Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 117

raleigh, NC The southeast has great selections when it comes to quaint towns and big cities to visit and enjoy. Make the most out of your southeast vacation by visiting Raleigh, North Carolina. Check out the Raleigh State Farmers Market, which boasts over 30,000 square feet of fresh produce, plants, food, local wares, discounted home goods, and much, much more. The indoor building is just over 15,000 square feet it- self, and houses unique specialty shops, such as a bakery, craft meats and cheeses, old-fashioned, handmade candles, souvenirs, handmade soaps and lotions, and the Market Grill. The Market Grill serves breakfast and lunch for all who attend, and gen- eral admission to the market itself is free. Other than the Market Grill, there is also the State Farmers Market Restaurant, which serves country-style favorites, and the Seafood Restaurant, which offers up fresh seafood, made to order. Other than the local produce (which is the freshest money can buy!), you’ll be able to browse through hundreds of housewares and artisan el- ements, such as water features, pottery, paintings, handmade clothing and bags, pots, fountains, ironwork, stone works, and more. Another great destination in Raleigh is the Videri Chocolate Factory. Videri is newer to the chocolate industry, but each delectable piece is made with passion and love unlike any other factory in the region. Sam Ratto, the Chocolate Maker and CEO of Videri, prides himself and his company on using the imported, hand-selected cocoa beans that make Videri chocolate extraordinary. Take a tour, where you will have a guide walk you through the historic Depot that now houses the chocolate factory. Each tour is approximately $10 per person, and includes a signature chocolate bar of your choice: Sea Salt, Classic Dark, or Dark Milk. You’ll be able to watch the entire chocolate-making process, front and center, and then enjoy your chocolate bar on the patio, where the atmosphere is casual and the drinking policy is BYOB! When you fall in love with the chocolate, you won’t have to buy in bulk at the retail shop on site – although it isn’t discouraged. Instead, opt for one of their Videri Direct monthly subscriptions, where you will receive the three classic bars, plus a seasonal flavor as an added bonus. Keep the Videri memories with you for as long as you wish, and cancel anytime. Videri will have you thinking about chocolate in an entirely different way! Looking for a way to sample the best that Raleigh has to offer in a short period of time? Try a food tour. Reserve your place at Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours, where you will be able to participate in a unique experience that includes behind- the-scenes looks at the chefs and their cooking processes, as well as some inter- esting history, and of course, tastings! Since 2009, Taste Carolina has been offering up food tours of all kinds to participants wishing to make the most out of their foodie vacation. Raleigh is just one of nearly 10 different cities through the Carolinas that Taste Carolina covers. Raleigh tours in- clude several options, from a speakeasy cocktail tour, to a farm-to-table Raleigh Roots historical tour. Taste your way through several acclaimed restaurants, sample wine and beer parings, and save room for dessert! Schedules are subject to change de- pending on the season and the package you choose, so visit www.tastecarolina.net for more information. If Raleigh isn’t in your travel horizons, they’ve got plenty of other cities to choose from, to make your tour of the Carolinas both extremely tasty and unforgettable! Southeast