When I head west on I-64 Ken Tex BBQ in shelbyville, KY is where I stop, they open at 11:00 for lunch. For the longest time they had the best brisket I knew of within a half a days drive of here.
https://kentexbbq.com/Easy for me to remember, Exit #35 for Rt53. About 1/2 hour this side of Louisville.
However we've got better BBQ here in Lexington, best pork and brisket within about a days drive.
Beameup BBQ
http://www.beameupbbq.com/Every Wednesday at 11:30 you can find me there unless a schedule SNAFU in which case I'll be there the day before or after, and sometimes on Saturday.
Tuesday-Friday, 11 to 4 & Saturday, 11 to 3 (they're planning for supper hours soon).
Not BBQ but extremely tasty home made corned beef sandwiches can be had at the Irish Pub in Lewisburg, WV.
http://www.irishpubonwashingtonstreet.com/contact/We'll drive over sometimes just for that and back home, even drove the 51 GMC once.
Alec's idea for the distiliaries in KY is a great one. I don't care for that stuff but really enjoyed the tours at these two.
www.woodfordreserve.comhttp://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/Grigg
