Spent 6 months in 1998 studying at the University of Kentucky on an exchange programme with my uni in England. 6 months that will live in my heart forever. Go Big Blue!!
One of the best parts of living here in Kentucky (moved here in 2017 from Denver, Colorado) is taking the drives through horse country around Lexington and surrounding areas. It’s The Horse Capital of the World! Touring horse farms is fantastic, too! The pace of life, beauty of the state, changing of seasons and southern hospitality of the people here is not to be matched. I might be annoyed being called “sugar” at the drive through window anywhere else I’ve lived, but here, it is endearing!
Kentuckian here....My grandmother called me "Sug...." (Just like Dale Gribble's wife on King of the Hill). Being called "sugar" is certainly a term of endearment and I miss her calling me that.
Being a Kentucky native, you forget the eastern side of Kentucky, try the state parks, hatfield and mccoy, and the lakes in the eastern and southeastern kentucky
@@BrianRay-y7l i'm from the western part of kentucky and i love east kentucky man, along with a lot of folks who live in the western perts of the commonwealth.
Wow, thanks for doing 2 videos on our state! I'm born and raised from central Kentucky, and while I used to think I would move away when I was a kid as I've gotten older I actually love it here more and more. Nothing beats the heartland. Also, here's a couple of things to add to your list: - Don't think people are referring to the United Kingdom when they say "UK". In Kentucky, UK refers to the University of Kentucky. - Don't try to buy alcohol on Sundays or late at night (most places don't sell after certain times, usually 10, 11 or midnight) - Don't forget other cities like Bowling Green (beautiful with great food) or Elizabethtown (great events like Bikes, Blues and BBQ) - Don't drive fast on the back roads, and watch for deer and Amish - Don't be taken aback when people tell you to have a Blessed Day. - Don't be surprised by how religious we are (you will see roadside crosses and billboards, and we have A LOT of churches) - Don't keep driving if you see a funeral procession. Pull over to the side of the road until it passes even if it's on the other side. Basically, once you get out of Louisville and Northern Kentucky you can treat most of Kentucky like a southern state and follow the same rules from that video. Like don't expect unsweet tea to be the standard (even at places like McDonalds, if you order "tea" they will assume you mean sweet), don't be impolite (hold doors, say please and thank you, respect your elders, etc.), and don't be surprised by the friendliness and the curiosity that comes with it.
Absolutely, and even more...nailed it. I'm northen KY.. we bleed Blue too. ooops, a nephew, and niece went University cardinal, traitors ha ha...we will still LUV them forever 🤪🙏. Not politics, THEN, I go Red!!! lol
The alcohol thing varies widely by county. In Lexington (Fayette County), you can get cocktails in restaurants on Sundays, and grocery stores will sell beer/wine/non-hard liquor for certain hours on Sunday. But there are other counties that are completely dry, so know before you go! :)
You left out "Be Careful". We say that in Kentucky and I believe Oprah or some talk show host interviewed one of us one time and took it threateningly!! Lol it's not a threat. It's saying Be Careful out there...in the world ....in Life!
I live in Richmond and was born in Trapp, KY. This lifelong resident and Country Boy at Heart thought you were gonna bad mouth us until I clicked. Then I subscribed. Thanks for the Positivity. We're more than just Inbred Hillbillies.
That's the problem with you "country people" of our state. You automatically assume that if someone wants to visit or has anything to say about you that it's negative.
Been to Louisville twice - stayed at the Seelbach. Loved the city, and the hotel. Attended the Knob Creek Machinegun Shoot, and took a tour of Waverly Hills.
Kentucky is one of the most underrated states in the US. It has great cities (Louisville, Lexington, etc.), food, and nature. Mammoth Cave National Park is cool and very beautiful. The distilleries also have beautiful grounds. KY is definitely more than Derby and Bourbon!
Thanks for saying that. So many people put this state down all because of foolish stereotypes they see on movies and online. There are great things, and bad things in this state and in every other state in this nation ✌👍
@@BootyToot47 Everybody knows someone like you from every state. I hate my home so the whole state sucks but once I move I'll continue to tell people just how bad the whole state is.
As a Kentucky native he is just about correct on all of it but the real experience of what Kentucky is all about go way out east. Where Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton are from. Absolutely most respectful and remarkable people you could ever meet. The mountains is where you truly experience this beautiful state.
Proud Kentuckian here! If you come back to visit our beautiful state, come join us at Elk Creek Vineyards. We're just north or Frankfort. Not only does Kentucky make the best bourbon but we make great wine as well. Fun fact...the first commercial winery in America was in Kentucky.
Don’t skip on Burnheim Forrest! Truly a wonderful place to go. If you’re a super advanced hiker and have some buddies with you, I’d certainly suggest going on the Millenium Trail. It’s a days hike through beautiful wilderness at 15 miles long. Done it before, and it was amazing!
Born and lived my life in Kentucky. I'm currently living in Indiana and I'm very homesick. Indiana doesn't hold a candle to Kentucky. The best hunting and fishing is in Kentucky. And the Saturday following the Kentucky Derby is the International BBQ Festival in Owensboro. Best BBQ in the world. People from all over come here to sample the foods. And this tradition was started while I was still in high school with just the local catholic churches having fundraisers every year and it took off from there. Yes, there are some counties that are dry. Ohio county is one. But that doesn't mean you can't buy booze there. You just have to know who to ask. Yes, country folk still make their own whiskey, no liquor tax of course but I'm not complaining. 😄
Somerset Kentucky is the car cruise capital of the world. Always have a monthly car show during the summer. Also Lake Cumberland has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida
Don’t miss Shaker Village, the Dollhouse Museum in Danville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, and all the stops on the Lincoln Heritage trail (far more stops than just his birthplace). Lots of great state parks, but I love Audubon State Park in Henderson.
Born and raised in Northern Ky… We will make your stay an enjoyable and FUN while you’re here!! Soo much more to do than the Bourbon trail… love where I’m from!!!
Been listening to these as I drive around (I live in Australia and drive a lot for work). Will be going to America in 2023 hopefully maybe for a 12 week trip around the west coast! Thanks for the very interesting and informative videos!
Come to Kentucky! And don’t just come to the derby and the big cities come see some nice towns more western side. I would recommend going to the Paducah, Murray, & Mayfield area. Murray State University is one of the most amazing places I’ve seen. It was actually supposed to built in Mayfield. There’s also Princeton they’ve got beautiful landscapes & farmland with an amazing dining place through the farm. Kentucky is an amazing & underrated state, I hope you consider going towards our western side over here! It’s just as awesome as the big cities.
Thanks Brittany! There's so much to do I'll have to do many trips to see it all! I do have family in Ohio so could probably swing by Kentucky on the way :).
Hi Russell. I’m near Salem Oregon but live in the country. If you like cities, I’m not for you. But if you feel like chatting a few hours with a real country guy, I’ll host you at home. I enjoy engaging with people. I’m taking a road trip to see Ohio and Kentucky next week then back home. Hit me up if your in my area.
This is why I struggle to travel. I don’t drink, do horses, or the usual guy stuff. I prefer to engage with country people who like music, build for themselves, and enjoy interacting. I’m coming to Ohio/Kentucky starting April 22. If anyone feels like chatting with an Oregonian, I’d love to stop by for coffee…or longer. Otherwise, just wave when I drive by.
@@Jprid thanks for the reply and the offer! I have now postponed the trip to maybe September 2024 as I started a new job and can't take a lot of leave yet. But am now thinking of doing New York, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. One of my uncle's lives in Oregon actually. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Louisville Is My Second Home, Shoutout To Louisville, Much Love & Respect From Me Cincinnati. 💯 They Always Show Me Love Every Time I'm Down There. I'LL ALWAYS HOLD IT DOWN FROM THE 513 TO THE 502 KEEPIN' IT FOREVER T.R.U. 💯
I would say don't make the mistake of thinking we are a midwestern state or telling a Kentuckian their state is midwestern. We are a southern state with as the video said a sprinkling of midwest. Along the Ohio river to the north, you will have a midwestern feel especially Louisville and northern KY (near Cincinnati), but away from those areas it is very southern. Some people even in Kentucky debate it, but to me we are southern. Great video as always!
I live in Covington, right across the river from Cincinnati. We are definitely a southern state but we aren’t as southern as most other southern states lol. But yes if you go to central/eastern Kentucky, you will see a lot of country. Love my state and my city. We in Northern Kentucky consider ourselves as part of Cincinnati, but we don’t claim Ohio.😂 They do call Covington a suburb of Cincinnati, in the Greater Cincinnati Metro.
@@Lovell93Come on out to far Western Kentucky. I live in KY and I'm closer to Mississippi and Alabama than I do to Louisville or Lexington. The vast majority of the state aint Midwestern at all. We are just as Southern as any other Southern state, and even more so than many. More Kentuckians identify as Southerners than Texans, Floridians, Okies, North Carolinians, South Carolinians, Virginians and West Virginians do.
When I was in the 7th grade the 7th & 8th grade class went on a field trip to Louisville and Frankfort, Ky. We went to Churchill Downs and we visited a distillery. We saw Lincoln's statue in Frankfort and we all rubbed his shoe for good luck. His shoe was very shiny. You can see pictures on the internet where people have rubbed his shoe for good luck.
