One-tank trip: Lexington, N.C.

By Blake Guthrie

For the AJC

Located in the heart of North Carolina, the small city of Lexington (and its surrounding area) is a place that beckons outdoor enthusiasts, NASCAR fans and barbecue lovers alike.

The town was officially designated the “Barbecue Capital of the Piedmont” by the North Carolina State Legislature, but residents of Lexington have gone one step further and declared it “Barbecue Capital of the World.” With an average of more than one barbecue restaurant for every 1,000 citizens, this is not a claim visitors are likely to challenge.

Skirted by rivers, lakes, farms and woodlands, the seat of Davidson County also has much to offer those pining for a lowland outdoor adventure. And while there may not be a major racing event in Lexington, it is home to a world-class racing museum courtesy of native son Richard Childress.

Don’t Miss

Barbecue Festival, Oct. 24

Lexington is serious about its barbecue, and this annual festival is when the locals really make it known. A destination event for barbecue hunters everywhere, the festival draws more than 100,000 people annually. Here, the sauce is called “dip” and has more vinegar than tomato. The meat is served topped with “red slaw,” a mayonnaise-free cole slaw, which might also be served as a side dish. The festival has been listed in the best-selling book “1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die.” www.barbecuefestival.com

Boone’s Cave Park

This area was settled by Daniel Boone’s family and is said to be the place where the future frontiersman came of age. Boone’s Cave Park is a 100-acre day-use area situated along the banks of the Yadkin River.

The park contains hearthstones that are believed to be a part of the old Boone homestead, and the cave that gives the park its name, where the young Daniel purportedly hid out from Native American tribes. www.co.davidson.nc.us/leisure/BoonesCavePark.aspx

Denton Farm Park

The community of Denton is about a 20-minute drive southeast of Lexington. A few times a year, Denton Farm Park swings open its gates for events such as the Southeast Old Threshers Reunion, the Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival, and Horse & Mule Days. The park also has a functioning steam train, as well as a plethora of antique farm machinery and a large camping area. www.threshers.com

Richard Childress Museum

NASCAR legend and team owner Richard Childress is from the Lexington area and still lives there. He is also part owner of a winery that bears his name, but what racing fans really want to know about is the RCR Museum. Here, they will find 47 vehicles on display (including many that were driven by RCR team member Dale Earnhardt), as well as other NASCAR-related memorabilia. There is also a section of the museum devoted to one of Childress’ other passions, wildlife conservation. www.rcrracing.com/museum

Bob Timberlake Gallery

Internationally renowned artist and furniture designer Bob Timberlake lives in Lexington, and his gallery features elaborate home-furnishing displays, as well as his award-winning artwork. The gallery also contains the full-service Riverwood Coffee Shop. Both the gallery and the coffee shop are closed Sundays. www.bobtimberlake.com

If you go

How to get there: Lexington is about 300 miles and a five-hour drive from downtown Atlanta. Take I-85 north from Atlanta to North Carolina. At Exit 87, merge with I-85 business route/George S Coble Memorial Highway, which will take you into Lexington.

Eat: Smiley’s Lexington BBQ. Pit-cooked and served in the Lexington style for more than 50 years. Entrees $3.25-$7.25. 917 Winston Road, Lexington. 336-248-4528, www.smileyslexington
bbq.com

Café 35. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks and seafood; it closes at 8:35 p.m. Entrees $8.35-$14.95. 103 S. Main St., Lexington. 336-238-3535, www.cafe35menu.com

Stay: Country Hearth Inn. Family-oriented hotel, free continental breakfast. $75-$150. 1525 Cotton Grove Road, Lexington. 336-357-2100, www.countryhearth.com

Hwy 8 Motel. Budget motel with free Wi-Fi and a micro fridge in every room. $43.95 and up. 1631 Cotton Grove Road, Lexington. 336-357-6444, www.hwy8motel.com

Tourism info: Lexington Tourism Authority. 114 E. Center St., Lexington. 866-604-2389, www.visitlexingtonnc.com

Provided by Demand Studio