6 Food Festivals That Are Worth the Trip

Pensacola Seafood Festival; September 25–27

The Shellfish Shindig 

At last year's Pensacola Seafood Festival (September 25–27), the Cajun "pistol" (a gooey New Orleans–style fritter stuffed with crawfish and cheese) was the big draw. The peculiar pastry returns this year, alongside oysters, crab, coconut shrimp, and fried alligator (yes, you read that correctly). You can also watch cooking demos with local chefs and the beloved Splash Dogs: a team of trained pups whose aquatic long-jump competitions are always a crowd favorite. (Free, FiestaofFiveFlags.org/SeafoodFestival.)

Can't make it? Joe Patti's Seafood Company of Pensacola can overnight everything from hush puppy mix to fresh swordfish fillet (JoePattis.com).