1. Kentucky Goes Crazy For The Boys In Blue
Unless they’re cheering for the Louisville Cardinals, everyone in Kentucky has an addiction to Wildcats basketball. Towns shut down on game days and entire cities turn blue. Games have been known to incite riots, regardless of the outcome, with most Kentuckians willing to trade their first born for another national championship.
2. Not All Whiskey Is Bourbon, But All Bourbon Is Whiskey
In order for whiskey to earn the name of “bourbon,” it must be at least 51 percent corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Until recently, it also had to be made in Kentucky. While this law has changed, almost all bourbon is still made in the Bluegrass State.
3. Two Minutes Is All You Need For The Best Party Of The Year
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race, it’s the biggest party of the year. With several weeks of celebration dedicated to two minutes of racing annually, people live like there’s no tomorrow. The infield at the race is the wildest place to be.
4. Bluegrass Music Got Its Name From The Bluegrass Boys, Which Got Their Name From The Grass In Kentucky
The Bluegrass boys were one of the first bluegrass style bands, naming themselves after the blue grass that’s common in the Kentucky area. As people heard this new genre at their shows, they started calling it bluegrass music.
5. The Grass In Kentucky Is Actually Green Like Everywhere Else
Before the era of lawnmowers, blue grass was able to grow tall and bloom with blue flowers, thus earning it the blue grass name. But in the modern era, don’t expect the ground in Kentucky to be bright blue like something from a Dr. Seuss book, the grass rarely has a chance to grow that tall.
6. To Folks In Kentucky You Can’t Beat Mint For A Great Drink Ingredient
While some people think mint juleps taste like mouthwash, most Kentuckians will agree that they’re the best drink option on a hot summer’s day. The key component of a mint julep is a fresh mint leaf, delivering that cool refreshing aftertaste they’re known for. It’s best to just make your own rather than buy one for $10+ at the Derby.
7. Two Pots Of Burgoo Never Taste The Same
A local favorite, burgoo is a stew made up of game meats, veggies, and a thickener, along with a blend of unique secret spices. Everyone has their own secret recipe and every pot is equally delicious. The best can be found in the “Burgoo Capital of the World,” also known as Lawrenceburg, Ken.
8. Kentuckians Know To Be Careful With This Wild Turkey…
Ranging from 80 proof to 101 proof, Wild Turkey bourbon is so good it’s hard to stop drinking. But go easy on Kentucky bourbon, as the liquor heavy drinks served in bars across the state will have you laying on your back in no time.
9. And To Steer Clear Of This Wild Turkey
Huge wild turkeys are everywhere in Kentucky, and unless you’re armed and hunting them, it’s best to steer clear. These birds are huge, weighing as much as a small dog, and are known to be very territorial and aggressive with sharp beaks and talons. You’d probably be able to fight one off, but not without getting a few scratches first.
10. A Hot Brown Is Delicious
A Louisville classic, this open face sandwich topped with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce (and sometimes with cheese, tomatoes, or mushrooms) is the perfect comfort food sure to make any day better.
11. In Kentucky The Deer Are Everywhere
There are literally one million deer in Kentucky. That being said, it’s great for hunting and great for local game meats, but horrible for drivers. Everyone in Kentucky has had a run in with a deer on the road, or at least knows someone that’s hit one causing thousands of dollars of damage to their car. It always best to be extra careful when driving at night.
12. Everyone In Kentucky Has Camo In Their Wardrobe
A side effect of living in a state with so much hunting, everyone in Kentucky has at least one piece of camo clothing. It’s completely normal to see people walking around town donning the camo pattern casually, even if they’ve never gone hunting a day in their life.
13. Anyone Can Potentially Become A Kentucky Colonel
The only snag is that you have to do something spectacular. Kentucky Colonelship an honor that’s been given to tons of politicians, athletes, musicians, and of course, chicken fryers (some with no apparent relation to Kentucky at all) that have made a great contribution to society.
14. A “Commonwealth” Just Means That The People Come First
Kentucky is unique when it comes to the states in America in that it’s a commonwealth. But really, all this means is that in 1792, they wanted to be recognized as a “free and independent” state that put its citizens first.
