I don’t mean to rub it in, but I’ve just returned from one of the sauciest adventures I’ve ever undertaken: a three-week road trip covering more than 2,500 miles across six states. The aim of my low ‘n slow sojourn was as straightforward as it was overindulgent – to find (and devour) the best BBQ in the American South.
Was my piggy pilgrimage a success? Certainly. I can claim to have eaten the best BBQ I’ve ever come across in my life and to have visited a number of the most revered and celebrated pits in the United States. But more than the food, it was the people cooking it with such passion and pride who made my journey such a worthwhile endeavour.
Where there was good BBQ there were hearty souls making it, with a resourcefulness that seemed to manifest itself as tenaciously traditional or tirelessly innovative (and sometimes a blend of both). Pig-headed folks, the BBQ lot. Alongside every morsel of downhome doings I enjoyed during the trip, a heaping helping of camaraderie and homespun culture was served up to enhance each meal with immeasurable local flavour.
Of course, plenty of non-BBQ moments made the trip all the more memorable. Spending time with family and a few old friends while hitting places I’ve known well for years (Austin, Texas; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Athens, Georgia) and also getting to make new acquaintances in awesome destinations no longer unknown to me (Dallas, Texas; Hillsborough, North Carolina; St Simons Island, Georgia) proved delightful – and just as delectable as anything dined upon along the way.
Join me over the next couple of weeks as I share the highlights of my trip in a BBQ Bound series of posts chronicling one of the all-time best – and definitely most delicious – experiences I’ve had on the road.
Before that though, allow me to give some propers where they’re due.
Addison Lee
My visit to the US began and ended with Heathrow airport transfers booked via the Addison Lee app. Yep, another awesome trip made easy by the services of London’s largest fleet of minicabs! I’ve relied on the app a number of times before and have yet to encounter issues or less than exemplary service. Find out more at addisonlee.com/apps.
British Airways
British Airways offers daily flights to/from Austin/London Heathrow, from £619 per person, travelling January 1 – March 23. Includes World Traveller return flights from London Heathrow and an Economy car. Book by November 30. For reservations visit ba.com/car or call 0844 493 0758.
Brand USA
My trip would not have been possible without the extensive and active support of Brand USA. For more information from Brand USA about travelling to the US and for loads of help planning your own trip, go to VisitTheUSA.com.
Keep an eye out for many more BBQ Bound posts to come!
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