Last summer, I loaded up the truck and set out on a smoky mission across Virginia’s hidden corners. Armed with napkins and an appetite for authentic pit barbecue, I visited eleven small-town smokehouses tucked away on winding backroads.
By the end of the trip, my taste buds were officially spoiled, and I had a newfound appreciation for the art of slow-smoked perfection.
1. The Barbecue Exchange In Gordonsville
Gordonsville might be tiny, but The Barbecue Exchange packs serious flavor into every plate. Counter service keeps things moving fast, while hickory smoke perfumes the air with that unmistakable scent of real pit cooking. Brisket arrives tender and juicy, with a smoke ring that proves patience paid off.
Pulled pork gets equal love here, shredded to perfection and kissed by wood smoke in all the right ways. House-made sauces range from tangy vinegar-based to sweet tomato blends that complement without overpowering the meat…