Bon Appetit Appalachia Kentucky

Get a taste of Kentucky mountain culture and traditions, from farm to table.

Black Barn Winery, Lexington

Local vintner Collin Boyd began his wine career in France, where he learned everything from harvesting to barrel-aging to bottling and corking. He brought his experience back to his native Kentucky and opened Black Barn Winery in a renovated tobacco barn in Horse Country, where you can sip his bold red blends over breathtaking views of rolling bluegrass.

Holliday Farm and Garden, Hazard

Established in 1855, the Holliday Farm and Garden in the tiny town of Rowdy is one of the oldest family farms in Kentucky. Stop by in the fall to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, or plan your visit around Family Farm Days, where you can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting and more.

Fannin's Vegetable Farm, West Liberty

If your travels take you to Eastern Kentucky, stop by this Kentucky Proud farmstand to pick up fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, all grown by local farmers.

Red River Rockhouse, Campton

Perched at the eastern edge of Red River Gorge in the exact place you wouldn't expect to discover a great gastropub, is Red River Rockhouse. The eatery is a leading supporter of Kentucky farmers and artisans, featuring local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu offerings include hearty Southern breakfasts, healthy wraps and salads, grass-fed burgers and a wide variety of local beers.

Old Homeplace Farm, Manchester

This historic farm has been passed down through members of the Hensley family since the mid-1800s, and is still family owned today. With hundreds of acres of rich, rolling farmland, you’ll have your pick of grass-fed meats and a variety of produce grown year-round.

Snug Hollow Farm Bed And Breakfast, Irvine

Featured in a number of travel, lifestyle and regional magazines and publications, stop for the night to experience “holler hospitality” at this 300-acre farm in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Watch the mist roll in through the wildflower fields and babbling creeks of the Red Lick Valley, and enjoy garden-to-table cuisine made by talented chefs. Accommodations here range from a log farmhouse to a nearly 200-year-old chestnut cabin.

C2H2 Farm, Irvine

Make a stop at this bustling little farm near Winchester in the heart of Daniel Boone Country to tour the gorgeous grounds and visit with the resident chickens and cows.

Beer Cheese Trail, Winchester

Beer. Cheese. Does it get any better? As legend has it, beer cheese made its debut at Joe Allman’s Driftwood Inn, which was located on the Kentucky River in Clark County. Today, the spread is one of Central Kentucky’s signature dishes. The Beer Cheese Trail features 10 stops around Winchester, where you can partake of this regional delicacy, and collect stamps to redeem a souvenir t-shirt.

Try this Recipe: Bourbon Beer Cheese

Ale-8-One Bottling Plant, Winchester

Bourbon may be king in Kentucky, but it’s not the only homegrown beverage beloved by locals. Ale-8-One was invented in 1926, and has been bottled in Winchester ever since. Take a free tour of the factory (Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment only), and stop by the Ale-8-One Company Store to pick up memorabilia and specialty items.  

Cedar Creek Vineyards, Somerset

Get a taste of Southeast Kentucky terroir at Cedar Creek Vineyards, which uses everything from rainwater to local hay to produce its range of dry and semi-sweet red and white wines. 

Kristina's Kitchen Bakery And Vegetarian Cafe, Whitley City

Located just a few short miles from Cumberland Falls, Kristina’s Kitchen Bakery and Vegetarian Cafe puts an emphasis on plant-based and natural foods, serving hot and cold lunch plus a variety of baked goods, shakes and smoothies.

Wonder Of Life Farm, Lancaster

This family-run hobby farm embraces a natural, loving approach to raising chickens, ducks and other animals. The difference is evident in the fresh, free-range eggs, which you can buy at the farm’s roadside stand in Lancaster in Central Kentucky.

The Bluebird, Stanford

Headed up by Chef William B. Hawkins, The Bluebird specializes in from-scratch Southern cooking, using house-baked breads, homemade dressings and locally grown- and raised ingredients from Marksbury Farm.

Marksbury Farm Market, Lancaster

If you see Marksbury Farm listed on a Kentucky restaurant menu or chalkboard, you’ll know you’re getting natural and sustainable meats raised right here on Kentucky soil. The farm’s butcher shop and market offers a variety of meats butchered using a combination of traditional and modern methods.

Haney's Appledale Farm, Nancy

For generations, Haney’s Appledale Farm has been a favorite stop along the Cumberland Parkway for locally grown apples (more than 25 varieties), peaches, pears, pumpkins and more. Whether you’re picking your own or just buying a fresh-baked apple pie, the farm market is a must-stop when passing through Southern Kentucky. 

Back Home Farms, Greensburg

This third-generation cattle and tobacco farm also sells picked- and U-Pick blueberries from July through September. Seasonally, the farm also offers nursery plants, nature tours for kids and a variety of events for all ages.

Rainbow Harvest Farm LLC, Liberty

Located a hop and a skip from both Lake Cumberland and Daniel Boone Country, Rainbow Harvest Farm is a great place to sample Kentucky’s local bounty. Explore multiple acres of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry bushes, and bring home a sampling of homemade jams and jellies.

Country Girl At Heart Farm Bed & Breakfast, Munfordville

There’s Southern comfort to go around at this inviting B&B in Kentucky’s Caves, Lakes & Corvettes region, where you can “get your hands dirty or just put your feet up.” By day, guests can participate in farm activities, pick up a new hobby in the workshop or just go for a leisurely stroll along the rolling hills. At night, retire to one of five themed bedrooms and let the stars and fireflies lull you to sleep.