Thinking about a weekend escape? You might want to consider one of America’s standout food tours, located just a few hours from some of Florida’s major cities. It’s about 30 miles northeast of the state capital, right across the border.
Since 2013, the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour has been rated as the No. 2 Food Tour by USA Today’s readers. It’s a guided walking experience that really highlights the local cuisine.
Debra Smith, who started this venture after retiring from education, had a vision for a food tour in Georgia and, well, there was just a spark there.
“What’s the deal? Why would a food tour in Thomasville not work?” she mused. More than 15,000 participants later, she considers it quite the triumph.
The Taste of Thomasville Food Tour has been welcoming visitors to local restaurants since its inception.
“It’s been so much more successful than I ever expected,” Smith shared.
Interestingly, most visitors come from Florida, particularly the Tallahassee area. But there are also folks traveling from Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando.
“They’re often just looking for a weekend escape,” she noted. “Many of them want to get away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, and they feel that Thomasville is what they’ve been seeking.”
Thomasville’s small-town charm resonates with visitors on these food adventures.
But what makes Thomasville such a hotspot for food lovers? Smith attributes it to the town’s rich history, unique architecture, vibrant culture, and, of course, diverse food offerings.
“No two restaurants are alike,” she pointed out.
Taste of Thomasville has a variety of tours. Visitors can opt for a daytime stroll that includes stops at notable spots like “Big Oak,” one of the largest oak trees east of the Mississippi. There’s also an adult-only evening tour and a seasonal tour that showcases sweet treats during the festive period.
“I believe my prices are quite reasonable for everyone.”
Recently, the tour introduced its first bus tour, marking a new milestone for the experience, according to Smith.
Another appealing aspect of Thomasville, she believes, is that it’s budget-friendly.
“Big Oak” is a well-known photo spot in Thomasville.
All tours are under $70, which is quite a deal compared to the top-rated Gourmet Food & Wine Tour in Sonoma, California, which costs $255.
Other notable food tours in the U.S. are reportedly in cities like Las Vegas, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Mobile, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Detroit.