We have a saying about Louisville. "It's just 30 minutes from Kentucky." When asked if they've ever been to Kentucky, I've heard people say, "Yeah. I was in Louisville once." Just going to Louisville, DOES NOT mean that you've been to Kentucky. There's SO much more to Kentucky than just Louisville. Louisville IS NOT a true representative of Kentucky.
@@Martingray7875 100% agree my grandparents used to live in the west end and they get sad going through there now. Definitely doesn’t give justice to the beauty and southern hospitality that the rest of the states has.
No mention of Kentucky other two presidential residents. Zachary Taylor & Jefferson Davis. Both connected by Kentucky and In laws. Look, I know Lincoln is the “safe” person to spotlight, but the Davis monument was once a record holder for height and Zachary Taylor tomb is something to see. Lots of Civil War battles in Ky as well.
@@Theproblemchildofyoutube But Davis was also a former US Secretary of War, a West Point graduate, & Mexican War hero. He was also President Zachary Taylor's son-in-law. Unlike Robert E. Lee, Davis was considered a very humane slave owner. His best friend & confidante happened to be his slave. Most of Davis' few household slaves remained with him as employees following the abolition of slavery. Slavery is evil, but as a slaveholder, Davis was far better than most of his contemporaries.
I'm a Kentucky native. I've lived in California and currently living in Miami. I've been to many states and more countries than states. There's no place I'd rather be then Kentucky. I'll be moving back home next year. And I can't wait. Btw Colonel Sanders is actually from Indiana.
I LOVE. Your channel! So informative. I have lived in western ky my entire life (50+ years) but dude, the bluegrass IS blue. It only happens in early spring, as the grass wakes from its winter slumber. As it sprouts forward, it is a beautiful blue hue. It does not last long. And it must be the actual grasstype of "bluegrass".and is most beautiful when viewed en masse. Especially in the soft gentle rolling hills. Most prominent in the louisville and lexington regions. Those stunning horse farms are so beautiful who feature bluegrass as the spring thaw welcomes spring. Oh, yes the bourbon, hot browns and southern food is amazing. But have you ever visited grand rivers kentucky? Nestled in the eddyville, ky lake, lake barkley and land between the lakes region. There is a treasure called, Patti's 1880 settlement. It is so much more than a simple restaurant. And it has, i may be off on the number, but 3 or 4 stars. One foot high meringue pies, including sawdust pie. Pork chops....omg, 2 inch grilled pork chops with the perfect seasoning and char is very very very popular. Homemade bread baked and served in terra cotta flower pots. And homemade compound butters. The fresh strawberry is heaven slathered on fresh hot terra cotta bread oh my! But dude, yes kentucky does have actual bluegrass. It signals the regeneration of spring. Again, i LOVE your channel!!
Yes to all the suggestions in this video, as tourists from nearby Ohio. My additions: favorite bourbon distillery: Maker's Mark favorite place to stay overnight and tour: Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill favorite place with kids: Kentucky Horse Park (but it's been a while since our kids were little!) nation's largest collection of Victorian mansions: Old Louisville
Most important ‘horse capitol of the world’ events are Keeneland’s Spring (April) and Fall (October) races. The last weekend in April is like Christmas/July 4th/birthday rolled into one with the Kentucky Three Day Event!
I’m a Kentucky native and live here to this day and will say this … The lakes around the state and the state parks are musts to see and definitely the bourbon trail needs to be seen
Interesting trivia: Colonel Harlan Sanders was not an actual military colonel; he was a Kentucky Colonel, which is a high honor in Kentucky. Kentucky Colonels are a "benevolent society" of sorts, and do a lot of charity work. They have to be nominated by the governor, usually because of leadership or prior work to improve the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky horse park is also a great place to visit, especially during their Christmas light display. About driving on back roads, most follow the property lines so they are narrow. Usually is it road then ditch, I grew up in western Kentucky and there isn’t a lot of shoulder to the back roads.
You forgot to mention the Red River Gorge, which is within the Daniel Boone National Forest. It's a mecca for rock climbers with lots of cliffs and rocky outcroppings. The area has the largest number of natural bridges/arches east of the Mississippi. But don't tell anybody; we don't want more of the crowds that we are already getting. (That new gorge/national park in West Virginia has been overwhelmed with new crowds).
He did mention Red River Gorge. I was actually waiting for it because my sons take as many trips as possible there. We live in Louisville and Red River Gorgeous is their happy place.
@@jeremyh9033 I know my sons have been going there for about 10 years 4-5 times a year and they are so sad that is becoming so popular and drawing crowds now.
My folks and ancestors were born and raised in Eastern Ky. I can see why some of the locals call the land, “The closest place to heaven”. I used to fish with my grandfather on one of the 3 forks river. Some of the scenery was so breathtaking and surreal in beauty. I was raised in the Midwest, in Illinois and Ky is our cousin state. The flatlands is anything but beautiful with miles of fields of industrial crop, but it has beautiful people like Ky has. We still have dry counties on Sundays. It’s rich in German culture in many places with the beautiful German architectural homes and barns built in the 1800’s still gracing the Land Of Lincoln, at the end of the Cumberland Trail. The county in which the old state capital is located where Lincoln was once a legislator, is at the end of the trail.
If you look at bluegrass in the morning when it is dewey and the sun is just coming up, there is a light blue tint that appears on the grass. So the grass is kind of blue for a few minutes in the early morning.
My father-in-law had a cousin that lived in Chicago come to visit him. The next morning after arriving, he saw the man in the backyard walking around looking at the grass. When he came back in my father-in-law asked him what he was doing. His cousin said that he was, "Looking for the Bluegrass." My husband said that if they knew he was going to do that, he would have bought a can of blue spray paint and sprayed the grass a blue color. 🤣 The bluegrass is in the central part of the state. Most bluegrass has been replaced by fescue by cattle farmers because it can take the pounding of cow hoofs better than the native grasses.
The grass is absolutely bluER compared to the grass in Michigan. It's one of the first thing I noticed on our trek through the south. Take a handful of both and compared side by side. Kentucky grass is bluER.
It can actually look pretty blue in certain lighting at certain times of the year. And there are also times when a whole field will look purple or blue from the ground cover blooming, which is absolutely beautiful if you get the chance to see it
We are a southern state , annexed from Virginia , most of Kentucky 90% are Uk fans , actually bluegrass is blue when it fully grows and you catch the sunrise a certain way
I’m a month late but, I have one little critique we are 100000% PURE SOUTHERN. Outside of Louisville you’ll definitely be treated with southern hospitality. Huge part of the population live in the “back roads” (my fellow Kentuckians know DAMN WELL what I’m talkin about 😂) we are super religious and you definitely hear a southern twang with lots of southern words. Also you can get sweet tea ANYWHERE here and there’s Cracker Barrel’s and Waffle Houses on every exit 😂 Another thing if you take out Louisville the rest of the state is much closer to Tennessee cultural wise.
I really didn't know I had an accent until I moved to Evansville, Indiana. I had to have a procedure done at the local hospital. And this woman came out from behind her desk, cupped my face in her hands and squeezed and said, "I just love that southern accent." After we left, I looked at my daughter and said, "That bitch is crazy!" The further east you travel in KY, the more pronounced the accent.
As a Northern Kentucky native, I should have to disagree, we're much more like Southern Ohio than Tennessee, with close ties to greater Cincinnati. Even the Greater Cincinnati International Airport is in Kentucky, & the Bengals used to do their summer practices in Georgetown, Kentucky, & the Louisville River Bats are a Reds' "farm team", just one step away from the majors. I consider London in southeastern Kentucky to be quite unique, it has both White Castle & Crystal Burger Restaurants, & probably the southernmost Meijer store.
@@robinalford2186 Once get inland from the Ohio River. Yes George Clooney is from Augusta, Kentucky, & that is his natural accent, & it's not particularly Southern. Chuck Woolery is from Ashland, KY, also on the Ohio River, & a Morehead State University alumnus - not much Southern accent, either.
Having grown up in Louisville, I can attest that Kentucky is very beautiful. Just stay out of Louisville. Place was crap when I was growing up there for 14 years, and it's unfortunately only gotten worse according to family who still live there.
Western Louisville is currently a war zone. Media doesn't cover it, but my sister lives close to Churchill Downs, and hears gunfire daily, 2 murders within her block in the last year, and a body "dropped off" at her neighbors house. If you visit Louisville, do Churchill Downs early in the day, downtown in the afternoon, then stay on the east side, and watch out for the teenagers at the malls. I love Kentucky as a state, but Louisville is a one day visit, at most.
@@chanceatherton575 THANK YOU. My original response was deleted (probably because that idiot couldn't handle the truth and reported it), so hopefully yours will stay. Anyway, related to the topic at hand, it broke my heart to watch the city fall. I mean, I hated living there, but at least there were things one could do. I used to hike Iroquois Park all the time, especially that series of steps to the top, but I wouldn't be caught dead there now (because I probably would be dead if I went lol). It's not in Louisville, but Tioga Falls was a staple but it shut down because certain people can't act like they have any sense. My family that's still there are currently looking elsewhere to live, and I can't blame them. I'm lucky I had opportunities to get out and stay out.
