Courtney Crowder, a writer for PeterGreenberg.com, suggests that these ten culinary festivals are “don’t miss” events for the gourmet traveler:

1. Food & Wine Classic, Aspen, Colorado (June).

2. Restaurant Week, New York City, New York (two: January and late June/early July).

3. Nathan’s International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island, New York (July 4 each year).

4. Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans, Louisiana (July).

5. Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, Maine (late July/early August)

6. Restaurant Week, St. Louis, Missouri (August).

7. Restaurant Week, Phoenix, Arizona (September).

8. Grape Camp, Sonoma, California (September).

9. Barbecue Festival, Lexington, North Carolina (October).

10. Restaurant Week, Austin, Texas (two: March and August).

Popularity: 14%