Kentucky, Y'all: A Celebration of the People and Culture of the Bluegrass State

by Blair Thomas Hess, Cameron M. Ludwick

When people think of Kentucky, three things usually come to bourbon, Colonel Sanders's secret chicken recipe, and the glamorous Kentucky Derby. Add college basketball to that list, and you have yourself a superfecta. Looking beyond these time-honored traditions, however, visitors will find in Kentucky a diverse patchwork of faces and places, each as unique as the state's geography.

Kentucky, Y'all is an entertaining and informative compilation of the state's favorite oddities, cultural quirks, traditions, and rites of passage. Authors and proud Kentuckians Blair Thomas Hess and Cameron M. Ludwick share the best stories from their experiences as writers, travelers, and residents in this ode to the Commonwealth. From the iconic to the obscure, the book reveals vital knowledge that every Kentuckian―whether by birth, residence, or simply in mind and heart―should know. What is beer cheese? Who was Bill Monroe? Where can you get a hemp hot dog? Listeners are introduced to the brilliant minds behind the Louisville Slugger, the Bowie knife, and pioneering work in genetics. The book also includes a handy list of dos and don'ts of tailgating, a Kentucky sayings glossary, and bucket lists of things to do, drink, read, and eat. Kentucky, Y'all is an insightful and exuberant guide to the Bluegrass State―for Kentucky natives and visitors alike.

184 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Blair Thomas Hess is an avid antique collector and chronic hobbyist who stores sweaters in her oven and once won a sack-the-pig contest at the Trigg County Country Ham Festival. Together with her co-author, she travels across her home state of Kentucky exploring its various wonders and uncovering its best-kept secrets.

Reviews

[Lynnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fun, but not comprehensive. There’s a heavy emphasis on the Golden Triangle, like most Kentucky themed projects. I’d have appreciated more balance.

Quotes:

* “One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.” - Edith Wharton

* With the exception of Alaska, Kentucky has more navigable fresh waterways than any other state in the country.

* “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” - Abraham Lincoln

[Tammy Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Born and raised in south central Kentucky, I was disappointed that there was no mention of my entire area in this book. The authors really missed out on a special part of the state.