7 local locations featured on the West Kentucky BBQ Belt

HENDERSON, Ky. – Welcome to the West Kentucky BBQ Belt.

The initiative by Kentucky Tourism aims to introduce the world to a region associated with mouthwatering barbecue, according to a release by Team Kentucky.

May 16, National BBQ Day, marks the opening of the new experience, featuring at least 40 barbecue spots founded by legendary pitmasters and award-winning barbecue that locals swear by.

“These locally owned BBQ joints are steeped in tradition and guarded by families and friends for generations. The mouth-watering array of smoked mutton and ribs that have become synonymous with the region offer a truly unique experience..” says Abby Dixon, executive director, Henderson Tourist Commission.

Visitors can look forward to a journey through tradition, Team Kentucky says, including Old Hickory founded in 1918 and Moonlite Bar-B-Q, founded in 1950. Roy’s Bar-B-Que in Russellville, Kentucky and Thomason’s BBQ in Henderson, Kentucky are just some of the dozens of establishments passed down for generations.

Tricia Noel, executive director of the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission, says there’s nothing like the West Kentucky BBQ Belt, mentioning how Paducah, Kentucky alone has a BBQ restaurant for every 2,500 residents.

To find out more about the journey, visit wkybbq.com.