Kick off your trail adventures at Bucky’s Bar-B-Q in Greenville, a small roadside joint identified by its blue tin walls, angled white roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a peek at barbecue-making goodness. A favorite with the locals, the restaurant now has three locations serving up hickory-smoked pork, chicken, ribs and brisket. Simplicity is key at Bucky’s, and you can expect all the popular fixings, from sweet baked beans to rich and creamy mac and cheese.

For award-winning barbecue with a touch of small-town flair, head to West Union, South Carolina. With a population of just under 300, this tiny town is home to Big D’s House of BBQ, run by former professional football league player Delanion Taylor. Trading his sports career for the pit, Taylor now serves barbecue classics such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork and meatloaf. Don’t skip the sweet potato pie that will give your mom a run for her money.

Just an hour southwest of Columbia, New Ellenton’s Carolina Bar-B-Que is considered a local legend after serving up delicious, homecooked barbecue for over 50 years. Comforting best describes the restaurant’s charming setting, from its mismatched tables to its open kitchen and small buffet station serving slow-cooked pork shoulder topped with the restaurant’s iconic rust gravy – a sweet tomato-based red sauce.

You’ll feel like family at Holts Bros BBQ in Florence, South Carolina. The restaurant’s extensive menu features barbecue classics, from smoked pork to brisket. And the sauce? The menu revolves around traditional south vinegar with more than 16 variations on the menu. Don’t skip one of their famous tot bowls – crispy tater tots covered in pulled pork or beef brisket and smothered in spicy ranch and queso.

Make a pit stop at Midway BBQ, where the food is simple but delicious, and the service is welcoming and genuine. Featuring a rustic décor of red checkered tablecloths and old diner-style dessert cases, you can’t help but feel cozy when eating off the Styrofoam trays. While the restaurant is known for its hash and chicken stew, you’ll also find a rotating daily menu featuring pulled pork, chicken and dumplings, macaroni pie and their decadent apple cobbler.

Stop in Summerville, just north of Charleston, at Baker’s Garden BBQ, whose love for vinegar and pepper sauce shines throughout its menu with varieties such as Red, Peppered Vinegar, Red Hot and Vinegar Hot. Part old-school barbecue joint, part plant nursery – guests can enjoy tender pulled pork and shop for the latest perennials. Stop by on Thursdays for their dry-rubbed pork spare ribs, and you can’t finish a meal without a slice of their homemade pecan pie.

After all that barbecue, it’s time for a refreshing craft beer at Swig & Swine in Mount Pleasant (and, of course, more barbecue). With views of the boat yards and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll sip on ales and dark lagers while dining on low and slow-cooked meats over hickory. The menu also features unique takes on barbecue fare, such as smoked turkey with tangy pickled vegetables or the Big Nasty sandwich – chopped brisket, barbecue onions, jalapenos and queso.

At One Hot Mama’s in Hilton Head, Executive Chef and Food Network star, Orchid Paulmeier, is making her American dream come true. The daughter of Filipino immigrants, Paulmeier has made it her mission to serve delicious and quality barbecue to locals and visitors alike. Dine on hand-pulled pork, hickory smoked and served with a signature homemade jalapeno cornbread. In addition, the menu features the award-winning, 15-hour smoked beef brisket, smoked fried chicken and baby back ribs.