- WALKING TOURS
- THE WHOLE HOG BARBECUE BUS TOUR
- HAPPY HOUR TAPAS CRAWLS
- CUSTOM TOURS
- PRIVATE TOURS
- GIFT CERTIFICATES
WALKING TOURS
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, let us guide you to six to eight restaurants and shops serving innovative food sourced locally from farm-to-table. You'll have opportunities to talk with chefs and owners, and along the way, our professional guides will tell you about local history and cool new developments in town. Join us in sampling incredible cuisine while discovering what makes the Triangle region so special. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill/ Carrboro walking tours are 2-3 miles.
DURHAM
Home to Duke University, the Durham Performing Arts Center, renovated tobacco warehouses and the Durham Bulls, this town is about cutting edge culture and fantastic food. Let us show you a vibrant city in the midst of its revitalization and introduce you to the restaurants, shops and people that are making Durham one of the nation’s cultural hotspots. From crostini topped with local produce and house-smoked meats to gourmet popsicles to renowned pimento cheese to organic wine and local beer, you will discover all of Durham's flavors.
American Tobacco to Downtown to Brightleaf Walking Tour

Every Saturday
1:30-4:30
$39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee)
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/120173
Park at the American Tobacco Warehouse in the North Deck.
See http://www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com/driving-directions.html for details.
Meet in front of 300 Blackwell St., Durham, at the Old Bull Apartments near the corner of Blackwell and Pettigrew, at 1:15.
Wear comfortable shoes; this tour is between 2.5 and 3 miles of walking.
Runs rain or shine.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
CHAPEL HILL/ CARRBORO
Go behind the scenes of Chapel Hill and Carrboro restaurants where traditional and modern 'farm-to-table' cuisine comes to life. From fine-dining restaurants to mom & pop sandwich shops, sample innovative and upscale southern dishes, house-made chocolates, local meats and cheeses, organic wine, local beer, cupcakes, and more. Known for being on the forefront of the Slow Food movement and for restaurants that have redefined Southern cooking, Chapel Hill/ Carrboro is one of the best places in the country to live and eat!
Chapel Hill/ Carrboro Walking Tour

Saturdays
11:00-2:00
$39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee)
Selected Weekdays
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77851
Public parking in Carrboro is available. See http://walkcarrboro.com/map.html for details.
Meet in front of Open Eye Cafe, 101 S. Greensboro St., Carrboro, at 10:45 or 1:45.
Wear comfortable shoes; this tour is between 1.5 and 2 miles of walking.
Runs rain or shine.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
The capital of North Carolina is home to some of the most dynamic restaurants in the country. Known for effortlessly blending modern architecture with historic buildings and monuments, Raleigh showcases fine dining and eclectic eateries. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you'll enjoy the opportunity to talk with chefs and owners who are serving innovative ethnic and southern cuisine, house-made chocolate, authentic barbecue, beautiful and delicious cupcakes, local beer, and organic wine. There's something for everyone in Raleigh.
Capitol to Glenwood Walking Tour

