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Getaway Guide To Destinations With Signature Dishes

Imagine if the flags of getaway destinations bore the signature dishes of city or country. Philadelphia's banner would likely wave a cheesesteak on a soft pretzel bed. Only history buffs recall the connection between Philadelphia and pepper pot soup. Now, as we plan our Fall getaways to destinations near and far, give some thought to the dishes that define them. Then make sure to savor  that one unique flavor. Here's what to look for when visiting some of our favorite Fall "Go-To" spots. -- Jay Lloyd.

Katz's (credit: Jay Lloyd)

NEW YORK CITY

This city that never sleeps is famous for many dishes, mostly born on the Lower East Side during the great 19th and early 20th century migrations. They range from cheese cake to Chop Suey. But the one constant and most sought after flavor of old New York is the pastrami sandwich on rye -- piled high and smoked in-house. Pastrami is a cured and highly spiced-up roast beef with sweet and robust flavor in the blended lean and fat. The Gotham authority on Pastrami is Katz's Delicatessen. This iconic landmark at Houston and Ludlow streets has survived continually changing tastes for 128 years. Ignore the $20 per sandwich price tag. You only live once.

Shady Maple (credit: Jay Lloyd)

LANCASTER COUNTY

Day trip or weekend getaway, Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers scenic byways, throwback lifestyles and horse drawn buggies, nurseries and above all, copious amounts of food. Nothing defines Lancaster and western Berks Counties like sausages, scrapple and smorgasbords (buffets for those of limited years). At seemingly endless smorgasbords, you can sample variety -- even buy packaged to take home. Shady Maple, as vast as a farm is the place to try it all with an emphasis on the many varieties of sausage.

Harris' Crab House (credit: Jay Lloyd)

DELMARVA PENINSULA

On that recreation rich strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Crab is king and oysters are the queens. Delmarva ranges from Atlantic beaches to Chesapeake shores and covers parts of three states, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. You can sun, swim, sail, golf and fish. But above all - sup and sip. Crabs and oysters are still in season. The crabs are loaded with bay seasonings and steamed to perfection. You do the cracking. Or take the easy way out and order the crab cakes.

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Try Harris's Crab House on Kent Island, Maryland or the popular Crab Claw in Maryland's historic St. Michaels. If you love to slurp oysters, fresh from the beds with their briny liquor and just a dab of dressing, head for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and the Henlopen City Oyster House or the Oyster Farm at Cape Charles, Virginia.

Vermont Pub (credit: Jay Lloyd)

VERMONT

The flag of Vermont does depict a cow. But that doesn't tell the story. The story is about cheese. This Green Mountain State is an eastern version of Wisconsin. But it's also a vibrant year round getaway destination with dynamic ski resorts rising above farmland that tapers off to Lake Champlain boating, biking, golf and hiking opportunities. When it comes to food, the entire state is awash in cheese producers. One of the best known makers and products is the Cabot cheddar. As fall colors brighten the landscape, the Basin Harbor Club near Vergennes, Vermont is the spot to revel in Octoberfest antics, nibbling on a Vermont cheese plate, perfect for sharing and paired with a local craft brew while watching an Adirondack sunset across Champlain. It's hard to beat the combination of Cheddar tang and the brews of Autumn.

Poutine (credit: Jay Lloyd)

QUEBEC PROVINCE, CANADA

Heading north along Lake Champlain takes you across the International frontier and roads that lead to the food driven, "Paris of North America" -- Montreal. This vibrant city with a French accent has followed changing tastes into culinary diversity. But two dishes still define Montreal and Quebec Province -- Poutine and smoked meat. What is Poutine? Simple comfort food that consists of French fries, smothered with rich beef gravy and topped with delicate cheese curds. You may never want to leave and it's found everywhere. Smoked meat is that house cured and smoked brisket that satisfies cravings for both corned beef and pastrami. The best spot to indulge that craving is Schwartz's Deli in the Old City, served with some of the best rye bread and sour pickles on the continent.

Chowder (credit: Jay Lloyd)

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

Seafood Chowder. That's it. The entire province, surrounded by water is chowder crazed. To give you an idea of the devotion to chowder here, on arrival you may be handed a booklet that lists the Nova Scotia eateries. It provides a place for your own comments on the chowder at each. And believe me, each one will be different, It will be hard to pick a favorite. We went through 10. All were cream based and loaded with fresh-from-the-sea fin and shell fish. If I had to choose, my top three would be Salty's on the Halifax waterfront, The Cove at Auld's Cove, just before crossing onto Cape Breton and the Rusty Anchor at Pleasant Bay on Cape Breton overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here you can watch the whales sounding while spooning an incredible chowder.

Enjoy!

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