In a tourist town with expensive restaurants on each corner, there should be a place to sit back and enjoy some down home southern cooking. And if you are really looking to pig out (no pun intended) Woodlands Barbecue and Pickin’ Parlor dishes are so good they can make even the pigs dance.  

Located on the 321 Bypass in Blowing Rock, Woodlands offers an array of large portions varying from barbeque to Mexican, barbecue being their specialty.  The barbeque plates come with a huge helping of your choice of barbecue (chicken or pork) and four sides (anything from corn to hush puppies). You will never leave here with an empty stomach, that’s a promise.

The restaurant is casual with picnic tables to dine at, mason jars to drink from and live Bluegrass music almost every night. A typical dinner for one is definitely reasonable at approximately $10 for a chopped chicken plate. 

Almost anyone who lives in the High Country has enjoyed Woodlands Barbecue at least once, and it is word of mouth that keeps Woodlands successful.

“People continue to come back because the food is always good and it is about the cheapest in Blowing Rock,” said Jeremy Parrish, kitchen manager, who has worked at Woodlands for the past eight years.

I have yet to have a bad experience or meal at Woodlands. The staff is always on top of their game, extremely friendly and quick. Depending on how busy the restaurant is food can be to your table in about 10 minutes. 

Just pull over on 321 and stop in at Woodlands Barbeque, where you are guaranteed a full stomach.  C/O MountainTimes.

Not that you plan your vacation around BBQ, but at least you know where to find it!