all roads lead
to the bbq belt

welcome

to the bbq belt

Dotted along backroads and rolling hills that snake throughout Western Kentucky is a little-known culinary passage known as the BBQ Belt. It's here where dozens of blink-and-you-might-miss-'em gems of the meat and molasses variety hide in plain sight.

Our BBQ joints are locally owned by families and friends that have been perfecting and protecting their craft for generations with meats that are slow-cooked over hickory for hours on end, then finished with a variety of sauces that range from tangy and vinegar-based to sweet and molasses-infused.

Carolina. Texas. KC. Memphis. We love 'em all. But we ain't them and they ain't us. We're Western Kentucky. And since we kept this secret close to our smoker all these years, we figured it's time to share.

Low, slow, and oh-so Kentucky.

Cadiz - Trigg County, KY

In Cadiz/Trigg County, the pig is big! From diving into great BBQ from one of our outstanding local restaurants to celebrating our award winning festival - The Trigg County Country Ham Festival, the second full weekend in October - you could say we’re living high on the hog.

Franklin - Simpson County, KY

BBQ is king in Franklin and Simpson County, and bourbon, bridles, and boutiques are all members of the royal court. Come experience live horse racing, stroll the sunflower fields or take a tour of the craft distillery.

Logan County, KY

Welcome to the Land of Logan. We are proudly known as the home of the Morgan Family who have been perfecting Roy's BBQ over 40 years. From our carefully curated museums and beautiful Lake Malone, to our restaurants and boutique shops, there is never a dull moment.

Murray, KY

If you’re expecting cookie-cutter stores crammed in an endless line of strip malls, keep looking. Murray has a special spirit that captures the hearts and minds of those who visit. Take the enchantment of a university town and mix it with a bit of culture and cuisine, leaving you with a nostalgic blend of comfort and belonging.

Mayfield - Graves County, KY

It’s been said that Mayfield-Graves County puts the "Wild" in Wild West KY. It could be because of our Wild West KY BBQ. Or is it our 1880's Wild West Town? Maybe it’s our Haunted Graves Festival in October. We’re not exactly sure, but we’re certain you’ll find your own wild while you’re here.

Madisonville - Hopkins County, KY

BBQ meets beauty. From brisket to backroads, the mouth-watering BBQ and jaw-dropping adventure of Madisonville-Hopkins serves up loads of southern hospitality with big flavor and even bigger portions.

Hopkinsville - Christian County, KY

Around every corner of Hopkinsville and Christian County, Kentucky, adventure, history, mystery and BBQ await. For a vibrant arts community, outdoor adventures galore, unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind restaurants, we’ve got you covered.

Bowling Green, KY

Corvettes, caves, and culinary gems can all be found in the heart of Bowling Green. Gear up for a full throttle adventure at the National Corvette Museum, dive down into Lost River Cave and Mammoth Cave National Park, and tantalize your taste buds at our local eateries and legendary BBQ spots!

Henderson, KY

If an artsy riverside gem nestled along the Ohio is what you seek, then set your sights on Henderson, Kentucky. Experience history at every turn. Embrace outdoor adventure at Audubon State Park. Move to the beat of your own drum at award-winning festivals. And most importantly, savor the flavors of our legendary BBQ!

Paducah, KY

At the heart of America's inland waterways, you'll find a rivertown that inspires. A designated UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is brimming with arts, culture, history and heritage. Find your inspiration in Paducah!

Owensboro, KY

Home to Southern Living’s best BBQ in KY, you’ll find historic Bluegrass music, legendary bourbon and one-of-a-kind BBQ are just a few of the reasons you need to keep coming back!

Kentucky Lake - Marshall County, KY

In Marshall County, Kentucky, smoky flavors and Southern hospitality converge with an array of local BBQ restaurants that each boast mouth watering ribs, pulled pork, and brisket cooked to perfection. Amazin' Blaze BBQ, 4 Pigs BBQ, Hutchins, and Bad Bob's are all locally owned and globally renowned!