• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Genuine Kentucky

Kentucky Pictures, Events, Restaurants

  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Facts About Kentucky
      • Kentucky Geography 101: Where is Kentucky?!
      • Kentucky’s Lakes (Listed Alphabetically)
    • Famous Kentuckians
    • Kentucky Birds
      • Joys of Bird Watching
      • Bird Watching: Keeping a Journal
      • Backyard Birds Love Water!
      • Create a Backyard Bird Watching Haven
      • How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
    • Kentucky Food
    • Kentucky History
    • Sitemap
  • Pictures
  • Restaurants
    • Best Catfish Restaurants
    • Best Pizza in Ky
    • Best BBQ in Ky
    • Bowling Green Restaurants
    • Gluten Free in Kentucky
    • Kentucky Lake Restaurants
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Owensboro, Gluten Free
    • Owensboro Restaurants
    • Where to Eat Lunch in Owensboro
  • KY State Parks
    • Carter Caves State Resort Park
    • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
    • Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    • Kenlake State Resort Park
    • Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
    • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
    • Rough River Dam State Resort Park
    • Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
    • Pine Mountain State Resort Park
    • John James Audubon State Park
    • Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
    • More Kentucky State Parks
  • Things to Do
    • Grand Rivers Variety
    • Kentucky State Parks
    • Kentucky Lake
      • Kentucky Lake Pictures
    • Land Between the Lakes
      • Elk & Bison Prairie
      • Golden Pond Planetarium
      • The Homeplace
      • The Nature Station
      • LBL Pictures
        • Elk and Bison Prairie Pictures
    • Windy Hollow Campground and Speedway
    • Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
    • Smothers Park and Owensboro’s Riverfront
    • The Hitching Post
  • Events
You are here: Home / News / Entertainment / Holidays in Kentucky / Christmas in Kentucky / Shop Local Every Chance You Get, Kentucky

Shop Local Every Chance You Get, Kentucky

December 6, 2014 by Joi Sigers 4 Comments

The Hitching Post in Aurora, Ky

The Hitching Post (Aurora, Ky)

If you’re familiar with my soapbox routines on Genuine Kentucky, you know I’m always preaching, “Shop local!” What better way to support our beautiful state and our wonderful neighbors than by keeping as much of our money in the state as possible.

Since this is one of my biggest soapboxes, I got an extra charge out of the following press release. Read on, you’ll see why.

First Lady Jane Beshear joined Kentucky artists, officials, arts patrons and the public in a celebration today at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. The event recognized the creative works being made by Kentucky’s talented artists and announced Governor Steve Beshear’s proclamation of December 2014, as Give a Gift Made in Kentucky month.

I encourage everyone to purchase Kentucky-made gifts this holiday season, Mrs. Beshear said. Kentuckians can find unique, quality gifts for anyone on their list, because all across the Commonwealth there are countless local shops, artist studios and businesses filled with books, food, artwork, toys and more.

Bob Stewart, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet; and Victoria Faoro, executive director of the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, also participated in the ceremony celebrating the state’s talent and encouraging everyone to Give a Gift Made in Kentucky. Regional artists Lindy Evans, and Donna and Donnie Smith were also on hand to contribute to the celebration by demonstrating their sculpted Santas and painted gourd ornaments.

Berea, known as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, offers a wide variety of craftsmen studios, galleries, shops and the Kentucky Artisan Center, where wonderful Kentucky-made selections can be found for that special person on your shopping list.

There are endless opportunities to enjoy the holidays in a unique fashion when you add Kentucky-made art, craft, books, music and foods to your celebrations, said Faoro. We are proud to offer thousands of Kentucky-made items and to present artisan book signings, performances and demonstrations on Saturdays throughout the holiday season, to make your holiday shopping experience a truly memorable one.

The Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Gift Card is another way to purchase Kentucky-made gifts for that hard-to-buy-for person. Gift cards are available for purchaseat the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea and can be used at other Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet agencies such as the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society, and at Kentucky State Parks.

