Asheville recently moved up a notch as a food destination in the latest award series from Tripadvisor, the Asheville Citizen Times reported on Jan. 12.

Tripadvisor in January announced its 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners, with Asheville ascending from No. 10 to No. 9 on the list of the Best Food Destinations in the U.S.

Meanwhile, New Orleans claimed the No. 1 spot for yet another year. The Louisianan city also was named No. 8 on the Best Foodies Destinations in the World list ― the only U.S. city that made the cut.

For the U.S., Tripadvisors’ top 10 foodies’ list was as follows:

1. New Orleans, La.

2. Charleston, S.C.

3. Maui, Hawaii

4. New York City

5. Savannah, Ga.

6. Nashville, Tenn.

7. Miami Beach, Fla.

8. Boston, Mass.

9. Asheville, N.C.

10. San Diego, Calif.

Tripadvisor noted that it reviewed data over 12 months to curate the rankings list based on above-and-beyond reviews and opinions on hotels, restaurants and things to do from the site’s users.

“Fewer than 1 percent of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel,” according to Tripadvisor.

“Asheville was praised for its local food scene that supports sustainable agriculture and its abundance of farmers markets for a city with a population of less than 100,000 residents (as of the 2020 census), the ACT noted.

Specifically, Tripadvisor said the following of Asheville:

“If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville — and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.”

To that end, the ACT reported that “year-round farmers markets in the city include the Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market and the WNC Farmers Market.

“Diners can easily find dishes and beverages made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from farms and purveyors on menus throughout the city and region.

“A shoutout is given to the local microbreweries. Asheville continues to grow with a diverse community of craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, soda and other nonalcoholic beverage producers.

“Asheville is noted as being an ideal place for shopaholics, ghost tours, make-and-see art, and hiking tours, too,” according to the ACT’s report.