From urban cores to rural hamlets, Kentucky chefs pride themselves on featuring locally sourced ingredients on their restaurant menus. You can find many of these products at shops and markets around the state to bring home an authentic, farm-to-table taste of Kentucky.

During our growing season (April-November), many communities host farmers markets that are worth a visit. Year-round, market stores offer Kentucky Proud foods – meaning products grown, raised or made in Kentucky. Dozens of our small-farm wineries and craft breweries sell their products on-site and at retail locations around the Commonwealth.

Many Kentucky bourbons are probably available for purchase in your hometown, but they can’t compare to buying the perfect bottle at the distillery of your choice, or discovering a rare, small-batch bourbon you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t leave Kentucky without buying some bourbon balls (yes, bourbon-flavored candy), which were invented at Rebecca Ruth Candy in Frankfort.

Trip Inspiration

A Historic City That is Always Open to Progress

Founded in 1792, Mount Sterling is a small, friendly city steeped in the history of early Kentucky. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and Bluegrass Region, many sites and buildings can be found on state and national historic registers. The city has a strong heritage with doors open to progress.


There is something for everyone in Mount Sterling. Whether it is a walk through the award-winning historic downtown or a visit to The Gateway Regional Arts Center that offers new art exhibits and daily performances. 

 

Gateway Regional Arts Center

 

No one can pass up a tour to Ruth Hunt Candy Company. Check out a sampling of their famous bourbon balls and Blue Monday candy bars. Their store carries a wonderful selection of Kentucky gifts and souvenirs. 

 

For those more interested in the natural beauty of Mount Sterling, visitors can choose a day at Townsend Sorghum Mill, Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch or Hickory Springs of Montgomery Daylily Farm. A driving tour of the “Clothesline of Quilts” provides travelers with an enchanting journey along the beautiful back roads dotted with colorful quilt squares on highly visible barns.

 

Ruth Hunt Candy Company

 

Court Day is Kentucky’s oldest festival with visitors from all over the country. During the four day event, visitors partake in many different arts and crafts, music, and food. Each year, the festival is held the third Monday in October and the weekend prior.

 

Many new shops and restaurants have opened with the recent revitalization of the downtown district. The award winning new downtown park is a perfect place to take a “selfie” along with the delightful art installation and mural known as “Umbrella Alley”.  

 

Spend a day or two in Mount Sterling and find yourself in a place that is easy to get to, but hard to leave.

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