There is so much about the beautiful Bluegrass State to love, that some things often get overlooked, or lost in the shuffle. There are an abundance of places to appreciate the serenity of nature, along with the art and creations of our people. We have some amazing secrets in Kentucky that just need to be told, as there is more to us than bourbon, horses and horse racing.
Here are 12 amazing secrets in Kentucky that everyone should know:
- Latonia
Latonia Have you heard of it? Latonia was a town until 1909 when it became part of Covington, but it is a part of Kentucky’s history by itself. The little community is smack full of historic sites, buildings and stories. Ritte’s Corner is a 5-way intersection holding historical significance, and the business district is like stepping back into the late 1800s.
- The story behind Daniel Boone’s grave
J Stephen Conn You may not be aware of this… but Daniel Boone actually died and was originally buried in Missouri. Some Kentuckians learned of his location, disinterred the grave, and brought his body back to Frankfort Cemetery in Kentucky, where it is currently buried.
- Little Sturgis
Scott Clark If you are a fan of motorcycles, you will be happy to know Kentucky has their own version of “Sturgis”. The Kentucky Motorcycle Rally takes place annually at 1221 N Main Street in Sturgis Kentucky. This year the rally will begin on July 14th and end on July 17th. The amount of collectable and customized bikes that show up at this rally can almost compete with the big Sturgis… but on a much smaller scale.
- Beer Cheese
Stu Spivack If you like cheese and beer, why not try them together. That is what happened in Winchester, and it is the greatest dip for warm pretzels, breadsticks and chips ever made. It also makes a delicious topping for sandwiches, adding a unique flavor. There are dozens of recipes, as everyone has their own version in restaurants and at home. You may not be able to find this interesting dip/spread outside Kentucky, especially in restaurants, but if you do, give it a try.
- Home of the world’s two largest bats
Caufields The two largest bats in the world are in Louisville Kentucky. A replica of a real bat can be seen hanging on the side of Caufield’s at 1006 W. Main Street.
- The Louisville Slugger bat
Louisville Slugger The largest wooden bat in the world stands beside the Louisville Slugger Museum close by at 800 W Main Street.
- Home to one of the World’s largest Halloween Parties
Louisville Zoo It is held annually at the Louisville Zoo. The zoo is open late so kids and adults can dress up, gather candy and experience the zoo, with an extra dose of “scary”. People come from all around to enjoy the festivities.
- Ale 8
Ale 8 If you are a Ginger Ale fan, you have got to try Ale 8, if you haven’t already. It is the Kentucky version of Ginger Ale, and in my humble opinion, the best version. Our ginger soda has been brewed in Winchester since 1926.
- Pennyrile Forest State Resort Lodge, 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road in Dawson Springs
Pennyrile This is a beautiful part of Kentucky that gets overlooked due to places like Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls. The forest offers the same renowned beauty, but doesn’t get the marketing of the others. If you are looking for a serene spot that isn’t overrun by tourism, Pennyrile is a perfect destination.
- Wine
Purple Toad Kentucky bourbon is renowned around the world, so much so the Japanese are actually buying distilleries in Kentucky… but no one talks about our delicious wine. There are an abundance of wineries all across the state that no one ever talks about, and this is a shame. The fruit is grown on site at our local wineries, like Elk Creek in Owenton, Stonebrook in Melbourne, and Purple Toad in Paducah. I actually prefer the wine over the bourbon.
- World’s deepest and shortest underground river
Lost River Cave Most people know of the renowned Mammoth Cave, but Lost River Cave in Bowling Green is home to both the world’s shortest and deepest underground rivers. It is not as massive as Mammoth, but it does happen to have a cave entrance that is the largest this side of the Mississippi as well. It makes for a very unique visit and place to explore and is often overlooked.