@@kungfuman82 I don't "report" any comments. I respond, as I already have. If you lived in the Iroquois park area, I can understand why you think louisville is dangerous. Nobody comes from out of town to visit the west end, smart guy.
A little fun fact about the Oaks/Derby, we actually let public schools have the day off for that Friday for the Oaks race. And I was in a bordering county and still had the day off. I don't know about now though. Great video though, loved it!
Point of order: COL Harlan Sanders was born in Henryville, Indiana and Lincoln's second (boyhood) home was also in Indiana. In fact, Lincoln and Florence Henderson (Mrs. Brady) grew up on small farms that are near the theme park Holiday World and Splashin' Surfari. The farmhouses are (or were, not sure if the Henderson house survived the US 231 project) about 5 miles apart, and a short drive from Kentucky, however.
Thanks for showcasing my home state! Not all of us are married to our brothers and go barefoot! I can say that because I'm a Kentuckian but none of the other states can!! Kentucky truly is beautiful. Mark, where did you get that beautiful Hot Brown?? I've never seen one that looked that delicious. So glad you had a good trip!
Reminds me of when I left Ky. And lived in California, for 3 years, as a teenager. The friends that I made would kid me by saying " this is the first time you've ever owned shoes."
When in Kentucky don't forget to order Country Fried Steak with all the sides (potatoes, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread). I love my home state of Minnesota but I will never order Country Fried Steak in a local restaurant again.
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Mind your manners! You can’t say “Please”, “Thank you”, “Yes ma’am/sir” or “Excuse me” too much. Enjoy all the natural beauty! Bourbon is best with a little spring water or with a large clear ice cube. And honestly, Louisville is more midwestern than most of the state.
Thank you for portraying my home state of Kentucky in a positive way. We get criticized a lot because of certain political people in Washington DC and people need to know that we are more than that. Kentucky is a wonderful place to live and have a family.
I am from Kentucky and will tell you it has little to do with 'people in Washington'. It has more to do with poor education, poor health practices, racism, an unwillingness to change and an overall provincial attitude.
@@brendapayne6603 Bless your heart. Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is. Instead of dragging down your friends and neighbors, why don’t you run for office and improve things. Growth mindset is a powerful tool.
Lived in Kentucky my whole life. Only watched THE derby like twice and I’ve only ever heard it be called THE Derby. So idk where just “derby” is coming from
I've never heard a sports caster say a horse won Derby, The Preakess Stakes and The Belmont Steaks. The triple crown is The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes and The Belmont Stakes.
Born and raised in Kentucky. Live in the Lexington area currently. I get tired of this place, but it's probably because I've been here so long, lol. Lexington is an awesome city. Louisville is too big for my tastes and it's had a really high homicide rate this year and last year. Also, don't believe the stupid stereotypes you see in the media and in movies, sure there are some crazy and scary people here, but for the most part it's like any other state I've been to.
I remember a comedian from Louisville (I forget his name) summing up the Kentucky economy in one line: if it can kill you, we make it 😂 definitely find some local fried chicken. You can get KFC everywhere in the world just about (personally I don’t know anyone in KY who fries their chicken like that, but to each their own). I know Lex has Joella’s, Grimes’s, and Indie’s which are all amazing (though I’m personally partial to the second two I listed). Also, don’t forget to leave the Bluegrass Region. I’m a Lexingtonian myself but our state is more than that. Go East and hike the Gorge (and go to Miguel’s pizza afterwards. That’s the go-to post-hiking restaurant there). And don’t be afraid of going to southeastern Kentucky. Yes, you’ll make it out of Harlan alive. It’s definitely a different way of life than most people are used to (as is most of Appalachia) so it’s important to keep an open mind
It's adorable.... And here I melt… Perfect upload.....Its superbb, Stunning!! Just better than better.. 🤩😂 I have less words for this lovely video of yours!
You can see elk and bison, among other wildlife, at the Land Between the Lakes. The lakes, of course, are Lake Barkley and Lake Kentucky in western part of the state. Also, I don't believe they are too far from Mammoth Cave.
But how’s the cream candy? When I grew up in Ky, everyone was making cream candy at Christmastime . Not all of it was good. It’s really hard to find it done properly
What a shame. This was not about Kentucky. With tears We are so much more. T he 7th wonder of the world Mammoth cave, over 900 miles and growing. The largest in the world.
If you want to check out the Kentucky Mining Museum and maybe stay at the Benham Schoolhouse Inn, do NOT follow your GPS from West Virginia on 160 over Black Mountain - unless you love poorly paved windy mountain roads without guardrails. And if you do find yourselves caught on this road at twilight, beware that that bear cub crossing the road in the dark is very hard to see. He just made it across the road, and I'm sure mama bear was nearby. But do visit. You can get there safer taking 421 to 119 north east to Benham.
Definatly not from the locals or native Kentuckians. That's probably a thing from the ritzy celebrities that show up every year just to be seen. If it's a popular event they try to make it theirs. THE Derby belongs to Ky.
While I have never heard anyone get mad for saying the derby, I have heard people just say derby a lot. Thinking of my own use and it is pretty interchangeable of derby/the derby. If I had to guess, he probably heard people not use the and assumed it was some unwritten rule.
Long time watcher, but as a native Louisvillian first time it was about something I could test Wolter on and I have to say…. Fantastic job on hitting most of the big points of visiting the state! UofL and the other team down the road are such big parts of daily life no matter what sport (basketball, football, baseball, etc.). But also, locals just love their sports. It’s the highest rated market for almost any televised sporting event in the United States. One thing I would add is outside of just fried chicken and the hot brown the food scene in the city of Louisville is incredible with all of the variety and cultures in the city. Don’t sleep on Jack Fry’s! Really impressed with Wolter’s breakdown and glad he’s there to share Kentucky and other locales with the world.
Derby is fun provided the weather is nice that day. I sat in the infield for about 12 years in a row Its grossly overpriced there are alot of drunk UK and UL students in the infield and if it happens to storm you are screwed. I think Keeneland in Lexington is a more fun track but they only race in April and October. The Covington and Newport riverfronts offer excellent views of the Cincinnati Skyline esp going north on I 75
Yep, never been to the Derby, even as much as I love racehorses. Derby day is far too much about people just wanting to be seen there, and partying, than it is about the horses.
Native Kentuckian here, Northern Ky with roots in Pulaski and Lincoln Counties. I really wish you had explored more of the state than just the "Bluegrass" region, as the whole state has a lot to offer!!!
Everyone's different... I'm sure there are several thousand people in Kentucky that could care less about the derby or the alcohol... It's hard to sum up a state and involve everyone that lives there... I would really love to see him sum up Illinois Chicago and corn field 😂. From Illinois moving to Kentucky ( London ). Really excited to explore the cemeteries!
We were hungry and followed a sign on the road that said, "Winery." We ended up at a refurbished old fort with a restaurant that just threw a bunch of stuff in a pot to make soup and let it simmer all day. We had that awesome soup with make-your-own sandwiches, talked to some folks who were holding a sports car show at the winery, and then chatted with some folks who were starting an alternative "Second Amendment" community. Really interesting to get out of our comfort zone but with great comfort food!
Keeneland is a better view for visitors watching horse races. If you don't drink, all the bourbon is not much. The Kentucky Derby is in the middle of a city if you didn't know.
The Real DON’T of visiting Kentucky 1. DON’T clean your windshield before shooting videos through it. See the state as it’s residents do: Through bug-encrusted windshields.
Woodford Reserve is beautiful, isn't it? I especially loved the orange and white tabby kitty in the barrel barn, lol. My in laws live in Lexington, and I'm hoping to get to visit Keeneland one day. We always seem to be there when it's closed, like Christmas.
If the spring and fall meets are over, you can still go to Keeneland to watch morning workouts (I think some trainers stable their horses there throughout the year). Their website might have more info.
Kentucky was much wilder years ago. In 1970 I saw 2 teenagers playing in their yard...one behind a huge light and o,e behind a junk vehicle. They were shooting 12 gauge shotguns at each other. This was just outside of Louisville. A real eye opener for me...scared me to death. The boys just laughed and laughed. I was from a middle class german/Irish neighborhood in Chicago and was totally culture-shocked.
I was ready to start hating on this video if he didnt mention the nature haha. Ive lived in kentucky for most of my life and theres just so much to go out and enjoy in nature from mammoth cave to natural bridge to so so so much more
Don’t forget to tour a horse farm, like Mill Ridge, near Lexington, where you can feed carrots to, and pet, the mares and foals. If you come in the Spring, the foals will be newborns, which is one of the cutest sights you may ever see. Plus, the gorgeous Keeneland Racecourse will be having its spring meet. It might be the most beautiful race complex in the country. You can also go to the KY Horse Park to visit some retired champions, and pay your respects, at the grave of Kentucky’s greatest racehorse, Man o’ War.
