Thank you all for your sugestions. I will certainly give some of them a try. I can attest to the Owensboro KY suggestions, The Moonlihgt is good but I do like the Shady Rest. BBQ is a little different in western KY being lamb, not pork or beef. I've also been to both places in Paducah and liked them quite a bit. My husband and I are always on a BBQ quest. We've done Corky's in Memphis and occasionally go to one of their branches in Knoxville. I think actually if it is BBQ and is in Memphis we've "been there, ate that". I also agree that the shack by the side of the road generally has the better Q. I will report back when we return. If any of you feel like a trip to Owensboro don't neglect to try the Burgoo too. Sort of like Brunswick Stew, but Kentucky style.
Kentucky