This post is sponsored by Kentucky Tourism. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that make Space, Place & Southern Grace possible!
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail, part of the Better In The Bluegrass Culinary Tourism Initiative at Lake Cumberland. Not only did I get to experience some fun road tripping with a few of my blogger besties (AKA lots of snacks, getting lost, and missing our interstate exit), I got to try some of Kentucky’s staple dishes that brought back all the nostalgia for me with food prepared at my family’s gatherings for decades.
We had the chance to sample TONS of delicious traditional Kentucky dishes. I have to say, my hands-down favorite was the soup beans and corn bread appetizer from Jenny Wiley – so fitting because I have so many childhood memories with my grandparents and extended family staying there in Prestonsburg. Check out the throwback photo below! The banana pudding was a close second favorite dish, and I’m not even a banana fan. From the appetizers to desserts to drinks, this event kicked off an exciting trail that pays homage to Kentucky’s best dishes as attendees can eat their way across the state. See the full listing of parks and their respective dishes below. Explore the regions with this interactive map.
A trip to a Kentucky State Park makes the perfect local staycation or weekend trip that doesn’t break the bank. At each park, you’re sure to be inundated with beautiful nature scenes, Kentucky history, and delicious eats. When you visit your first park, pick up your Culinary Passport from the lodge front desk. If you try the featured regional meal at all of the nine parks between May 14th and October 31st, you’ll get a gift from the Department of Tourism. *Hint* – it’s super cute and practical! Kentucky foods are at the forefront this year as our state is hosting the 16th season of Top Chef.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Calvert City, Kentucky | Western Waterlands
- Appetizer: White beans with ham hock
- Entrée: Local Surf & Turf
- Sides: Silver Queen sweet corn, Kentucky Wonder green beans
- Dessert: Banana pudding
- Beverage: Local craft bourbon cocktail
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Dawson Springs, Kentucky | Bluegrass, Blues & Barbecue
- Appetizer: Burgoo
- Entrée: BBQ mutton
- Sides: Baked beans, slaw, potato salad
- Dessert: Peach cobbler
- Beverage: Strawberry lemonade with locally grown berries
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Falls of Rough, Kentucky | Bourbon, Horses & History
- Appetizer: Kentucky Bibb salad with Benedictine dressing
- Entrée: Kentucky Hot Brown
- Sides: Succotash
- Dessert: Bourbon biscuit pudding
- Beverage: Old-fashioned
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Carlisle, Kentucky | Northern Kentucky River
- Appetizer: Tomato pie
- Entrée: Goetta
- Sides: Potato cakes
- Dessert: Transparent pie
- Beverage: Kentucky Rain cocktail featuring Casamigos Tequila
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Slade, Kentucky | Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon & Boone
- Appetizer: Beer cheese
- Entrée: Kentucky beef
- Sides: Grits, Spoonbread, Limestone Bibb salad with Sorghum vinaigrette
- Dessert: Bourbon/chocolate dessert
- Beverage: Ale-8-One/Ale-8-One and bourbon
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Prestonsburg, Kentucky | Kentucky Appalachians
- Appetizer: Soup beans with cornbread
- Entrée: Salmon patties
- Sides: Fried potatoes, cucumbers-tomatoes-onions with Italian dressing
- Dessert: Blackberry jam cake with caramel icing
- Beverage: Coffee
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Pineville, Kentucky | Daniel Boone Country
- Appetizer: Chow-chow and pickled beets
- Entrée: Soup beans
- Sides: Fried potatoes, cornbread, green onions
- Dessert: Apple stack cake
- Beverage: Milk or moonshine
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Jamestown, Kentucky | Southern Shorelines
- Appetizer: Pinto beans with spider cornbread
- Entrée: Fried fish
- Sides: Real mashed potatoes, collard greens, slaw
- Dessert: Fried apple pie
- Beverage: Ski
Pictured: Nicole of What Nicole Wore, Francis of Lee’s Lookbook, Whitney of Fabulous in Fayette, & Emily of Gathered Living
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Lucas, Kentucky | Caves, Lakes & Corvettes
- Appetizer: Local cheeses
- Entrée: Pork shoulder/pork chops
- Sides: Fresh sliced tomatoes, sweet corn (fried or cream-style), green beans with hamhock
- Dessert: Fruit cobbler with local ice cream
- Beverage: Apple cider
Read more of my friends’ event recaps on their respective blogs below!
Experience the Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail With Kentucky Tourism | Fabulous in Fayette
Better in the Bluegrass + The Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail | Gathered Living
Why the Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail Should be Your Next Adventure | Lee’s Lookbook
Experience the Best Kentucky Food with Kentucky Tourism | What Nicole Wore
