You may have tried barbecue from the Carolinas, Texas or Tennessee, but real connoisseurs of this southern fare are in for a flavour-filled experience on their next visit to Kentucky. Tucked away on the backroads and hollows of the state are family-owned joints that have been cooking up some of the state’s best dishes, many times perfecting them over generations.
For Canadians driving through the state on a road trip to the southern United States, the perfect spots to sample some of the delicious meats slow cooked over hickory, served with sweet and savoury sauces and all the traditional trimmings, are the no-frill spots along the West Kentucky BBQ Belt.
This barbecue trail winds its way among the rolling hills, passing through several picturesque counties and charming small towns, and features more than 40 places where you can try the unforgettable tastes of authentic barbecue.
Here are a few of the spots you should stop at during your drive along the West Kentucky BBQ Belt.
Paducah
Designated a UNESCO Creative City because of its rich cultural offerings, Paducah is a river town in the heart of America’s inland waterways — and home to amazing barbecue. It is home to nearly a dozen spots on the trail, including family-owned Backwoods BBQ, which has been operating for more than two decades, and Big Ed’s that, along with its smoked meat, features a daily buffet that includes fried chicken, catfish, turnip greens and banana pudding. There is also Starnes Bar-B-Q, a family-operated joint that has been open since 1955.
Owensboro
Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, Owensboro is known for its smalltown feel that is complimented by its big city amenities. In operation for more than a century, Old Hickory BBQ’s claim to fame is its cherished smoked mutton recipe, while the newest barbecue offerings in town come from The Smokehouse at Brew Bridge. At Ole South BBQ you can savour the finger-licking offerings while listening to bluegrass music. And don’t drive away from Owensboro without stopping at Moonlite BBQ, which Southern Living magazine said serves the best barbecue in the state.
Henderson
Located on the border with Indiana, Henderson has several restaurants on the BBQ Belt trail. ChefWhat BBQ & More serves barbecue plates and daily lunch specials, as well as new takes on much-loved traditional dishes, like its pulled pork macaroni and cheese. This city on the Ohio River is also home to J&B Barbecue, Taylor’s grill on Wheels, Homer’s Barbecue and Thomason’s Barbecue. The latter has been serving its smoked meats and legendary baked beans since the 1960s.
Kentucky Lake and Marshall County
A great area of the state to enjoy the great outdoors, Kentucky Lake is a popular attraction that is located adjacent to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. To fuel your adventures, be sure to try the barbecue pork, chicken or brisket at Amazin’ Blaze BBQ, the popular Yardbird Sandwich at Bad Bob’s BBQ, or the award-winning offerings at J-Mack BBQ. There are several other spots on the trail located around Marshall County.
By following the West Kentucky BBQ Belt, you will discover some amazing barbecue joints on your next road trip through the region — and you might even gain a few pounds enjoying all those slow-cooked and hickory smoked meats.
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And, before you leave home, be sure to visit the West Kentucky BBQ Belt website to get a passport that you can place on your phone and can use to check in at each participating locations along the BBQ Belt to earn prizes.
And, getting to Kentucky to taste all those delicious dishes has never been easier, with Air Canada currently offering convenient twice daily direct service from pc28¹ÙÍøPearson International Airport to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
For more ideas on what to do on a road trip through Kentucky, and to discover the best barbecue joints in the rest of the state, visit .
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