Give the gift of the Bluegrass State

State Wide

Part of the fun of a Kentucky vacation is finding something truly unique to bring home. Here are some Kentucky-crafted gift ideas that are easily shipped to share your Kentucky experience.  

 

For those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, one of Kentucky’s best-known delicacies is its bourbon balls. This “spirited” confection combines bourbon, pecans, butter and vanilla into a compact ball covered in chocolate, making it impossible to have just one. Candy makers and bourbon distillers from across the state regularly ship hundreds of boxes all over the world.    

 

Ale-8-One is a great gift idea for those who love refreshing beverages. This iconic ginger and citrus flavored soft drink, born in Winchester, Kentucky nearly a century ago, has been a beloved beverage for generations. Its unique blend of ginger, caramel, and spices offers a refreshing and tangy taste. Whether enjoyed over ice, mixed with a splash of bourbon, or simply sipped straight from the bottle, Ale-8-One is a perfect choice for any occasion. 

 

 

For truly one-of-a-kind gifts, Kentucky has several world class arts enclaves showcasing the works of hundreds of Kentucky artisans. 

 

Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a vibrant hub offering a diverse selection of handcrafted gifts, from exquisite pottery and intricate jewelry to stunning wood carvings and beautiful textiles. 

 

The Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman highlights the beauty of Appalachia through its handmade treasures. From magnificent quilts to made dulcimers, metalworks and more, there are plenty of unique and meaningful gifts for you to discover. 

 

 

Paducah in far western Kentucky is widely known as the home the National Quilt Museum, but its downtown is also the place to find dozens of quirky little shops with unique gift offerings.  

 

Interested in crafting that bourbon cocktail? Kentucky has you covered. There are hundreds of shops and bourbon-related attractions that have what you need to make the perfect old fashioned, hot toddy or mint julep. 

 

There is no wrong way to share Kentucky experience, so why not send a gift that’s truly a piece of authentic Kentucky.  

 

Author Information
Ben Mackin holding a coffee cup while making a strange face.
Ben Mackin

Ben Mackin is a communications specialist for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  Before joining KDT, Ben worked as a staff writer and freelancer for a number of publications including the Vicksburg Post, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily and the State Journal in Frankfort. 

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