Heritage, charity star in culinary travel

Those who think food-

focused vacation dining has to cost as much or more than their accommodations may want to reconsider how they approach culinary travel. Here are some ways to enjoy full-flavored travel experiences.

CHARITY Fundraising efforts frequently provide ways to enjoy phenomenal local food for less. One example is the annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked (clearwaterbeachun corked.com) event in Florida, which raises money for a number of causes, including transitional support services for disabled veterans. Ticket holders for the November event get to enjoy gourmet food samples from the area's top restaurants, as well as beverage pours from a variety of wine and spirit vendors.

CUISINE Cities with serious food scenes often host annual events to entice visitors and locals alike to check out a variety of restaurants. Taste of Buffalo (tasteofbuff alo.com) provides a penny-pinching traveler with a variety of options for full-

flavored fun. The event charges in a way that mirrors many amusement parks, with different restaurant offerings being available for a set number of tickets, typically between two and eight. Individual tickets are 50 cents each and must be purchased in $5 sheets for the July 13-14 event.

CULTURE Sailmainecoast .com provides booking opportunities with the Maine Windjammer Association, which offers multiday cruises starting at $230, including the cost of meals. With sailing being such a large part of Maine's cultural heritage, and the homemade meals celebrating such local delicacies as wild blueberry pie, hand-cranked ice cream, warm cinnamon rolls and steamed mussels, this is a culinary value that's tough to beat. -- McClatchy-Tribune