Going to a farmers market can be a great way to get to know regional cuisine, but to get the most of your experience, why not bring a chef along?

These days, not only are unexpected countries producing wine, but they’re making it available right here in the U.S.

It’s pretty easy to see where the term “agrotourism” comes from–it’s a combination of agriculture and tourism.

But it means a lot more than just visiting a working farm.

From stomping through vineyards to truffle-hunting in Italy, there are more opportunities than ever to experience what life is really like in the world’s rural spaces.

So check out this introduction to the world of agrotourism.

What makes foodies drive past the local chain grocery store, and travel miles out of their way, simply to buy pricey all-natural flax-seed bread and tomatoes cultivated from the farm down the road?

Because these days, it’s not enough to eat healthy.

Locavores are all about finding food that is grown or produced locally, and even limiting the term “local” to a certain radius (usually 50-100 miles). The idea of “sourcing” is to find food with its biography: where it was grown, who grew it, and how ended up on the shelves. And specialty grocery stores often satisfy both needs.

In response to this demand, gourmet grocery stores are springing up across the country, many of which are definitely worth a stop on your next visit.

Looking for a vacation where you can do plenty of relaxing, but also learn some skills to take with when your vacation’s over?

At a growing number of spas, learning to cook is part of the wellness experience.

Find out where you can go for all the traditional spa favorites like facials and massages, plus learn new skills from the sautée to the flambée.

People who love barbecue really love barbecue, and will go to great lengths to find the perfect ribs. I’m one of those, so I was thrilled to be invited to judge The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks, Nevada.

For die-hard barbecue lovers and novices alike, this kind of cook-off is a slice of pork heaven.

Instead of driving around the country to sample regional styles of barbecue, all I had to do was take a three-block stroll down Victorian Avenue in front of the Nugget for some of the best ribs in the country.