Best U.S. Resorts With Foodie Workshops

Sitting poolside or hitting the links isn’t for everyone. More and more resorts are expanding activity programs with amenities that cater to foodies. Food is such a big part of travel and one of the best ways to learn about another region and its culinary gifts. So for the traveler who savors every bite, plans entire trips around a restaurant or just loves to try something new, these resorts are a must.

Sustainable Foodies

L.A.’s oceanfront Terranea Resort lives off the land and sea. The resort’s farm-to-table program, led by Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra, includes a sea salt conservatory that harvests salt from the Pacific Ocean. Guests can attend a salt workshop at the conservatory and learn about the salt-making process plus sample delicious cold-smoked and infused salts such as the resort’s signature citrus salt made with Meyer lemons grown on site. The tasting also includes a complimentary glass of ONEHOPE bubbly to wash it all down. Workshops are held the first Saturday of the month and reservations must be made in advance.

Farm to Table Foodies

Blackberry Farm is synonymous with chic, country living. They have a Farmstead tasting tour, hands-on farm activities, farm-to-table lunch demos, wine and whiskey tastings, cheese-making events and that’s just scratching the surface of food to-dos on property. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the ultra-luxe, Tennessee resort ups the food workshop ante with an immersive day-in-the-life chef experience.

Global Foodie

Vermont’s Essex Resort and Spa doesn’t have cooking classes; they have an entire cooking school. But don’t let that intimidate you. The Cook Academy classrooms are intimate and low-key, where beginners can learn and advanced cooks can hone. The school’s classes offer a tour of the world in cuisine, from workshops on Italian pasta to a taste of Australia to NOLA classics. And the course list wouldn’t be complete without a demo and tasting of Vermont maple syrup.

Gourmet Foodies

The Wynn Las Vegas isn’t just about gaming. The resort’s Master Class series features workshops led by master chefs, sommeliers, bakers and artisans. Topics range from sushi-making to the world of sparkling wine, making these courses a great option for honeymoons or just a romantic date night.

Forage Foodies

Foodie workshops aren’t typically described as an adventure but that’s what they are at the La Tourelle Resort and Spa. Firelight Camps, the resort’s glamping site, makes travelers work for their food by taking guests on a 70-acre foraging expedition. The adventure ends with a hands-on feast where Food Network star Emma Frisch shows guests how to incorporate found-ingredients.

Spice Foodies

Learn the art of tea blending at New York’s Inns of Aurora. Laura Coburn, the resort’s Director of Serenity (coolest title ever) leads customized tea sessions at the property’s wellness space, The Loft. Coburn teaches guests about the healing properties of spices and herbs plus provides a unique, tailored tea recipe for each guest.