Hospitality and Culinary Scene Is Better In the Bluegrass

From horse racing and Bourbon Country, to the culture of Appalachia, Civil War significance and Abraham Lincoln, Kentucky is a state enriched with deep traditions, important history and authentic heritage.

For years, Kentucky has been a hidden gem of Southern fare – but now, with its recent arrival in the renowned James Beard House, its evolving cuisine is taking the national stage and proving why the culinary scene is Better in the Bluegrass!.

“We are so fortunate in Kentucky to have what many people automatically associate with us our bourbon industry and our beautiful horse industry,” said Kentucky Tourism Commissioner Kristen Branscum. ” Ninety-five percent of the world’s bourbon is made right in Kentucky so we call it more of a lifestyle than just a product so it is really interesting to have that as a tourism draw. But, we have a diverse landscape in Kentucky for a relatively small state. Whether you want to be in the flatlands, on the river the southern lakes, whether you want the city feel or rural in northern Kentucky and of course there are horse farms in central Kentucky and then the Appalachian Mountains in the east, it truly offers something for everyone. And every one of these regions in Kentucky has a distinct culinary flavor and chefs like Chef Ouita are really telling the Kentucky story through their food.”

While best known for its signature drink offerings (see bourbon distilleries, wine country, and the famous Kentucky Derby mint julep), The Bluegrass State is also home to a number of eclectic restaurants, innovative food dishes and a hearty culinary heritage. You’ll find some of the best cuisine in America right in Kentucky.

“Kentucky cuisine is based on its agriculture because we have thousands of Kentucky farmers producing the goods that we use on our Kentucky table,” said Kentucky Chef Ouita Michel. “We brought all Kentucky products to our James Beard dinner and we are making dishes like pulled lamb on a Kentucky Hoe Cake, slow cooked collard greens and spicy pickles. We brought up some special peas. We have fresh blacked eyed peas, and slow dried chutney beans which are special beans from the Hyman Settlement school in east Kentucky.”

Hidden gems in the bluegrass include:

Mammoth Cave

From a 45-minute introductory tour of the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave, to the wilder Kentucky cave tours in Kentucky’s karst country or a tour of the American Cave Museum, everyone can experience the excitement of exploring Kentucky caves and caverns, perhaps the greatest natural attraction in the state.

Eastern Kentucky

Visit Eastern Kentucky where the State’s famed bluegrass folds gently into its ruggedly scenic mountains. Discover a region whose unsurpassed natural beauty, varied outdoor recreation, friendly small towns and fascinating folk culture and heritage beckon the visitor to explore and experience it in a variety of ways.

Eastern Kentucky Group Favorite Stops Include:

Travel scenic byways including US 23, Country Music Highway, honoring stars born and raised in the area. Other areas highways include the Mountain Parkway and I-64.

Morehead: Daniel Boone National Forest Visitor Center, Minor E. Clark Fish Hatcher, Cave Run Lake, Kentucky Folk Art Center and

Pikeville: Hatfields & McCoys Historic Feud Tour, Alltech's Dueling Barrels Distillery and Brewer, Pikeville Cut Through & Scenic Overlook, Breaks Interstate Park.

Kentucky is full of fun for the whole family! No matter what you and the kids love to do, you’ll find something new and exciting here, from outdoor adventures to journeys through history and culture.

Family Fun Includes:

Underground Cave Boat Tours

When you arrive at the massive cave entrance, prepare to board Kentucky’s only underground boat tour. Duck your head for just a moment as you glide under the famous wishing rock. Touch the cool limestone ceiling before the passage opens into a cathedral-like cavern. Sturdy shoes recommended. No dogs allowed on tours.

Louisville MEGA Cavern & MEGA Zips

Mega ZIps, the only underground Zipline adventure in the world, with 6 different zips. This is a 2 1/2 hour adventure ~ reservations are required and can be booked at Louisvillemegacavern.com.

You'll hop on a SUV-pulled tram and be joined by a MEGA Cavern expert who will guide your adventure. It's a 60-70 minute tour, strategically lit to enjoy highlights such as: Early Cavern Formations A Historic Replica of the Cuban Missile Fallout Bunker A Worm Recycling/Tasting Room Sights and Facts of the Early Mining Operation.

Visit KentuckyTourism.com

About Chef Ouita Michel

Chef Michel has always made locally grown ingredients a priority in her restaurants. She and her husband, Chris, bought the Holly Hill Inn in 2000 and opened the fine dining restaurant in May 2001. Michel’s use of locally sourced foods both helps sustain Bluegrass family farms and provides her customers only the freshest, best-tasting fine cuisine.. Her reputation and commitment to sustainability have earned speaking invitations and awards from local, regional and national organizations. A graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Ouita has been a James Beard Foundation Award nominee as Outstanding Restaurateur and as Best Chef Southeast numerous times. Her restaurants are regularly featured in local and national media, such as CBS This Morning, USA Today, Wine Spectator, Garden & Gun, Southern Living and The New York Times.

Courtesy: Kentucky Department of Tourism