southern bbq roadtrip suggestions please
 

Hi everyone-
My sister and I (in our mid 20's)are from NY and we take a trip every year during our feb. break (we're both teachers). We've been going to Europe for a few years but decided it was time to see more of our own country!
While watching the food network one day we got the idea for a southern bbq tour. we love barbeque! obviously we want to see important sites as well. slightly out of the ordinary things are always good as well as the "must see" historical, artistic, landmark kind of things as well.
As I said, the trip wont be until february, so we are just getting started with research and planning, but I thought you could help me figure out our route. We have 9 days, we will be renting a car obviously, and sharing the driving, but i would think about 4 hours a day would be enough driving for us. Our idea right now (which can absolutely be changed and added to)is to fly into San Antonio, stay there for a day, drive to Austin and then to Houston for another day. I would like to end up in Savannah and Charleston at the end of the trip, the rest is pretty much up in the air. We have both been to New Orleans, but we really liked it and it seems like a logical stop in the middle. Also Atlanta seems to be on the way. Any ideas for a few more places to stop and see basically between Houston and Savannah? Hotels to spend the night, restaurants to eat at, sights to see?
Thanks so much in advance,
Joanna

The Georgia Pig. Mmmm... It looks like a total dump, but can't beat the food.

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=82

I suggest you look up books by JOhnT. Edge, particularly Southern Belly for a culinary tour of the South. He is the ED of Southern Folkways.. Starting in Houston may be 'way down but whatever.

Kelliebellie, is the Ga. pig still there? It seems I was raving about it here a year or so ago and someone told me it was gone. Then we drove up I-95 and was sort of looking for the signs before the turnoff and didn't see them (it was early in the morning so we weren't going to eat.

I once took pictures of it, and built a set for the play "Foxfire" to look just like it. Great bar-b-q.

Ahhh! You mean it is gone?!? I've only been there once (well actually it was so good we went twice) on a road trip many many years ago. It is one of those places you assume will always be there.

Maybe all the meat smoke grime on the windows finally combusted?

In Houston, Goode's BBQ is the best in town.

We did a road trip about 10 years ago and stopped at the Ga. Pig. It was like going to a place out of a novel...right down to the dog on the porch and hammock in the yard. And definitely not done by Disney!!! We still tell stories about it--half the people are amazed we actually ate the food, the other half want to know how to get there. I would think the grime would hold it together...maybe they tried to clean it up and it collapsed!!Truly a memorable roadside stop...and great bbbq! Hope it's still there...and not cleaned up!

I did a search here for the Georgia Pig and found a couple of raves -- mainly from me -- but I did not find anyone saying it is gone. Surely I wouldn't have made that up -- unless it was in some horrible nightmare I had. Anyone know if it is still there?

One problem with your Southern BBQ Tour ... you would need to start it in North Carolina, as that's where the best is! :)

Elsie does have the correct itinerary!!

No, actually, the problem with your BBQ itinerary is that you leave Texas! No, really, have a fun trip and eat something good for all of us BBQ lovers.

As a long time lover of BarBQ and one who has eaten some of the best across North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Kansas City, I may get killed for this -- but this past May/June during our month in New York we hit Blue Smoke, Daisy Mae's, Virgils, and Dinosaur. I have to be honest. You really don't have to leave New York to get WONDERFUL bbq!

If you drive from Austin or San Antonio to Houston, two places you might want to try.

The City Market in Luling, ( just south of Austin, east of San Antonio )and Kreuz ( pronounced Krites )Market in Lockhart ( just south of Austin )

Both are old line Family operated BBQ joints.

thanks so much for all the suggestions so far everyone!
any ideas about where to stop between houston and savannah???

A Southern BBQ tour wouldn't be complete without a stop in Memphis, Tn.

Texans,please don't take offense, but I'm a devotee of pig BBQ so when in TX, I chase the perfect bowl of green chili or thick, juicy steak.

Jim Neely's Interstate BBQ is funky, fabulous and a family operation. The more famous and formal Rendevous is also wonderful and we like the ribs at Blues City Cafe on Beale St, that includes a night of music-joint hoping.
Willinghams, too, is a mouth watering stop. Keep in mind that the slaw and beans are almost as important as the meat.
It's too bad that your trip won't be in May so that you could experience the incredible Memphis in May World Championship BBQ contest held at Tom Lee Park on the MS river. It's a one of a kind event for competitors, pork lovers and just fun folks. The BBQ pits have to be seen to be believed and the hog calling competition is a good belly laugh. It truly takes BBQ to another level.

A stop at Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum (at the Lorraine Motel where King was assasinated) can complete your Memphis experience.

Memphis is a must on a southern BBQ tour.

Here's a second for Memphis. Also another stop in Texas wouldn't be bad such as Ft Worth but it wouldn't coincide with your route.
From New Orleans I would suggest heading north to Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston. On this route you could also throw in Natchez & Vicksburg.

In my book San Antonio, Austin, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Savannah, & Charleston are must sees.

I live in Tenn. so I will also say Tenn.
BBQ is my favorite. You have to have slaw on your BBQ sandwich. I love going
to Memphis for BBQ, but I will have to say our local BBQ place, Prater's(near McMinnville, TN)is great. If you really want a taste of the South and a small town, come visit us.

Speedy's in Lexington, NC is the BBQ heartline.

After Lexington, head down to Wilbur's in Goldsboro for some Eastern-style BBQ.

Maybe I'll ask why start in Texas--and Savannah and Charleston aren't exactly BBQ meccas, although wonderful towns. Nine days isn't really enough for this distance--there are some pretty big distances there. But I repeat. Get Southern Belly by John T. Edge.
And with all due respect, Neopatrick, I've seen the reviews of those. They are 'way too "slick". And you can see out the windows.