1. Kentuckians Know The Red River Gorge Is The Best Playground Ever
The beautiful canyon system of the Red River in east-central Kentucky is a beloved spot for most Kentuckians. It’s gorgeous with waterfalls, natural bridges, rock shelters and high sandstone cliffs. It’s a veritable playground for Kentuckians. It’s also one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations, but it’s not just for rock climbers, many people love to hike, camp and just take in the natural beauty of the area.
2. People In Kentucky Drink For Six Days At The Kentucky Bourbon Festival—And It's Totally Acceptable
No matter where you live in Kentucky, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky is an event worth celebrating. The event has been going on since 1992 and lasts a full six days with delicious food, great entertainment and more bourbon than you can drink. There’s more than 30 individual events going on during the week, from historical tours to black tie galas and Kentuckians soak it all up. And of course, who in Kentucky doesn’t want to celebrate bourbon?
3. True Kentuckians Know Bourbon Is Even Better With A Little Ale-8
When it comes to soft drinks (which Kentuckians just call ‘coke’) their claim to fame is the invention of Ale8 in Winchester. It’s actually called Ale-8-One, but folks just call it Ale-8. It’s a ginger and citrus blend, so it’s like a ginger brew with a citrusy kick. It has a bit more caffeine than Coca Cola and bit less sugar. How does it get better than that? Well, let me tell you how it gets better… when you mix it with bourbon. Then it’s called the ‘Kentucky Cocktail’ and it’s delicious.
4. Driving Along The Old Frankfort Pike Is Every Kentuckian's Happy Place
One of the prettiest drives in the country is right here in Kentucky - the Old Frankfort Pike. It’s a stunning drive through rolling hills and Kentucky bluegrass with grazing thoroughbreds and wooden fences. There’s a gorgeous tree canopy, historic stone walls, and famous horse farms. Kentuckians love this beautiful, picturesque drive. There’s no better drive to remind them why they love living here so much.
5. Every Kentuckian Would Fight To Defend Their Down Home Cuisine
What is Kentucky cuisine? Country ham that is dry-rubbed in spices, spoon bread and corn pudding, burgoo, pork or mutton barbecue, bourbon balls, Benedictine, hot browns, Pattie’s Pies, bourbon bread pudding and of course, Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC originated in Kentucky, but the best fried chicken is homemade by the locals. Kentucky’s cuisine is diverse enough to suit any taste and they serve their cuisine everywhere from at home and roadside diners to fine dining establishments.
6. People In Kentucky Show Off Their State Pride At The Derby
Everything about Kentucky is celebrated at the Kentucky Derby. It has all the best food, drink, entertainment, parties and horses. It is by far the most exciting two minutes in sports, and in true Kentucky style they take a full two weeks to celebrate it the right way. They drink mint juleps, eat burgo, sing ‘My Old Kentucky Home’, and wear really big hats. It’s fantastic.
7. Kentuckians Have Their Own Secret Language
Kentuckians have their own language. For instance, they call all soft drinks Coke… as in, “Do you want a coke? We have Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper.” They also eat supper instead of dinner, push a buggy instead of a cart at the grocery store, put their groceries in a poke instead of a bag, and keep their money in their pocket book instead of a purse. Of course, this special language doesn’t apply to everyone in every town and city in Kentucky, but for the most part, they share this secret code.
8. For People In Kentucky, Sports Is Like A Religion...
They love the Kentucky Wildcats. LOVE. Seriously, their devotion borders on religious. They are in heaven when they win, but when they lose to the Louisville Cardinals - it is utter chaos, anger and sadness. They show up, dressed in blue, for every single game and they no doubt pray for UK to win, every single time.
9. ...And The Players Are Apostles
The Big Blue Nation loves their players and they are not shy about professing that love. Yes, they put them upon a pedestal. Yes, they will follow them to the ends of the earth, like the time they showed up at an exhibition game in Japan. Yes, it’s a love that borders on worship - and they are okay with that.
10. Kentuckians Love Them Some Folk Art
Kentuckians love folk art and pride themselves on being from an epicenter of this gorgeous, whimsical art form. We’re not just talking about metal weathervanes here. Folk art is as much about music, dance and storytelling as it is about literal arts and crafts. From the Kentucky Folk Art Center in Morehead to the town of Berea, the Folk Art and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, the rich tradition of folk art runs deep through Kentucky and is kept alive by Kentuckians who love the art of the region.
11. Grinning and Picking To Bluegrass Is How Kentuckians Get Down
All summer long, the Kentuckians who love the sounds of bluegrass have a plethora of festivals to enjoy. From the oldest in the state, The Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington, to the the Old Joe Clark Bluegrass Festival in Renfro Valley and the Bluegrass Roots and Branches Festival in Owensboro, there are abundant opportunities for bluegrass lovers to enjoy drink some beer underneath the night sky to the sounds of banjos and fiddles.
12. Basically Anything Is A Reason For Kentuckians To Party
Kentuckians love more than bluegrass festivals - they enjoy food, wine, beer and music festivals all spring, summer and fall long. No matter where they live in the state, they don’t have to go far to enjoy a festival. The best ones last for several days and involve camping and bonfires.
13. People In Kentucky Know The 400 Mile Yard Sale Is Worth Saving Every Penny
Route 68 is a gorgeous scenic drive any time of year and Kentuckians find themselves on the road from Maysville to Paducah, passing through Lexington as Harrodsburg Road and Paris Pike just for the beauty alone. This Kentucky Scenic Byway is also home to a once a year 400 mile yard sale that is a favorite of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. There’s so many thing they love about this: folk art, antiques, shopping, great deals and a beautiful drive.
