Lexington

Lexington, North Carolina, is known as "The Barbeque Capital of the World". It is located in Davidson County in the Piedmont region. While the best BBQs are often found in roadside diners along state highways, the best BBQs in North Carolina all use Lexington sauce. The small town in North Carolina is the birthplace of the state's signature vinegar concoction. North Carolina is one of the country's pork capitals, and they take their barbecue seriously. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by making no changes. For decades, the downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe, and people have never stopped loving it.

If you can't get enough of the sauce, Lexington-sauce fans flock to the town every year to sample thousands of sauces made in the traditional style but with new twists. The town has even gone full hog, with pig statues scattered throughout downtown. Discover Lexington's allure. Visit popular shopping on historic Main Street, where a small family grocery has thrived for more than 100 years, one of the largest family hardware stores in the South offers personal service, and a store for those who believe candy is a necessary food group. A half-dozen wineries dot the surrounding countryside, as does one of NASCAR's top race shops and museums, as well as the gallery of North Carolina's most famous living artist. Of course, no trip to Lexington is complete without sampling Lexington-style barbeque, which is smoked fresh daily at 13 barbecue restaurants.