In late August we packed the RV with a lot of stuff, including two cats, and hit the road. Looking for cooler temperatures, if there were any to be found. Plus we wanted to sample some of the barbecue in the Southern USA.
First stop was Gunter Hill Campground, a short stay on our quest. As a sidebar, it is an Army Corps of Engineer (ACE) facility. ACE facilities are our favorite for four reasons:
- Campsites are half price to anyone with a Senior Lifetime Pass.
- Reservations are easy using the mobile app.
- There are no reservation fees.
- The campgrounds are usually on a body of water and the sites are often waterfront.
Next, we headed north and were pleased (and lucky) to discover that Bluff Creek Campground had vacancies. This was over the Labor Day Weekend. Bluff Creek Campground lies on Walter F. George Lake which borders Alabama and Georgia. And our first southern barbecue experience.
A short scooter ride in search of fuel helped us solve both our needs. Across from the gas station was 4 Way BBQ in Lumpkin, GA.
Our First Barbecue Taste Test
The vinegary sauce was tasty. We ordered a rib platter with beans, potato salad and rolls. I had a hankering for a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. They had the pork but not the slaw.
The ribs had a smoky flavor. However, those folks did not follow the low and slow rule. They used the high and fast one, which resulted in us having to tear the meat off the bones. Best part of the meal was the beans. They were drenched in sauce and held chunks of pulled pork. Yum!
I suppose 4-Way BBQ could have been having a bad rib day. Or perhaps that’s the way Georgians like their barbecue ribs.
Providence Canyon State Park
While near Lumpkin we went out to explore Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. Said to be the result of poor farming practices in the 19th century. Hard to believe those huge gullies were created initially by inexperienced farmers.
On September 8th we arrived at Watsadler Campground in Harwell, Ga. It’s just a stones throw from South Carolina.
Our campsite was on the lake and offered some mighty nice sunrises.
In town, we found Backstreet Bar-B-Q. I was ecstatic to learn they had pulled pork and coleslaw. We got our order to go and feasted for dinner back in the RV.
The sauce was thick with a faint taste of vinegar. And the rib meat fell off the bones. I made some sourdough onion rolls for the trip. And they were a perfect compliment to Backstreet’s pulled pork and slaw.
Our third and last barbecue quest was near Pike’s Ridge Campground in Knifley, Kentucky. I’d researched barbecue in this area and discovered that Kentucky was the only state that served barbecue mutton. Alas, we did not find any barbecue mutton. Maybe on our next trip.
We did find some impressive ribs at Brothers Restaurant , located in downtown Campbellsville. We got a sampler platter that included pulled pork, ribs, chicken and brisket. The meat was dry rubbed and smoked. The accompanying sauce was thick and sweet. I will say this was my favorite. I especially enjoyed the brisket.
Scooter Travel is Not Fun in the Rain
Rain became the norm so we packed it up and headed back to Florida. Where it was not raining and the temperatures were cooler than when we left.
Until next time. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.
In Memory of James Leland Rand
My Uncle Jim passed away during our RV trip after having led an extraordinary life. I will certainly miss him. And with the theme of this blog in mind I’m sure he would argue that Texas has the best barbecue. Rest in Peace Uncle Jim.
Note: This blog is sponsored by me, Karen J Adams. Any recommendations or suggestions are purely my own opinion without the exchange of money.
Unpublished work © 2022 Karen J Adams
