Looking for something local but may consider mail order. What is my best value in the $500 range?
If you could up your budget around $100, you can get a Rec Tec Trailblazer for $599 shipped. It will smoke and grill. I've had the previous version for several years and it's been a solid performer. They have great customer service as well. In my opinion, a pellet grill is a "Buy once, Cry once" investment.
$469 @ Wal-Mart the other day.In that price range and wanting to smoke and grill, the Austin XL is hard to beat.