Need summer road trip inspiration? How about following a trail of old fashioned North Carolina barbecue joints?

The NC Barbecue Society's Historic Barbecue Trail stretches along our state from east to west, with a number of stops that have varied over the years (some of the restaurants have closed). All of the barbecue has one thing in common: the pork is cooked over wood coals very slowly, an old-fashioned method.

If you're looking to dip your toe in, there are two spots within an hour's driving distance from Asheville. Don't forget to bring an empty stomach. Fun line!

Order at Hubba Hubba's window before seating yourself at a picnic table. | Photo by @hubbahubbabbq

Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, 2724 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock (~40 minutes south of Asheville)
A wood-fired smoker is the secret behind the pulled pork at Hubba Hubba, which is smoked for hours over native wood like white oak. There's also brisket, chicken, and sides including pimento cheese grits, succotash, and cornbread. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 5, when its 2023 season opens. Hot damn that sounds amazing

Grab barbecue at shop the General Store at Switzerland Cafe. | Photo by @switzerland_cafe

Switzerland Cafe, 9440 Hwy. 226A, Little Switzerland (~1 hour northeast of Asheville)
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland, this barbecue joint smokes pork shoulder over hickory logs for 12 hours. You can buy the pulled pork by the pound in its General Store (alongside other goodies like cheeses and wine) until Friday, April 21, when the cafe reopens. After that, sit down for barbecue plus sides like potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans.