While a long weekend in Austin is worthwhile in itself—it’s widely known as the live music capital of the world—it’s also a worthy pilgrimage for anyone interested in delicious barbecue. The city is home to some of the state’s most iconic spots for classic Central Texas BBQ (characterized by its oak and pecan wood-smoked brisket and ribs), but the charming surrounding Hill Country towns like Lockhart, Taylor, and Spicewood are must-stops on any mini road-trip itinerary, as well. It’s here that the region’s signature “meat market” style barbecue restaurants are at their best. And you’ll get a slice of small-town Texas life, too.

In Austin, hop in your Ford Expedition. Drive 45 minutes northwest to Spicewood (population: 7,666), home to Opie’s, known for its racks of sweet-and-spicy ribs, brisket, and huge pork chops; guests choose their own cuts from a black, 12-foot-long metal pit. Pro tip: don’t leave without trying the tater-tot casserole. And if you’re overnighting in Spicewood, the Krause Springs camping ground is just a few minutes from town. It’s on the National Registry of Historic Sites, and comprises 115 acres of stunning natural springs and forest—plenty of room to hike off a bit of the barbecue. Luckily, the Expedition comes with plenty of storage¹ for tents, sleeping bags, and any other camping equipment you want to bring, even with the whole family in tow.

Next, it’s on to the town of Taylor—about 62 miles east of Spicewood—where two Hill Country favorites are located. The second-generation, family-run Louie Mueller is a brick-fronted classic, opened by its namesake in 1949. The beef ribs draw barbecue disciples from around the country, but it’s also worth trying the perfectly-smoked jalapeno sausages and pork ribs. There’s also Taylor Cafe around the corner, a dive joint in the best kind of way, with neon signs and taxidermy deer heads on the walls. The “three-meat plate” makes an ideal lunch—try the supremely tender brisket, the smoky pork ribs, and turkey sausage.

It’s about an hour’s drive south to Lockhart, made all the easier with the Ford Expedition’s available Adaptive Cruise Control² with stop-and-go and Lane Keeping System.³ Lockhart is arguably the epicenter of Hill Country barbecue territory, with Black’s Barbecue (founded in 1932), Smitty’s Market, and Kreuz Market (dating back to 1900), three legends in their own right, offering sublime brisket, chops, and ribs. And there are also relative newcomers that have become favorites to later generations, including Chisholm Trail BBQ, known as the under-the-radar local favorite. Aside from the classics, Chisholm is known for its family-sized portions of chicken-fried steak and fajitas.

Back in Austin (about a 30-mile straight shot north of Lockhart), check-in to the South Congress Hotel, the upscale, Mid-century-inspired, 83-room boutique property with its own culinary bona fides, as you’ll want to spend a day or two exploring the state capital’s own barbecue scene. Although it’s only been around since 2012, la Barbecue has established itself as a favorite for the house-made sausages, perfectly vinegary pulled pork, and chipotle coleslaw, and also for the setting. Here, food is ordered and served from a trailer, which is then taken to picnic tables under a canopy of live oak trees. And at Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ, owner Miguel Vidal adds a distinct twist to central Texas classics, like the smoked brisket or cerveza-marinated steak tacos, both topped with sea salt lime guacamole and tomato serrano sala in a griddled, homemade tortilla. Talk about barbecue nirvana.