Stop into this sweet Southern bakery for freshly baked breads, cakes, pies and pastries. Owner Sonya Jones serves the shop's signature sweet potato cheesecake by the slice, which Rachael said was "unbelievable" and "surprisingly light."
With one of the best breakfasts in Memphis, Tenn., Brother Juniper's has been serving up hearty dishes including waffles, omelets and baked goods made from scratch since the 1960s. Rachael recommends the open-faced San Diegan Omelet with cheesy grits and the bakery's special 5 grain struan bread.
Located inside the downtown library in Nashville, Tenn., Provence Breads & Cafe is rumored to have the best bread around, according to Rachael. With over 20 different varieties baked fresh daily, choose your favorite for the roast chicken salad sandwichm which Rachael says is "simple and flavorful."
Want an authentic, southwestern meal? Get thee to the Canyon Star Restaurant, which features traditional Western fare, nightly entertainment and Native American dancing just outside the canyon. Rachael recommends the "nice and smoky" barbecued buffalo brisket, which locals get with a discount.
In Tucson, Rachael made a beeline to The B Line. Located near the university on bustling 4th Avenue, the casual eatery's food is made with quality ingredients—and somehow remains affordable. Though The B Line makes a mean Burro burrito, Rachael went for one of the freshly baked pies.
Sooth your sweet tooth and coffee addiction at this Chattanooga mainstay. Sip on freshly brewed coffee alongside Rembrandts' fleet of pastries, breads and lunch options, or skip straight to dessert. Rachael called the homemade artisan chocolates "edible works of art."
Located inside Grand Canyon National Park, the El Tovar hotel has been serving guests since 1905. Make a reservation for dinner alongside the massive fireplace and Native American art, or take Rachael's advice and stop by the restaurant for a hearty Southwestern breakfast before hitting the trails.
A popular hangout for students, musicians and artists, Bongo Java became world famous with its 1996 discovery of "The Nun Bun," a cinnamon bun that looks like Mother Teresa. Locals and tourists alike have been coming back ever since for the all-day breakfast and java, which Rachael calls delicious.
Make a pit stop at R.P.'s to pick up an energizing smoothie, salad or sandwich before hiking the Grand Canyon. Stop along the way for an impromptu picnic, which Rachael terms easy on the budget (and it comes with a spectacular view). R.P.'s also has art and gifts to remember your trip by.
Located in Tucson's historic Hotel Congress, the Cup Cafe draws hotel guests and locals for three meals a day. The Cup's known for stellar breakfast in a charming setting. Dig into the omelet bar or filling dishes like the Gunpowder — eggs, potatoes, turkey chorizo and Mexican asadero cheese.
Andy's Kitchen is "a friendly place," serving a downhome menu of made-from-scratch meals since 1951. Though it offers all the usual breakfasts, Andy's adds a Tex-Mex twist by using tortillas and ranchero sauce. Do as the loyal regulars do: snag a booth, sip a coffee and relish the reasonable prices.
This cozy Dallas cafe serves French-inspired dishes at affordable prices. Known for fresh breads and rolls, the restaurant has what Rachael terms "fantastic" crepes. With 63 locations across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Washington, D.C., it's easy to satisfy your cravings for French fare.
When Rachael visited Durham, N.C., on $40 a Day, her first stop was Elmo's Diner, where she savored the spicy Southern-Style Grits filled with jalapeño peppers, cheddar and ham. The menu is packed with plenty of other comfort-food classics like meatloaf and home-style roast turkey.
At the L'Auberge Restaurant in Sedona, Ariz., Rachael had only one word to describe the magnificent scenery: heaven. The food, consisting of traditional French cuisine like fois gras and pain perdu (French toast) with an almond crust, is just as great as the location. (270)
Mama Dip's Kitchen is a favorite of many locals in Chapel Hill, N.C., thanks to traditional Southern favorites like fried chicken and Brunswick stew. When Rachael visited on $40 a Day, she thought the combination of Catfish Gumbo with Homemade Cornbread was ''just perfect.''
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.