The Annual Jack Daniel's Barbeque Cook Off

If you like barbeque, booze, and shopping, and you live in the South (or even if you don't), I have a great suggestion for you. Every October, the Jack Daniel's Distillery hosts an annual invitational barbeque cook off in its hometown of Lynchburg, Tennessee. This year was no different. Hundreds of teams have competed over the years, boasting competitors from as far away as Germany, Switzerland, and even Australia.

There are many categories of barbeque in the competition. Chicken, brisket, ribs, pork, and beef all can be sampled. You can also purchase barbeque from many of the competitors. Spices, sauces, and rubs are also for sale, and if you're extra nice they might even throw in a secret or two for free.

Jack Daniel's also sponsors a few other activities. They have butt bowling. You try to knock as many pins down as you can with a frozen Boston butt. There is bung tossing (its not as bad as it sounds). A bung is the wooden stopper used to seal the whiskey barrel. Contestants try to throw as many as they can into a barrel before time runs out.

If you like museums, then you're in for a real treat. There are twoon the town square. The Tennessee Walking Horse Museum displays pictures, videos, and memorobilia from some of the most famous Tennessee alking horses in history. If you have time, visit the Jail museum too, but make sure you save some time for a trip to the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Located about a five minute walk from downtown Lynchburg, this tour is a perfect way to cap off the day. Not only do you learn about the distilling process, but you also get to see Jack Daniel's office. Make sure you go early enough. The place fills up fast. The tour last an hour, with a new group starting every five minutes. The distillery tour is fun, even for those who don't like museums.

There are also many booths set up around the square with vendors selling everything from gourmet cigars to African tribal carvings. Stores sell the Jack Daniel's label on everything from postcards and T-shirts to soups and furniture. If you get tired, take a chair at any of a half dozen cafes of the ice cream parlour.

There is definately something for everyone at the Jack Daniel's Annual Barbeque Cook Off Invitational, and I look forward to seeing you there next year. It is well worth the trip.