Food—most everyone enjoys it, but there are those who really take delight in the vast array of flavors, aromas and textures of what they know as culinary art.  For those of you who are self-proclaimed foodies, tasting delicious dishes is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and you’re always on the lookout for the best eats around.  Greater Raleigh is a wonderful place to spend a day exploring with your taste buds.

Begin your food-loving day by waking yourself up with a tasty breakfast at a classic breakfast diner such as The Diner in Raleigh, where you’ll find food that is far from your standard morning fare.  Next, schedule a unique food tour with Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours, where you’ll gather with other food lovers, meet chefs of some of the best restaurants in the area and sample food and drinks as you go on a walking or driving tour.

After you’ve done a little exploring, head to a local farmer’s market and take your time sorting through mounds of fresh, organic local produce and foods to pack for a light picnic snack.  You can complete your outdoor spread by stopping by one of the three local wineries and pairing a bottle of wine with your fresh choices.  There are countless Greater Raleigh parks where you can find a picnic table or a nice grassy field to settle down on a blanket and start dining on the mini feast you have gathered.

Spend some time digesting and enjoying the natural beauty of the park you’ve chosen, and then start thinking about the most exciting meal of the day, dinner.  Dinner options in Greater Raleigh are seemingly endless, with a diverse array of scrumptious options ranging in style from Mediterranean and Brazilian to Italian and Southern fare.  Some outstanding restaurants of national notoriety are The Pit, Poole’s Diner, Angus Barn and Rey’s Restaurant, to name a few.  For a comprehensive list of dining options in the area, visit this site.

After a dinner you won’t soon forget, explore the decadent dessert options in the area. You’ll find artfully crafted sweets at places such as Escazu Artisanal Chocolates and the Cupcake Shoppe. By following this foodie itinerary, you are sure to have an absolutely scrumptious day, right down to the last bite.