September Eats & Escapes: A Culinary Traveler’s Bucket List

September Eats & Escapes: A Culinary Traveler’s Bucket List

Italy: Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

You don’t have to ask me twice to go back to Tuscany. The Tuscan countryside is a food lover’s dream all year long, but fall in Tuscany takes things to a whole new level. September marks the start of white truffle season—rarer and more luxurious than the black truffle. If you’ve ever dreamed of joining a local guide (and their adorable dogs) on a truffle hunt, September is the time to do it.

Why White Truffles Are Special

You might be wondering: what’s the difference between a white truffle and a black truffle?

• White truffles: prized for their musky, garlicky aroma and delicate flavor. Best shaved raw over fresh pasta, risotto, or even scrambled eggs.
  
  
• Black truffles: richer, earthier, sometimes chocolatey, and perfect for cooking into sauces or with roasted meats.
  
  

Both are delicious, but the chance to taste fresh white truffles in Tuscany in September? That’s a true bucket list foodie moment.

Other September Flavors in Tuscany

It’s not just about truffles—fall brings a bounty of seasonal flavors:

• Figs & grapes (harvest season = wine tastings galore)
  
  
• Pumpkins & squash (perfect for cozy Tuscan soups)
  
  
• Porcini mushrooms (another autumn delicacy you’ll find on menus everywhere)
  
  

If you’re a culinary traveler, put Tuscany in September at the very top of your fall travel bucket list. A bonus, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat of the summer rush!



Where to Stay: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

If you’re looking for the ultimate truffle hunting experience in Tuscany, check into Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel. This restored castle estate offers guided truffle hunts with expert guides and their adorable dogs.

The best part? Your hunt ends exactly where it should—around the table, with dishes showcasing the truffles you just found, paired with Tuscan wine and countryside views. It’s a foodie fantasy come true.

Galway Oyster Festival



Galway is one of my favorite counties in Ireland. Every September, Galway hosts the world’s longest-running oyster festival—and it’s a bucket list event for any culinary traveler. Over three days, you can enjoy:

• Seafood trails through the city’s best spots
  
  
• Oyster hot spots to taste the freshest catch
  
  
• Oyster opening (shucking) championships—including the world-famous Oyster “Olympics”
  
  
• Foodie talks & tastings in Galway’s top restaurants
  
  

And of course, the perfect pairing: champagne, stout, and what I truly believe are the best oysters in the world.

If you’re up for the drive (1 hr. 30 mins) from Galway city, make your way to DK Oyster Farm for an oyster farm tour you’ll never forget! It’s one of my favorite culinary experiences! 

Where to Stay: The House Hotel, Galway

This boutique gem puts you right in the heart of Galway. Just steps from Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch, it’s the perfect base to dive into the festival buzz, catch live music, and—most importantly—slurp your way through the best oysters Ireland has to offer.

For food lovers, Galway in September is an experience you’ll never forget.

You can dive even deeper into my Ireland content right here on Road and Table. Start with Wine and Dine through Connemara: A Digital Travel Guide for food-focused adventures, or wander through Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure for more emerald isle inspiration. 

Spain: Wine Festival in La Rioja



If you’re a wine lover, September in Spain should be at the top of your bucket list. The San Mateo Festival in Logroño (La Rioja) is one giant celebration of the grape harvest—and yes, it’s every bit as fun (and delicious) as it sounds.

What to Expect at San Mateo

This week-long festival (starting around September 21st, the feast day of Saint Matthew, and running until early October) is a full immersion into Spanish wine culture.

Highlights include:

• Pinchos (small snacks) perfectly paired with local wines
  
  
• Traditional grape treading (yes, you can stomp grapes!)
  
  
• Bullfighting events for those curious about Spanish tradition
  
  
• Live music, fireworks, and dancing that keep the streets buzzing all night
  
  

It’s part food festival, part cultural celebration, and part wine-fueled street party—all set against the backdrop of La Rioja’s famous vineyards.

Where to Stay: Áurea Palacio de Correos, Logroño

This historic hotel—once a grand post office—is now one of Logroño’s most stylish stays. With elegant rooms, a spa, and a wine bar that pays homage to the region’s roots, you’ll be right in the heart of the festival action while still having a luxurious retreat to recharge.

For food and wine travelers, the San Mateo Festival is the ultimate way to kick off fall in Spain.

