CHICAGO, June 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Which cities smoke the rest when it comes to great barbecue? CheapTickets.com booking and survey data reveals the top 10 cities for barbecue in the United States, with Memphis, Austin and Kansas City topping the finger-licking list. According to a new survey released by CheapTickets.com, nearly 40 percent of Americans are willing to travel for food they love, and with the Fourth of July right around the corner, nothing says all-American cuisine quite like a mouthwatering barbecue feast.1
"Based on CheapTickets.com survey results, folks are willing to travel for tasty barbecue this summer so we did the legwork to find out which cities Americans thought topped the list," said Gayle Pigatto, general manager of CheapTickets.com. "Those hopping on a plane over Fourth of July weekend in search of the best slab of ribs can keep costs down by traveling on the actual holiday, which can save a family of four nearly $150 on airfare. Then, stack a CheapTickets hotel promotion code on top of that to get 20 percent off a hotel stay. With travel deals this good, why not go on a hunt for great barbecue?"
In addition to spicing up the Fourth of July with good barbecue, CheapTickets is bringing down travel costs over the holiday weekend. Travelers who book through June 22 can use the CheapTickets promo code SEEYALATER to save 20 percent off participating hotels. To book a cheap getaway now or for complete terms, visit http://www.cheaptickets.com/travel-deals/exclusive-hotel-deals/.
CHEAPTICKETS' TOP 10 BBQ DESTINATIONS2
|
CheapTickets Top 10 Cities for Barbecue |
Average Daily Hotel Prices |
2014 Average Airfare |
|
| 1 | Memphis, Tennessee | $121 | $416 |
| 2 | Austin, Texas | $147 | $399 |
| 3 | Kansas City, Missouri | $140 | $330 |
| 4 | New Orleans, Louisiana | $292 | $482 |
| 5 | Nashville, Tennessee | $105 | $370 |
| 6 | Charlotte, North Carolina | $100 | $359 |
| 7 | Dallas, Texas | $207 | $322 |
| 8 | Savannah, Georgia | $134 | $476 |
| 9 | Atlanta, Georgia | $146 | $314 |
| 10 | Louisville, Kentucky | $106 | $362 |
CHEAPTICKETS "ALL AMERICAN BARBECUE SMACK DOWN"3
There is always a lot of competition around what city has the best barbecue. CheapTickets' Facebook fans can now vote for their favorite barbecue destinations in the CheapTickets "All American Barbecue Smack Down" through June 27. Voters will be entered to win free airfare for themselves and three friends. The best barbecue city gets bragging rights for a whole year. To vote, enter and view the complete terms, visit www.facebook.com/cheaptickets.
LOOKING FOR A FINGER-LICKING GOOD BARBECUE SPOT? CHECK OUT OUR EDITORS' TOP THREE EATS AND ACTIVITIES FOR FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND
Memphis, Tennessee – Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, baseball and fireworks
It's love with a capital Q at this joint, located "in the alley, downstairs, behind 52 South Second in downtown Memphis." The Rendezvous has been serving barbecue for three generations, and no trip to the area would be complete without visiting the famed restaurant, which has played host to everyone from Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones to the recent visit of Princes William and Harry in May. While the Rendezvous is known for its dry rub seasoned ribs, the menu features all kinds of delicacies, including the five-pound skillet of barbecued shrimp. Travelers can catch a Memphis Redbirds game that weekend, complete with fireworks on July 4 and 5.
Kansas City, Missouri – BB's Lawnside Blues & BBQ and KCRiverFest
For those looking for dinner and a show, it's hard to beat BB's, which offers world-class blues entertainment alongside mouthwatering barbecue. One of the spot's most interesting offerings? Its BBQ Sundae: A mason jar layered with pit-smoked baked beans, cole slaw and pulled pork (garnished with a dill pickle spear, of course). On July 4, the KCRiverFest at Berkley Riverfront Park boasts great music, carnival rides and games, and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Midwest.
Austin, Texas – John Mueller Meat Co. & Austin Symphony Orchestra
BBQ buffs have their pick of some of the nation's best BBQ in Austin. John Mueller has been synonymous with BBQ in Austin since his original trailer-based operation, JMueller. Now with a slightly more grown-up operation, John Mueller Meat Co. opened up shop in early 2014, combining two of the most important elements in 'cue: the smokehouse and the butcher, out of his signature trailer. Styled as a backyard BBQ, John Mueller Meat Co. is just the ticket for travelers in the market for brisket and sausage with a downhome experience in Austin this Independence Day. Bring comfortable shoes because Mr. Mueller draws quite a crowd – but it's tempered by free beers for those waiting in line. Travelers looking to take in a bit culture along with their BBQ this Independence Day need to look no further than Austin. Every year, the Austin Symphony Orchestra draws thousands for their free performance of Fourth of July Fireworks & Symphony, taking place this year at Austin360 Amphitheatre.
1Survey fielded by CheapTickets.com to 502 adults via Google Consumer Surveys from June 5 – 7, 2014.
2Top 10 barbecue cities were selected by CheapTickets' editors from the site's top 50 markets July 3-6, 2014. Top 10 cities were then ranked by consumers via Google Consumer Surveys.
3No purchase necessary. Contest open only to legal residents of the United States (including the District of Columbia) who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Visit www.facebook.com/cheaptickets for complete contest rules.
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