Situated right next to the tarmac of the Gilliam-McConnell airfield is the Pik-n-Pig, an old-fashioned BBQ restaurant that has truly made a name for itself through the years. The emphasis here is on slow-cooked BBQ using hickory and hardwood charcoal cooked over a natural wood fire, making the BBQ extra juicy and delicious. This has been a family-owned and operated business for over 40 years, with their motto being “Wer cookin’ it with love, all day, everyday. ‘Cause to us, everyone is family…”
To me, being able to eat a delicious BBQ dinner while watching the planes take off and land is such a unique and fun experience for people of all ages. One pilot flies here all the way from Rochester, NY just to have lunch!
Here’s a video I took during one of our visits a few years ago. You can get an idea of what it’s like seeing the planes take off!
Sadly, the restaurant was destroyed in a fire last May. We often stopped here on our way to the Uwharrie Mountains and I was hoping to bring my kids here soon because they’re at the perfect age to really enjoy the airplanes.
The owner, Ashley Shephard, has not given up despite this setback. The family has brought their famous BBQ to events like the Pinehurst BBQ Festival and the NC State Fair to raise funds and have received thousands of dollars in donations from community members to help them rebuild. Thankfully, construction is already underway in the same location and the family is hoping to re-open this May.
The plans for the rebuild were drawn up by restaurant regular and architect, Bill Russell, and include a very similar style and feel to the original building, like the rustic wood slabs on the exterior. Roland Gilliam, owner of the property and the airfield, was able to restore the original historic post office windows where customers checked out. Thanks to a mobile trailer that the Shephard family uses for festivals, the Pik-n-Pig was able to serve their famous BBQ for the Santa Fly-In event at the airfield this past Christmas. To me, this is a sign that the restaurant will be back and better than ever in no time. We’re going to keep our eyes out for the day this BBQ gem re-opens; see if you beat us there!
The Pik-n-Pig is located about halfway between Raleigh and Charlotte in the small historic town of Carthage, NC. It’s a little over an hour from Raleigh and just under 2 hours from Charlotte. Or you could just as easily fly here! If you’re looking to explore the area a little more, check out our article about the Uwharrie Mountains nearby. And consider renting a room in this historic Inn:
The Old Buggy Inn – this is a Queen Ann Victorian style house built by the president of the Tyson and Jones Buggy Company in 1880. I’d love to stay here and learn more about its history!
So keep your eye out for the re-opening of the Pik-n-Pig and make sure not to miss this hidden gem!
