Looking where to fly in the US for a 3-5 days trip to eat the best BBQ the country has to offer

Good day to all :)

Canadian here, I've been thinking for a while to do a 3 to 5 days trip down south to taste the best barbecue that the USA has to offer. I will be limited to up to three states next to each other at most due to time contraints, but I need your advice on where I can get the best barbecue experience!

I need ideas of restaurants, places and even hotels/motels if you know a good one or two for the trip.

As a fat man, this will be my last big splurge of food before I begin my diet to lose a good amount of weight. So, please give me your recommendations! And you know what, why don't you put it in this excel sheet so that makes it easier for me to arrange :) There's a food and a lodging tab: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-2k7WeDQ3o6eLjgeFYXZ_Bqf-oK1mmlRrGMi_l2BOsI/edit?usp=sharing

Of course you can always put it in the comments as well!

Thank you in advance!