Grab Your Roadmap! The 2026 Issue of Alabama Foodie is Officially Here!

There is something truly magical about the back roads of Alabama. If you drive long enough through our rolling hills, past our shimmering lakes, and into our historic downtown squares, you’re guaranteed to find two things: incredible hospitality and unforgettable food.

That’s why we are absolutely thrilled to announce that the 2026 issue of Alabama Foodie: A Food Lover’s Guide to Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns is officially available!

Whether you are looking for a perfectly smoked rack of ribs, an elevated small-town burger, a massive homemade biscuit, or a lakeside patio to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon, this issue is your ultimate roadmap to the state’s best hidden gems.

First, let’s talk about that cover! We hope you’re not reading this on an empty stomach. This year, we are shining the spotlight on historic downtown Athens, Alabama, featuring the jaw-dropping Classic Cheeseburger from The Southern Table. Crafted with care by Chef Ryan Yokley and captured beautifully by Amy Kelley of Flyleaf Photography, it perfectly represents what Alabama Foodie is all about: elevated flavors deeply rooted in small-town charm and Southern hospitality.

We logged some serious miles putting this edition together, and we can’t wait for you to dive into the stories, communities, and flavors we uncovered. Here is a sneak peek at what you'll find inside:

• Curated Food Trails & Tasting Tours: Ready for a weekend road trip? Follow our self-guided itineraries through the Limestone County Flavor Trail, the Greater Gadsden Flavor Trail, and the Lake Wedowee Tasting Tour.

• Lakeside Dining Destinations: We’re answering the ultimate question of "where Weiss Lake eats" across Cherokee County and pulling up a chair on "Lake Martin’s Back Porch" in downtown Dadeville.

• Small-Town Spotlights: Take a culinary deep-dive into the thriving local food scenes of Wetumpka, Enterprise, Union Springs, Eufaula, and Colbert County.

• Insider Guides: Get expert recommendations with Tiffany Pack's First-Timer Food Guide to Athens and First Bank of Alabama's "Eat Like a Local" favorites across East Central Alabama.

• Flavor on the Move: Check out our "Rolling Flavor" feature, celebrating Alabama's exploding food truck culture and unique businesses like Limestone County's own Slurp Soda Shop.

• Seasonal Recipes & Market Tips: Bring the flavor home with Alabama Farmers Markets resources from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and whip up a batch of Kathleen Phillips’ (Grits and Gouda) delicious Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam!

While we love a good meal, Alabama Foodie has always been about much more than just food. It’s about the people behind the plates. It's about the small business owners who took a leap of faith, the chefs who are re-imagining local ingredients, and the communities that rally around these restaurants because they know they are the heartbeat of the town.

When you use this guide to try a new spot, you aren't just getting a great meal—you're supporting a dream, a family, and a local economy.

The best part? Alabama Foodie is completely FREE to pick up, thanks to our incredible local advertisers, tourism partners, and friends who believe in celebrating our state.

Here is how you can get your hands on it:

1. Find a Physical Copy: Stop by any of our participating advertiser locations, local visitor centers, or partner chambers of commerce across the state to grab a high-quality print edition for your coffee table or glove box.

2. Order Online: Want a copy delivered directly to your doorstep? You can order a physical copy through our [Website Store Link Here] for just the cost of shipping and handling.

3. Read the Digital Edition: Can't wait to start planning your next food tour? Click here to read the completely free digital flipbook right now!

Thank you to everyone who cooked for us, talked with us, and supported us during the making of this issue. We couldn't do this without our amazing Alabama food community.

Now, grab your copy, hit the road, and let us know: where are you eating first?

Happy eating! —The Alabama Foodie Team