On old Hwy 64 (now Hwy 32) a few miles east of Roper, NC, there once was a barbecue restaurant called Simp's. When I was growing up, my parents and I usually stopped there going to and coming home from the Outer Banks. Simp's had the best eastern NC style BBQ I've ever had. After the owner passed away around 10 years ago, the family closed Simp's and never re-opened it. Last week, I went to Nags Head with a new camera, and on my way home, I decided on a whim to see if the old Simp's building was still there. I found it, took some photos, peeked in the windows, and reconnected with a small but significant part of my life. On the drive between Roper and Raleigh, I decided to start a project for a Christmas present for my dad and his brother: a Simp's photo/memory book. After getting home, I started searching the internet for pictures or any information. I was quickly saddened and frustrated when I couldn't find much of anything about this wonderful place! I know it's just an old BBQ restaurant that's not even open anymore, but the love for Simp's is strong from everyone who went there, including me. And perhaps the challenge of finding anything about Simp's motivated me even more. So, this is my journey of putting the pieces of Simp's history back together the best I can. I'll start with a happy and alive picture of Simp's that a kind lady sent me via email yesterday (I'll maintain her privacy, but I'll give credit if asked). Thank you to everyone who is helping me! And if you come across this blog and have anything to contribute (no matter how seemingly small or minor), please feel free to contact me!