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Stories and printer-friendly recipes. Long before seafood tacos, green ketchup and goat cheese pizza, Americans pursued an unending quest to craft the perfect dish, often turning to regional ingredients as inspiration. Many of these dishes are now popular throughout the country, yet remain synonymous with the city that inspired their creations. Buffalo, NY
It's hard to imagine life before Buffalo wings. These spicy snacks have become the perennial favorite at sporting events, parties and get-togethers. There are conflicting stories on exactly how the acclaimed treat came to be, but all agree that it was Theresa Bellisimo of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo who first served up these fiery sensations. One story has it that late-night patrons requested snacks and Bellisimo, short on options, deep-fried chicken wings, coated them in the now-famous sauce, and served them with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. But there's more to Buffalo than just spicy wings. Located in western New York, Buffalo is the second largest city in the state after New York City. Architecture enthusiasts have the opportunity to view three reconstructed Frank Lloyd Wright buildings at the Darwin D. Martin House Complex. Considered one of the finest architects in the world, Wright's magnificent symmetry and design can be enjoyed in the Martin House with a conservatory and carriage house, the Barton House and the Gardener's Cottage. During the mid-19th century, Buffalo became a terminal for the Underground Railroad—an informal series of safe havens for runaway slaves who had escaped from the southern United States. Today, tours of the Underground Railroad provide a fascinating glimpse into Buffalo's famous past. While in Buffalo, don't miss Niagara Falls, located just a few miles from the city. This thundering natural wonder is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on earth. Click here to order authentic Anchor Bar Wing Sauce. Though the Anchor Bar sauce recipe is a well-kept secret, this one comes pretty close!
Boston, MA The first question everyone has about this yummy dessert is whether it's really a pie or a cake. The gooey concoction is comprised of two layers of sponge cake filled with thick vanilla custard and topped with a chocolate glaze. The Parker House Hotel (now the Omni Parker House Hotel) is said to have served Boston cream pies since their opening in 1856. Created by French chef Sanzian, it was originally served under the name Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie. The Boston cream pie was proclaimed the official Massachusetts State Dessert on December 12, 1996, beating out Toll House cookies and Indian pudding. Located on the eastern seaboard, Boston is one of the most popular and historic cities in the country. The winding, lantern lit streets and brick townhomes are reminiscent of "Old World" Europe. Visitors to the area learn of early America through walking tours and trails. One of the most famous is the Freedom Trail, which highlights many of the important events of the American Revolution and captures the essence of colonial revolutionary Boston. The roughly three-mile trail takes you through 16 of the most famous sights in Boston, including one of the most significant events from 1774, the Boston Tea Party. The country's oldest public park is Boston Common, situated on 48 acres in the heart of the city. It was once the common area for locals to graze their cattle. Later, it was the location for public floggings and hangings, and served as a camp for British solders. Today, it's a lively spot for picnics and local entertainment. With over 50 colleges and universities in the area, Boston is the hub of educational achievement. Bostonians also love their sports, evident by the packed venues for their professional sports teams and, of course, the world-famous Boston Marathon. Of course, the Omni Parker House recipe is a secret, but this version’s declicious!
Chicago, IL
Pizza has been around since man first learned the secret of mixing flour and water and heating it on a stone. At the height of the Persian Empire, it is said that the soldiers of Darius the Great (521-486 B.C.), accustomed to lengthy marches, baked a kind of bread flat upon their shields and then covered it with cheese and dates. By the 17th century, pizza had achieved local popularity among visitors to Naples, who would venture into the poorer sections of the city to taste this peasant dish made by men called "pizzaioli." Gennaro Lombardi claimed to have opened the first United States pizzeria in New York City in 1905. But the Windy City took pizza to new heights, literally. The Chicago-style "deep-dish" pizza was created in 1943 by a Texan named Ike Sewell at his bar and grill, Pizzeria Uno, and was an immediate hit. Chicago-style pizza begins with a simple, often very thick, crust (made with olive oil and often cornmeal) in a deep round pan, parbaked before the toppings are added to give it greater spring. The bottom of the crust is lined with meats and/or vegetables, while the sides rise to the top of the pan. About a pound of mozzarella cheese is added, a layer of crushed tomatoes is ladled over the top, and the whole pizza is baked to completion. Today, there are more than 2,000 pizzerias in Chicago, most serving the famous "deep-dish" version. After a slice or two (you can't eat much more!) of this rich creation, you'll want to walk off a few calories. A shopping spree in Chicago isn't complete without a visit to the famed "Magnificent Mile," which runs along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Amidst classic stores such as Marshall Field's, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bloomingdales, hundreds of specialty shops and boutiques line the street. Navy Pier is the city's lakefront playground and the state's most popular attraction, offering visitors a unique blend of family-oriented attractions. This famed attraction boasts the 150-foot high Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, the Chicago Children's Museum, Wave Swinger ride and the very popular Chicago Shakespeare Theater. For even light-hearted sports fans, a must-see is watching a Cubs baseball game at the famed Wrigley Field. Built in 1914, Wrigley field is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors, just behind Boston's Fenway Park.
