Hi all. My Mom, sister and I are just beginning to prepare for our semi-annual no husbands vacation. We will be driving through Virginia,North and South Carolina to Charleston, Myrtle Beach and back up through Williamsburg. My mom absolutely loves barbecue (pulled pork?) sandwiches and I we would love to hit as many great spots that serve them while we are in the states that make them best. (O.K., well maybe not the best 'cause I know I'll get an argument here but at least a hell of a lot better than in Connecticut). Suggestions anyone? Thank you!

Try a city search for a city you'll be going through (Raleigh, nC?) There are two different kinds -- Eastern and Western (can't remember what the difference is -- vinegar vs. tomato? I'm a Yankee.)

In Charlotte, there's a really hokey place that supposedly has the best BBQ, if you're going that way, I'll try harder to remember the name -- it's on Tryon St, way out of the city center. My friend and I ate there and it was good. Full of locals.

If you are in the Durham, NC area stop by Bullock's BBQ. Just north of Durham in Creedmoor try Bob's BBQ. West of Durham in Mebane (pronounced MEB-ann) has A&M BBQ. And Lexington, NC has many BBQ restaurants.

mmm, barbeque.

A few years back (and every Festival since) NC Public TV runs a special by Bob Garner on North Carolina BBQ. I think he put out a book with the special (with your gift of $100 you get Bob's book, with your gift of $150 you get Bob's video, etc.) I know envy is a sin, but that's a job I would have loved.

By the way, could you adopt me for your family trip?

What an irresistable topic! For the record, you can read a decent description of BBQ history (including the distinction between eastern and western style) at www.northcarolina.com/stories/bbq.html. Short version: western style uses a sauce with a tomato and vinegar base (red in color), while eastern style does not have tomato (and I think is generally spicier while western style is juicier). You can't go wrong--it's all good, whether in a bun or on a plate.

A few of the Lexington NC restaurants ncgrrl alludes to are: Lexington BBQ (probably the best); Speedy's; and Curley's. You can access these by driving south from Winston-Salem on Highway 52 to Lexington.

If you're going to venture through eastern NC (roughly defined as anywhere east of Raleigh), I have heard that Bill's BBQ and Chicken Restaurant in Wilson NC (at the convergence of I-40 and I-95) is good. There are probably also some great places in Kinston, Goldsboro, New Bern, and Rocky Mount as well. Look for (typically) a fairly run-down place and/or ask locals very politely.

As to SC, North Carolinians do not recognize the SC style of barbecue. Nonetheless, it is delicious too--with a mustard based sauce. The only one I know of is Maurice's in Columbia SC.

I would not eat barbecue in Charlotte. If you are going to be near Charlotte, instead go to Shelby (about 45 minutes west) and eat at a great bbq restaurant: Bridges (on Highway 74 I believe, but ask a local).

Have a great time!

There is a bbq competion along the mississippi every year. Sorry know more details than that. Worth a detour, I think so but I would hunt around for better info.

Y'all are making me SOOO hungry!

Wow, Thanks for all the great responses!
nycgrrl - You can come along but we do have a few requirements - First if you're female, can tolerate long drives with 3 young boys and have a great sense of humor your in. Also you must bring a list of the dumb things your husband/significant other or his family has said or done in the last 6 months. This usually carries us through at least 6 states. (Before anyone gets bent out of shape we all love our husbands, we're just having fun) The ability to substitute a hot fudge sundae for a meal or two doesn't hurt (just one of those things you can't do with guys around). Participating in the game "What do you think he or she sees in him/her" is required. This involves speculating about obviously mismatched couples as is the game "Can you believe that hair, fingernails, clothing, etc. I wonder where they come from?" Another past time that men just don't find amusing. Yes, we are sarcastic and no topic is off limits, even, dare I say it, Chandra Levy. So if you can handle that come along, the more the merrier!

For a REALLY good hot fudge sundae meal in NC, stop by Maple View Farms near Chapel Hill. It's out in the middle of nowhere (duh, it's a farm) and I know how to drive there, but I'd have to look up the road names to get your there. All sorts of fresh dairy products (duh, it's a farm) and amazing scenery.

This work thing is getting in the way, I want bbq and a hot fudge sundae right now!

If you're traveling on I-95, you'll pass within a mile or two of the BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD. About 10 or 12 miles north of I-95's intersection with I-40, you'll see signs for N.C. Highway 701. Take this exit and go toward Smithfield. You'll cross tiny Holt Lake and see Holt Lake BBQ on your left -- it's good, but it's not the best. Keep going until you see a 1950s-era motor court on your left -- the sign will say "White Swan." This place has amazing BBQ. (All the Johnston County Sheriff's Department cars should be a clue!) We've eaten there for almost 30 years now. White Swan BBQ has also opened up two branches on U.S. Highway 70 -- one in Clayton, another between Smithfield and Goldsboro. Get a plate of chopped pork with vinegar-based sauce, potato salad, cole slaw and some cornmeal "hush puppies" and enjoy life!

almost forgot ... if you and your mom like bbq, you might enjoy this site:
<http://www.ipass.net/~lineback/bbq/jnts-lst.htm>

Thank you Heylookatmenow! I'm writing that one down as we speak (or type as the case may be!)

If you're traveling via I-95, stop in Rocky Mount, NC for eastern NC style BBQ at Bob Melton's. Although the original restaurant was flooded out in 1999, the new location still serves mean 'cue. It's on Old Mill Road off from Hwy 301. A good place to look up info on BBQ is www.chowhounds.com. Have a great trip!

Thanks RB! as a matter of fact, we are staying overnight in Rocky Mount on our way down to Charleston. I guess I know where we'll be eating that night!