12 Things You Can Only Brag About If You're From Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Published January 26, 2016
×
Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Despite the fact that we get a lot of slack from other states, Kentucky bragging rights are pretty extensive. Our good deeds, extensive knowledge and quality accomplishments should not go without recognition. Some things are pretty obvious, such as our history and news media recognition, but other pride oriented justifications go unnoticed. Kentuckians do have bragging rights—although, we know it isn’t necessarily polite to take advantage of them.
Not everyone uses coal or likes its effect on our environment, however, Pike County is the "world’s largest producer" of coal. That is pretty impressive whether you like coal or not.
Our state tends to get recognition for our insanely spirited college sports fans. We have made the news on more than one occasion due to our seemingly out of control antics. One thing we can say is that our people love their favorite teams… sometimes a little too much.
Located at 702 Central Avenue in Louisville is the longest standing horse race track in the U.S. It officially opened in 1875 and has hosted both the Kentucky Derby and the Oaks annually since 1875
The world is full of corvette enthusiasts, and right now, all corvettes are made in Bowling Green. It is also home to the Corvette Museum at 350 Corvette Drive, where car lovers can see an example of every style of corvette created and other memorabilia.
If you find these in another state it is a rare occurrence. Created at the Brown Hotel as an alternative to their ham and egg breakfast sandwich, its popularity quickly spread across the state. For those who have never had one, they are absolutely delicious if prepared correctly. It is an open face sandwich with turkey, bacon, tomato and Mornay Sauce.
This track at 4201 Versailles Road in Lexington has been around since 1936, and is a sister to the one in England. Many great races are ran here yearly, including the 3rd leg of the annual Triple Crown.
Kentucky isn’t just about bourbon anymore. Now we have wine, including the flourishing grape vineyards needed to create it farm to table. California might be more renowned for their wine, but the delightful flavors and gourmet wine creations here give Kentucky bragging rights too.
Horse racing has been a big part of Kentucky since the first track appeared in Lexington during 1789. However, a century later Churchill Downs was built and has been going strong with the longest running horse race in the United States. The Derby draws celebrities and the wealthy from all over the world, and is known as the greatest two minutes in sports.
The history of bourbon making in Kentucky is rich and long. It begins back when Kentucky and Virginia were still connected as one in the late 1700s. Bourbon was recorded in the 1820s, but in the 1870s it became a common part of life in the state, eventually getting labeled by Jacob Spears. Now it is a popular part of celebrations, distillery tours and the Kentucky Derby, especially Four Roses and Woodford Reserve.
Our state is absolutely beautiful. From border to border we have lush forests, rivers, rolling hills, beautiful farmlands, small country towns and modern cities. Our lakes and waterways offer plentiful fishing and sweet serenity. A drive in the country is like an escape into another time, and well worth the escape.
Kentucky is horse county, especially Shelbyville, Lexington and surrounding areas. Some of the greatest horses in the world were born, raised and raced in Kentucky.
Kentucky has more than 12 million acres of forest. That is more than 47% forest versus 53% developed land, which is a beautiful ratio. I'm glad to see we are keeping our state as natural as possible and preserving the beauty of the land.
These are just a few things that give Kentucky bragging rights, but we have many more. What do you think our wonderful state should take great pride in?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.