South Carolina

The Best Barbecue in the World: Secrets, Sauces and Smokers

Program No. 16610RJ
For some, BBQ is more than just cooking, it’s a way of life. Come see for yourself as you join an experienced Pit-Master for an in-depth look at their culinary craft.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
1,649
Filling Fast!
Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
1,649
Full Inventory
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
1,749
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,099
Filling Fast!
Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
2,099
Full Inventory
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
2,199

At a Glance

Explore the history and experience mouthwatering recreations of the world’s oldest live-fire cuisine! Delve into the evolution, philosophy and customs of this delicious culinary art form with South Carolina Master BBQ Champion and award-winning Chef, Pit-Master Seth Watari. Set out into the antebellum South to discover the secrets to succulent barbecue in South Carolina’s Low Country — a naturally beautiful and culturally rich coastal region that is the undisputed birthplace of southern BBQ.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking 2-3 blocks; some uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn the history, methodology and application of traditional BBQ with exposure to numerous proteins and enjoy hands-on experiences as you prepare perfectly paired side dishes for each day’s themed dinners.
  • Practice cooking methods for rendering tough cuts of meat into succulent BBQ — from proper fuels, injections and rubs to wood types and the proper application of the low-and-slow methodology.
  • Discover how the flavor profiles change with new marinades, injections and dry rubs and transition to hot-and-fast cooking methods.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and evening entertainment on at least one night. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Seth Watari
Seth is an award-winning cook, competition judge and instructor specializing in Lowcountry barbecue native to South Carolina. His interest in barbecue dates back to the mid-1980s when he lived in Herndon, Virginia. He is a cofounder of the Southern Barbecue Network, which sanctions tournaments and certifies judges in South Carolina, and the co-owner and pit master of the Some-R Swine competition team. Seth has also taught at the Carolina Pit Masters Barbecue Cooking School.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Seth Watari
Seth Watari View biography
Seth is an award-winning cook, competition judge and instructor specializing in Lowcountry barbecue native to South Carolina. His interest in barbecue dates back to the mid-1980s when he lived in Herndon, Virginia. He is a cofounder of the Southern Barbecue Network, which sanctions tournaments and certifies judges in South Carolina, and the co-owner and pit master of the Some-R Swine competition team. Seth has also taught at the Carolina Pit Masters Barbecue Cooking School.
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