Mountain View
JC Phelps
Small Town Coffee Shop, Big Personality: Sip & Spin
When traveling the Bluegrass, Blues, and BBQ Region of Western Kentucky, I highly recommend that you add Greenville to your itinerary. A part of Muhlenberg County, Greenville has a small town downtown that is as charming as it can be – and one of the businesses that adds to that charm is Sip and Spin. If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for a new coffee shop to try – and I’m so excited to introduce y’all to one of the best today!
Southern Dining and Hospitality in Owensboro: The Miller House
It’s a memorable dining experience when you find a restaurant that is quintessentially southern to its core. To me, that’s one of the greatest joys of life. I recently had that experience at the Miller House of Owensboro, Kentucky. From the stately exterior, to the charming white tablecloth interior, to the wonderful southern food — it’s a must visit by my standard. If you find yourself in the region, do yourself a favor and make a reservation!
International Flavor in a Rural Community: The Willow Bistro
Nestled on the edge of Murray State University is a culinary gem: The Willow Bistro. I recently had my first meal there and I’m so excited to introduce them to y’all today. A favorite of locals, professors, and students, the Willow Bistro quenches appetites for international cuisine and flavor in a small, rural Western Kentucky community. Visit and you’ll see why it’s so special!
Gastropub Fare In Madisonville, Kentucky: The Crowded House
Hey, y’all! Looking for delicious gastropub fare in Madisonville, KY? Or just a meal that’s simply finger lickin’ good? Look no further than the Crowded House, which is located in beautiful Downtown Madisonville, KY (Hopkins County).
Elevated Southern Food In Murray, KY: Goldenrod Cafe
Hey, y’all! On a recent trip out to Western Kentucky, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the best meals that I have had in a very long time at Goldenrod Cafe in Murray, KY. Named after the Commonwealth’s state flower, the Goldrenrod Cafe serves elevated southern food in a modern setting. It was my first time visiting, as the restaurant opened less than a year ago. To understate: it will not be my last.
Big BBQ Flavor in Small Town Kentucky: Peak Brothers, a Kentucky Legacy
Hey, y’all! If you’re a BBQ fan, there’s no better place to visit than Western Kentucky’s Bluegrass, Blues, and BBQ Region. On your trip out west, do note that there’s big flavor lodged in rural Waverly, Kentucky — and it comes in the form of mutton, pulled pork, ham, and ribs. Peak Brothers BBQ is a Union County legacy and is not to be missed!
A World-Class Wine + Food Destination In Kentucky: the Farmer and the Frenchman
I’m so excited to introduce you to the Farmer and the Frenchman today, a one-of-a-kind property located in Henderson, Kentucky. I’ve been to almost every nook and cranny of our Commonwealth – and in my exploration, I’ve never found a place quite like this. To say that I fell in love almost instantaneously would be an understatement and I know y’all will feel the exact same way. From food, to wine, to stunning lodging — the Farmer and the Frenchman needs to be your next Kentucky road trip.
Explore the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Best Beer At The 2022 Kentucky Craft Bash
On Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Louisville Waterfront Park’s Festival Plaza, The Kentucky Guild of Brewers (KGB) will host its fifth annual beer festival, Kentucky Craft Bash. The Kentucky Guild of Brewers is proud to be back in full force for this year’s festival. 2022 is a comeback year for Kentucky beer. Craft Bash is going to be bigger and better than ever before. This festival will show the state that beer has grown to be more than just “bourbon’s little brother.”
The Nation's Only Museum Dedicated to Caves: the American Cave Museum
Caves, Lakes, and Corvettes are three of the signature offerings in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If you’re wanting to experience the region, there’s no better starting point than Hart County (home to the world-famous Hidden River Cave, Mammoth Onyx Cave, and one of the counties that Mammoth Cave runs through). While you’ll want to descend into the caves while there, the American Cave Museum is also to not be missed. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!
This Kentucky Main Street Embraces Art Through Sculpture
Kentucky is a Commonwealth that boats food, charming towns, and world-class art. The trifecta? When a community encapsulates all three and that’s exactly the case for Shelby County, Kentucky. On a recent trip to the Saddlebred Capital of the World, I had the chance to experience the Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk. If you like charming downtowns + the arts, this is an activity for you.
National PugFest Relocates To Louisville
Louisville is never short of fun events to attend, though I think this one takes the cake: the Inaugural Bluegrass PugFest! Yes, you read that correctly! The national event once based in Milwaukee now calls Derby City home - and while it's a weekend full of fun, it's all for a great cause.
This Hardyville Eatery Serves Up A Serious Breakfast
There’s breakfast — and then there’s breakfast at Devore’s Restaurant located in rural Hardyville, KY (Hart County). Upon walking into the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by country decor and food to match. If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast in the region, look no further!
Louisville Lands Major Industry Conference
Louisville will welcome the world’s largest industry association for meeting and event professionals in 2025 with the hosting of the Meeting Professional International’s (MPI) World Education Congress (WEC), scheduled for June 10-12, 2025. This marks the first time in more than a decade that WEC will return to the southeastern U.S. and the first time Louisville is a host city.
Transforming Lives At Churchill Downs: Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy
Many associate Churchill Downs, Kentucky’s famed racetrack, with the beauty of thoroughbred racing. While that’s certainly true, I would argue that Churchill Downs is not just a destination, it’s a community. A community of horse fans, workers, and aficionados; a place that boasts traditional community roots: food, excitement, work, and even spirituality. Today I have the privilege of telling you more about the spirituality of the track + the transforming of lives at Churchill Downs via the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy.
Experience the Arts in Derby City: The Louisville Civic Orchestra's Spring Pastorale Concert 2022
Want to experience the arts in Derby City this spring? The perfect event is coming up: the Louisville Civic Orchestra's Spring Pastorale Concert. Keep reading for all of the details you’ll need; additionally, I got the chance to sit down with President of the Louisville Civic Orchestra, Jon Wysong, to learn more about the organization.
Interview: Tisha Gainey, Co-Producer of Tailspin Ale Fest
Hey, y’all! I’m excited to share this interview with Tisha Gainey, a Kentucky Craft Beer Champion and one of the masterminds behind one of Kentucky’s most beloved festivals: the Tailspin Ale Fest. You can learn more about Tailspin here.
Marcella's Farm To Fork: Dining in Mt. Vernon, KY
Hey, y’all! The Commonwealth of Kentucky is chock-full of delicious restaurants – and I’m on a mission to try them all. I recently tried Marcella’s Farm to Fork, which is located in Mt. Vernon. The food was incredible + I am excited to tell y’all more about my experience today!
Time Slip Theatre Debuts 'Cruel Intentions' and Opens New Space
The regional premiere of the movie-turned-musical will open January 7; 1501 Story Ave. (formerly LetterSong) is Time Slip's new home. Time Slip Theatre, a 501(c)(3) theatre company that launched in Louisville in July 2021, is proud to debut its second mainstage musical and simultaneously open its new rehearsal space.
Bourbon City Receives Many Notable Accolades in 2021
A major accolade from Travel + Leisure closes out an award-winning year for the City of Louisville. Despite a lingering COVID-19 pandemic, travelers were eager to visit Bourbon City in 2021. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport saw several summer days surpass 2019 levels while local attractions were steady with bourbon distillery tours regularly selling out and the seasonal Jack O’Lantern Spectacular event welcoming a record 95,471 visitors this fall. Recognition came from several prominent national travel and tourism authorities including Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Southern Living, Condé Nast, Fodors, and the New York Times.
JC Phelps
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JC Phelps is a Kentucky-based food + southern lifestyle writer.
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