Destination Dining

Atlanta fancies itself the capital of the New South, but when it comes to food, newness can’t always trump the richness of the region’s deep-seated culinary culture. With temperatures cooling and appetites returning, fall is the perfect time to explore three iconic Southern destinations—Charleston, New Orleans, and North Carolina’s Research Triangle (Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh)—to relish shrimp and grits, gumbo, barbecue, and brilliant upscale restaurants that revel in both history and innovation. Plus, we throw in a wealth of ideas for adventures between meals. —Bill Addison