I've lived in southeast Kentucky all my life. I've visited different places. Never wanted to live anywhere else. Why do people come here and show run down and abandoned buildings that are falling down. That one video never showed any nice homes. There's plenty nice neighborhoods. There's some houses sit off the main roads up on the hillsides. Homes are built on higher ground because we get so much rain. You don't want to live in the flood plain. We don't have to worry about drive by assaults like the city people do. I'm careful with words. Many great singers have come from eastern Kentucky. Of course we're proud of the Coail Miners Daughter , Loretta Lynn. Chris Stapleton comes from Johnson County. That's a little north of me. Patti Loveless, and others. We're not all drugs and crime. I've never looked it up to compare with cities in Kentucky and other states. I'm not easily offended but for that one person's comment about inbreds. I don't know any. That's a horrible crime and sin. I'd say it happens up north as much as anywhere else. Eastern Kentucky is not the south or the north. We don't have accents of either. We have our own Mountain English. This part of Kentucky didn't have slavery . Our ancestors wanted to get away from Ulster, and Great Britain. In the colonies they wanted to get away from the British government. They came through Cumberland Gap, which is now a National Park. The ones that were Scots-Irish stayed here in the mountains.
As a Kentuckian, drink your bourbon straight. Learn the different flavors of the many brands to learn what you prefer. Just a small amount, sip...once you figure out your go-to, then have an Old Fashioned (a drink originated in Louisville).
Definitely do NOT just say “Derby”? We absolutely DO say “what are you wearing to THE Derby”? The ONLY time we only say “Derby” is if it’s followed by “Day” Example… “hey John, what are you doing for Derby Day?”
LOL there is! I'm a local from the same county and it is definitely still there. They even have tours now for people to learn about the city and the civil war battles that took place around here, including how that cannon ball got there : )
Kentuckian here! I recommend visiting my city of Bowling Green. We have some attractions such as the Corvette Museum and Aviation Park. We also have a really great diner called Doug’s Motor City Cafe. For the general Kentucky, do not mispronounce Louisville. Foreigners will pronounce it like loo-ee-ville or loo-iss-ville. Its not. Its loo-ih-ville or lul-ville
Hiddy, neighbor. I can tell a fellow Kentuckian by the way they talk or type! And you are right about the pronunciation. Did they ever fix the floor in the Corvette Museum? Last I heard it collapsed and a nice car fell in.
@@DrannonMoore00 I’ve lived in Kentucky for 20 years (bowling green), I go to Detroit and Cleveland pretty frequently, Kentucky is way more midwestern than you’d realize.
@@Internet.infamous I got ya beat by 12 years buddy. Born and raised (32 years) off the banks of the Mississippi River in rural far-Western KY. We have a shared history with the South, a shared culture with the South and we face the same socio-economical issues with other Southern states. What's now KY was originally part of Virginia and was considered the "Southern Colonies" all the way back to British rule. Tell me all about how much cotton and tobacco they grow up in Detroit and Cleveland... Y'all city folk ain't a good representation of any state because y'all got implants from all over the country. Step outside the city limits from time to time and you'll realize that Kentucky is Southern through and through. We may be a border state but we share much more in common with our neighbors to the South than we do to the ones on the other side of the Ohio River.
@@DrannonMoore00 imagine having an elitist attitude over someone on the internet having a different experience/viewpoint of a state. Your life must be riveting.
@@Internet.infamous I'm only countering your argument with facts. If that's elitism then so be it. Kentucky is in the BBQ belt, the Bible belt, the Y'all belt, the Sweet Tea belt, the Cotton belt, the Tobacco belt, etc. Kentucky was originally part of the Southern colonies in British rule, then it was 'the Southwest Territory' after Independence, it's entirely below the Mason-Dixon and the Ohio River, both of the Northern boundaries for the South. Even before Colonization, the indigenous people here were connected to other Southern states and not Northern states. The Chickasaw territory was West Kentucky, West Tennessee, North Mississippi and North Alabama - stopped at the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers Just like the Southeast boundary lines do today. In the East, Cherokee territory was Central/East Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The US government defines Kentucky as a Southern state, which doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that it is and always has been one. Kentucky was an extension of Virginia just like Tennessee was an extension of North Carolina. No other state is more similar to Kentucky than Tennessee. Kentuckians even identify as Southerners at higher levels than Texans, Okies, Floridians, South Carolinians, North Carolinians, Virginians and West Virginians. 80-100% of Kentuckians, Tennesseans, Alabamans, Mississippians, Georgians and Louisianians identify as Southerners. So Kentucky outranks some of the most iconic Southern states in that area. Many think the South was established by the Confederacy and that's bs. The South was already well defined centuries before the Confederacy even existed. The South ain't exclusive to the former Confederate States. Yeah, Lincoln was born in KY but so was Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. Lincoln didn't even manage to secure 1% of the vote in Kentucky in the 1860 election that preceded the war. Kentucky voted overwhelmingly for John Bell and Breckenridge, both of whom would join the Confederacy after the Civil War. Magoffin, Kentucky's governor at the start of the war, supported the state's rights to secede and was a Confederate sympathizer before being ousted under Union pressure. Lincoln's own brother in law fought and died as a Confederate general. When Lincoln drafted 16,000 Kentuckians to fight for the Union, 15,000 of them flat out rejected. Last but not least, Kentucky WAS admitted into the Confederacy on December 10th, 1861. The 13th star on the Confederate flag represents Kentucky. So even if your definition of the South only includes the Confederate States, that still doesn't exempt KY.
![Best Things to do in Kentucky - Travel Guide [Road Trip]](/img/1.gif)
Spent 6 months in 1998 studying at the University of Kentucky on an exchange programme with my uni in England.
6 months that will live in my heart forever.
Go Big Blue!!
From a Kentuckian. I am glad you liked our state.
Glad you enjoyed our state Go WildCats
I'm from New Jersey and I'm living here for a month, I love this state
@@Yoyobrobow GO CARDINALS. I am a former Kentuckian, left for grad school in SoCal. Never looked back. But I do miss my state of Kentucky!
You left one UK for another! 🤣
One of the best parts of living here in Kentucky (moved here in 2017 from Denver, Colorado) is taking the drives through horse country around Lexington and surrounding areas. It’s The Horse Capital of the World! Touring horse farms is fantastic, too! The pace of life, beauty of the state, changing of seasons and southern hospitality of the people here is not to be matched. I might be annoyed being called “sugar” at the drive through window anywhere else I’ve lived, but here, it is endearing!
Kentuckian here....My grandmother called me "Sug...." (Just like Dale Gribble's wife on King of the Hill). Being called "sugar" is certainly a term of endearment and I miss her calling me that.
I have a bank teller that calls me baby doll.
Being a Kentucky native, you forget the eastern side of Kentucky, try the state parks, hatfield and mccoy, and the lakes in the eastern and southeastern kentucky
yea I'm from Floyd county , nobody gives eastern Ky any love
@@BrianRay-y7l i'm from the western part of kentucky and i love east kentucky man, along with a lot of folks who live in the western perts of the commonwealth.
Wow, thanks for doing 2 videos on our state! I'm born and raised from central Kentucky, and while I used to think I would move away when I was a kid as I've gotten older I actually love it here more and more. Nothing beats the heartland. Also, here's a couple of things to add to your list:
- Don't think people are referring to the United Kingdom when they say "UK". In Kentucky, UK refers to the University of Kentucky.
- Don't try to buy alcohol on Sundays or late at night (most places don't sell after certain times, usually 10, 11 or midnight)
- Don't forget other cities like Bowling Green (beautiful with great food) or Elizabethtown (great events like Bikes, Blues and BBQ)
- Don't drive fast on the back roads, and watch for deer and Amish
- Don't be taken aback when people tell you to have a Blessed Day.
- Don't be surprised by how religious we are (you will see roadside crosses and billboards, and we have A LOT of churches)
- Don't keep driving if you see a funeral procession. Pull over to the side of the road until it passes even if it's on the other side.
Basically, once you get out of Louisville and Northern Kentucky you can treat most of Kentucky like a southern state and follow the same rules from that video. Like don't expect unsweet tea to be the standard (even at places like McDonalds, if you order "tea" they will assume you mean sweet), don't be impolite (hold doors, say please and thank you, respect your elders, etc.), and don't be surprised by the friendliness and the curiosity that comes with it.
Absolutely, and even more...nailed it. I'm northen KY.. we bleed Blue too. ooops, a nephew, and niece went University cardinal, traitors ha ha...we will still LUV them forever 🤪🙏. Not politics, THEN, I go Red!!! lol
The alcohol thing varies widely by county. In Lexington (Fayette County), you can get cocktails in restaurants on Sundays, and grocery stores will sell beer/wine/non-hard liquor for certain hours on Sunday. But there are other counties that are completely dry, so know before you go! :)
You left out "Be Careful". We say that in Kentucky and I believe Oprah or some talk show host interviewed one of us one time and took it threateningly!! Lol it's not a threat. It's saying Be Careful out there...in the world ....in Life!
@@michellem9444 We're starting to get Sunday sales in Richmond too
@@aewsomepossum3333 That is so true!! I say "be careful " to everyone who leaves my house! Right after the hugs and love yous!
Colonel Harland Sanders was my grandpa's best friend. I ate there a ton as a kid. My mom worked in the cafe.
@@americansmark
Super Cool ! The Colonel was part of growing up even over here in Southern California
And is NOBODY gonna mention ALE-8 ONE????????? Winchester, KYs own Creation just like me 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
@@aewsomepossum3333 why would anyone mention a SoftDrink when the video is about Bourbon?
