On ‘cue for adventure in down-home Lexington, NC
State's barbecue capital also has first-rate attractions
Dear Charlotte,
Lexington is more than just great barbecue.
Sixty-two miles up Interstate 85 lay an unexpected outdoor haven. The fact that it’s the barbecue capital of the state just happens to be the cherry on top.
Where you need to eat:
Bar-B-Q Center
The family-owned restaurant began as an ice cream shop, selling barbecue during the winter to compensate for slow sales.
“During the winter, when ice cream sales were low, they decided to add barbecue pits,” co-owner Michael Conrad said. “In 1961, we moved to this building [900 North Main Street], and changed the name to the Bar-B-Q Center. Now it’s barbecue with ice cream on the side instead of the other way around.”
P.S.: Lexington holds numerous barbecue festivals. The next one is Oct. 21-22 in Finch Park. For more information: www.visitlexingtonnc.com
What to get:
Coarse chopped plate with red slaw, sweet potato fries and HP (hush puppies). Top the meal off with a banana split. Kudos if you finish the whole thing.
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What you need to do:
Kayak or canoe down the Daniel Boone Heritage Canoe Trail on the Yadkin River with High Rock Outfitters (13 South Main Street) or explore Boone’s Cave Park (3352 Boone’s Cave Road)—both of which derive local legends about 18th century frontiersman Daniel Boone, and his involvement in the area.
“It’s a 110-acre Davidson County Parks and Recreation facility,” High Rock Outfitters founder Chris Phelps said. “There are about 7.5 miles of trails there. We were rewarded $100,000 grant for that project to cut a road in down to the river to build riverside canoe camping platforms, as well as ADA acceptable parking and trail access.”
P.S.: Prepare to get wet should you end up in a losing battle with the rapids. If anyone asks, you didn’t fall out, you just wanted to go swimming.
Where to run and drink:
Childress Vineyard (1000 Childress Vineyards Road)
Fall has arrived. It’s a cool Saturday morning, and as the sun begins to sneak through the vines, your decision to literally rise with the sun is completely justified. Imagine running through a vineyard—don’t trip on the gravel. Later, you can come back and try a glass of wine…or three, but in early morning light, that run is yours. It’s a beautiful thing.
Until our next adventure! Wish you were here!
Xoxo,
TCP Passport