Visitors to Italy’s summer hotspot Lake Como are spoilt for choice when it comes to souvenirs, but a can of local air probably isn’t top of their shopping list.
22.10.2024 - 21:17 / lonelyplanet.com / Melissa Yeager
Oct 21, 2024 • 8 min read
You can create all the spreadsheets you want filled with restaurants and must-do experiences, but if you trulywant to get to know a place, track down a local grocery store or market – really!
In the US, your options are seemingly endless and wonderfully varied, which is why our staff have nominated their very favorites to visit. Not only do the places on this list sell fresh produce and local ingredients, but they’ll also tell you a lot about the destinations they’re in, from a celebrated farmers market in San Francisco to a mountain market serving up BBQ takeout in North Carolina.
Kansas City, Missouri
Recommended by Melissa Yeager, Destination Editor Western USA/Canada
Why it's great: Yoli is the go-to spot for fresh tortillas in Kansas City – they've even won a James Beard award. Head to their retail location, where you can also pick up delicious goods like egg and bacon burritos, tamales and agua frescas, along with their tortillas and salsas.
What to buy: The tortillas are a must, but I’ve also heard marvelous things about the Taco Stand salsa.
Baltimore, Maryland
Recommended by Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content
Why it's great: Baltimore is home to a handful of the country's longest-operating markets, and of those, Cross Street Market in Federal Hill is a long-standing favorite. Since the mid-1800s, the market has been serving the local community with fresh, locally-grown produce, freshly caught seafood, baked goods and more. After a fire destroyed the original building in 1951, the new Cross Street Market opened a year later – and was recently renovated, keeping those 1950s architectural touches intact while transforming the space into a 21st-century market with over 20 independent vendors.
What to buy: While you can stock up on provisions from Atlas Fish Market (sample some local oysters while you're there) and Fenwick's Choice Meats, Cross Street is more of a hang, a fun place to pre-game before the Orioles or Ravens games or grab a delicious handheld dish from Theo's Banhmi Rolls & Bowls, DMV Empanadas or Taco Love. The owners and operators are all local Baltimoreans representing multiple backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences. Do not leave without a fresh waffle cone from Takhara Bros, which has been named the best ice cream in Baltimore for four years running.
Planning tip: Cross Market also hosts events throughout the year, like the annual hot dog-eating contest on the 4th of July.
Paia, Maui, Hawaii
Recommended by Anne Zalatoris, Senior Manager, Media Operations
Why it's great: Mana Foods is the heart of the Paia community. They’re family-run and have been in business for 40 years. The staff is the friendliest, helping you choose from their quality
Visitors to Italy’s summer hotspot Lake Como are spoilt for choice when it comes to souvenirs, but a can of local air probably isn’t top of their shopping list.
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This article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.