Savoring Smoke: A Journey to The Pedalin' Pig in Boone
- Food Blogger Journey
- Jun 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 21
By Dirk Ebener
Introduction: My BBQ Journey Across America
There's something about the scent of slow-smoked meat drifting on a warm breeze that makes me feel at home, no matter where I am. Over the years, I've chased that scent across the United States, from the brisket havens of Austin to the rib shacks of Memphis. I've timed my travels to align with barbecue events in the spring and fall when the air is cool enough to make a steaming plate of pulled pork feel like a comforting hug.
Whether it's a quick two-day trip or a few days visiting several cities, I've found that the sweet spot for a BBQ-focused adventure is around two to three days, giving me enough time to explore without rushing the flavors.
I've traveled to Austin, Fort Worth, and Nashville for smoked sausage, and flown to Kansas City for burnt ends that nearly brought tears to my eyes. In Austin, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Nashville, and now Boone, I've found local restaurants that want to see their guests with BBQ-stained fingers. Food isn't just fuel on these trips. It is the reason I go, the roads that lead me through each region's traditions and stories. Driving on narrow country roads across states adds a special feel to these journeys, allowing me to arrive with an appetite sharpened by the clacking of rails.
What I've discovered along the way is that barbecue is not a monolith. It reflects the people, history, and culture of its home. In Texas, barbecue is bold and peppery, while in the Carolinas, vinegar tang or mustard sauce speaks of local pride. Each pitmaster I've met has a different story, a different spice rub, and a philosophy about the perfect smoke ring. It was this ongoing quest for the next unforgettable plate of BBQ that brought me to Boone, North Carolina, and to the doors of The Pedalin' Pig.
Discovering Boone: A Mountain Town with Flavor
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is best visited in the shoulder seasons—spring or early fall, when the weather invites long hikes, craft brewery visits, and, most importantly, BBQ enjoyed outdoors under the North Carolina blue skies. I planned a five-day trip, using Boone as a base to explore nearby Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, with afternoons spent hiking the trails in state parks and scenic overlooks before settling into a local hotel.
Boone's college-town energy mixes seamlessly with its mountain heritage. You will find coffee shops next to outdoor outfitters and local breweries, followed by vinyl record stores. In the middle of it all, The Pedalin' Pig stands as a temple to Appalachian barbecue, deeply respectful of their BBQ tradition.
The Pedalin' Pig: A Smoky Beacon in the High Country
As I pulled into the parking lot of The Pedalin' Pig's Boone location, the scent of hardwood smoke hit me before I opened the restaurant door. A friendly host greeted me, and within moments, I was seated with a glass of sweet tea in hand, scanning a menu that spoke the language of smoke, spice, and Southern comfort.
What makes The Pedalin' Pig special is not just the food. It reflects the local BBQ community. Founded with the goal of bringing "fresh, smoked, and southern" to the High Country, The Pedalin' Pig has earned its place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike.
You will find groups of hikers digging into pulled-pork sandwiches, college students sharing plates of wings, and families gathering over brisket platters, all united by the shared joy that only good barbecue can bring.
The Menu: Tradition Meets Creativity
For the main course, I could not resist the brisket plate, served with two sides—classic coleslaw and barbecue beans, a dish that deserves its own pilgrimage. The brisket had a beautiful bark and a tender interior that pulled apart with ease, a testament to the low-and-slow method The Pedalin' Pig respects. Their pulled pork kissed with smoke and a hint of cider vinegar, melted on the tongue, capturing the essence of Carolina BBQ while maintaining its own identity.
The Culture of BBQ in Boone
What I loved most about The Pedalin' Pig was how it fits seamlessly into Boone's laid-back, welcoming culture. In Boone, no one rushes a meal, and strangers become friends over conversations at the small bar. I struck up a conversation with a couple who had driven up from Charlotte to enjoy the brisket, and by the end of the meal, we were sharing stories about our favorite BBQ joints across the country.
BBQ here is not about competition. It is about community, not flashy presentations, but authenticity, from the hand-pulled pork to the wood used in the smoker. You can taste the pride in each bite, and it's evident in the smiles of the staff as they carry trays piled high with food to hungry customers.
Beyond BBQ: Exploring Boone
While The Pedalin' Pig may have been the highlight of my culinary experience, Boone offers much more for a traveler. The town's walkable downtown invites leisurely exploration, with stops at Mast General Store, local bookstores, and craft breweries like Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which pairs beautifully with a post-BBQ pint.
For nature lovers, the Blue Ridge Parkway is minutes away, offering breathtaking drives and trailheads that lead to cascading waterfalls and sweeping mountain vistas. In the evenings, Boone's cool mountain air and live music venues provide the perfect backdrop to unwind, your belly content with the flavors of the day.
Planning Your BBQ Journey to Boone
If you are planning your own BBQ pilgrimage to The Pedalin' Pig, here are a few tips:
Best Time to Travel: April to May and September to October offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Length of Stay: Plan for 4-5 days to enjoy Boone, nearby Blowing Rock, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where to Stay: Choose a cozy Airbnb near King Street, the Horton Hotel for rooftop views, or a local cabin rental if you want mountain seclusion.
Transportation: Driving is the easiest option, but you can combine your trip with a train ride to Charlotte or Asheville and rent a car for the mountain drive.
Food Stops: Beyond The Pedalin' Pig, explore Boone Bagelry for breakfast, Lost Province Brewing for pizza and pints, and Stick Boy Bread Company for pastries.
Final Reflections: The Pedalin' Pig's Place in My BBQ Story
As I left Boone, the scent of smoke still lingering on my clothes, I reflected on how each BBQ destination I visit adds a chapter to my ongoing journey. The Pedalin' Pig in Boone is not just another BBQ joint. It is a gathering place where the tradition of Southern BBQ meets the spirit of the High Country.
Here, BBQ is more than food. It is a shared experience that connects you to the place, the people, and the culture in a uniquely satisfying way. Whether you are a lifelong BBQ enthusiast or a curious traveler looking for a taste of the South, The Pedalin' Pig is a reminder that the best meals are those that leave you feeling a little more connected to the world around you.
As I drove down the Blue Ridge Parkway, watching the mountains recede in my mirror, I knew I'd return, ready for another plate, another conversation, and another story, all flavored by the smoke that drifts from The Pedalin' Pig in Boone.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
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