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.
In the beautiful Bluegrass State, we have versatile weather, acres of lush forests and good-hearted residents. Some people have even said living in Kentucky is a paradise that ruins the prospect of living happily anywhere else. Occasionally, people will move away and not miss the beauty of their old Kentucky home, but those individuals are few and far between. Even a few of our own readers have mentioned missing the hills of their homeland here.
Here are 11 ways living in Kentucky may ruin living anywhere else for you:
You can find iced tea in almost every state, but finding the perfect "sweet iced tea" is a bit of a challenge. During travels I have asked for sweet tea and been given a quizzical gaze, as if I’d asked for fine red wine at McDonalds.
Not to say other states are unfriendly, but Kentuckians are a special kind of friendly that is far and few between in some other states. Random acts of kindness can be found everywhere here.
You don’t have to drink bourbon to enjoy benefits from bourbon. If you do, you likely will find the price inflation in other states quite drastic as compared to home. Those who use bourbon for cooking will also frown at the price, and think fondly of what could be considered residential discounts. Bourbon is a generous portion of our economy thanks to the abundance of distilleries, tours and festivals across the state. The fact it is used in the Kentucky Derby’s special drink, the Mint Julep, adds to the annual revenue.
Even if you don’t attend the most famous 2 minutes in sports, you will remember all the hoopla that it brings. People travel from all around the world to attend Churchill Downs the first Saturday in May each year. Some even show up on Friday for the Oaks. It is one of three things Kentucky has international renowned for, but is also a vital part of our annual economy.
The week long Kentucky Derby Festival features the world’s biggest fireworks attraction, an air show by the renowned Blue Angels, the Pegasus Parade, hot air balloon glow and race, along with many other attractions, mostly televised locally. Traffic is maddening in Louisville during this week, but the events are renowned around the world.
Pecan Pie with chocolate, or a variation with walnuts, chocolate and bourbon, deemed Thoroughbred Pie are very difficult to find in other states, even during Derby week. If you do find them… in most cases they are a boxed version and are only a sad reminder of what your missing back home. You might as well accept you’ll be making your own if you want it to taste right.
Kentucky has some truly breathtaking lakes, both manmade and natural. Watching a sunset in the peaceful environment around any one of our lakes is something you just won’t experience elsewhere. Other states have beautiful spots, but they seem to fall short of the look and smell of home.
Kentucky’s woods seem to literally blanket the undeveloped areas. They range in variety with some changing with the seasons. Others stay thick and green all year round, filling the air with a comforting pine scent. Relaxing, camping, hiking and just experiencing Kentucky’s nature is unlike anywhere else.
Sometimes we gave to sacrifice living in Kentucky for work or family, and though painful, we survive. There seem to be a lot more long term residents and generations of families here for the long haul though. Why? Kentucky is just special, despite the crazy weather.
What are some of your favorite things about living in Kentucky?
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