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Candles at The Hitching Post: Kentucky’s Iconic Country Store

May 27, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

You Won’t Believe How Great These Candles Smell!

Two of of my three daughters (Emily and Stephany) and I have a tradition that kind of allows us to make Christmas last all year long. Beginning in January, we start “rounding up” Christmas gifts for loved ones and we stash them away in hidden totes until the day after Thanksgiving… then the wrapping begins. My other daughter (Brittany) is like my husband/their father, Christmas officially begins in December and they will not consider any other approach!

Many of these candles, at The Hitching Post (Aurora, KY, near Kentucky Lake) are destined for my hidden Christmas totes. Let’s make no mistake about it, though, they’re also destined for my kitchen, dining room, den, bathrooms… They are Heavenly.

Each one smelled out of this world – Lilac & Wildflowers, Cabin Fever, Lemon Cheesecake, Honeysuckle Pear, French Thyme… and my personal favorite, Eucalyptus Lavender.

Candles like this make excellent gift ideas because it’s one thing people always want and need. These beauties are extra special because you can clean them out after the candle has been used up and use the beautiful little jar as a vase or to hold anything from Q-Tips to kitchen gadgets.

Whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or Christmas, these are ideal gift ideas. You’ll actually find endless gift ideas in The Hitching Post & Old Country Store – vintage games, antiques, Kentucky Food, books, toys, souvenirs…

Each time I go, I tell myself the same thing, “I could, literally do ALL of my Christmas shopping here!”

Just don’t tell my husband or Brittany. They get migraines when I talk about Christmas before the 4th of July.

But still….

More of The Hitching Post on Genuine Kentucky (Newest Listed First):

Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (Review)

April 18, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

As I said in my most recent review of Two Sisters Jams, I’ll be doing different varieties/flavors over the coming days. Each is so darn good, they warrant their own post and their own moment in the spotlight.

Today’s moment belongs to Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam.

Two Sisters Jams are based right here in Kentucky. Buying “Kentucky Proud” foods is something we aren’t just passionate about, we’re borderline obsessed with it. I have to admit something, though – Two Sisters Jams, Jellies and Preserves are so ridiculously delicious, I’d be a fan whether they were made in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, or New York City.

Yes. Indiana*.

One of my favorite jams has always been Strawberry, so this was actually the first jar I opened when I received a beautiful stash of jams. I might or might not have dove right into the deliciousness with a spoon.

SO GOOD!

Not only are Two Sisters Jams off the charts delicious, they’re downright beautiful, to boot. Everything about them lets you know they’re homemade and stand heads and shoulders over the rest. Even if you’re normally on the fence when it comes to jams, jellies, and preserves, these sisters will make you suddenly obsessed with them.

I enjoyed this gorgeous, flavorful jam on biscuits, corn muffins. toast, and, of course, the spoon. When the jar was nearly empty, I actually put a little applesauce in the jar and – holy cats – it rocked my world.

I can’t tell you how wonderful this jam is – all I can say is, “Mmmmmmm….”

By the way, when you’re on the Two Sisters Website and you’re shopping in the store, be aware that there are three pages. I do not want you to miss any of these beautiful jams, jellies, and preserves.

Read more about Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam and order some for yourself asap. Have those corn muffins ready!

Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

* Just good-natured kidding toward our northern neighbors – we lived in southern Indiana for a few years and loved it. Except during basketball season… not the best place to live when you’re die-hard UK fans!

Tobacco Barn Candle Sold at My Old Kentucky Home State Park

September 16, 2015 by Joi Sigers 3 Comments

My Old Kentucky Home Tobacco Barn Candle

If you haven’t visited the My Old Kentucky Home State Park recently, here’s a friendly reminder to do so asap. The park is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s just perfect in every way.

My Old Kentucky Home has a little extra incentive for you to pay them a visit soon – candles! If you love candles even half as much as I do (I have at least one flickering during all waking hours), you’re going to have to check out their fun line of Kentucky accented candles. These candles include a “Tobacco Barn Candle” that has apparently become really popular.

The candle, made by Kentucky Green Studio in Paris, Kentucky, has the scent of tobacco curing in a barn and is sold at the park’s gift shop. Other candles, which are also related to the history of the park, include: Doo-Dah!, Mint Julep, Bacon, Meadow in the Bloom, Muscadine Wine, Blackberry Wine, and Hard Times.