@@warrenmcelroy4718good mixer
I live in Richmond and was born in Trapp, KY. This lifelong resident and Country Boy at Heart thought you were gonna bad mouth us until I clicked. Then I subscribed. Thanks for the Positivity. We're more than just Inbred Hillbillies.
Inbreeding - if it’s good enough for the European royals it’s good enough for us!😂
That's the problem with you "country people" of our state. You automatically assume that if someone wants to visit or has anything to say about you that it's negative.
In Louisville, one of the great hidden gems is Cave Hill Cemetery. A great place to visit especially for graveyard enthusiasts.
Been to Louisville twice - stayed at the Seelbach. Loved the city, and the hotel. Attended the Knob Creek Machinegun Shoot, and took a tour of Waverly Hills.
Kentucky is one of the most underrated states in the US. It has great cities (Louisville, Lexington, etc.), food, and nature. Mammoth Cave National Park is cool and very beautiful. The distilleries also have beautiful grounds. KY is definitely more than Derby and Bourbon!
Thanks for saying that. So many people put this state down all because of foolish stereotypes they see on movies and online. There are great things, and bad things in this state and in every other state in this nation ✌👍
From someone born and raised in Kentucky who finally got out… Kentucky is a horribly miserable state to call home
@@BootyToot47 Everybody knows someone like you from every state. I hate my home so the whole state sucks but once I move I'll continue to tell people just how bad the whole state is.
@@DR-ZBrian I’ve lived in Owensboro Lexington and Louisville. My Girlfriend is in Paducah… spent a lot of time in BG and NKY … the whole state sucks
It also has Carter caves. It's not far from I live.
As a Kentucky native he is just about correct on all of it but the real experience of what Kentucky is all about go way out east. Where Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton are from. Absolutely most respectful and remarkable people you could ever meet. The mountains is where you truly experience this beautiful state.
Visit Augusta, one of the South's most beautiful small towns. George Clooney's hometown, & his parents, Nick & Nina, still live there.
Very untrusting though, I'm from a surburban area in Kentucky and they're not even friendly or open twards me.
Proud Kentuckian here! If you come back to visit our beautiful state, come join us at Elk Creek Vineyards. We're just north or Frankfort. Not only does Kentucky make the best bourbon but we make great wine as well. Fun fact...the first commercial winery in America was in Kentucky.
Don’t skip on Burnheim Forrest! Truly a wonderful place to go. If you’re a super advanced hiker and have some buddies with you, I’d certainly suggest going on the Millenium Trail. It’s a days hike through beautiful wilderness at 15 miles long. Done it before, and it was amazing!
Born and lived my life in Kentucky. I'm currently living in Indiana and I'm very homesick. Indiana doesn't hold a candle to Kentucky. The best hunting and fishing is in Kentucky. And the Saturday following the Kentucky Derby is the International BBQ Festival in Owensboro. Best BBQ in the world. People from all over come here to sample the foods. And this tradition was started while I was still in high school with just the local catholic churches having fundraisers every year and it took off from there. Yes, there are some counties that are dry. Ohio county is one. But that doesn't mean you can't buy booze there. You just have to know who to ask. Yes, country folk still make their own whiskey, no liquor tax of course but I'm not complaining. 😄
I grew up in Kentucky and it is a wonderful state in so many ways. You did a good job.
Somerset Kentucky is the car cruise capital of the world. Always have a monthly car show during the summer. Also Lake Cumberland has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida
Summer Nights Cruise ins are awesome!
Don’t miss Shaker Village, the Dollhouse Museum in Danville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, and all the stops on the Lincoln Heritage trail (far more stops than just his birthplace). Lots of great state parks, but I love Audubon State Park in Henderson.
The Ky Horse Park just outside Lexington is a great tourist spot🐴
Hodgenville Kentucky is Abraham Lincoln's birthplace. Went to school there and visited the memorial every year in elementary school. It's great!
Born and raised in Northern Ky… We will make your stay an enjoyable and FUN while you’re here!! Soo much more to do than the Bourbon trail… love where I’m from!!!
Been listening to these as I drive around (I live in Australia and drive a lot for work). Will be going to America in 2023 hopefully maybe for a 12 week trip around the west coast!
Thanks for the very interesting and informative videos!
Come to Kentucky! And don’t just come to the derby and the big cities come see some nice towns more western side. I would recommend going to the Paducah, Murray, & Mayfield area. Murray State University is one of the most amazing places I’ve seen. It was actually supposed to built in Mayfield. There’s also Princeton they’ve got beautiful landscapes & farmland with an amazing dining place through the farm. Kentucky is an amazing & underrated state, I hope you consider going towards our western side over here! It’s just as awesome as the big cities.
Thanks Brittany! There's so much to do I'll have to do many trips to see it all! I do have family in Ohio so could probably swing by Kentucky on the way :).
Hi Russell. I’m near Salem Oregon but live in the country. If you like cities, I’m not for you. But if you feel like chatting a few hours with a real country guy, I’ll host you at home. I enjoy engaging with people. I’m taking a road trip to see Ohio and Kentucky next week then back home. Hit me up if your in my area.
This is why I struggle to travel. I don’t drink, do horses, or the usual guy stuff. I prefer to engage with country people who like music, build for themselves, and enjoy interacting.
I’m coming to Ohio/Kentucky starting April 22. If anyone feels like chatting with an Oregonian, I’d love to stop by for coffee…or longer. Otherwise, just wave when I drive by.
@@Jprid thanks for the reply and the offer! I have now postponed the trip to maybe September 2024 as I started a new job and can't take a lot of leave yet. But am now thinking of doing New York, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. One of my uncle's lives in Oregon actually. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Newport aquarium, rough river, lake Venus, world famous barbeque, tons of festivals, plus explore western ky, it's gorgeous with lots to do!
Does Lake venus still exist? I remember as a kid it seemed like dirty little pond venus.
Louisville Is My Second Home, Shoutout To Louisville, Much Love & Respect From Me Cincinnati. 💯 They Always Show Me Love Every Time I'm Down There. I'LL ALWAYS HOLD IT DOWN FROM THE 513 TO THE 502 KEEPIN' IT FOREVER T.R.U. 💯
Visit the Shaker colonies! Amazing! A little bourbon goes a long way....
I would say don't make the mistake of thinking we are a midwestern state or telling a Kentuckian their state is midwestern. We are a southern state with as the video said a sprinkling of midwest. Along the Ohio river to the north, you will have a midwestern feel especially Louisville and northern KY (near Cincinnati), but away from those areas it is very southern. Some people even in Kentucky debate it, but to me we are southern. Great video as always!
I live in Covington, right across the river from Cincinnati. We are definitely a southern state but we aren’t as southern as most other southern states lol. But yes if you go to central/eastern Kentucky, you will see a lot of country. Love my state and my city. We in Northern Kentucky consider ourselves as part of Cincinnati, but we don’t claim Ohio.😂 They do call Covington a suburb of Cincinnati, in the Greater Cincinnati Metro.
@@Lovell93Come on out to far Western Kentucky. I live in KY and I'm closer to Mississippi and Alabama than I do to Louisville or Lexington. The vast majority of the state aint Midwestern at all. We are just as Southern as any other Southern state, and even more so than many. More Kentuckians identify as Southerners than Texans, Floridians, Okies, North Carolinians, South Carolinians, Virginians and West Virginians do.
When I was in the 7th grade the 7th & 8th grade class went on a field trip to Louisville and Frankfort, Ky. We went to Churchill Downs and we visited a distillery. We saw Lincoln's statue in Frankfort and we all rubbed his shoe for good luck. His shoe was very shiny. You can see pictures on the internet where people have rubbed his shoe for good luck.
We have a saying about Louisville. "It's just 30 minutes from Kentucky." When asked if they've ever been to Kentucky, I've heard people say, "Yeah. I was in Louisville once." Just going to Louisville, DOES NOT mean that you've been to Kentucky. There's SO much more to Kentucky than just Louisville. Louisville IS NOT a true representative of Kentucky.
Amen to this!!!
yea louisville sucks. it might as well be part of Indiana (certainly trashy enough city to be part of indiana)
@@Martingray7875 100% agree my grandparents used to live in the west end and they get sad going through there now. Definitely doesn’t give justice to the beauty and southern hospitality that the rest of the states has.
@@Martingray7875 and what part of Kentucky do you hail from?
Y’all got a bee in ya bonnet!
No mention of Kentucky other two presidential residents. Zachary Taylor & Jefferson Davis. Both connected by Kentucky and In laws. Look, I know Lincoln is the “safe” person to spotlight, but the Davis monument was once a record holder for height and Zachary Taylor tomb is something to see. Lots of Civil War battles in Ky as well.
No disrespect but I don't think we should be celebrating Davis, ya know the CSA president...yeahhhh.
@@Theproblemchildofyoutube But Davis was also a former US Secretary of War, a West Point graduate, & Mexican War hero. He was also President Zachary Taylor's son-in-law. Unlike Robert E. Lee, Davis was considered a very humane slave owner. His best friend & confidante happened to be his slave. Most of Davis' few household slaves remained with him as employees following the abolition of slavery. Slavery is evil, but as a slaveholder, Davis was far better than most of his contemporaries.