Belize: Lobster & Rum by the Sea

I get it—September in Belize might make you pause because of the word “hurricane.” But here’s the truth: this is actually Belize’s Green Season, and it comes with some serious perks for culinary travelers.

Why Visit Belize in September

• The rainforests are lush and vibrant, with wildlife (like monkeys and toucans) extra active.
  
  
• It’s prime time for spotting manatees along the coast.
  
  
• Rain usually shows up in short bursts—often early morning or evening—leaving most of the day sunny, warm, and beach-perfect.
  
  
• Fun fact: Belize tends to be hit less frequently by major storms compared to other Caribbean destinations. But it wouldn’t hurt to be sure you purchase travel insurance just in case a storm sneaks up and wants to rain on your plans!
  
  

Lobster Season = Foodie Paradise

Here’s the real reason September in Belize makes the bucket list: lobster season runs from July 1 to February 28. And trust me—you don’t want to miss the way Belize does lobster.

• The focus is on the tails of the Caribbean spiny lobster.
  
  
• Must-try dishes include: lobster creole, grilled lobster, and even lobster guacamole (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s life-changing).
  
  
• Pair it all with a rum punch or a Belikin beer, and you’ve got yourself a proper Belizean feast. For me, I’m pairing it with an ice-cold Belikin Beer!
  
  

Where to Stay: Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas, Placencia

This all-inclusive beachfront resort is luxury meets laid-back Caribbean. Enjoy private villas, fresh lobster dinners steps from the sea, and tropical cocktails under the stars. The staff is unmatched in their customer service! Don’t miss the organic garden tour, or you’ll regret it! Placencia has that easygoing vibe, and lobster is always on the menu.

September in Belize = fewer crowds, fresh lobster, and all the rum punch or Belikin beer you can handle.

Want the full scoop on my time in Belize? Check out The Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-See Spots where I share my personal experiences and insider advice.

Vermont: Mountains & Cider in the Champlain Valley

Living in New England, I can say this with confidence: fall here is pure magic. Cozy clothes, the smell of fallen leaves, crisp air, fire nights, and all the tasty treats—apple cider, cider donuts, apple pie, pumpkin pie… it really doesn’t get better.

Why September in Vermont Belongs on Your Bucket List

• Peak foliage begins the last week of September and typically runs through early October.
  
  
• The Champlain Valley is perfect for a fall road trip—think winding drives framed by mountains bursting with color.
  
  
• Stop at apple orchards to pick your own fruit (and yes, eat a donut or three).
  
  
• Many local farms like Cloudland Farm offer fall-inspired farm-to-table menus, showcasing the best of Vermont’s seasonal bounty.
  
  

Set a weekend aside, drive through the valley, sip some cider, and end the day with a cozy dinner that makes you feel like you’re living inside a postcard. It’s an unforgettable New England vibe that no other place can replicate. If you’ve never experienced it, hands down, you need to add it to your bucket list. 

Where to Stay: The Ellis Inn

This charming Bed and Breakfast offers a warm, quintessential Vermont stay—cozy rooms, local hospitality, and the perfect location for exploring the Champlain Valley during peak foliage. After a day of apple picking and cider sipping, it’s exactly the kind of place you’ll want to curl up and relax.

👉 September in Vermont is for foodies, leaf peepers, and anyone ready to embrace the cozy magic of fall.



Wrapping Up Your September Culinary Bucket List

From truffle hunting in Tuscany to slurping oysters in Galway, stomping grapes in Spain, feasting on lobster in Belize, and sipping cider in Vermont, September is packed with bucket-list-worthy foodie adventures. Each destination offers its own unforgettable flavors and experiences—whether you’re chasing rustic countryside charm, tropical seafood feasts, or cozy fall vibes. Be sure to book these experiences early, as accommodations book quickly and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

At Road and Table, it’s always been about two things: discovering roads to travel down and tables to gather around. That means helping you find not just the big-name sights, but the flavors, festivals, and hidden gems that make travel truly memorable.

We offer:



• ✈️ Full travel bookings (so you can skip the stress)
  
  
• 🗺️ Curated itineraries (tailored to your style, time, and budget)
  
  
• 📲 Digital travel guides (for instant inspiration at your fingertips)
  
  
• 🍷 And of course, fun food + travel content that keeps the wanderlust alive
  
  

Ready to start planning your own September culinary escape? Work with Road and Table to create a trip that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.

*Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!