Every Saturday
1:30-4:30 & 2:00-5:00
Wednesdays
1:30-4:30
$39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee)
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71428 (Saturdays)
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/113294 (Wednesdays)
Park in a downtown lot near Fayetteville or Wilmington Sts. in the 100 or 200 S. blocks. The Alexander Square Deck and the Moore Square Deck are close by.
Meet at Dos Taquitos Centro, 106 S. Wilmington St., at 1:15 or 1:45 depending on tour time (Saturdays)
Meet at 220 Fayetteville St. (this building houses the downtown Visitors' Center and the Raleigh City Museum), Raleigh, at 1:15 (Wednesdays)
Wear comfortable shoes; this tour is between 2 and 3 miles of walking.
Runs rain or shine.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
North Carolina Brew & 'Cue
Saturdays
11:00-2:00
$39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee)
Meet at The Pit Restaurant, 328 W. Davie Street, at 10:45
Wear comfortable shoes; this tour is about 1.5 miles of walking
Runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/121292
Raleigh Chocolate Tour
July 17, Selected Saturdays, and by appointment
2:00-5:00
$39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee)
Meet at Sunflower's Sandwich Shop, 6 W. Peace Street, Raleigh, at 10:15 or 1:45.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Runs rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Register in advance at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/121291
North Hills Lunch Tour
North Hills is home to many independent and locally owned restaurants as well as the wonderful Midtown Farmers' Market! On your tour, enjoy fantastic, locally-sourced food at five different establishments. Chat with farmers, chefs, and restaurant owners, and managers to find out what makes their cuisine so special.
Saturdays, June 26, July 17, July 31, August 14
11:00am - 2:00pm
Meet at 10:45 at Flights in the Renaissance Hotel, 4100 Main St. in North Hills
Register in advance at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/117247
This tour is presented by North Hills and Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
THE WHOLE HOG BARBECUE TOUR
Whether you want North Carolina Eastern Vinegar or Western Dip, Southern Mustard or Texas-Style (we love all kinds), we've got it all! We'll stop at the best and most authentic barbecue restaurants in the Triangle, where you'll get to taste some of the finest 'cue you've ever had. Join us for this unforgettable journey in comparing flavors, sauces, and cooking processes while chatting with chefs and experts to learn about the history of North Carolina's most famous food. Please arrange your tour directly with Taste Carolina by calling 919.237.2254 or emailing info@tastecarolina.net.
Leave/ Return Downtown Raleigh
This tour visits four to five restaurants and travels to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
9:30 to 2:00 - Weekdays
Register in advance
10 registrants minimum; 20 registrants maximum.
Leave/ Return Durham or Chapel Hill
This tour visits four to five restaurants in Orange and Durham Counties.
9:30-2:00 - Weekdays
Register in advance
10 registrants minimum; 20 registrants maximum.
North Carolina Brew & 'Cue Walking Tour
Saturdays
11:00-2:00
$39.50 per person (41.49 with registration service fee)
Meet at The Pit Restaurant, 328 W. Davie Street, at 10:45
Wear comfortable shoes; this tour is about 1.5 miles walking
Runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Register in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/121292
HAPPY HOUR TAPAS CRAWLS
Join Taste Carolina for an exploration of the flavors of the entire Triangle region! Sign up with friends or on your own: you’ll meet local foodies during this intimate sampler of local cuisine. We’ll hit the hot and off-the-beaten path spots in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, enjoying a different area of town each time. Enjoy food, drink, and conversation in Bon Appetit Magazine's Foodiest Small Town in America!
Weekdays (please call to arrange this event)
5:30-8:00
CUSTOM TOURS
Here are just a sampling of our Custom Tours. Please arrange your tour directly with Taste Carolina by calling 919.237.2254 or emailing info@tastecarolina.net.
Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill Dinner Tours
Join Taste Carolina for an exploration of the flavors of the entire Triangle region! We’ll hit the hot and off-the-beaten path spots, enjoying food, drink, and conversation in Bon Appetit Magazine's Foodiest Small Town in America. Dinner tours visit three to five of the hottest, most unique, and delicious restaurants and bars in town. Similar to a progressive dinner, guests have an opportunity to mix it up with cuisine and conversation. Ideal for corporate or other large groups.
Girls' Night Out
Discover the area's best gathering places - hip and hidden! Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, wine and dessert while exploring Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill with your friends. These tours visit four to five restaurants and bars for a relaxing and unforgettable evening.
North Carolina Brew & 'Cue
Join Taste Carolina for a walking tour of downtown Raleigh's best barbecue joints! Feast on authentic barbecue while learning about barbecue processes. Enjoy accompanying southern side dishes as well as local beers.
The Southern Comforts Tour
We're talking comfort food: shrimp and grits, pimiento cheese, hushpuppies, sweet tea, and more. This tour will take you back to your grandmother's kitchen—made from scratch items using fresh, seasonal ingredients and tried and true techniques. Haven't tried country cooking? On this tour you will, and then you won't be able to live without it! Quintessentially North Carolina – nothing could be finer…
Sweet Indulgence Stroll
Whether you crave that glorious food group we all know as Chocolate or want to try the unique flavors of a gourmet ice pop, this tour is for you! Let local artisans show you how they work their magic and tempt you with their many creative concoctions: truffles, cupcakes, ice pops and other wonders.
Taqueria Tour
As featured in Gourmet magazine, the Triangle area is home to a new wave of authentic Mexican food stands. We’ll take you to the best taquerias, hidden gems where you can try carne asada or barbecoa, or get more adventurous with lengua, rich moles, cactus and other treats.
Brews Cruise (the land-based version)
Join us in exploring our burgeoning microbrewery culture. We’ll take you to places that feature local beers and introduce you to the brewmasters who are creating these delicious libations. We will also take you to unique wine and other bars that are part of the rebirth of the cocktail. From refreshed classics to cutting edge concoctions using fresh and exotic ingredients, it will be a special taste experience.
Market Tour and Cooking Class
The local farm-to-table movement is incredibly strong, and it’s growing fast. Let a fabulous local chef show you some of the wonderful offerings at area farmers' markets and gourmet shops, and then help you prepare a delicious meal using your finds. Or just sit back and enjoy a demonstration by a local food star.
Farm Tour and Dinner
A wonderful evening! Enjoy a private tour of a local farm followed by a multi-course dinner at the farm or at neighborhood restaurant featuring all local ingredients. This tour is both educational and delicious!
PRIVATE TOURS
Whether it’s a private walking or bus tour, a cooking class for two or a unique dinner party for 200, we can make it happen! We will use our extensive knowledge, experience and contacts in the Triangle's food scene to tailor a special day, evening, weekend, or more to your specific needs.
Our Areas of Expertise Include:
Meeting and Convention Activities
Corporate Events
University Events and Student Orientations
Team-Building Activities
New Employee / Intern Socials
Family and Tour Travel
Field Trips
Wedding Weekend Activities
Bridal Showers
And More….
Contact us and let us get to work!
Taste Carolina contracts with tour operators and hospitality and event service firms to provide unique experiences for your customers.
Group Size
The number of people we can accommodate per group depends on which tour you choose. Please contact us for more information.
Pricing
Pricing is dependent on the nature of the custom or private tour. Please call or email to discuss it.
Arriving On Time
It is very important that your group arrives 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Gratuities
In the tourism industry, it is customary to tip your guide as you would a waitperson. For Private Tours, a gratuity will be added to your total cost. Your tour guide greatly appreciates your generosity!