As soon as the last patches of snow vanish from the valleys of Vermont and the crisp air gives way to the scent of warming earth, there’s a familiar excitement in the wind. It isn’t just the awakening of spring – it’s the return of woodsmoke, the sizzle of grilled meat, and the unmistakable, hunger-inducing aroma of barbecue curling through the trees. If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a hidden food gem along a quiet country road, one that feels like a secret passed from local to local, this one’s for you. Welcome to a dining experience that adds a smoky twist to your Vermont escape.
The Man Behind The Bus And The Magic
Curtis Tuff didn’t set out to be a barbecue legend – he just followed the road where it led. A native of Georgia, Curtis spent years as a traveling fruit picker before life brought him to southern Vermont. With a recipe steeped in Southern tradition and a school bus he retrofitted into a kitchen, he planted roots in Putney more than five decades ago. And what began as a humble roadside pit stop has turned into an essential chapter in Vermont’s food story.
Curtis keeps the menu refreshingly simple – fall-off-the-bone ribs and juicy grilled chicken are the stars of the show. But what sets them apart is the way they’re prepared: slow, smoky, and slathered in a tangy, house-made sauce that hints at peaches, vinegar, and the patience of someone who knows what great barbecue really is.
Served up alongside classic southern-style sides – think baked beans with a molasses kiss, creamy slaw with a cooling crunch, and cornbread just sweet enough – it’s a hearty, joy-bringing meal that feels like home, even if you’re miles from yours.
Curtis’ Roadside Smokehouse On Wheels
Tucked beside a quiet stretch just off Route 91, Curtis’ All American BBQ isn’t your average roadside stop – it’s a beloved institution. Housed in a converted vintage school bus painted in cheerful shades of blue, this smoky marvel has been pulling in fans and foodies for generations. The bus, resting comfortably under towering trees, is impossible to miss. Fragrant smoke billows from handmade pits nearby, signaling to your senses that you’ve stumbled across something special. Whether you’re just passing through or making it your destination, the tangy aroma that drapes the place will pull you in like gravity.
Doors swing open on warm-weather days from April through November, transforming this little corner of Putney into a backyard feast for the senses. There’s a laid-back charm to it all: the friendly chatter, the gleaming sauce-stained hands, the slow dance of smoke rising over the tree line. And always, the promise of a meal that’ll stick with you long after your plate is clean.
Alfresco Eats And All The Details
Dining here is as relaxed and unpretentious as it gets. Rows of picnic tables stretch beneath the open sky, inviting you to sit a while, soak up the sunshine, and savor every bite in true backyard style. Kids laugh, dogs wait patiently underfoot, and the occasional banjo riff makes its way from someone’s radio. It’s not just lunch – it’s an experience, complete with messy hands and full hearts. Curtis’ BBQ operates Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. until dusk, open seasonally from April into early November.
You’ll find this flavor-filled bus parked confidently at 7 Putney Landing Road in Putney, Vermont – just far enough from the highway to feel like a hidden secret, but easy enough to swing by whenever barbecue cravings strike.
Backyard Grilling Vibes Return To Vermont
There’s something magical about the first cookouts of spring. After months of gray skies and snow-covered porches, Vermonters roll open the garage doors, dust off their grills, and usher in the season with the satisfying crackle of charcoal and laughter in the breeze. But let’s be honest – not all of us are pitmasters. Luckily, even if your idea of “grilling” means watching someone else do it, you’re in for a treat. For a taste that rivals any backyard hero, head to the rolling hills of Putney, where one extraordinary roadside joint turns classic barbecue into an art form – all served up from a sky-blue school bus.
A Smoky Slice Of Vermont You Didn’t See Coming
Something about a school bus filled with the scent of hardwood smoke just sticks with you. Curtis’ All American BBQ is an unforgettable slice of roadside Americana, blending Southern soul with Green Mountain hospitality. And just when you think Vermont’s school bus cuisine couldn’t get more creative, there’s another chef nearby serving magic from behind windshield glass, too. But that’s another story for another day.
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