Philadelphia, PA
In 1930, Pat Olivieri had a modest hot dog stand at the base of the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia. One day, tired of hot dogs for lunch, he cooked up some chopped meat on his grill, placed it in an Italian roll, and dressed it with some grilled onions. A cabbie was tempted by the smell and insisted Pat make him one. He took a bite and said, "Forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these." Soon, cheese was added and the Philadelphia steak sandwich was born. Today, everyone has their preference on the type of cheese, but it's generally a choice of American, provolone or Cheez Whiz. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia offers a look back into history with its early American architecture, cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. A must-see is the Liberty Bell Center. Through the expansive, light-filled center, explore the facts and myths surrounding the famous Bell. At the 16,000-square-foot National Constitution Center, view one of the most influential documents in the world today. Written by our forefathers, it's the basis on which American democracy is based. Throughout Philadelphia, history comes to life through the many buildings, housed documents and artifacts that are splendidly displayed and preserved throughout the city. Pat's King of Steaks® is located at the intersections of 9th, Wharton and Passyunk Ave. at the base of the Italian Market in South Philadelphia. patskingofsteaks.com
Cincinnati, OH Outside of the state of Texas, Cincinnati is the most chili-crazed city in the United States. Cincinnati prides itself on being a true chili capital, with more than 180 chili parlors. Cincinnati-style chili is quite different from its more familiar Texas cousin and has developed a cult-like popularity. Macedonian immigrant Tom Kiradjieff created Cincinnati chili in 1922 at a small Greek restaurant called the Empress. The restaurant did poorly until Kiradjieff started offering a chili made with Middle Eastern spices. He called it his "spaghetti chili." Kiradjieff's "five way" was a concoction of a mound of spaghetti topped with chili, chopped onion, kidney beans and shredded yellow cheese, served with oyster crackers and a side order of hot dogs topped with more shredded cheese. Cincinnati chili has a thinner consistency and is prepared with an unusual blend of spices that include cinnamon, chocolate or cocoa, allspice and Worcestershire sauce. If you choose "the works," you are eating what they call five-way chili. Make sure to pile on the toppings; that's what sets it apart from any other chili dish. A visit to Cincinnati wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Rated one of the top zoos in the nation, it's also been recognized by Child Magazine as one of "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids." Over 1.2 million people visit the zoo's award-winning exhibits, 500 animals and 3,000 plant species annually. You'll find naturalistic habitats featuring animals from every continent and over 20 lush gardens. Another great family attraction is "Coney Island," with its amazing SunLite Pool, the world's largest recirculating swimming pool with over two acres and 3 millions gallons of water fun, plus the Zoom Flume, Pipeline Plunge and Cycle water slides.
Hershey, PA It was at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago that Milton Hershey first became fascinated with the art of chocolate making. While there, he purchased some German machinery, had it shipped to Lancaster and began producing chocolate coatings for his caramels. But, aware of the growing demand for chocolate itself, he soon started the Hershey Chocolate Company. For years, he worked at perfecting a viable recipe for making milk chocolate-a process which, up to then, had been kept a closely guarded secret by the Swiss. Finally, through trial and error, he hit upon the right formula of milk, sugar and cocoa that enabled him to realize his dream of mass producing and distributing milk chocolate candy. What had once been a luxury for the rich was to become an enjoyment that everyone could afford...the Hershey Bar. In 1907, Hershey's Kisses were added to his line of chocolates, all wrapped in the distinctive foil and unique "plume" that makes an authentic Hershey's Kiss. Today, over 80 million kiss-shaped chocolates are produced daily. But Hershey's dream didn't end with just candy. He created a whole town! With thrilling attractions, mouth-watering treats, and plenty to do the whole year round, this chocolate-scented candy kingdom is a popular destination for the entire family. Visit the town where the streets are lined with Hershey's Kiss-shaped street lights, and the air is filled with the sweet smell of chocolate. Hershey's Chocolate World takes you behind the scenes of the factory. At the 110-acre Hersheypark, thrill to more than 60 rides, attractions and live entertainment. With American ingenuity came some all-time food classics, all served with a side of great destinations-perfect for a summer getaway. Hungry to try some of these local favorites? To visit Hershey Chocolate World or to learn more about Hershey and its famous chocolate, visit www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld
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