15. The 400 Mile Yard Sale Is A Bunch Of Little Yard Sales—And It’s Awesome
Stretching down highway 68, Kentuckians hold the 400 Mile Yard Sale every year. Lasting several days, tourists come from far and wide, travelling from town to town in search of whatever deal they might find.
16. It’s Pronounced “LOU-uh-vull”
Nothing peeves a Kentuckian more than the mispronunciation of Louisville. It seems as if tourists can say it countless ways before they get it right. It’s not Looeyville, Looaville, LOUIS-ville, it’s “LOU-uh-vull,” and it should be said fluidly, rolling off the tongue.
17. Ale-8-One Isn’t Some Sort Of Riddle—But It Is Delicious
Reminiscent of the cliché Seven-8-Nine joke, Ale-8-One is a great local soda marketed as ginger ale with a “kick” of citrus flavoring. Usually the name is shortened to simply “Ale-8.”
18. Despite Being The Home Of Bourbon, There Are Dry Counties In Kentucky
There are a ton of counties in Kentucky where the sale of booze is completely outlawed or heavily restricted. It forces residents of these areas to head elsewhere to get their drink on.
19. Kentucky’s “Thriller Parade” Puts The Music Video To Shame
Exactly what it sounds like, the “Thriller Parade” takes over the streets of Lexington, as several Michael Jackson impersonators lead over a thousand zombies down the streets recreating one of the most famous music videos of all time on a massive scale.
20. Couches Make Great Firewood In Kentucky
Whether it’s at a weekend bonfire or after a big Wildcats game, old furniture has a short life expectancy in Kentucky as there seems to be a strict “if it burns, throw it on!” policy.
21. Kentuckians Know Muhammad Ali Is And Always Will Be The Greatest
This hometown hero, known as the Louisville Lip, is the best athlete to ever come out of Kentucky, if not America. Every Kentuckian has a special place for him in their heart.
22. Folks In Kentucky Know Tornado Warnings Are Taken Seriously
While storm sirens don’t always mean much in some places around the country, in Kentucky it sends people ducking for cover, and rightfully so. Tornados in Kentucky are nothing to trifle with, as the state has a history of getting hit hard by these deadly storms.
23. Kentuckians Don’t Bleed KFC Gravy
Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, now known as KFC, is from Kentucky. No, that doesn’t mean every Kentuckian is obsessed with it, eating the famous deep fried blend of 11 herbs and spices breakfast, lunch, and dinner. KFC does make some awesome chicken though.
24. To Folks In Kentucky Nothing Is More Refreshing Than An Arnold Palmer
Half sweet tea, half lemonade, an Arnold Palmer is one of the most delicious, refreshing drinks around. Add a little vodka into the glass to make a John Daily, the perfect Kentuckian poolside summer drink.
25. Kentuckians Are Locked And Loaded
Kentuckians hunt everything, from deer, to turkey, to bears, to bobcats… the list goes on. That being said, it’s not abnormal for a Kentuckian to own several guns and to go shooting on a regular basis. Out-of-towners shouldn’t be surprised if they’re visiting a friend and there’s a shotgun on their kitchen table and several deer heads mounted on their walls.
26. Kentuckians Prefer Their Tea Ice Cold
A southern thing, Kentuckians love ice cold sweet tea with a slice of lemon. If an out-of-towner orders tea at the local restaurant, make sure they know that’s probably what they’ll get. The only time a Kentuckian drinks their tea hot is if their sick.
27. Everyone Here Knows Someone With A Horse
With over 450 working horse farms in the state and a ton more private owners, everyone in Kentucky knows at least once person with a horse. Especially in the rural areas, riding horses is a part of the Kentuckian lifestyle. It’s not surprising that the most famous horse race in the world is in the state of “unbridled spirit.”
28. Lebowski Fest In Louisville Is Exactly What It Sounds Like
Running for more than a decade, the Lebowski Fest in Louisville is as glorious as one might imagine. Featuring a screening of “The Big Lebowski”, bowling party, live music, and tons of costumed participants, it’s a must-do for any Big Lebowski fan.
29. Kentucky Kicks Ass
Upset with low tourism in the state, a group called Kentucky for Kentucky decided to take the state’s public relations into their own hands. After asking countless Kentuckians what two words described the state best, they got a definitive answer: Kentucky “Kicks Ass.” And you know what? They’re right.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Kentucky? Tell us in the comments below! 
