This BBQ Trail In Loudon County Might Be The Best-Kept Secret In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published September 26, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Tucked away in beautiful Loudon County are four separate restaurants that, in all appearances, seem as different as it gets. Of course, each restaurant serves up delicious and mouth-watering BBQ — but there is one other thing that brings them together. The Loudon County BBQ Trail challenges guests to eat at each succulent and savory meat dealer and then collect buttons to show off their love for this sweet Tennessee tradition. The challenge is open all year round, so you are free to take the challenge at your own pace, and by the end of it, you will have experienced some of the best smoked meats east of Memphis, Tennessee.
If you want to participate in this tour-de-meat, all you need to do is plan out your trip to each of the four participating restaurants.
Once you partake in delicious 'cue from each spot, you will receive a button to commemorate your feat! Save that button *and* the recipes so when you finish, you can snap a picture of all of them and send it to the Visit Loudon County website. The challenge is open year-round, so you can take it at your own pace and fully enjoy each and every delicious morsel. Each restaurant is within a 40-minute radius; here is an interactive map to customize to your liking. Now let's get familiar with these mouth-watering venues on the Loudon County BBQ Trail.
1. Smokin’ F - Philadelphia
Smokin' F BBQ & Feedlot, 1821 Lynn Rd, Philadelphia, TN 37846, USA
At the Smokin’ F, you will find that their motto is “BBQ brings people together.” That couldn’t be truer at this backyard-style eatery. The smell of smokers fills the air in this barn-like family-friendly atmosphere. You are bound to have a great time gathering 'round good ole Southern comfort food -- especially with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The owners are originally Texas natives and they bring the full flavor from the Lone Star State with them. Gather the family and indulge in all the standard fare found emerging from the smoker. From pulled pork to sausage, no matter what you choose it’s always a good choice at Smokin’ F.
2. Taste-o-Texas - Loudon
Taste-o-Texas, 1562 Hwy 72 North, 1562 TN-72 Ste A, Loudon, TN 37774, USA
The next stop is yet another authentic Texas-style BBQ joint in Tennessee: Taste-o-Texas. Using premium cuts of pork and beef, their delicious concoctions are cooked to perfection over a wood-burning fire. In true Texas style, meat is served without sauce and you won’t miss it.
There are lots of great options on the menu, but the Texas Two-Step Sandwich certainly caught my eye. This mammoth of a sandwich places a pile of beef brisket, a whole sausage link, then topped with their traditional jalapeño slaw. They are also known for unique sides like their Smoky Pinto Beans and Mustard-Dill Potato Salad. Dive into true authentic Lone Star flavors at Taste-o-Texas.
3. Sons of Smoke - Loudon
Sons of Smoke, 304 Cedar St, Loudon, TN 37774, USA
At Sons of Smoke, award-winning BBQ is the star, with supporting players representing all the Southern classics. You may have had some good BBQ before, but this place takes it to another level.
Mounded piles of pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, and all of your smoked meat favorites can be found in this small-town hub. You know when you are being served by a genuine champion pit master; everything you try at Sons of Smoke is a surefire winner!
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4. Calhoun’s - Lenoir City
Calhoun's, 4550 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772, USA
Hailed as the “Best Ribs in America,” this humble little restaurant started with quite a bang. They entered the National Ribs Cookoff in Cleveland, Ohio, and walked away with the gold... thus the superlative title. The same sweet taste has stayed consistent throughout the years, even though the business has grown a lot since then. Now boasting multiple locations and spreading the mouth-watering aroma of smoked meats with them everywhere they go, this is one BBQ hotspot in Tennessee you simply must try!
Whenever you go to Calhoun’s, the choice is pretty simple; with a place known for the best ribs in America, the only logical choice is to order the ribs. Take your taste buds on a journey and you will never look back, because these ribs truly are outstanding. Calhoun’s is the last and final stop on this tasty Tennessee BBQ trail.
If you intend to travel from afar or simply need to stay somewhere nice to rest after all that meat consumption, a stay at this cottage will be perfect for you.
Charming details and brand-new features fill this little space with massive appeal. Get out into the countryside, but be close enough to all sorts of amenities -- this is a great place to stay to rest your fully satisfied belly.
The Loudon County BBQ Trail is like finding a wonderful hidden gem. There are 4 great restaurants to choose from and once you get a taste for them all you can win prizes and get some pretty cool commemorative merch. Everything you need to know and more can be found on the Loudon County website. So what are you waiting for go on out there and feast on some BBQ!
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