried Butter
Everyone needs to try fried butter at least once, right? Look for some at The Big E. And if you're wondering how it works, the secret is that the butter is wrapped in dough before being fried.
Michigan: Elephant Ears
Whether you call them elephant ears, fried dough, saucers, or something else, we can all agree that this is an essential fair food. Don't leave the Michigan State Fair without some.
Minnesota: Corn on the Cob
To quote last year's viral sensation, Corn Kid, "It's corn! ... I can't imagine a more beautiful thing." And according to Discover the Cities, "There's no corn like Minnesota State Fair Corn." Try it with butter, of course, and your life will be forever changed.
Mississippi: Chicken on a Stick
Penn's Fish House at the Mississippi State Fair comes highly recommended. There, you can try chicken tenders, chicken on a stick, popcorn shrimp, and more.
Missouri: Pork Sandwich
Any trip to the Missouri State Fair wouldn't be complete without a stop by the Pork Place. We'll let you guess what's on the menu there.
Montana: Old-Fashioned Lemonade
There's no shortage of food at the Montana State Fair—including its famous deep-fried meatball called The Viking—but we'd be remiss if we didn't encourage you to wash it all down with another fair favorite: old-fashioned lemonade.
Nebraska: Sweet Potato Tots
Head to Hardenbook's at the Nebraska State Fair to enjoy unique sweet potato tots. Word on the street is that you can even get them with cinnamon, marshmallow cream, and caramel.
Nevada: Cotton Candy
The Nevada State Fair may be on the smaller side, but rest assured, there's plenty of delicious food to try, including cotton candy, mini donuts, caramel apples, loaded fries, and more.
New Hampshire: Apple Cider Donuts
The Hopkinton State Fair in New Hampshire takes place at the very beginning of fall, so why not kick off the season with a plate of apple cider donuts from Pat's Apple Crisp and Cider Donuts?
New Jersey: Rainbow Kettle Corn
At the State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey, you won't find just any ol' kettle corn—you'll find rainbow kettle corn.
New Mexico: Green Chile Cheese Curds
Cheese curds are already a fair food staple, but when you add famed green chiles at the New Mexico State Fair, it takes things to the next level.
New York: Dole Whip
If you find yourself at the Great New York State Fair instead of Disney, don't fret, you can still score some Dole Whip. The dairy-free pineapple soft-serve treat is an absolute delight.
North Carolina: Korean Corn Dogs
There are plenty of eye-catching offerings at the North Carolina State Fair, from deep-fried bacon mac-n-cheese tacos to Pepsi-glazed mini donuts. But Korean corn dogs from goldenKdog—made with sausage or mozzarella cheese (or both), coated with panko breadcrumbs or small potato cubes, and deep fried—should definitely be on your list.
North Dakota: Yo-Yo Cookies
There are tons of delicious options at the North Dakota State Fair, including the Yo-Yo Cookie: a cookie sandwich made with frosting or ice cream.
Ohio: Deep-Fried Buckeyes
We've written about deep-fried buckeyes before, so consider this your reminder to grab a serving if you're at the Ohio State Fair.
Oklahoma: Apple Pie Cherry Bites
These apple pie churro bites are officially the best thing to get at the Oklahoma State Fair. They literally won "FAIRest of Them All" in 2022.
Oregon: Sushi
As one Oregon State Fair spokesperson told Portland Monthly, "The concept of fair food is changing." That means, in addition to all sorts of fried goodness here—from classics, like elephant ears, to novelties, like fried Reese's and even fried soda—you can find full-blown meals, like sushi.
Pennsylvania: Philly Cheesesteaks
At the York State Fair, you'll want to grab at least one Philly cheesesteak. And unsurprisingly, you'll have plenty of options.
Rhode Island: Strawberry Shortcake
Rhode Island doesn't technically have a state fair, but the Washington County Fair takes place in Richmond, Rhode Island. Expect to find standard fair goodies, including strawberry shortcake.
South Carolina: Turkey Leg
One fairgoer described a turkey leg at the South Carolina State Fair as "savagely delicious." We're in.
South Dakota: Smoked Roast Beef Sandwich
At the South Dakota State Fair, be sure to snag one of the 1,000 smoked roast beef sandwiches that South Dakota Cattlemen's Association makes daily.
Tennessee: Ice Cream
The Ice Cream Freeze Off competition is a Tennessee State Fair favorite each year. We don't need an excuse to eat ice cream, but we'll take it!
Texas: Peanut Butter Paradise
There's plenty of creative fried food and decadent desserts to enjoy at the State Fair of Texas. But the winner of the Big Tex Choice Awards (in the sweet category) was this Peanut Butter Paradise—a.k.a. a honey bun injected with caramel and topped with peanut butter and a ton of candy.
Utah: Boba
The bubble tea from Boba King at the Utah State Fair is "on another level," fairgoers say.
Vermont: Fried Dough
This tried-and-true classic is apparently the thing to get if you're at the Vermont State Fair. Fried dough topped with sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate...what's not to love?
Virginia: Chocolate-Dipped Cheesecake
Cheesecake dipped in creamy chocolate? Say less. This is apparently one of the best things you can eat at the State Fair of Virginia.
Washington: Scone
Take it from Seattle Refined, which says that the scones at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup are "just the kind of rich, warm, doughy, carby goodness that will prep you for a long day of crowds and fun."
West Virginia: Ham Biscuit
We hear the best thing to eat at the State Fair of West Virginia is a ham biscuit. It's the signature dish of the state fair, after all.
Wisconsin: Cream Puffs
Betcha didn't know that the most popular item at the Wisconsin State Fair actually isn't cheese curds—it's cream puffs! They've been sold at the event since 1924 and are the most popular treat among fairgoers.
Wyoming: Beef
The Wyoming State Fair is all about the beef. You can snack on BBQ ribs, steaks, and—of course—a classic hamburger.
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