I'm a Kentucky native. I've lived in California and currently living in Miami. I've been to many states and more countries than states. There's no place I'd rather be then Kentucky. I'll be moving back home next year. And I can't wait. Btw Colonel Sanders is actually from Indiana.
BTW, Corbn, KY is the birthplace of KFC....and as a former KYian, I have lived in Commiefornia for 33 years and watched it become a dump!
I LOVE. Your channel! So informative. I have lived in western ky my entire life (50+ years) but dude, the bluegrass IS blue. It only happens in early spring, as the grass wakes from its winter slumber. As it sprouts forward, it is a beautiful blue hue. It does not last long. And it must be the actual grasstype of "bluegrass".and is most beautiful when viewed en masse. Especially in the soft gentle rolling hills. Most prominent in the louisville and lexington regions. Those stunning horse farms are so beautiful who feature bluegrass as the spring thaw welcomes spring. Oh, yes the bourbon, hot browns and southern food is amazing. But have you ever visited grand rivers kentucky? Nestled in the eddyville, ky lake, lake barkley and land between the lakes region. There is a treasure called, Patti's 1880 settlement. It is so much more than a simple restaurant. And it has, i may be off on the number, but 3 or 4 stars. One foot high meringue pies, including sawdust pie. Pork chops....omg, 2 inch grilled pork chops with the perfect seasoning and char is very very very popular. Homemade bread baked and served in terra cotta flower pots. And homemade compound butters. The fresh strawberry is heaven slathered on fresh hot terra cotta bread oh my! But dude, yes kentucky does have actual bluegrass. It signals the regeneration of spring. Again, i LOVE your channel!!
Yes to all the suggestions in this video, as tourists from nearby Ohio. My additions:
favorite bourbon distillery: Maker's Mark
favorite place to stay overnight and tour: Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
favorite place with kids: Kentucky Horse Park (but it's been a while since our kids were little!)
nation's largest collection of Victorian mansions: Old Louisville
Most important ‘horse capitol of the world’ events are Keeneland’s Spring (April) and Fall (October) races. The last weekend in April is like Christmas/July 4th/birthday rolled into one with the Kentucky Three Day Event!
I’m a Kentucky native and live here to this day and will say this … The lakes around the state and the state parks are musts to see and definitely the bourbon trail needs to be seen
Interesting trivia: Colonel Harlan Sanders was not an actual military colonel; he was a Kentucky Colonel, which is a high honor in Kentucky. Kentucky Colonels are a "benevolent society" of sorts, and do a lot of charity work. They have to be nominated by the governor, usually because of leadership or prior work to improve the Commonwealth.
Colonel Sanders Museum in Corbin, London KY Chicken Festival...sorry filling in the blanks.
Also, Colonel Sanders wasn't even born in KY.
Kfc/sanders Cafe is in Corbin KY, and is a KFC. Not sure why Lake Cumberland was never mentioned.
The Kentucky horse park is also a great place to visit, especially during their Christmas light display. About driving on back roads, most follow the property lines so they are narrow. Usually is it road then ditch, I grew up in western Kentucky and there isn’t a lot of shoulder to the back roads.
You forgot to mention the Red River Gorge, which is within the Daniel Boone National Forest. It's a mecca for rock climbers with lots of cliffs and rocky outcroppings. The area has the largest number of natural bridges/arches east of the Mississippi. But don't tell anybody; we don't want more of the crowds that we are already getting. (That new gorge/national park in West Virginia has been overwhelmed with new crowds).
He did mention Red River Gorge. I was actually waiting for it because my sons take as many trips as possible there. We live in Louisville and Red River Gorgeous is their happy place.
Oh, I must have missed the reference.
Hey, don't spoil the secret! 😉
But seriously. The Red is the best.
@@jeremyh9033 I know my sons have been going there for about 10 years 4-5 times a year and they are so sad that is becoming so popular and drawing crowds now.
@@lissavanhouten6628 It was a bare mention in a list of other places. Easy to miss.
My folks and ancestors were born and raised in Eastern Ky. I can see why some of the locals call the land, “The closest place to heaven”. I used to fish with my grandfather on one of the 3 forks river. Some of the scenery was so breathtaking and surreal in beauty. I was raised in the Midwest, in Illinois and Ky is our cousin state. The flatlands is anything but beautiful with miles of fields of industrial crop, but it has beautiful people like Ky has. We still have dry counties on Sundays. It’s rich in German culture in many places with the beautiful German architectural homes and barns built in the 1800’s still gracing the Land Of Lincoln, at the end of the Cumberland Trail. The county in which the old state capital is located where Lincoln was once a legislator, is at the end of the trail.
Ohio has some "dry" counties, towns, & precincts, too.
If you look at bluegrass in the morning when it is dewey and the sun is just coming up, there is a light blue tint that appears on the grass. So the grass is kind of blue for a few minutes in the early morning.
My father-in-law had a cousin that lived in Chicago come to visit him. The next morning after arriving, he saw the man in the backyard walking around looking at the grass. When he came back in my father-in-law asked him what he was doing. His cousin said that he was, "Looking for the Bluegrass." My husband said that if they knew he was going to do that, he would have bought a can of blue spray paint and sprayed the grass a blue color. 🤣 The bluegrass is in the central part of the state. Most bluegrass has been replaced by fescue by cattle farmers because it can take the pounding of cow hoofs better than the native grasses.
@@robinalford2186 I live in the Central part of KY. A lot of the back roads leading into Lexington still have the bluegrass
Love the energy you bring to every video :)
The grass is absolutely bluER compared to the grass in Michigan. It's one of the first thing I noticed on our trek through the south. Take a handful of both and compared side by side. Kentucky grass is bluER.
It can actually look pretty blue in certain lighting at certain times of the year. And there are also times when a whole field will look purple or blue from the ground cover blooming, which is absolutely beautiful if you get the chance to see it
I think it has a definite bluish cast. But it isn't baby blue, sky blue, or color wheel blue.
We are a southern state , annexed from Virginia , most of Kentucky 90% are Uk fans , actually bluegrass is blue when it fully grows and you catch the sunrise a certain way
Lake Barkley is my backyard views now and as a transplant from Texas, I absolutely love living in Kentucky!
I’m a month late but, I have one little critique we are 100000% PURE SOUTHERN. Outside of Louisville you’ll definitely be treated with southern hospitality. Huge part of the population live in the “back roads” (my fellow Kentuckians know DAMN WELL what I’m talkin about 😂) we are super religious and you definitely hear a southern twang with lots of southern words. Also you can get sweet tea ANYWHERE here and there’s Cracker Barrel’s and Waffle Houses on every exit 😂 Another thing if you take out Louisville the rest of the state is much closer to Tennessee cultural wise.
Im here now, it feels like a mix of both Midwest and Southern but I agree it definitely is more southern
I really didn't know I had an accent until I moved to Evansville, Indiana. I had to have a procedure done at the local hospital. And this woman came out from behind her desk, cupped my face in her hands and squeezed and said, "I just love that southern accent." After we left, I looked at my daughter and said, "That bitch is crazy!" The further east you travel in KY, the more pronounced the accent.
As a Northern Kentucky native, I should have to disagree, we're much more like Southern Ohio than Tennessee, with close ties to greater Cincinnati. Even the Greater Cincinnati International Airport is in Kentucky, & the Bengals used to do their summer practices in Georgetown, Kentucky, & the Louisville River Bats are a Reds' "farm team", just one step away from the majors. I consider London in southeastern Kentucky to be quite unique, it has both White Castle & Crystal Burger Restaurants, & probably the southernmost Meijer store.
@@robinalford2186 Once get inland from the Ohio River. Yes George Clooney is from Augusta, Kentucky, & that is his natural accent, & it's not particularly Southern. Chuck Woolery is from Ashland, KY, also on the Ohio River, & a Morehead State University alumnus - not much Southern accent, either.
I've lived in KY my entire life and I've always called it "The Derby"... grew up 45 mins from Louisville lol
Wow..not even a short mention of Daniel Boone?
Having grown up in Louisville, I can attest that Kentucky is very beautiful. Just stay out of Louisville. Place was crap when I was growing up there for 14 years, and it's unfortunately only gotten worse according to family who still live there.
So you left as a teenager, haven't lived there for years, but can attest that Louisville is a no go zone? Ok little boy.
Western Louisville is currently a war zone. Media doesn't cover it, but my sister lives close to Churchill Downs, and hears gunfire daily, 2 murders within her block in the last year, and a body "dropped off" at her neighbors house.
If you visit Louisville, do Churchill Downs early in the day, downtown in the afternoon, then stay on the east side, and watch out for the teenagers at the malls.
I love Kentucky as a state, but Louisville is a one day visit, at most.
@@chanceatherton575 THANK YOU. My original response was deleted (probably because that idiot couldn't handle the truth and reported it), so hopefully yours will stay. Anyway, related to the topic at hand, it broke my heart to watch the city fall. I mean, I hated living there, but at least there were things one could do. I used to hike Iroquois Park all the time, especially that series of steps to the top, but I wouldn't be caught dead there now (because I probably would be dead if I went lol). It's not in Louisville, but Tioga Falls was a staple but it shut down because certain people can't act like they have any sense. My family that's still there are currently looking elsewhere to live, and I can't blame them. I'm lucky I had opportunities to get out and stay out.
