The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division announced the release of the 2019-2020 Explore Georgia Official State Culinary Guide. The fifth annual digest-sized guide features the wildly popular nomination-based “Georgia’s 100 Plates” list; a feature on five noteworthy female chefs; a guide to the best places to sample peaches, barbecue, craft beer, international cuisine and Southern dishes; as well as an exceptional selection of the state’s best food and drink festivals.  

With diverse and flavorful crops, farm-to-table dining, food festivals, cooking schools, award-winning wineries, agritourism trails, talented local chefs, u-pick farms and much more, Georgia maintains its standing as a leading culinary destination in the South. The Explore Georgia Culinary Guide is one of the state’s most popular marketing pieces with a growing print and digital circulation. 

“One of the best ways to immerse yourself and truly experience Georgia is through our food,” said Lisa Love, Interim Deputy Commissioner at Georgia Tourism. “The history and culture of our state is woven into the many flavors, ingredients, dishes and traditions that create an unforgettable dining experience. This issue of the Explore Georgia Culinary Guide is our best yet, as it focuses on sharing our distinctive food and dining offerings you can’t find anywhere else.”

Since the inaugural issue of the Explore Georgia Culinary Guide, Georgia Tourism has designated “Georgia’s 100 Plates” as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions. Nominations from around the state are gathered via ExploreGeorgia.org as well as Georgia Tourism’s social media channels and evaluated by a panel of judges who curate the list down to the final designees. The list has been likened to recommendations that Georgians would share with family and friends, and it has received rave reviews from visitors as well as restaurant owners.