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You are here: Home / Archives for Facts About Kentucky

Facts About Kentucky

On the following pages, you'll find a lot of fast, fun, and interesting facts about the wonderful state or Kentucky. Also check out Facts About Kentucky State Parks to learn more about the most fascinating state park system in the country.

Ale-8-One Has Brought Back a Favorite Drink This Summer: Orange Cream Ale-8-One

July 17, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda
Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soft Drink

If you’re a Kentuckian, you know all too well how delicious Ale-8-One soft drinks are. While the original is the “go to” drink for a lot of Kentuckians, the Cherry Zero is my personal obsession. OBSESSION. It’s unbelievably delicious.

The iconic Kentucky soda is bringing back the summer fan favorite, Orange Cream Ale-8-One, while supplies last. This popular seasonal addition to the current Ale-8-One family
of products delivers a dreamsicle inspired flavor that evokes a sweet sense of nostalgia, just in time to kick off the brand’s 95-year anniversary this summer! Orange Cream Ale-8-One made its debut on June 8th in the Bluegrass region along with expanded footprints in, Louisville, Cincinnati, Pikeville, and most of Western Kentucky in Kroger, Walmart, and Meijer retailers.

I found this particular box of smooth deliciousness at one of the Kroger stores here in Owensboro. It was on a display near the meat and deli, so when you’re looking for this iconic seasonal drink,  be sure to tour your store. They get creative with product placement sometimes.

Continued Below….

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

“The tremendous positive response from our first two summer launches of Orange Cream Ale-8-One has been overwhelming. We are delighted to be able to return this summertime classic to the shelves this year. Consumers had plenty of time last summer to experiment with recipes at home; we are excited for them to share their float and cocktail creations with friends this time around.” –  Chris Doyle, Marketing Director for Ale8-One

Orange Cream Ale-8-One will be available as a limited edition 4-pack. The small batch seasonal soda is crafted with an all-natural orange and vanilla blend combined with the Ale-8-One secret formula.

About Ale-8-One

Ale-8-One Bottling Company was founded in 1902 by G.L. Wainscott in Winchester, Kentucky, and remains the oldest, privately held bottler in the United States still owned and operated by the founding family. Ale-8-One soft drink has been bottled in green glass in Winchester since 1926. The only soft drink invented in Kentucky still in existence, Ale-8’s proprietary blend is flavored with ginger and citrus and contains less carbonation and fewer calories than conventional sodas. The company’s founder and inventor, G.L. Wainscott, developed the recipe, and to this day, his great-great-nephew, Fielding Rogers, personally blends every batch of Ale-8-One. Ale-8-One is widely available in Kentucky, available nationwide online, available in Kroger stores throughout
the Southeast, and can be found at most Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Fresh Market. For more information, visit ale8one.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soft Drink

Filed Under: Facts About Kentucky, Kentucky Food, News, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: Ale-8-One, Made in Kentucky

The Birds of Kentucky by Burt L. Monroe, Jr: The Definitive Guide to Birds in Kentucky

March 6, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

The Birds of Kentucky (Gorgeous and Informative Guide)

The Birds of Kentucky from The University Press of Kentucky is a MUST for all bird watchers who want more information about the birds they love so much. I was recently sent this absolutely beautiful and wonderfully informative book to share with you and it’s my pleasure to do so.

  • What’s the most common sparrow at Kentucky’s feeders each winter?
  • How can I identify backyard birds in Kentucky?
  • What bird is affectionately called the Snowbird?
  • What’s a Bobolink and have I ever seen one?!
  • What type of birds are common in Kentucky?
  • What’s the difference between the different varieties of hawks?
  • What areas of Kentucky are Red-Tailed hawks most abundant?
  • Did I just see a Downy Woodpecker or a Pileated Woodpecker?
  • Which owls are found most often in Kentucky and which are rare but treasured visitors?

These questions and MANY, MANY, MANY more questions about birds (and identifying birds) in Kentucky can be found in this very delightful to spend time with book.

