This famous BBQ Festival takes place in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. There's rides and games, country music and plenty of slow-cooked meat.

"We have music on two stages all for the $8 price of admission," said publicist Brenda Bradshaw.

A recent, popular addition to the 20-year-old festival is a classic car show.

Attendees who haven't gotten their fill of barbecue can embark on the North Carolina Barbecue Society's Historic Barbecue Trail. The pilgrimage of pork traverses 23 stops at historic barbecue restaurants across the state.

Visitors who want to work off some pounds should head to the hiking trails of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, less than two hours away. Other nearby attractions include Biltmore in Asheville, one of the nation's most elaborate homes, and the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

For further information: Blue Ridge BBQ festival