THE IN-SHOWER BEER FRIDGE AT THE BREWDOG DOGHOUSE COLUMBUS HOTEL AND BREWERY | PHOTO BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

Why do we always equate the places we visit with food? Especially great food.

I can still recall the jumbo-sized mussels my new husband and I were served in a metal bucket in an outdoor cafe in Toulouse, France, when we were backpacking through Europe after he finished law school.

The same with the goat and plantains served everywhere when I was in Nigeria for a story assignment. And the surprisingly fresh and tasty vegetables we found in Iceland (although I passed on the horse tenderloin at one restaurant).

Food immerses us in the culture of the places we’re visiting and defines the memories of our adventures. Our staff made some culinary discoveries of our own recently when we hit the road to places in the region that also offered some worthy sightseeing.

Who could have imagined a 32-room brewery hotel in Columbus, Ohio? The BrewDog DogHouse Columbus Hotel and Brewery is the North American headquarters for the Scottish-based company. As our Food Editor Kristy Locklin notes: “If you’re a beer lover who’s ever overindulged at a bar and wished you could take a little on-site snooze, this place is a dream come true.”

Speaking of dogs, Managing Editor Sean Collier found some heavenly hot dogs and giant corn dogs on his visit to Cleveland, known for its rich and diverse dining scene. Digital Reporter Denise Bonura combined some great pub grub and tavern dishes with the historical sites of Gettysburg. Creative Director Huck Beard found some splendid spreads in the spa town of Bedford, and HOME Editor Jessica Sinichak has made repeated stops at a favorite riverside brewery in Crawford County.

Although I have visited Fallingwater several times, I had never been to Polymath Park, the architectural retreat in the deep woods about 20 miles from Fallingwater in Acme, Westmoreland County. The park honors the works and influence of Frank Lloyd Wright.

We combined a delectable meal at the Tree Top Restaurant — which follows Wright’s integration of nature into the menu — with an overnight stay at his prefabricated Duncan House. Built in 1957, it has since been moved to Polymath in pieces from Lisle, Ill. The original plumbing is a bit wonky and the kitchen had appliances of that era, including a General Electric fridge with lazy-susan-like shelves that rotate out so you can easily find items stored in the back — a feature that I wish refrigerators had today.

When I got up the next morning, I was reminded just how deep into nature we were when I spotted two bear cubs bounding up the hill just outside the back windows.

I hope you find our foodie destinations are indeed worth a drive and make some culinary discoveries of your own.

Virginia Linn can be reached at vlinn@pittsburghmagazine.com.