Some would argue that the sandwich is the most perfect food item ever. We can say for sure that these sandwich shops are a must for any St. Louis food bucket list. These sandwich shops continue St. Louis's long tradition of homemade, one-of-a-kind greatness. Read below for some of the heartiest, meatiest, and freshest sandwiches in St. Louis.
1. Gioia's Deli
For almost 100 years, Gioia's Deli has been serving the freshest food and incredible sandwiches. At Gioia's Deli you will want to try their signature Hot Salami. Be warned: once you try it you'll find yourself craving it all the time! Gioia's Deli is located at 1934 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
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2. Nora's
Nora's is located in the heart of Dogtown, making it a perfect stop before or after visiting our local attractions. You can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches here, but we suggest adding 'For Pete's Sake' to your foodie bucket list. This sandwich is created with apple wood smoked pork loin, caramelized onions, melted brie, and finished with bacon and apple sauce. It is perfect for cool fall days!Nora's is located at 1136 Tamm Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139.
3. Joe Fassi Sausage and Sandwich Factory
A fixture on The Hill for over 85 years, Joe Fassi Sausage and Sandwich Factory is a must visit. Any sandwich featuring their in-house made meats is a great choice. The roast beef sandwich is popular choice that never disappoints is Joe Fassi Sausage and Sandwich Factory is located at 2323 Sublette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
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4. Eovaldi's Deli
You'll definitely want to try both the Eovaldi's Special and the Meatball Sandwich. Both are loaded with flavor and stacked with fillings! Eovaldi's Deli is located at 2201 Edwards St., St. Louis, MO 63110.
5. Pickles Deli
The top choice for a bucket list sandwich here is the Reuben, served with Pickles Deli's fan favorite of corned beef. Pickles Deli is also a great choice for herbivores, with an amazing and perfectly named 'Famous Veggie' sandwich. Pickles Deli has two St. Louis location to get your sandwich fix: 22 N Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 and 200 N Broadway #110, St. Louis, MO 63102.
6. Three Monkeys
Three Monkeys has a warm and friendly neighborhood pub atmosphere with amazing food. There are two sandwiches here that you'll want to try: the "Brie-L-T" and the Three Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Three Monkeys is located at 3153 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, MO 63116.
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7. Biggies
For over 30 years, Biggies has been serving great food and cold drinks. Try their Steak Sandwich; it is thick, juicy, and unforgettable! Biggies is located at 3332 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63139.
8. Snarf's
This fun and funky shop takes sandwich creation seriously! The sandwich to try here is the prime rib and provolone. Another great choice is the delectable corned beef and Swiss. Snarf's has multiple locations in St. Louis; this is the Loop address: 6301 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130
9. Crown Candy Kitchen
No bucket list of sandwiches would be complete without the BLT from Crown Candy Kitchen. This sandwich is layered with so much crispy bacon that you will have to see it to believe it! Plus, any reason to visit the amazing Crown Candy Kitchen is a good one. Crown Candy Kitchen is located at 1401 St Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106.
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These are just a few of the great sandwich shops in St. Louis. Do you have another favorite? Please share with us in the comments below!
Looking for more food good enough to add to your St. Louis food bucket list? Check out these incredible Taco Places around the city.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
There's no shortage of delicious food in St. Louis, but some restaurants just take your meal to a whole new level of awesome when the dining experience is truly one-of-a-kind. These eight fun restaurants in St. Louis are worth a try. They combine fantastic food with a fun atmosphere that adds something extra special to your meal in an unforgettable way!
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1. The Fountain on Locust
The vibrant Art Deco interior of The Fountain on Locust attracts tons of photographers, but the real star here is the ice cream! While you could go for a classic sundae, malt, or milkshake, The Fountain on Locust has a truly unique specialty: ice cream cocktails! While the Signature Ice Cream Martini is definitely a favorite, you’ll also find fun adult dessert drinks like beer and champagne floats, and reimagined retro cocktails, which are truly out-of-this-world! You'll quickly discover that it might just be one of the most unique restaurants in St. Louis.
The Fountain of Locust isn’t just an ice cream parlor-bar hybrid; they also have a super delicious food menu offering amazing made-from-scratch soups (the menu rotates between 47 different recipes!), excellent salads, tasty sandwiches, and several interesting entrees. While you can pick from several different sides, we suggest trying their amazing hand-cut chips!
Whether you come for the food, the drinks, or the ambiance, we can almost guarantee you'll love your experience at one of the coolest restaurants in St. Louis.
2. Winslow’s Table & Bakery
Winslow’s Table & Bakery is a unique little place; it’s part restaurant, part general store, but all-around fun! The kitchen focuses on classic comfort food, prepared using the freshest, locally-sourced produce and meats. The menu changes seasonally with the growing seasons, so you always know that you are getting the best quality, freshest food around. In fact, much of it is grown at the Winslow’s Farm!
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Brunch at Winslow’s Table & Bakery just can’t be beat. Sure, there can be a long line to get it, but that just goes to show how many people are willing to wait a few extra minutes in order to enjoy and out-of-this-world breakfast! The homemade baked goods are downright incredible (and you will definitely want to take a few home for later!) The outdoor patio space is an excellent spot to spend a warm day enjoying the fabulously fresh food at Winslow’s Table & Bakery!
Winslow’s Table & Bakery is just only two blocks from the Delmar Loop, so if you are out and about on the loop, you definitely need to stop by!
