Cake-baker extraordinaire Buddy Valastro may face long hours in his bakery as he preps confections for his customers, but this summer he's trading in his apron for a seat belt as he and his family head off on the ultimate road trip. Premiering on Friday, May 27 at 8|7c, Buddy's Family Vacation kicks off from the Valastro home in New Jersey; for three weeks, this family of six will scour the South in search of down-home eats and also take in the culture for which hot spots such as Charleston, S.C., Savannah and New Orleans are known.

In true Valastro style, Buddy and his wife, Lisa, aren't taking a back seat to adventure as they revel in family time with their young kids, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years old. When they're not feeding gators or hunting for ghosts, they'll be enjoying regional delicacies, both foreign and familiar. Shrimp and grits, fried chicken and flounder — it's all on the menu. And, of course, there will be no shortage of sweet treats if Buddy has anything to say about it. The Valastros will learn the secrets to preparing beloved regional classics and hear from the local legends who are making them today.

As anyone who's taken a family vacation can attest, basic guidelines are downright necessary to ensure the trip's success — and everyone's sanity. For Buddy and his wife, that means instituting rules of the road, including encouraging their kids to try a new food daily and trying not to kill each other as they face long hours together in the RV.

You're in luck, fans. To celebrate the start of the series, there will be two back-to-back new episodes of Buddy's Family Vacation when it premieres Friday, May 27. The first one will start at 8|7c, followed by another episode at 8:30|7:30c. Mark your calendars now.