Written by Danielle Taylor | Header photo by Melissa Thrush Photography

Thousands of family farms dot the rolling hills of the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors region, and as you drive the country roads crisscrossing the area, you’ll see green fields dotted with cows, barns rustling with muddy pigs, and flocks of free-range chickens wandering through yards and gardens. In addition to enhancing the roadside scenery, the abundance of livestock here creates another local benefit: barbecue.

To open as many eyes (and mouths) as possible to the wealth of smoked goodness found in this region, the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau has partnered with a number of local nonprofits, BBQ restaurants, community organizers, and folks with good taste to bring you the following BBQ-focused events.

• Clarion BBQ Festival, May 18-20 – Clarion Mall, Clarion
• Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Cook-Off Competition, June 22-23 – Fox Township Volunteer Fire Company, Kersey
• Kill the Grill Smoke-Only BBQ Competition, July 7 – Elk Country Visitor Center, Benezette
• All Fired Up and Kickin’ Ash BBQ Competition, September 22, Emporium

Whether you prefer fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled chicken and pork, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and turkey, or the array of sides that accompany the main course, you’ll find plenty to fill your belly and warm your soul. To get your tastebuds primed, stop out to Devil’s BBQ in Brookville this Saturday for their Grand Opening event, complete with BBQ favorites, cornhole, giveaways, and more.

For more information, go to VisitPAGO.com/BBQ or call (814) 849-5197.