My family and I first discovered Coursey's in the late 1950's while taking a float trip down the Buffalo River. The float operation was run by Mr. Coursey. We rented a Jon Boat and set out on a fishing trip, swimming trip for us kids, and enjoyed the incredible scenery along the river. The highlight of the trip was none of the above, which were wonderful in their own right, but the delicious "Shore Lunch" Mr. Coursey had provided, just in case the fishing was slow. That simple brown paper bag contained, among other things, a large chunk of smoked cheese and a smoked ham sandwich, the aroma and taste of which we have never forgotten. At the end of the trip, my dad asked, "Where did you get such a smoked ham?" Turned out Mr. Coursey smoked them himself. We bought one, took it home, and the aroma and taste was intense, much stronger and more flavorful than any ham we had ever experienced.
We continued to do business with them for years and years, enjoying hams ourselves, presenting them as business gifts, and always having one for Christmas dinner. We would buy a whole ham. The flavor was so intense that when you finally got to the bone in the center, the BONE smelled like a hickory stick, much stronger and flavorful than most smoked hams smelled or tasted at the surface. This ham goes beyond any that I've ever had, and I don't say that lightly. For the flavor to reach all the way to the bone and be that strong, well, it is simply beyond any other that I've ever tried.
Restaurants for miles around in the area offer a few slices of Coursey's smoked hams shaved paper thin, but why skimp. Go directly to the source for a generously stacked smoked ham sandwich and experience all their delicacies, smoked sausage and turkey, cheddar and Swiss cheeses and more.
I love smoked ham and have tried many, but for me, Coursey's is the gold standard in smoked ham. I've never found anything even remotely close. On a one to ten scale, Coursey's would be a ten, while literally everything else that I've ever tasted would max out at a solid three. It is difficult to describe in words the difference between a Coursey's ham and all the rest, it is a MUST TRY. And while you're at it, save time to float the Buffalo River, wade in the river, or explore one of the many campgrounds you will find at the ends of marked, long secluded roads.
"The sweet smoked meat elevates this ham sandwich into something special."
Cliff Strutz
"For those who want something to munch on while driving, baggies full of smoked turkey and cheese are available. At a $1.50 a bag, they are a real bargain."
Cliff Strutz
"While there were some smoked hams hanging around, there weren't as many as I had hoped."
Cliff Strutz
"Smoked ham or turkey sandwiches are all you will find on the menu board at Coursey's. "
Cliff Strutz
"Although it is the only eating accommodations Coursey's provides, these shaded picnic tables are a pleasant place to enjoy your sandwich. "
Cliff Strutz
"Mr. Coursey began smoking hams in this old cabin just after World War II."
Michael Stern
"The old weather-beaten sign draws in passing motorists on busy Highway 65."
Cliff Strutz
