Hickory Smoked Pork Barbecue at Marion Pit Bar-B-Q in Kentucky's Amish Country

On our drive from St. Louis on our way to Nashville, my daughter and I took the scenic route through Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois before riding the free ferry from Cave In Rock across the Ohio River to Kentucky. Waiting for us near the Kentucky border was some of the best BBQ that I've ever had.

Beef Ribs at Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue

Smoke Ring on the Beef Ribs at Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue in Richmond, Virginia

My problem with takeout is smelling it in the car all the way home, or as happened today, on the way to my hotel. Except that my hotel was three hours away and by the time I arrived, I was ready for an early dinner. No amount of tying up the bag kept the aroma of smoky ribs away from me. So how were they? Read my full review of the beef ribs at Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue in Richmond, Virginia after the break.

Worst BBQ in Texas at The Original Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q

Smoked beef brisket at The Original Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q in San Antonio

How can I leave Texas without having some barbecue? I can't. So I headed up to Leon Springs (just north of San Antonio) to The Original Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q. Read my full review after the break.

Pig & Grits at Tom's Thumb Fresh Market

Continuing my drive to the East Coast, I left Vegas and arrived in Phoenix. The new season of Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives recently visited several new joints here, and my first stop was in Scottsdale (outside of Phoenix) for a dish of BBQ and grits. Read my full review of the Pig & Grits at Tom's Thumb Fresh Market as seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives after the break.

Salty's Special at Salty's BBQ and Catering

Continuing my trek to find out what brought Guy Fieri to Bakersfield with his crew from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, I grabbed a Salty's Special sandwich. Read my full review of Salty's BBQ & Catering as seen on Food Network's Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives after the break.

The Rib Line in San Luis Obispo CA serves a great BBQ tri-tip sandwich

The Rib Line in San Luis Obispo CA as seen on Man vs Food Nation with Adam Richman

The Rib Line in San Luis Obispo CA as seen on Man vs Food Nation with Adam Richman serves a great BBQ tri-tip sandwich, in several combinations including BBQ, bacon, French dip, and Philly. Read my full review with pictures after the break.

Papa's Soul Food Kitchen and BBQ in Eugene, Oregon

Papa's Soul Food Kitchen in Eugene, Oregon

I went to Papa's Soul Food Kitchen last night in Eugene, OR. It will appear soon on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.