The Jack & Bell Buckle: BBQ, Whiskey & Hospitality

For one weekend every year, the smallest town in whiskey becomes the biggest scene in barbecue. More than 40,000 folks travel to lovely Lynchburg, Tennessee to enjoy watching barbecue teams from around the world compete in The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, popularly known as “The Jack.”

Part of the experience is a visit to the Lynchburg attractions.Photo byDown South Today

The entire town was recently filled again with booths, bunting, flags and displays. Between sampling barbecue, meeting visitors from all over the country and beyond, you immersed yourself in the joy of country living and unparalleled hospitality.

There’s also the presence of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and every drop of the world’s best known sippin’ beverage is made right here.

More than a competition, “The Jack” is an international contest with barbecue champs from the four corners including South Africa, Poland, Australia, Canada, Germany and more competing with other nations for one of the awards.

A lovely Tennessee village features a legendary café.Photo byDown South Today

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee village neighbor Bell Buckle sits about halfway between Chattanooga and Nashville. The Bell Buckle Café is the village's renowned country restaurant that attracts diners with good local food and the ambience of the rural South plus a big helping of warm hospitality. Local resident Maggie Vaughn, the poet laureate of Tennessee is a café regular and the area is home to many of country music’s biggest stars. Add in the spectacular live music during dinner and you have an introduction to the Tennessee experience.

Bell Buckle Café menu.Photo byDown South Today

The menu is classic country cooking. Many farms dot the surrounding countryside almost guaranteeing abundant seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits. Meats include Tennessee staples like country ham along with free-range beef and pork. Chicken is local. Tennessee’s Grainger tomatoes, the Volunteer State’s counterpart in quality and taste to Georgia’s Vidalia onion. are staples. Live Bluegrass adds to dining enjoyment at Bell Buckle Cafe.

Country Cookin' means fresh and local at Bell Buckle Café.Photo byDown South Today

For years I have meandered along twisting, two-lane roads into these rolling hills and hollows to dine, drink and learn. Each visit triggers memories of Ireland’s countryside. Blessed with a fairytale name, Bell Buckle glows with charm while Lynchburg maintains an exalted status as the only forever home of the world’s most popular whiskey.

These two villages in rural middle Tennessee showcase much of America’s grass-roots mosaic. If you suffer from the dreaded Big City Blues, but have no yearning for roughing it, then destination gems Bell Buckle and Lynchburg will welcome you with friendly arms.

"The Jack," by Georgia's "Queen of Folk Art," Olivia Thomason.Photo byDown South Today