Joining Coastal Vacations Club has made it affordable for me to travel on a whim---even just for a good meal. I simply wouldn't dream of visiting certain places without partaking in that town's specialty foods. I couldn't write this as a top 10 list as I originally intended. The flavors and foods are all wonderful and unique so we'll just eat our way west to east.In Alaska, salmon is the specialty.

I had my first salmon in an Alaska Railroad dining car, but now I head for the more stationary Phylis's Cafe and Salmon Bake in downtown Anchorage. Outdoor patio dining is the way to go here to enjoy the midnight sun in Summer.Much of the southwest was once part of Mexico and the foods of that country are still the specialty there. In Tucson, you don't even have to leave the airport to get some of the best Mexican food in town. El Charro Cafe is located upstairs near ticketing. I recommend the tortilla soup, and all the meals are authentic Mexican here.

Kansas City is BBQ country and Arthur Bryant's is arguably the best in town. It's not fancy, but you'll find pictures of presidents, and the rich and famous chowing down, hanging on the walls. It's a short walk from the original 18th and Brooklyn location to the Negro League Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. Don't miss them.

Speaking of Jazz, You can't go to New Orleans without sampling Cajun food in the French Quarter while taking in the live music. It's an experience for all the senses. Don't forget to cap it off (or start your morning) with hot begnets and cafe ole at Cafe du Monde.Florida is a favorite destination of mine, so we'll make two stops there. I haven't found bad Cuban food yet exploring the restaurants in Little Havana near Miami International Airport. Meals usually include rice, black beans and fried plantains with the main dish.

Up the coast, Cocoa Beach brings memories of long walks on the shore, shuttle launches, and rock shrimp. I really dig in hear. Florida's Seafood is "where shrimp happens" and they serve it by the pound.

As a huge baseball fan, Chicago is Wrigley Field, and of course a Chicago dog off the cart behind home plate. In New York, it's a different kind of hot dog at Nathan's Famous in Coney Island. I couldn't visit the big apple without having a few sauerkraut and mustard dogs. Take in a minor league Brooklyn Cyclones game while you're here.Boston has great pizza and chowder, but we need to get to Maine for lobster.

Boston residents don't think twice about taking a two hour drive for that state's specialty. If you're flying into Logan Airport and don't want to rent a car, Concord Trailways offers express bus service to Portland. Lobster doesn't get any fresher than the many restaurants along the waterfront in Portland.

If you found the ferry terminal, you're in the right neighborhood. Work off dinner with a long walk through the dock area.If you've taken the entire trip with me, your cloths are a little tight now. Venture up the road another 15 miles to Freeport and the L L Bean flagship store.

We need some loose fitting threads so we can eat our way back out west.

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By: Dean Marino