The classic American road trip conjures images of endless asphalt, roadside diners, and questionable gas station coffee. But for the discerning palate—the dedicated gourmet, the true culinary enthusiast—a "road trip" means something far grander. It means a meticulous itinerary of Michelin stars, generational recipes, and exclusive culinary events.
This is the Foodie road trip, reimagined for the private traveler. Why spend days in traffic when you can charter a flight and be tasting the terroir of a new city in hours? We're trading the cramped minivan for the comfort of a Citation jet, and we’re setting our sights on two of the South’s most spectacular, palate-pleasing destinations: Charleston, South Carolina, and the magnificent, always-celebrating New Orleans, Louisiana.
Stop One: Lowcountry Luxury and the Charleston Food & Wine Festival
Our journey begins in Charleston, a city where moss-draped live oaks meet cobblestone streets, and the culinary scene is as rich in history as it is in flavor. The jewel in Charleston’s crown is undoubtedly the annual Charleston Food and Wine Festival, or as it’s officially known, the Charleston Food and Wine Classic.
Occurring from November 14-16, a ideal time to visit to experience the Lowcountry's cozy and authentic charm, attend exclusive festival events or pop-ups hosted by the city's top chefs. Planning your trip for fall allows you to avoid the crowds while still experiencing the incredible caliber of dining that has made the city a global culinary beacon.
Flying Private to Charleston
The easiest way to begin this foodie trip is by flying directly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), or better yet, the smaller, executive-friendly Charleston Executive Airport (JZI).
With Odyssey Airways, you can depart from your home city and be sipping a glass of iced tea (or something stronger) in Charleston in just a couple of hours. Our team will coordinate your charter flight to ensure a seamless departure and arrival. There is no waiting in commercial lines—just a quick, private transition from the comfort of our FBO to your awaiting ground transport. This efficiency is critical; on a foodie-focused journey, every hour saved is an extra hour that can be spent at a hidden oyster bar or an essential historic lunch spot.
Where to Stay and Dine
To truly absorb Charleston’s ambiance, you must stay in the historic district.
- Accommodation: The Belmond Charleston Place offers timeless luxury and is centrally located, making it easy to stroll to galleries and restaurants. For a more intimate, boutique experience, try The Spectator Hotel, known for its impeccable, personalized service and gorgeous Art Deco design.
- The Food Scene: Charleston’s dining is a masterful blend of Gullah Geechee traditions and modern innovation. You cannot leave without trying the famous Shrimp and Grits at Hominy Grill (a classic), or experiencing the culinary genius of Chef Sean Brock at Husk, where the menu is dictated solely by what is grown in the South. For a deep dive into the Lowcountry seafood experience, The Ordinary is non-negotiable.
Beyond the Plate
Take a break between tasting menus by exploring the city’s historic charm. Walk the Battery to admire the stately homes, visit the colorful Rainbow Row, or take a peaceful stroll through Boone Hall Plantation (one of America's oldest working farms). A carriage tour is a perfect way to take in the history, architecture, and hidden culinary gems the city holds.
Stop Two: Jazz, Spice, and Carnivale du Vin in New Orleans
Our next stop is a 700-mile flight west to the Big Easy. Instead of enduring a full day of driving, your Odyssey charter has you departing Charleston and landing at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) or Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in under two hours.
The contrast is immediate: the quiet gentility of Charleston gives way to the boisterous, sensual energy of New Orleans. This city doesn't just eat; it celebrates. And there is no greater celebration of food, wine, and culture than the Carnivale du Vin.
Held from November 6-9, the Carnivale du Vin is a star-studded gala founded by legendary Chef Emeril Lagasse. It brings together world-class chefs, vintners, and entertainers for a spectacular evening of charitable feasting and an auction featuring rare vintages. For anyone embarking on a serious foodie road trip, this event offers access to an unparalleled level of gastronomic excellence, cementing its reputation as one of the best wine festival 2025 experiences available. Securing a private charter ensures you arrive fresh, rested, and ready to enjoy an evening of world-class wines and cuisine.
Where to Stay
In New Orleans, your accommodation should reflect the city's character.
- The French Quarter: Stay at the Hotel Monteleone, a historic gem featuring the iconic Carousel Bar, where you can sip a Sazerac while the bar slowly revolves.
- The Garden District: For a quieter, more elegant stay, look to the Windsor Court Hotel. It offers a refined escape while remaining close to the streetcar line, giving you easy access to the French Quarter.
Beyond the Feast
New Orleans offers endless opportunities to walk off those beignets. Explore the beautiful mansions of the Garden District, get lost in the galleries of the French Quarter, or take a historical tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. And, of course, no trip is complete without soaking up the atmosphere and the sounds of live jazz on Frenchmen Street.
The Odyssey Advantage: Maximizing Your Culinary Journey
A traditional road trip is measured in miles; a culinary charter trip is measured in experiences. By flying private with Odyssey Airways, you gain three distinct advantages that elevate this foodie road trip from a vacation to a pilgrimage:
- Efficiency: Instead of two full days wasted driving between Charleston and New Orleans, you have two extra days for tastings, tours, and enjoying the cities.
- Comfort: Travel on your schedule, with custom catering and a private cabin. Arrive at the Carnivale du Vin or a premier pre-Charleston Food and Wine Festival dinner feeling refreshed, not fatigued.
- Access: Flying into executive airports like JZI or NEW puts you closer to the action, avoiding the congestion of major commercial hubs and providing immediate ground transportation access to the historic centers.
Your passion for food deserves a travel plan that is equally exceptional. Let Odyssey Airways charter your next great culinary adventure.
