6 Food Towns We Love

Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee. Can you make it through that list without drooling? The spicy, hearty spirit of New Orleans lives in its food, whether it's fresh beignets at Cafe Du Monde, an elaborate brunch at Commander's Palace or learning to cook it all yourself through the New Orleans Cooking Experience. Indulge and don't worry about calories—the days may be in the 60s here, but it's still winter-coat season back home (800/672-6124; neworleanscvb.com).

New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau

Las Vegas has long replaced its reputation for cheap shrimp cocktail and endless buffets (although those are still available) with big-name chefs and even bigger flavors. World-renowned chefs rule the Strip and beyond—Joel Robuchon, Hubert Keller, Thomas Keller, Tom Collichio, Bobby Flay and the list goes on. With average daily winter temperatures in the 50s and 60s and fabulous food available 24/7, the entire city is your buffet (877/847-4858; lvcva.com).

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

After a trip to San Antonio, you won't just remember the Alamo. You'll remember the freshly made salsa, the stone-ground, handmade tortillas, the Tejano music and the authentic margaritas. The bustling downtown River Walk is a fiesta of authentic eats, from the Mexican cuisine of Casa Rio to the fresh Gulf seafood and Texas steaks at Boudro's. Heat like this is sure to keep winter's chill at bay (800/447-3372; visitsanantonio.com).

San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau

Welcome to Paula Deen country, ya'll, where you can practically smell the fried chicken wafting from her restaurant, The Lady and Sons. The Southern fare of Savannah, Georgia will melt your winter blues, whether you're indulging in beignets at Huey's, afternoon tea at Gryphon Tea Room or sampling honey at The Savannah Bee Company. Perhaps a little comfort food is all you need to carry you to spring (877/SAVANNAH or 877/728-2662; savannahvisit.com).

Visit Savannah

Austin's slogan may be "Keep Austin Weird," but the city is working just as hard to keep its kind fed, with an endless supply of barbecue, Mexican, gourmet steakhouses and quirky dives. Sample some of the finest Mexican cuisine at Fonda San Miguel, hit Lamberts for barbecue, or venture into III Forks Steakhouse for an elegant and eclectic meal. With this kind of four-star cuisine, you can't go wrong in the Lone Star State (800/926-ACVB or 800/926-2282; austintexas.org).

Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

In Galveston, Texas, the sultry smell of saltwater fills the air (and the famous saltwater taffy at LaKing's Confectionery). Gulf seafood is as fresh as it gets here, and the Strand Historic District is home to area favorites such as M&M Restaurant and Bar, where yellowfin tuna BLTs and platters of Texas-size fried shrimp taste almost like summer. With temperatures in the 60s, you might even be tempted to sit outside (888/GAL-ISLE or 888/425-4753; galveston.com).

Galveston Island