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    Smithville Jamboree

    5.0 (1 review)

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    11 years ago

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    Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue

    Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue

    4.5(4 reviews)
    56.2 mi

    In 2022, 85 championship teams from across the world convened in Lynchburg, TN to compete for the…read morecoveted title of "The Jack Grand Champion," and judging by their website the Grand Champion team receives a $25K check - not bad!!! my husband and I completed our training and received our Kansas City Barbecue Society [KCBS] BBQ judge's certification and were excited to attend [not judge but attend] our first BBQ competition! It's held annually in October and is such a lovely drive up to Lynchburg! Gary N did a great job of accurately capturing the "feel" of the event in his numerous photos posted here! There are a lot of vendors set up for this event selling eats, t-shirts, and more. There's a large, covered pavilion where the judging happens, and spectators can watch from bleachers. I don't recall the number of judges but I do recall at least one local "celebrity" newscaster among the judges. The Styrofoam containers for judging are deftly prepared and rushed to the judging area with immense intensity - it really is something to watch, and the "food runner" will scream at you to "get out of the way" if they need to! Others referenced free samples, which wasn't the case on our visit, except for the international area. No guests/visitors get samples of the competition BBQ to my knowledge. If you want lunch, you'll need to get something from the vendors. However, the international area competitors did offer us ample samples of their BBQ. They were all very friendly, too! The competition area is fairly spread out, so wear comfortable shoes and the entryway is sloped, so there's that. It's free as far as I know, and everyone should attend at least one championship BBQ competition - the Jack Daniels event is a well-run, fun one to attend.

    The damp weather did not effect the day much, but you had to come prepared. One of the best things…read moreof this event is the Fall Peak colors as you drive in from any direction. Coming from Chattanooga area we chose to take the scenic drive down the old highway from Monteagle through Sewanee. As you arrive into town you can start seeing the smoke and smelling the BBQ. This is a very small town but everyone seems to be selling parking. $5-$10 mostly. We parked very close to downtown. The square is fully covered with tents and vendors as you walk in, live country music is playing. All the downtown shops are open and plenty to explore and see in the town. However, food is in our mind and we continue down to the food tents and competition area. Lots of free samples, but I did not see any from the competitors which was a disappointment. But still plenty to see and try. They also have food instructions, vendor demos, Etc I do wish they would move this so it is not the same weekend as Tennessee vs Alabama. We left early to catch the game as I am sure many do. At the least put a big screen up for the crowd. Lynchburg is a great small town and one you should visit. Jack Daniels is a short walk and free tour. Great day.

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    Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue - JD store

    JD store

    Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue
    Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue - BBQ tents

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    BBQ tents

    Lucky Ladd Farms - Raccoon

    Lucky Ladd Farms

    4.2(71 reviews)
    45.2 mi

    Not only is this the best farm I've ever been to, it is the most life changing thing I have ever…read moreexperienced. I met someone there, someone very special, who goes by the name Roman. Roman Wade to be exact. If you've ever been to Lucky Ladd Farm and didn't meet Roman Wade, you missed out on one of the greatest human experiences the place has to offer. This isn't just a review. This is a tribute -- to a man whose presence turns a simple farm visit into something unforgettable. Roman Wade doesn't just run the cash register -- he runs the room. With a smile that could outshine the Tennessee sun and a vibe so genuinely warm it makes sweet tea taste bitter in comparison, Roman instantly makes every guest feel like family. Kids adore him, parents trust him, and coworkers look up to him. He's got the rare talent of making a transaction feel like a conversation you've waited all week to have. Then there's the gem mining station. Roman doesn't just help you sift through dirt -- he helps you uncover treasure. Whether it's the look in a kid's eyes when they find their first ruby or the way he hypes up a glittering quartz like it's the Hope Diamond, Roman brings joy to every moment. He makes everyone -- everyone -- feel like they struck gold. Behind the scenes, he's just as good. Dependable. Hardworking. Kind. He's the type of guy who shows up early, stays late, helps others without being asked, and treats every guest like they're the reason the farm exists. You can tell he doesn't just work at Lucky Ladd -- he believes in it. And that belief shows up in everything he does. In a world full of average service and forgettable interactions, Roman Wade is a rare gem -- authentic, joyful, and full of heart. He is the heartbeat of Lucky Ladd Farm, and once you've met him, you'll understand why people don't just leave with pumpkins or rocks -- they leave with memories, stories, and the lasting impression of a man who made their day better. Roman Wade isn't just good at his job. He's legendary.

    I love giving a 5 star but I couldn't here. Let's start with why it got 3. Lots of farm style…read morethings for kids to explore! There is a lot to do any season. Butttttt. Bathrooms yall. This is a family park and family's gotta use the bathroom. They only have port o John's. That's fine for a county fair but for a year round experience they should have more options. Also they only have 1 way out in the parking lot to use until you check in. The line during the fall is massive and 1 doesn't cut it. I love the animals but it felt a bit more tiger king to me at points. I didn't understand the other non farm animals. The reservation system while in practice is nice needs work. We went during a busy time of year and didn't know we had to make a reservation until we got to the front of the line. That was 30 minutes in the heat with 3 toddlers. I get that it is on their website but it is not will shown. We heard multiple people also complain that they came and couldn't get in. Maybe a sign in the parking lot, reservations required with a QR code. I wouldn't make the the drive. But your kids most likely would like it.

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    Lucky Ladd Farms
    Lucky Ladd Farms - Raccoon

    Raccoon

    Lucky Ladd Farms

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    Smithville Jamboree - festivals - Updated September 2026

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