This elaborate and beautiful bird guide was written by Burt L. Monroe, Jr., professor and chairman of the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville from 1970-1993. The gorgeous book (very worthy of being a coffee table book – in fact, I’ve never wished I had a coffee table more than I do right now!) features original paintings by the wonderful wildlife artist William Zimmerman.

Zimmerman’s paintings and drawings remind me a great deal of John James Audubon – praise does NOT get much sweeter than that.

His beautiful paintings of Kentucky’s birds are so wonderful, if you’re able to get your hands on two copies of this book, using one for a bird guide and resource, while using the pictures from the other one to frame and group on a wall would be ideal for any bird enthusiast’s home.

(Continued below the Rough-Legged Hawk)

Rough-Legged Hawk

Rough-Legged Hawk

I chose to use the photo of the Rough-legged hawk because, not only is it a stunning photo, but I actually learned things about him I didn’t know! In fact, even though I have loved and studied birds all my life, this excellent guide taught me A LOT. After reading through it (cover to cover because it’s downright nectar to a bird lover), the first thought into my mind was, “I feel like I just took a fascinating college course in bird watching.”

Now, each time I see a particular bird, my mind pulls up the new information I have in my mental library.

Knowledge is such an adrenaline rush!

(Continued Below….)

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

One of the things I love most about this beautiful Kentucky bird guide is the respect and passion for birds that comes through each of the author’s words. He obviously cared a great deal about birds and his love for them is palpable. As a bird lover myself, I can’t even put it into words how drawn I am to this.

Something else I appreciate a great deal is this: A lot of bird guides and reference books read kind of like the birding nerd Jane Hathaway (from The Beverly Hillbillies) hung around with on an episode or two. Big, dry words… and half of them in Latin!… with no color or personality to them… just strung together, seemingly in an attempt to bore you to tears! Come on, let’s be honest, here… a lot of bird guides and bird reference books are guilty of this very description. In fact, they’ve kind of given bird guides a bad name with their own dryness!

The Birds of Kentucky is the polar opposite of this description. The author and artist obviously realize that birds are extraordinarily colorful and FULL of personality, so a book about them should be as well!

Jane Hathaway (a bird enthusiast as well as a Jethro enthusiast) would have passed out from joy had she read this book.

From the Back Cover:

The first of its kind to be published for the Bluegrass State, this book is designed to provide an accurate and scientifically rigorous description of all the species of birds found in Kentucky. This comprehensive guide features a wealth of information, including abundance records, migration dates, and additional reference material, and indicates whether a bird is a permanent resident, winter resident, summer resident, visitant, or transient. Additionally, author Burt L. Monroe reviews the history of ornithologists who have worked in Kentucky and outlines the physiography of the state as it relates to birding.

More than just a verbal portrait of Kentucky avifauna, The Birds of Kentucky includes fifty-one color paintings by the renowned wildlife artist William Zimmerman, whose work has been favorably compared to that of John James Audubon. In contrast to Audubon’s romanticism and often tortuous style, however, Zimmerman offers us “comfortable” birds that look as if they are about to take wing and leave the page.

Beautifully illustrated and based on a lifetime of field observation and research, this book provides an excellent guide to the natural history of the birds of the Bluegrass.

The Birds of Kentucky from The University Press of Kentucky would make a PERFECT Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift – just be CERTAIN you grab a copy for yourself. You are going to absolutely love everything about this beautiful guide.

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

Reviews for The Birds of Kentucky:

“A pleasing blend of artistry and informative text that will be hard for local bird enthusiasts and casual, armchair birders to resist.” ~ Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr., Birding Magazine

“This book is not only scientifically accurate but a visual delight and one that is sure to please any birder or naturalist.” ~ Indiana Audubon Quarterly

Filed Under: Books About Kentucky, Facts About Kentucky, Kentucky Birds Tagged With: Birds in Kentucky, Identifying Birds in Kentucky, Kentucky bird guide, Kentucky Bird Guide Review, Kentucky birds

Beautiful Lake Barkley

March 22, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Lake Barkley

While Kentucky Lake, understandably, gets a lot of attention and Lake Cumberland is known as the “Houseboat Capital of the World,” we Kentuckians are equally proud of all our Kentucky Lakes, including Lake Barkley.

