Such a thing as a Texas BBQ guided tour?

[wahoowad]

I've never visited Texas but would love to experience it through some type of organized tour with a strong emphasis on bbq. I'd like to visit some of the old school bbq restaurants as well as see some other sights along the way.

I think I would go crazy trying to identify places and am hoping somebody knows of a company that offers packaged tours. I googled and saw a few that were only a couple hours long and focused on one city - that's not what I want. I'm hoping to spend 3 to 6 days covering a good chunk of that big state, taking in sites and eating good bbq. I'd also be interested in hearing of any similar packaged bbq tours that cover other areas of the deep south.

Thanks!

 

[ab canuck]

I'm in..... I'll be watching this thread, I am hoping to make it to Texas this spring and that would be a great treat!!!

 

[tallbm]

I've never visited Texas but would love to experience it through some type of organized tour with a strong emphasis on bbq. I'd like to visit some of the old school bbq restaurants as well as see some other sights along the way.

I think I would go crazy trying to identify places and am hoping somebody knows of a company that offers packaged tours. I googled and saw a few that were only a couple hours long and focused on one city - that's not what I want. I'm hoping to spend 3 to 6 days covering a good chunk of that big state, taking in sites and eating good bbq. I'd also be interested in hearing of any similar packaged bbq tours that cover other areas of the deep south.

Thanks!

I don't know of any packages but I would assume that a package around the Austin, TX area would be the best.
This way you could do Franklin's (which is re-opening again tomorrow with limited service), John Mueller Meat Co., and the joints in Lockhart, TX. I've only eaten at Franklin's and it is worth it.
I would then say that if you can hit Stephenville, TX the Hard Eight BBQ would be another gone one to hit up. They have 2 more restaurants around the Dallas area.

Outside of that I don't know of better places for BBQ. Maybe Coopers BBQ in Llano, TX. I've only eaten at the store in Ft Worth by Billy Bobs Texas. If you wanted a great night out you could eat at Coopers in Ft Worth and then enjoy a great evening at Billy Bobs.

Best of luck with it all!

 

[wahoowad]

Thanks, nice to know some of the must-see places.

I'm still hoping somebody is aware of a company that does some type of packaged deals. It would be nice to have the driving and itinerary planned out with some tips and such on what to see and do along the way.

 

[Daugie]

Millers Smokehouse in Harker Heights just north of Austin about 50 miles (on the way down from Dallas) has 6 huge pits and their stuff is as good as it gets.

 

[bluewhisper]

This sounds like great idea for a business model and I'll bet someone jumps on it. It would be a blast. If it covers a few days there could be some deals with some Mom-and-Pop B&B places and maybe some park tours to jiggle the fat off.

 

[wahoowad]

I've done considerable searching the past few days and I found nothing like a multi-day mutli-stop Texas BBQ type tour. I just assumed Texas bbq was a big enough cultural attraction that some tour company offered it. If I lived in Texas or had more knowledge of the attractions I would put more effort into making something available myself.

 

[onedcharette]

I live in central Texas and i don't know if those BBQ joints would want/need the added foot traffic of bus tours etc. Most of them (good places anyway) sell out quick enough. Quality over quantity.
If i was visiting the area I would just google map BBQ places and road trip them all. Don't let the outside (or inside) of the BBQ places fool you. If you walk in and the walls/ceilings seem darker from the smoking then you prob found a great place. The attached pic is a great example. Its also dang good BBQ.

https://plus.google.com/photos/photo/114258880483226165086/6437919987583107842
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIZsECt7cX0/USNUloD5JRI/AAAAAAAAUBo/HP8si_Svm0c/s1600/IMG_0617.jpg

As mentioned above, there are some decent places spread out all over and also do be afraid of heading towards Lockhart Tx. Its definitely known for its fantastic BBQ as well.

Good luck!!