The 5 American Cities You MUST Visit if You Love Cheese

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To most people, cheese is just food — a great pizza topping, a nice pre-dinner snack. But for others, cheese is a way of life. Cheese lovers know that no meal is complete without it, and they would travel almost anywhere to try out a new, delicious variety.

For those true devotees, CheeseRank.com (a.k.a. my new homepage), released a list of the Top 5 Cheese Cities in the U.S. — locations where cheese flows freely and in countless varieties — meaning cheeseheads never have to worry about where to plan their next vacation.

1New Orleans, Louisiana

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This city may not be the first that comes to mind when thinking about cheese, but the Big Easy is making a name for itself thanks to a new crop of high-quality cheesemakers, including the St. James Cheese Company.

2Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin is king when it comes to cheese, and is home to a slew of fine cheese producers and shops, like Fromagination where you can pick up a variety of artisanal cheeses.

3Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Don't worry, we're not talking about the Cheese Whiz you would find on a Philly Cheese Steak. The city is actually full of restaurants and stores that cater to true appreciators of cheese, including the Reading Terminal Market, which has three cheese-specific shops.

4San Francisco, California

Home of one of the Cheesemonger Invitationals, San Francisco is practically a cheese lover's paradise. The city is surrounded by skilled cheesemakers, including Cowgirl Creamery, Andante Dairy, Bellwether Farms, and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company.

5New York, New York

You don't have to travel far throughout New York City to find a suitable cheese shop or perfectly prepared cheese plate here. Head to Murray's, Eataly, Bedford Cheese Shop, and Saxelby Cheesemongers for a delectable treat at any time, or wait for the annual Cheesemonger Invitational held in Long Island City, Queens.

By Bridget Mallon