- Lighthouse Landing
Lighthouse Landing Lighthouse Landing is located at 320 W Commerce Avenue in Grand Rivers. An actual lighthouse sits on the lake offering a breathtaking view for visitors, but there are also cottages. You can rent one of the quaint little cottages and enjoy a magnificent view, serene walks and any water sports you’d like to participate in. There is also an RV park for those that prefer their cottage be mobile.
Each one of these amazing secrets in Kentucky may not be something whispered about, but they aren’t as known as our bigger attractions. There is so much about this state to enjoy, some things get passed over. What places or things would you add to the list?
Latonia
Have you heard of it? Latonia was a town until 1909 when it became part of Covington, but it is a part of Kentucky’s history by itself. The little community is smack full of historic sites, buildings and stories. Ritte’s Corner is a 5-way intersection holding historical significance, and the business district is like stepping back into the late 1800s.
J Stephen Conn
You may not be aware of this… but Daniel Boone actually died and was originally buried in Missouri. Some Kentuckians learned of his location, disinterred the grave, and brought his body back to Frankfort Cemetery in Kentucky, where it is currently buried.
Scott Clark
If you are a fan of motorcycles, you will be happy to know Kentucky has their own version of “Sturgis”. The Kentucky Motorcycle Rally takes place annually at 1221 N Main Street in Sturgis Kentucky. This year the rally will begin on July 14th and end on July 17th. The amount of collectable and customized bikes that show up at this rally can almost compete with the big Sturgis… but on a much smaller scale.
Stu Spivack
If you like cheese and beer, why not try them together. That is what happened in Winchester, and it is the greatest dip for warm pretzels, breadsticks and chips ever made. It also makes a delicious topping for sandwiches, adding a unique flavor. There are dozens of recipes, as everyone has their own version in restaurants and at home. You may not be able to find this interesting dip/spread outside Kentucky, especially in restaurants, but if you do, give it a try.
Caufields
The two largest bats in the world are in Louisville Kentucky. A replica of a real bat can be seen hanging on the side of Caufield’s at 1006 W. Main Street.
Louisville Slugger
The largest wooden bat in the world stands beside the Louisville Slugger Museum close by at 800 W Main Street.
Louisville Zoo
It is held annually at the Louisville Zoo. The zoo is open late so kids and adults can dress up, gather candy and experience the zoo, with an extra dose of “scary”. People come from all around to enjoy the festivities.
Ale 8
If you are a Ginger Ale fan, you have got to try Ale 8, if you haven’t already. It is the Kentucky version of Ginger Ale, and in my humble opinion, the best version. Our ginger soda has been brewed in Winchester since 1926.
Pennyrile
This is a beautiful part of Kentucky that gets overlooked due to places like Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls. The forest offers the same renowned beauty, but doesn’t get the marketing of the others. If you are looking for a serene spot that isn’t overrun by tourism, Pennyrile is a perfect destination.
Purple Toad
Kentucky bourbon is renowned around the world, so much so the Japanese are actually buying distilleries in Kentucky… but no one talks about our delicious wine. There are an abundance of wineries all across the state that no one ever talks about, and this is a shame. The fruit is grown on site at our local wineries, like Elk Creek in Owenton, Stonebrook in Melbourne, and Purple Toad in Paducah. I actually prefer the wine over the bourbon.
Lost River Cave
Most people know of the renowned Mammoth Cave, but Lost River Cave in Bowling Green is home to both the world’s shortest and deepest underground rivers. It is not as massive as Mammoth, but it does happen to have a cave entrance that is the largest this side of the Mississippi as well. It makes for a very unique visit and place to explore and is often overlooked.
Lighthouse Landing
Lighthouse Landing is located at 320 W Commerce Avenue in Grand Rivers. An actual lighthouse sits on the lake offering a breathtaking view for visitors, but there are also cottages. You can rent one of the quaint little cottages and enjoy a magnificent view, serene walks and any water sports you’d like to participate in. There is also an RV park for those that prefer their cottage be mobile.
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