Savor a trip to Hopkinsville, KY: Batter Capital of the World

Looking for a getaway you can really sink your teeth into? Plan a trip to the “Batter Capital of the World” in Hopkinsville, Kentucky! It’s a big claim, sure, but this Western Kentucky town comes by it honestly.

For starters, Hopkinsville is the heart of the top wheat-producing county in the Bluegrass State, with more than 3.5 million bushels harvested annually. It’s also home to two mills that produce millions of pounds of flour daily, much of it piped directly to The Krusteaz Company, which is formerly Continental Mills and one of the world’s largest and most respected producers of baking mixes.

And trust us, you know the names. You’ll find good ol’ Hopkinsville flour inside baking mixes for Ghirardelli brownies, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits, Cracker Barrel biscuits, all kinds of Krusteaz goodies and countless others.

But agriculture is more than just something the people of Hopkinsville do – it’s who they are – and they love sharing this rich tradition with visitors. Here are some of the most enriching ways you can discover the “Batter Capital of the World!”

Agri-Tourism Experiences

Whether you’re interested in tasting locally grown ingredients in a restaurant, purchasing them from a local storefront or taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the farms where they’re grown, this place known as Hoptown has all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable agricultural adventure.

Craving a taste of that famous Hopkinsville batter? Make a beeline for one of the many local restaurants and food trucks proudly using local flavors in their delicious fare. You’ll find Hopkinsville-produced wheat and flour in dishes at The Mixer, Bar-B-Que Shack, Vansauwa’s Tacos & Vegan Eats and plenty of other Hopkinsville restaurants.

Of course, there’s no better way to commemorate your trip here than with a few boxes of batter to bake at home. Head to the Hopkinsville Visitor Center to stock up on locally produced Krusteaz batter and baking mixes. While you’re here, be sure to connect with local travel experts for fun recipe ideas and suggestions for more things to do in Hopkinsville.

And rolling out in Spring 2023, a new behind-the-scenes guided bus tour will take guests to the farms where local wheat and flour are grown. You’ll get an up-close look at fields and processing facilities, plus an opportunity to taste the finished products. That’s a real "field to fulfillment to fork" experience you won’t want to miss!

Outdoor Adventures

Once you’ve had a chance to fuel up on good food, it’s time to explore the outdoors! For a Kentucky outdoor experience you can only have in Hopkinsville, visit Pennyroyal Scuba Center at Blue Springs Resort, a breathtaking 22-acre spring-fed quarry and the only full-service Scuba-diving facility in Kentucky.

 

Not up for a dive? Go for a stroll or ride on the lush Hopkinsville Greenway Rail Trail, which spans nearly 5 miles through town and includes the longest pedestrian bridge over land in the state. Or if you’re traveling with kids, there’s no better way to spend the day than at Christian Way Farm & Mini Golf, where farm animals meet mini-golf for a real “ag-venture.”

Culture & History Discoveries

You’ll also find Hopkinsville is rich with landmarks, buildings and cultural touchpoints.

Completed in 1928, the Alhambra Theatre offers a full lineup of live performances on its historic stage. A more somber slice of history can be seen — and felt — at Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, one of the nation’s few verified sites of the actual trail and campsites that were used during the infamous Trail of Tears. The park is also home to a large annual Pow Wow commemoration each fall.

Inside the former 1914 post office, explore Hopkinsville history through permanent exhibits, educational programs and special events at Pennyroyal Area Museum.

Bourbon & Beer Getaways

Hopkinsville may be known as the “Batter Capital of the World,” but let’s not forget Kentucky is still Bourbon Country. Two local craft bourbon distillers — Casey Jones Distillery and MB Roland Distillery — offer “grain to glass” tours and tastings, and the entire region is brimming with incredible Kentucky bourbon experiences. And for those craving hops in Hoptown, Hopkinsville Brewing Company is one of nine stops on the West Kentucky Brewery Hop trail. (Pro tip: Grab a passport to collect stamps at each location to claim a prize!)

Ready for a vacation you’ll savor for years to come? Plan your getaway at visithopkinsville.com.