Bon Appetit Appalachia Kentucky
Get a taste of Kentucky mountain culture and traditions, from farm to table.
Farming, foraging, preserving and finding inventive uses for every ingredient you have handy are the backbones of Appalachian cooking. There’s been a renewed interest in these practices in recent years, and an ever-growing number of restaurants around Kentucky are turning out traditional dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Kentucky Proud signifies foods, nursery items, crafts, agritourism sites, farmers markets, state parks, and many other products and destinations with roots in Kentucky soil. Kentucky Proud foods are raised, grown or processed in Kentucky by Kentuckians, which means you are helping a Kentucky farm family earn a living.
Discover heritage farms, farm-to-fork restaurants and a variety of vineyards, plus a few places to pull off and stay the night. Stop for a tour of the Ale-8-One bottling plant, or take a detour on the Kentucky Beer Cheese Trail, both in Winchester.
Holliday Farm and Garden, Hazard
Established in 1855, the Holliday Farm and Garden in the tiny town of Rowdy is one of the oldest family farms in Kentucky. Stop by in the fall to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, or plan your visit around Family Farm Days, where you can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting and more.
Fannin's Vegetable Farm, West Liberty
If your travels take you to Eastern Kentucky, stop by this Kentucky Proud farm stand to pick up fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, all grown by local farmers.
Red River Rockhouse, Campton
Perched at the eastern edge of Red River Gorge in the exact place you wouldn't expect to discover a great gastropub, is Red River Rockhouse. The eatery is a leading supporter of Kentucky farmers and artisans, featuring local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu offerings include hearty Southern breakfasts, healthy wraps and salads, grass-fed burgers and a wide variety of local beers. Open seasonally from March 1 - Thanksgiving.
Old Homeplace Farm, Manchester
This historic farm has been passed down through members of the Hensley family since the mid-1800s, and is still family owned today. With hundreds of acres of rich, rolling farmland, you’ll have your pick of grass-fed meats and a variety of produce grown year-round.
Snug Hollow Farm Bed And Breakfast, Irvine
Beer Cheese Trail, Winchester
Beer. Cheese. Does it get any better? As legend has it, beer cheese made its debut at Joe Allman’s Driftwood Inn, which was located on the Kentucky River in Clark County. Today, the spread is one of Central Kentucky’s signature dishes. The Beer Cheese Trail features 10 stops around Winchester, where you can partake of this regional delicacy, and collect stamps to redeem a souvenir t-shirt.
Ale-8-One Bottling Plant, Winchester
Bourbon may be king in Kentucky, but it’s not the only homegrown beverage beloved by locals. Ale-8-One was invented in 1926, and has been bottled in Winchester ever since. Tours are currently paused, however stop by the Ale-8-One gift shop to pick up memorabilia and specialty items.
Kristina's Kitchen Bakery And Vegetarian Cafe, Whitley City
Located just a few short miles from Cumberland Falls, Kristina’s Kitchen Bakery and Vegetarian Cafe puts an emphasis on plant-based and natural foods, serving hot and cold lunch plus a variety of baked goods, shakes and smoothies.
The Bluebird, Stanford
Headed up by Chef William B. Hawkins, The Bluebird specializes in from-scratch Southern cooking, using house-baked breads, homemade dressings and locally grown- and raised ingredients from Marksbury Farm.
Marksbury Farm Market, Lancaster
If you see Marksbury Farm listed on a Kentucky restaurant menu or chalkboard, you’ll know you’re getting natural and sustainable meats raised right here on Kentucky soil. The farm’s butcher shop and market offers a variety of meats butchered using a combination of traditional and modern methods.
Haney's Appledale Farm, Nancy
For generations, Haney’s Appledale Farm has been a favorite stop along the Cumberland Parkway for locally grown apples (more than 25 varieties), peaches, pears, pumpkins and more. Whether you’re picking your own or just buying a fresh-baked apple pie, the farm market is a must-stop when passing through Southern Kentucky.
Back Home Farms, Greensburg