@@Solo-Road aw, did you report my reply because you couldn't handle the truth, little boy?
@@kungfuman82 I don't "report" any comments. I respond, as I already have. If you lived in the Iroquois park area, I can understand why you think louisville is dangerous. Nobody comes from out of town to visit the west end, smart guy.
great stuff, professor, as always!
A little fun fact about the Oaks/Derby, we actually let public schools have the day off for that Friday for the Oaks race. And I was in a bordering county and still had the day off. I don't know about now though.
Great video though, loved it!
@@andrewware8292 Southern Indiana also gets Oaks day off school.
Point of order: COL Harlan Sanders was born in Henryville, Indiana and Lincoln's second (boyhood) home was also in Indiana. In fact, Lincoln and Florence Henderson (Mrs. Brady) grew up on small farms that are near the theme park Holiday World and Splashin' Surfari. The farmhouses are (or were, not sure if the Henderson house survived the US 231 project) about 5 miles apart, and a short drive from Kentucky, however.
KFC does sound better than IFC.
Indiana is a trash state
I was born in Frankfort Kentucky go wildcats and I have UK Lexington KY blanket love it
Thanks for showcasing my home state! Not all of us are married to our brothers and go barefoot! I can say that because I'm a Kentuckian but none of the other states can!! Kentucky truly is beautiful. Mark, where did you get that beautiful Hot Brown?? I've never seen one that looked that delicious. So glad you had a good trip!
I think he said Brown hotel
@@jessicawilhoite2570 Thanks!!
Reminds me of when I left Ky. And lived in California, for 3 years, as a teenager. The friends that I made would kid me by saying " this is the first time you've ever owned shoes."
@@timhuggins7069 Too funny!!! Stereotypes...what we do without them?
When in Kentucky don't forget to order Country Fried Steak with all the sides (potatoes, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread). I love my home state of Minnesota but I will never order Country Fried Steak in a local restaurant again.
In my almost 35 years of life in Kentucky I have never heard anyone call the derby just derby we always say the derby.
I was thinking the same thing!
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Mind your manners! You can’t say “Please”, “Thank you”, “Yes ma’am/sir” or “Excuse me” too much. Enjoy all the natural beauty! Bourbon is best with a little spring water or with a large clear ice cube. And honestly, Louisville is more midwestern than most of the state.
louisville has just a tiny bit midwest. But its still south. I live on southeast of louisville.
I doubt that Louisville is nearly Midwestern as Kenton, Boone, Bracken, Campbell, & Mason Counties are - lots of greater Cincinnati influence.
Advice from a KY boy. Avoid Louisville's West End, you may get shot.
or just the whole garbage city in general
don't forget about the moon bow at Cumberland falls
Thank you for portraying my home state of Kentucky in a positive way. We get criticized a lot because of certain political people in Washington DC and people need to know that we are more than that. Kentucky is a wonderful place to live and have a family.
Don't worry. I see Kentucky as fried chicken land
I am from Kentucky and will tell you it has little to do with 'people in Washington'. It has more to do with poor education, poor health practices, racism, an unwillingness to change and an overall provincial attitude.
@@brendapayne6603 couldn’t said it better myself
@@brendapayne6603 Bless your heart. Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is. Instead of dragging down your friends and neighbors, why don’t you run for office and improve things. Growth mindset is a powerful tool.
@@rblfrmthewstdwn Instead of complaining in a RUclips comment, why don’t you use your time and energy to improve things.
Lived in Kentucky my whole life. Only watched THE derby like twice and I’ve only ever heard it be called THE Derby. So idk where just “derby” is coming from
I've never heard a sports caster say a horse won Derby, The Preakess Stakes and The Belmont Steaks. The triple crown is The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes and The Belmont Stakes.
@@timhuggins7069 Yeah, not sure where he's getting that "THE Derby" thing from.
Born and raised in western Kentucky! About 30-45 mins from bowling green. The best thing about kentucky is the scenery and forests.
Mark, thanks so much. Very helpful for my upcoming trip to Kentucky.
Welcome!!! Love to have ya, feel free to stop by Winchester for some Ale-8 and beer cheese any time!!
That’s one of my favorite!!!
Born and raised in Kentucky. Live in the Lexington area currently. I get tired of this place, but it's probably because I've been here so long, lol. Lexington is an awesome city. Louisville is too big for my tastes and it's had a really high homicide rate this year and last year. Also, don't believe the stupid stereotypes you see in the media and in movies, sure there are some crazy and scary people here, but for the most part it's like any other state I've been to.
I remember a comedian from Louisville (I forget his name) summing up the Kentucky economy in one line: if it can kill you, we make it 😂
definitely find some local fried chicken. You can get KFC everywhere in the world just about (personally I don’t know anyone in KY who fries their chicken like that, but to each their own). I know Lex has Joella’s, Grimes’s, and Indie’s which are all amazing (though I’m personally partial to the second two I listed). Also, don’t forget to leave the Bluegrass Region. I’m a Lexingtonian myself but our state is more than that. Go East and hike the Gorge (and go to Miguel’s pizza afterwards. That’s the go-to post-hiking restaurant there). And don’t be afraid of going to southeastern Kentucky. Yes, you’ll make it out of Harlan alive. It’s definitely a different way of life than most people are used to (as is most of Appalachia) so it’s important to keep an open mind
It's adorable....
And here I melt…
Perfect upload.....Its superbb, Stunning!!
Just better than better.. 🤩😂
I have less words for this lovely video of yours!
Kentucky is a great place to visit and probably live
You can see elk and bison, among other wildlife, at the Land Between the Lakes. The lakes, of course, are Lake Barkley and Lake Kentucky in western part of the state. Also, I don't believe they are too far from Mammoth Cave.
And they have a recreated farm with people in costume running it. Heritage plants and animals. Learn about the Kentucky frontier.
While in Frankfort, a person must visit Rebecca Ruth and try their candies.
yes!
Ruth Hunt candies in Mount Sterling Ky is a whole lot better!
But how’s the cream candy? When I grew up in Ky, everyone was making cream candy at Christmastime . Not all of it was good. It’s really hard to find it done properly
@@Stephanie-SageFox you are absolutely correct. Love their Bourbon Balls, and fudges
Kentucky has an underground cave bike park.
yep. in Louisivlle
What a shame. This was not about Kentucky. With tears We are so much more. T he 7th wonder of the world Mammoth cave, over 900 miles and growing. The largest in the world.
If you want to check out the Kentucky Mining Museum and maybe stay at the Benham Schoolhouse Inn, do NOT follow your GPS from West Virginia on 160 over Black Mountain - unless you love poorly paved windy mountain roads without guardrails. And if you do find yourselves caught on this road at twilight, beware that that bear cub crossing the road in the dark is very hard to see. He just made it across the road, and I'm sure mama bear was nearby.
But do visit. You can get there safer taking 421 to 119 north east to Benham.
Lived in Kentucky my whole life and I've honestly never once heard of not saying "the" before Derby. Wonder where that 'tip' originated
Came here to say the same thing. No one has ever gotten upset when I say "the Derby".
Definatly not from the locals or native Kentuckians. That's probably a thing from the ritzy celebrities that show up every year just to be seen. If it's a popular event they try to make it theirs. THE Derby belongs to Ky.
While I have never heard anyone get mad for saying the derby, I have heard people just say derby a lot. Thinking of my own use and it is pretty interchangeable of derby/the derby. If I had to guess, he probably heard people not use the and assumed it was some unwritten rule.
@@hollym1821 I think it’s entirely the context that derby is used. But to blanket state to not say “the derby” is not correct.
Maybe it’s a Louisville thing???
Long time watcher, but as a native Louisvillian first time it was about something I could test Wolter on and I have to say…. Fantastic job on hitting most of the big points of visiting the state! UofL and the other team down the road are such big parts of daily life no matter what sport (basketball, football, baseball, etc.). But also, locals just love their sports. It’s the highest rated market for almost any televised sporting event in the United States. One thing I would add is outside of just fried chicken and the hot brown the food scene in the city of Louisville is incredible with all of the variety and cultures in the city. Don’t sleep on Jack Fry’s! Really impressed with Wolter’s breakdown and glad he’s there to share Kentucky and other locales with the world.
Go Cats
I hope the Annex y'all to Ohio. The rest of Kentucky hates Louisville. Please know this lol
Derby is fun provided the weather is nice that day. I sat in the infield for about 12 years in a row Its grossly overpriced there are alot of drunk UK and UL students in the infield and if it happens to storm you are screwed. I think Keeneland in Lexington is a more fun track but they only race in April and October. The Covington and Newport riverfronts offer excellent views of the Cincinnati Skyline esp going north on I 75
Yep, never been to the Derby, even as much as I love racehorses. Derby day is far too much about people just wanting to be seen there, and partying, than it is about the horses.
Just a safey note some of the 2-lane highways are little more narrow then other 2-lanes
especially driving arround Paducah KY.
Native Kentuckian here, Northern Ky with roots in Pulaski and Lincoln Counties. I really wish you had explored more of the state than just the "Bluegrass" region, as the whole state has a lot to offer!!!
Everyone's different... I'm sure there are several thousand people in Kentucky that could care less about the derby or the alcohol... It's hard to sum up a state and involve everyone that lives there... I would really love to see him sum up Illinois Chicago and corn field 😂. From Illinois moving to Kentucky ( London ). Really excited to explore the cemeteries!