Below are a few fast facts about this beautiful lake, so you can get to know it a little better. Of course, the best way to get to know Lake Barkley (or any of Kentucky’s Lakes) is to get out and there and see it for yourself.

  • Lake Barkley was created in 1966 by the damming of the Cumberland River.
  • Lake Barkley is the second-largest lake in Kentucky, second to Kentucky Lake.
  • Lake Barkley, together with Kentucky Lake to the west, surrounds/creates the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL).
  • During winter months, the average water temperature of Lake Barkley is 45 to 65. In summer months, the average water temperature is between 70 to 80 degrees.
  • Lake Barkley is 134 miles long with 1,004 miles of shoreline.
  • Lake Barkley is, as you’d imagine, a very popular destination for fishing. This lake is known for its bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, Kentucky bass and largemouth bass.
  • Lake Barkley is named in honor of the late Alben W. Barkley, the 35th vice president of the United States and senator. Barkley was a Paducah, Kentucky native.
  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park is beautifully set on Lake Barkley and the scenery can’t be topped.
  • Barkley Dam is 10,180ft long and 157ft high.
  • The state of Kentucky has more miles of running water than any other state except Alaska.

 

Filed Under: Facts About Kentucky, Lake Barkley Tagged With: Kuttawa picture, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley facts, Lake Barkley pictures

Battle of Sacramento Reenactment and Events May 15-17, 2015

May 15, 2015 by Joi Sigers 2 Comments

Battle of Sacramento Reenactment
 

The Battle of Sacramento was one of the battles of the American Civil War fought here in Kentucky. The battle took place on December 28, 1861 in Sacramento.

The Confederate cavalry (led by Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest) numbered between 200 and 300. Forrest’s troops attacked and defeated a Union force of 500 under Major Eli H. Murray.

Continued beneath the picture.

Battle of Sacramento Plaque
 

Each year, Sacramento puts on a Civil War Reenactment to end all Civil War Reenactments. Seriously, I believe they top themselves each year.

The festivities begin today (Friday May 15, 2015) and carry through Sunday. All the information you need can be found at the Battle of Sacramento’s Website.  Read about the history of the Battle of Sacramento, check out the schedule and events, look at the awesome photographs… but most importantly, get yourself to the beautiful little town of Sacramento and watch history come to life!

Filed Under: Events, Facts About Kentucky, Kentucky History, News Tagged With: Civil War events, Civil War Reenactments

U.S. Highway 23, Better Known as Country Music Highway

April 28, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

U.S. Highway 23, which runs through eastern Kentucky (from Greenup to Letcher County) is known as “Country Music Highway.”

The Kentucky Tourism Cabinet designated it Country Music Highway because of the impressive number of Country Music stars that have come from this region. More stars of Country Music have come from this one region than any other area of the United States.  Pretty impressive, right?

These stars include…

  • Loretta Lynn
  • Billy Ray Cyrus
  • Tom T. Hall
  • Naomi and Wynonna Judd
  • Keith Whitley
  • Ricky Skaggs
  • Patty Loveless
  • Crystal Gayle
  • Dwight Yokum
  • Hylo Brown
  • Gary Stewart

To learn more about Country Music Highway’s history, attractions, events, and stars, check out Country Music Highway.

Country Music Highway – Inside Music Row 1243:

The video below is from a few years back, but there’s still some pretty interesting information.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Country Music, Facts About Kentucky Tagged With: Country Music Highway, facts about Kentucky

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"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

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Kentucky News and Events

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  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
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  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Pictures

Kentucky Pictures
Check out the beautiful Pictures of Kentucky in our photo albums!

Advertising & Reviews

If you are interested in advertising on Genuine Kentucky, please contact us: e-mail Joi Sigers.

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