I've eaten my way through all 50 states. These 5 had surprisingly incredible food.

"Visiting all 50 states was always a dream of mine, but growing up in a small town in Virginia, I never imagined I'd check them all off in my mid-20s. When my husband and I had the chance to work remotely, we set out to see the entire country, and I had no idea how much food would shape that journey."

"States famous for their food scenes, like New York, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas, all lived up to their reputations. However, many of the meals I think about the most came from places I never expected. These five states gave me some of the best meals of my life - but, in my opinion, don't get enough credit for their food."

Travel across all 50 U.S. states was completed in the mid-20s after growing up in a small Virginia town, enabled by remote work with a spouse. Food significantly shaped the journey, with well-known culinary centers like New York, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas meeting expectations. Unexpectedly outstanding meals came from Oregon, Connecticut, South Carolina, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Oregon, Connecticut, and South Carolina offered remarkable local dishes and specialties. Wyoming hosted the traveler's favorite restaurant. New Mexico's food scene provided memorable experiences. These five states delivered some of the most unforgettable meals yet often receive less culinary recognition.

Read at Business Insider