3. Crown Candy Kitchen
We have a sweet tooth. We just can’t help it. Crown Candy Kitchen gives us cavity-inducing dreams. This spot is one of those old-fashioned sweet shops with bright, colorful treats taunting you from behind glass cases and filling large glass jars. It’s everything you ever wanted in an retro soda fountain and candy shop. There’s an old-school jukebox, vintage Coca-Cola signs adorning the walls, and tray after tray of homemade chocolates just waiting to be devoured. Crown Candy Kitchen is the real deal. The classic milkshake mixers and soda fountains aren’t just for show; this little local shop has been around since 1913 and is one of the oldest of its kind.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that there is only candy to be had here; Crown Candy Kitchen also has an outstanding diner-style menu and serves up comfort food classics like nobody else. Just look at this this sandwich. That’s the BLT. That much bacon should be illegal... but we’re really glad it isn’t, because this mouthwateringly delicious monster is amazing!
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take a trip back in time to the days when upscale hunting lodges dominated the social scene in eras past, you will absolutely love Fox & Hounds Tavern. It’s located inside The Cheshire Inn and is fully decked out in cozy, overstuffed chairs, rustic dark-wood furniture, paintings and trophies adorning the walls, and an incredible stone fireplace. You can’t get much more authentic than this. It’s the perfect place to warm up on a cold fall or winter night, but there’s also a patio and pool to take a dip in when the weather heats up!
As total literary nerds, we couldn’t help but comment on the cocktail list, which is filled with drinks named after famous authors and just as delicious as the written masterpieces they gave to the world. They have an impressive list of more than a dozen whiskeys (Irish, Scottish, and American) and the beer list features great pub-favorites. If you are feeling bold, you can even order a yard of ale! The menu is short, but features the classic dishes that you would most like to enjoy in an ambiance like this. The Bristol Sliders and tasty wings are always a good choice. Bonus: there’s live music every Friday and Saturday night!
Did you know that you could temporarily travel to a tropical paradise in St. Louis? It's true! Your tummy will be doing a happy dance after just one bite of the awesome, authentic Creole-Cuban-Caribbean food at Boogaloo - which is the most perfect name ever for a place so tasty it will make your toes tap! Boogaloo serves up tapas and small plates, so bring along a few friends, order an array, and fight away over your favorites (luckily, most of the "small" plates are much more generous than those at other restaurants).
It’s not just the food that we love at Boogaloo; this restaurant is truly unique! The vibrant colors and quirky-cool decor inside make it impossible NOT to smile, and if you are lucky enough to grab a spot at the bar, you won’t be hanging out on a regular old barstool… the seats here are actually swings! Boogaloo has a fantastic drink menu, featuring both traditional mojitos and caipirinhas as well as some seriously creative in-house creations! Happy hour at Boogaloo is unbeatable (and award winning!), so come on down to the happiest spot in town!
Boogaloo is located about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis in Maplewood.
6. Fitz’s
Everyone in St. Louis knows that Fitz’s Root Beer is the best soda EVER, but did you know they also serve up some excellent food in their restaurant as well? If you are a true St. Louisan, you do! There are tons of amazing appetizers, gumbos, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and more… all to complement their incredible, one-of-a-kind craft sodas!
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They’re always on tap… and they also can whip them up into pretty cool "adult beverages" as well! Learn more about how you can find the best soda in St. Louis.
For more information including hours and menu specials, be sure to check out Fitz's Facebook page.
7. Blueberry Hill Restaurant
This St. Louis landmark is known for its fun, funky pop culture memorabilia and as a live music venue… not to mention the restaurant’s excellent burgers. There’s always something cool to look at while you are enjoying the fantastic appetizers and entrees, from the vintage posters and knick-knacks adorning the walls, to the quirky collections, including memorabilia from Star Wars, The Simpsons, Elvis, and even rare Pez dispensers! And let’s not forget the bright lights of the arcade, which features old-school games like Pac-Man, pinball, and darts.
Don’t miss out on the fried cheddar cheese balls and toasted ravioli, amazing homemade soups and, of course, the burgers (the breakfast wagyu burger is fantastic)! They also have tons of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
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For more information, be sure to visit the Blueberry Hill Facebook page.
8. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St. Louis icon; there’s no doubt about that! This mom n’ pop shop opened up in 1930 and has become so ingrained in St. Louis culture that it would be impossible not to give a nod to the famous (and let’s be honest, the best) dessert. There are now three different Ted Drewes shops across the city, all serving up some of the finest frozen custard in the world.
Ted Drewes is most famous for the "concrete" - a milkshake or blended custard so thick that it can be held upside down without losing a single drop! Now THAT is rich custard! They offer dozens of fun flavor combinations and release new rotating styles all the time, or you can choose to build your own from the long list of toppings and add-ons available. Learn more about what just might be the most famous dessert in St. Louis -- if not all of Missouri!
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has several locations throughout St. Louis for you to enjoy.
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Are you hungry yet? Grab your forks and knives - this is one unforgettable food journey. Bon appetit!
What are some of your go-to fun restaurants in St. Louis? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!
Speaking of journeys, check out this Missouri road trip that is fun for the whole family. You'll stop in St. Louis along the way, which is perfect for trying one of the unique restaurants you just read about. Before you leave, don't forget to use our road trip packing list. We've thought of everything, so you don't have to!