Food and Spirits Shopping in Kentucky

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.

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How to Spend a Day in Lexington

Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

Start your day at Doodle's, where you'll find the best biscuits and gravy in town. Their gravy is deeply rich and complex in flavor, while providing that ideal comfort. Don’t miss out on their bottomless coffee either and prepare for the day of eating ahead.

For lunch, head to Carson's and pick from their selection of chicken and waffles. The savory gravy with sweet syrup with juicy, crispy chicken & fluffy waffles were a hit.

For dessert, make sure to end your day at Crank & Boom. Known for their small batch ice cream, they serve unique flavors like Bourbon & Honey with Buffalo Trace. Order this as a sundae with chocolate and candied pecans, and I promise, it will be one of the best ice cream bites you take.

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Caitlin Sakdalan

Caitlin is a social media influencer, storyteller, and content & community expert. She is the creator behind the hugely popular @befatbehappy Instagram page.

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