When we did 'the tour' we went round Alabama, Tennesses and Kansas City / Missouri had a great time. You don't have to be a member of KCBS (we were at first but then dropped it), but if you are I'm sure Karen Walker will give you some advice ... she's a great help ... tell her that you cook with the British Team that she met at The Royal last year ... also she's on facebook if you want to touch base before that.
Have fun and when in Alabama be careful of people offering you liquid in Jars .... it's moonshine, it's great and it'll blow your socks off!!!