The North Carolina food scene is as diverse as its landscape, from the coast to the mountains. Feast on savory barbecue and seafood, homegrown specialties like muscadines and country ham. Whether you plan a day trip or a full culinary tour, this guide will help you discover some of the state’s most iconic flavors.
The Piedmont: Barbecue, Pimento Cheese, and Cheerwine
North Carolina’s Piedmont region is in the center of the state, between the Coastal Plain to the east and the mountains to the west.
Feast on:
- Lexington-style barbecue: Smoky chopped pork shoulder with a vinegar-tomato sauce is a Piedmont tradition. Sample the best at classic spots like Lexington Barbecue.
- Eastern-style barbecue: This whole-hog pork uses a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce without tomato. Visit legendary stops like Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden or Wilber’s Barbecue in Goldsboro.
- Cheerwine soda: Born in Salisbury in 1917, the bright, cherry-flavored soda is a regional favorite. Don’t miss the Cheerwine Festival each June, typically the second weekend.
- Pimento cheese: North Carolina is one of the top pimento cheese-producing states. Spread this creamy mix on sandwiches and burgers or buy a tub to take home.
- Moravian cookies and sugar cake: Thin, spiced cookies and rich, buttery cakes are a tradition in Winston-Salem. Try them at Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies or during a visit to Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
Eastern North Carolina: Country Ham, Seafood, and Muscadines
Head east to explore North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and its rich food traditions – salty hams, briny oysters, and juicy muscadines.
Look for:
- Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival: Smithfield is the state’s top producer of dry-cured country ham. Sample this specialty along with yam treats at the historic festival, next slated for May 3, 2026.
- Calabash-style seafood: Coastal towns like Calabash are famous for light, crispy fried shrimp, oysters, and hush puppies.
- Oysters: A coastal delicacy, North Carolina oysters are especially prized in fall and winter months. Try them steamed, roasted, or raw at local spots like Ocracoke Oyster Company or during annual events like the NC Oyster Festival at Ocean Isle Beach, next scheduled for Oct. 18-19, 2025.
- Boiled peanuts: You’re most likely to catch this seasonal snack in late summer and early fall at roadside stands and markets.
- Muscadines: Native to the Southeast, muscadine grapes thrive in the coastal soil. Popular for their sweetness and antioxidant properties, muscadines appear in everything from fresh-pressed juice to lotion and wine. Savor the flavor at Duplin Winery.
- Sweet potatoes: North Carolina is the nation’s top sweet potato producer. Look for them in pies, casseroles, fries, chips, and even spirits.
Surry County: Sonker and Snappy Lunch
Nestled at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Surry County is famous for its sonker — a juicy, deep-dish cobbler-like dessert with variations ranging from berry and peach to sweet potato and rhubarb.
To sample the sonker and more:
- Surry Sonker Trail: Traverse the trail to discover local restaurants specializing in this heritage dessert. It’s a tasty scavenger hunt for food lovers and history buffs alike.
- Surry Sonker Festival: The annual festival brings together dozens of local cooks for tastings, live music, and craft booths. Tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4, 2025.
- Snappy Lunch in Mt. Airy: The diner, famous for its pork chop sandwiches and its role in “The Andy Griffith Show,” is in a handy downtown location. Visit the town Sept. 22-28 for the Mayberry Days Festival, for more pork chop sandwiches and pop and for Andy Griffith fan fun.
Asheville: Craft Beer, Appalachian Fare, and Moravian Treats
Asheville, dubbed “Beer City USA,” boasts more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. It’s home to dozens of breweries and cideries, large and small. The city also features farm-to-table dining celebrating Appalachian flavors, like scratch-made biscuits and farm-fresh produce.
Find your new favorites at:
- Highland Brewing: Asheville’s first craft brewery is famous for its Gaelic Ale. Enjoy a brewery tour and beer in a spacious, accessible taproom.
- Farm-fresh fare: Many Asheville restaurants source local produce, creating menus that change with the seasons. Spots like The Rhu and Early Girl Eatery specialize in Appalachian-inspired specialties like flaky biscuits, Benton’s ham, smoked trout, and hearty salads.
- Mountain trout and apples: Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience the region’s agricultural bounty. Stop at trout fisheries like Sunburst Trout Farms, apple orchards, and roadside stands during harvesttime for a scenic and tasty detour.
From Carolina barbecue to coastal muscadines, the North Carolina food scene reflects the state’s rich culture and landscape. Whether you’re exploring roadside diners or local festivals, each stop offers a taste of tradition and a chance to connect with the communities that make this journey so memorable.
This article originally appeared in the Seniors Guide North Carolina print magazine. You can get a free subscription for individual magazines covering North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Wander through more North Carolina travel ideas with Seniors Guide:
Senior-Friendly State Parks in North Carolina
North Carolina’s Musical Landscape