We were hungry and followed a sign on the road that said, "Winery." We ended up at a refurbished old fort with a restaurant that just threw a bunch of stuff in a pot to make soup and let it simmer all day. We had that awesome soup with make-your-own sandwiches, talked to some folks who were holding a sports car show at the winery, and then chatted with some folks who were starting an alternative "Second Amendment" community. Really interesting to get out of our comfort zone but with great comfort food!
I live right in the middle of everything in KY.
Keeneland is a better view for visitors watching horse races. If you don't drink, all the bourbon is not much. The Kentucky Derby is in the middle of a city if you didn't know.
The Real DON’T of visiting Kentucky
1. DON’T clean your windshield before shooting videos through it. See the state as it’s residents do: Through bug-encrusted windshields.
This is an absolute must if you come here!
This is the best comment.
😂😂😂 so true!
Woodford Reserve is beautiful, isn't it? I especially loved the orange and white tabby kitty in the barrel barn, lol.
My in laws live in Lexington, and I'm hoping to get to visit Keeneland one day. We always seem to be there when it's closed, like Christmas.
If the spring and fall meets are over, you can still go to Keeneland to watch morning workouts (I think some trainers stable their horses there throughout the year). Their website might have more info.
I've lived in Kentucky all my life. most true kentuckians don't consider louisville as part of the state. louisville sucks
Kentucky was much wilder years ago. In 1970 I saw 2 teenagers playing in their yard...one behind a huge light and o,e behind a junk vehicle. They were shooting 12 gauge shotguns at each other. This was just outside of Louisville. A real eye opener for me...scared me to death. The boys just laughed and laughed. I was from a middle class german/Irish neighborhood in Chicago and was totally culture-shocked.
Are you kidding? It's still wild! They just made it legal to conceal carry.
@@robinalford2186it's always been legal to conceal carry in Kentucky. The only recent change is that you no longer need a permit to do so.
The greatest state
I live in Kentucky and these are all so true
Super vlog. Harriet and I are planning to visit next year. Thanks for the heads up. Jim and Harriet😍😍
Good to have you on last night on the live! Kentucky is a fun time
@@woltersworld You guys rock, Refreshing
I was ready to start hating on this video if he didnt mention the nature haha. Ive lived in kentucky for most of my life and theres just so much to go out and enjoy in nature from mammoth cave to natural bridge to so so so much more
Don’t forget to tour a horse farm, like Mill Ridge, near Lexington, where you can feed carrots to, and pet, the mares and foals. If you come in the Spring, the foals will be newborns, which is one of the cutest sights you may ever see. Plus, the gorgeous Keeneland Racecourse will be having its spring meet. It might be the most beautiful race complex in the country. You can also go to the KY Horse Park to visit some retired champions, and pay your respects, at the grave of Kentucky’s greatest racehorse, Man o’ War.
Don't visit during tornado season...sad.
I will be moving to Northern Kentucky independence I can’t wait
This was helpful as i will be traveling here in two weeks for the first time 😅 thank you!
God do I love that derby it's like the Daytona 500 or Superbowl for me
Jefferson Davis was from Kentucky as well...
I've lived in southeast Kentucky all my life. I've visited different places. Never wanted to live anywhere else. Why do people come here and show run down and abandoned buildings that are falling down. That one video never showed any nice homes. There's plenty nice neighborhoods. There's some houses sit off the main roads up on the hillsides. Homes are built on higher ground because we get so much rain. You don't want to live in the flood plain. We don't have to worry about drive by assaults like the city people do. I'm careful with words. Many great singers have come from eastern Kentucky. Of course we're proud of the Coail Miners Daughter , Loretta Lynn. Chris Stapleton comes from Johnson County. That's a little north of me. Patti Loveless, and others. We're not all drugs and crime. I've never looked it up to compare with cities in Kentucky and other states. I'm not easily offended but for that one person's comment about inbreds. I don't know any. That's a horrible crime and sin. I'd say it happens up north as much as anywhere else. Eastern Kentucky is not the south or the north. We don't have accents of either. We have our own Mountain English. This part of Kentucky didn't have slavery . Our ancestors wanted to get away from Ulster, and Great Britain. In the colonies they wanted to get away from the British government. They came through Cumberland Gap, which is now a National Park. The ones that were Scots-Irish stayed here in the mountains.
As a Kentuckian, drink your bourbon straight. Learn the different flavors of the many brands to learn what you prefer. Just a small amount, sip...once you figure out your go-to, then have an Old Fashioned (a drink originated in Louisville).
Definitely do NOT just say “Derby”? We absolutely DO say “what are you wearing to THE Derby”? The ONLY time we only say “Derby” is if it’s followed by “Day”
Example… “hey John, what are you doing for Derby Day?”
Kentucky, the land of beautiful horses and fast women.
lmao
I knew a gal from Elizabethtown KY and she said there was still a legit cannonball embedded in a old brick building from the civil war
LOL there is! I'm a local from the same county and it is definitely still there. They even have tours now for people to learn about the city and the civil war battles that took place around here, including how that cannon ball got there : )
Kentuckian here! I recommend visiting my city of Bowling Green. We have some attractions such as the Corvette Museum and Aviation Park. We also have a really great diner called Doug’s Motor City Cafe. For the general Kentucky, do not mispronounce Louisville. Foreigners will pronounce it like loo-ee-ville or loo-iss-ville. Its not. Its loo-ih-ville or lul-ville
Hiddy, neighbor. I can tell a fellow Kentuckian by the way they talk or type! And you are right about the pronunciation. Did they ever fix the floor in the Corvette Museum? Last I heard it collapsed and a nice car fell in.
@@robinalford2186 oh yeah there was a sinkhole there a few years back
Some antique cars fell in
I’m glad people are finally recognizing that Kentucky has this Midwestern flavor to it, I’ve been saying that for years now.
Maybe a small pocket around Louisiville. Ain't nothing Midwestern about the vast majority of Kentucky.
@@DrannonMoore00 I’ve lived in Kentucky for 20 years (bowling green), I go to Detroit and Cleveland pretty frequently, Kentucky is way more midwestern than you’d realize.
@@Internet.infamous I got ya beat by 12 years buddy. Born and raised (32 years) off the banks of the Mississippi River in rural far-Western KY. We have a shared history with the South, a shared culture with the South and we face the same socio-economical issues with other Southern states. What's now KY was originally part of Virginia and was considered the "Southern Colonies" all the way back to British rule. Tell me all about how much cotton and tobacco they grow up in Detroit and Cleveland... Y'all city folk ain't a good representation of any state because y'all got implants from all over the country. Step outside the city limits from time to time and you'll realize that Kentucky is Southern through and through. We may be a border state but we share much more in common with our neighbors to the South than we do to the ones on the other side of the Ohio River.
@@DrannonMoore00 imagine having an elitist attitude over someone on the internet having a different experience/viewpoint of a state. Your life must be riveting.
@@Internet.infamous I'm only countering your argument with facts. If that's elitism then so be it. Kentucky is in the BBQ belt, the Bible belt, the Y'all belt, the Sweet Tea belt, the Cotton belt, the Tobacco belt, etc. Kentucky was originally part of the Southern colonies in British rule, then it was 'the Southwest Territory' after Independence, it's entirely below the Mason-Dixon and the Ohio River, both of the Northern boundaries for the South. Even before Colonization, the indigenous people here were connected to other Southern states and not Northern states.
The Chickasaw territory was West Kentucky, West Tennessee, North Mississippi and North Alabama - stopped at the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers Just like the Southeast boundary lines do today. In the East, Cherokee territory was Central/East Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
The US government defines Kentucky as a Southern state, which doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that it is and always has been one. Kentucky was an extension of Virginia just like Tennessee was an extension of North Carolina. No other state is more similar to Kentucky than Tennessee. Kentuckians even identify as Southerners at higher levels than Texans, Okies, Floridians, South Carolinians, North Carolinians, Virginians and West Virginians. 80-100% of Kentuckians, Tennesseans, Alabamans, Mississippians, Georgians and Louisianians identify as Southerners. So Kentucky outranks some of the most iconic Southern states in that area.
Many think the South was established by the Confederacy and that's bs. The South was already well defined centuries before the Confederacy even existed. The South ain't exclusive to the former Confederate States. Yeah, Lincoln was born in KY but so was Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. Lincoln didn't even manage to secure 1% of the vote in Kentucky in the 1860 election that preceded the war. Kentucky voted overwhelmingly for John Bell and Breckenridge, both of whom would join the Confederacy after the Civil War. Magoffin, Kentucky's governor at the start of the war, supported the state's rights to secede and was a Confederate sympathizer before being ousted under Union pressure. Lincoln's own brother in law fought and died as a Confederate general. When Lincoln drafted 16,000 Kentuckians to fight for the Union, 15,000 of them flat out rejected. Last but not least, Kentucky WAS admitted into the Confederacy on December 10th, 1861. The 13th star on the Confederate flag represents Kentucky. So even if your definition of the South only includes the Confederate States, that still doesn't exempt KY.
Don't expect shoulders when driving
I lived there till I was 13 ii go visit whenever I can