14. Kentuckians Hit ALL The Trails
Kentuckians love trails, from hiking trails to driving trails, and forest trails to urban trails. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t the only trail in Kentucky, not by far. There’s also countless Quilt Trails all over the state, the Beer Cheese Trail in Clark County, the Muhlenberg County Rail Trail, the Bluegrass Trail, the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville, the Back Roads Wine Trail in Northern Kentucky, the Everly Brothers Rock ‘N’ Roll Trail in Central City, the Northern Kentucky Horseshoe Trail, Civil War Discovery Trail, the Trail of Tears…you get the idea.
15. People In Kentucky Get All Dolled Up For Hunting Season
It’s not everyone in Kentucky, but sans the cities, people here love hunting season. They have a few seasons to look forward to depending on the game: bobcat, elk, turkey, black bear, squirrel, deer… whether they use guns or archery, go alone or take their dogs, it’s all fair game during season.
16. Kentuckians Eat BBQ Grippos Potato Chips, Anytime And All The Time
Grippos aren't actually from Kentucky, they are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. That doesn’t matter though, because Kentuckians love them and think they are one of the best things on the planet, especially the BBQ variety. Somehow they are soft and crunchy, hot and sweet, salty and savory - all at the same time. There’s also X Hot BBQ, XX Hot BBQ and the Grippo’s gourmet spice and BBQ sauce. Kentuckians love it all.
17. People In Kentucky Need No Excuse To Brag About Their History
Kentuckians are proud of their history and heritage. They live in the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, have numerous Civil war forts and battlefields, as well as many Native American historic sites. Kentucky is rich with heritage and there are many museums and memorials commemorating everything from horses, quilts and bourbon to bluegrass, coal mining and art. You’re going to hear about the reason they love these things, whether you want to or not.
18. The Labyrinths At Mammoth Cave Are Most Fun Kentuckians Have Getting Lost
Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system in the world, and Kentuckians are lucky enough to have it in their state. With over 400 explored miles, these subterranean labyrinths make for a great weekend. Mammoth cave is home to over 70 endangered species and the biologically diverse ecosystems are explored by locals and tourists alike.
19. People In Kentucky Know Being A Commonwealth Just Makes Them Better
Kentucky is one of four states in the United States, all of which were among the first 15 states to join the union, that carry the ‘commonwealth’ title. While it doesn’t really have a legal impact, it means a lot to them. It means they are recognized as a ‘free and independent state’ and that they have a ‘government based on the common consent of the people’. Plus, it just official and fancy to say you’re from the ‘Commonwealth of Kentucky’.
20. Kentuckians Are Antiquing Fiends
On any given day of the week you can find Kentuckians browsing and buying antiques all over the state. There’s a lot of treasures in the tiny town of Hazel, but there’s antique scene all over the state. From the larger cities to the small towns, you’ll find antique stores, antique malls and flea markets bursting with great antique finds.
21. People In Kentucky Know Shaker Village In Heaven On Earth
Kentuckians understand why the Shakers thought they had found utopia when they settled near Harrodsburg in the 19th century. The peaceful 3,000 acres of countryside has been maintained and preserved, from the 34 restored building to the extensive museum of Shaker artifacts. There are miles and miles of woods, meadows, creeks and trails to explore. The National Historic Landmark is not just a site where the Shakers once lived, but is also a place that Kentuckians love to visit, year after year.
22. Kentuckians Buy Farm-Grown Everything
No, not everyone in Kentucky is a farmer, but Kentucky’s farming heritage is rich and deeply ingrained in the state. In various places all over the state they visit horse farms, buy fresh produce, pick their own produce, visit amazing farmer’s markets, take hayrides, visit pumpkin patches and orchards, and enjoy river plantations and vineyards. Kentuckians are lucky, because they have more farms per square mile than anywhere else in the country.
23. Season Passes To Kentucky Kingdom Are Every Kentuckian's Dream Gift
It doesn’t matter their age or where they live in the state, Kentuckians love Kentucky Kingdom and there’s not much better than season passes, especially if there’s kids involved. From the Lightning Run and 5D Cinema Movie Ride to The Giant Wheel and the Mile High Falls - it’s Kentucky’s best theme park, right in the heart of Louisville.
24. People In Kentucky Are Major Horse Snobs
Sure, Kentucky is home to The Derby, but their love of horses goes WAY beyond those two weeks of partying and two miles of racing. Kentuckians are obsessed with horses, especially champion thoroughbreds.
25. Quilts Are Perfect For Every Kentuckian's Special Occasion
Unless you’re from Kentucky you might not understand their love of quilts. A quilt in Kentucky is much, much more than a blanket; it defines history, it’s a part of their heritage, and it’s a beautiful artform. There’s plenty of quilting trails in Kentucky, as well as barn quilts (quilt patterns painted on barns). In Paducah you will find The National Quilt Museum, but more importantly, when a Kentuckian wants to celebrate a birth, a marriage, a graduation or other significant life event, they may quilt you a special quilt. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can receive.
26. Every Kentuckian Is Basically A Professional Clogger
Clogging is the official state dance and they love it, as evident in the many performances, groups and classes that happen all over the state. Kentuckians - from tiny tots to grandma and grandpas - are fans of this dance. You’d be hard-pressed to find a street fair or outdoor event without the state dance being performed by locals.
27. Most Of All Everyone In Kentucky Loves Living In The Bluegrass State
Above all, Kentuckians love living in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Brimming with majestic beauty and rich history, they would not live anywhere else.
What do you love about living in Kentucky? Leave a comment and let us know! 