The candles (which would make wonderful Christmas gifts) each cost $16. Call the park at 502-348-3502 for orders and information.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park includes the historic mansion called Federal Hill. Construction of Federal Hill was started by John Rowan in 1795 and was completed in 1818. The historic home is the subject of Stephen Foster’s song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” which is also the Kentucky state song. The park also has an 18-hole golf course, campground, picnic area and a summertime theatrical production – “The Stephen Foster Story.”

Read more about My Old Kentucky Home State Park on the Kentucky State Parks’ Official Website!

Happy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln!

February 12, 2014 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

We Kentuckians sit a little straighter and, through pride, grow about 2 inches any time the name Abraham Lincoln is mentioned. Not only – as Americans – are we proud and honored call the same country home as this great man did, we – as Kentuckians – know, “He’s one of ours!”

Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky to Thomas and Nancy (Hanks) Lincoln. He was named after his paternal grandfather, Abraham, and actually didn’t like being called “Abe,” for short. Not surprising, since nothing about this 6’4″ man was short – aside, of course, from his life.

Abraham Lincoln went on to become our country’s 16th President and arguably our state’s most cherished son… though I have three daughters who’d say the title belongs to Johnny Depp.

The art print pictured at the top is from Kentucky for Kentucky, the crazy cool Kentucky website I told you about in the last post. Click the image or the following link to order your copy of this limited print (I grabbed our copy this morning!): Abraham Lincoln I hope to have God on My Side But I Must Have Kentucky

Take a Walking Tour of 3 Kentucky Cities Without Ever Leaving Home

February 19, 2013 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

I work full time (from home) in our family-owned web-publishing business. I publish over 20 websites/blogs and spend each of my days online surrounded by news stories, articles, technology, “plugins,” blog themes, and… most importantly… coffee and chocolate. Lots and lots of coffee and chocolate. When it comes to websites, mobile devices, e-readers, and anything remotely “tech-y,” few things really surprise me any more. In fact, after so many years doing this, it takes something pretty darn cool to impress me.

What I’m telling you about today actually made me pause and think, “Well, that’s just cool.”

Needless to say, it’s always best to see a city, state park, or other attraction in person. There’s nothing like walking around a town, taking pictures, and meeting its people to give you a real “feel” for what makes the town special, but the second best option is to see the city virtually.

That’s where A Walking Tour of Kentucky comes in. If you can’t make it to one of the three cities highlighted (Louisville, Lexington, or Frankfort) in person, you can visit them and enjoy a “walking tour” thanks to the Look Up America! series. These virtual walking tours serve several great purposes.

They could be very useful to people who will be visiting (or even moving to) a particular town.
They could be fun for someone who used to live in a city and would like to see how things have changed – as well as how they’ve stayed the same.
If you (or someone you know) is studying Kentucky History, the information in this series could be A LOT of help.

When it comes to education and/or entertainment – these tours are pure gold.

Look Up America! Description:

There is no better way to see Kentucky towns than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a self-guided walking tour from the LOOK UP, AMERICA! series. All walking tours from walkthetown.com are available for your favorite tablet or mobile device. Look Up, Kentucky! includes walking tours of Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort.

The Look Up, Kentucky! walking tour ebook (Look Up, Kentucky! Walking Tours of 3 Towns In The Bluegrass State) sells for $2.99 but can be downloaded for free from Kindle between February 20 and February 24.

A walking tour can be many things. Interested in heritage tourism? Looking for an educational day trip for the kids? Need a fun exercise plan? Want to find subjects to take great photographs? These Kentucky walking tours are ready to explore when you are.

Doug Gelbert, who has authored over 400 such walking tours, describes a mix of historical, architectural, cultural and ecclesiastical Kentucky landmarks. Street addresses and step-by-step directions lead the way. A quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on Kentucky streets is included.

For more information about each of the Kentucky Cities, click on the following links:

A Walking Tour of Lexington, Kentucky (Look Up, America!)

A Walking Tour of Louisville, Kentucky (Look Up, America!)

A Walking Tour of Frankfort, Kentucky (Look Up, America!)

For more information about the Look Up, Kentucky! Walking Tours of 3 Towns In The Bluegrass State, click the link.