Roadtrip from Charlotte to Charlottesville...where's the best Q?

[umyaya]

I need to daytrip from Charlotte to Charlottesville this weekend. Curious what good BBQ spots may be on my path. The obvious stop is Lexington (which I've had many times) so looking for something different.

 

[Gore]

Here are my favorites:
The original Q Shack in Durham. The locals think the food is a bit funny, but this is because it's Texas-style Q. Enjoy the brisket and ribs. Their cobb salad is also fabulous.
https://www.theqshackoriginal.com/

Q BBQ at the turnoff for Charlottesville just north of Richmond (Virginia Center Pkwy location). This is Tuffy Stone's place. I'm a huge fan of their ribs.
https://qbarbeque.com/the-q-story.html

Just north of Charlottesville in the village of Gordonsville (heh heh) is the BBQ Exchange. This is one of my favorite places in the country. The master is CIA trained who wanted to open up a BBQ place in a small town. This is really special stuff. Sometimes a little different, but damn it's good. I've had friends drive the three hours down there just to have lunch.
http://www.bbqex.com/home.html

All three of these are very different from each other and from Lexington BBQ. I've been to at least two dozen others on this route and some of the places are simply awful. These three are among the best I've had in the country. Bring an empty stomach.