This celebration event with the First Lady is part of the statewide annual holiday Give a Gift Made in Kentucky campaign to promote Kentucky’s art, craft, music, books, specialty foods, and more. For additional great ideas for holiday shopping, go to the Kentucky Arts Council Give a Gift Made in Kentucky website page.

Kentucky Artisan Center
The Kentucky Artisan Center is located just off Interstate 75 at Berea Exit 77. The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cafe is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The center currently features works by more than 700 artisans from more than 100 counties across the Commonwealth. A special exhibit, Put a Lid On It: Containers by Kentucky Artisans, is on display through Feb. 28. For information about the center’s programming call 859-985-5448, visit the center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kentucky.artisan.center, or go to the center’s website at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

See? See why I’m all charged up?? Here’s a GREAT website you’ll want to check out – while you’re all charged up, too: Kentucky For Kentucky. So many Christmas gifts just waiting to be bought!

Whether you shop online at Kentucky for Kentucky or shop in your own hometown, keeping your money in your own state is just good old fashioned common sense.  It’s also the Southern thing to do – what with it being so considerate and all.

What are YOUR favorite ways to shop local? Do you have favorite Kentucky shops or products you swear by? I love The Hitching Post (Aurora), Trunnell’s Farm Market (Owensboro), The Fudge Factory (Grand Rivers), and all of the Kentucky State Resort Park gift shops. You can find wonderful Kentucky foods, crafts, jewelry, toys, and more.

I’m also head over freaking heels in love with Two Sisters, out of Louisville. I guarantee if you gave anyone a jar of their Cherry Bomb Hot Pepper Jam, you’d earn yourself a lifetime membership on their tallest pedestal.

Trust Joi on this one. She knows good food.

Share your own favorite ways to keep it local in the comments!

Two Sisters Cherry Bomb Hot Pepper Jam

Two Sisters Cherry Bomb Hot Pepper Jam (AMAZING!!!)

Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky Food, Owensboro


Comments

  1. Emily says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    Great post! I love that press release. 🙂 I’ve gotten ALL of my shopping so far done in Owensboro. I LOVEEEE Nona’s Downtown Market, and I also enjoy our best consignment shop, Patti’s Resale.!!

  2. Stephany says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    I love shopping local, too! Nona’s in Owensboro is one of the best.. and Trunnell’s farm market.. their fudge is DELISH. Checking out all the websites you linked, too.. finding such cute stuff already!

  3. Joi says

    December 11, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    Emily, I have never been to Patti’s Resale – but have heard SO many great things about it.I have to check it out this week!

  4. Joi says

    December 11, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Stephany, I always think about you when I see the candles on Kentucky for Kentucky!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

E-mail me anytime!

Kentucky Blog Updates

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Playground at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground I recently told one of my daughters, "I have never been THIS … [Read More...] about Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13

Christmas at the Homeplace (Land Between the Lakes)

As we often say on this Kentucky blog, the end of summer in NO WAY means the end of things to do and see in Kentucky. So grab … [Read More...] about 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's Lodge (Facing Kentucky Lake) From the Kentucky State Parks: Current and former … [Read More...] about Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Salt Festival.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site wants to take you back in time during the 37th annual Salt Festival next weekend (Oct. … [Read More...] about Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site October 18-20, 2019

Red Wolf at Woodlands Nature Station Woodlands Nature Station, in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, will … [Read More...] about Wolf Week at Woodlands Nature Station October 5 -11!

Civil War Days

If you're a Civil War buff, you'll want to be at Columbus-Belmont State Park during the weekend of October 11-13! The … [Read More...] about Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park (Oct. 11-13)

There's going to be a Pickin' Party at the Homeplace and you're invited! Philip Steinmetz, great nephew of Grandpa Jones, … [Read More...] about Homeplace Pickin’ Party at Land Between the Lakes 2019

Pulled BBQ Pork takeout from Moonlite

The Kentucky 100 (a new, twice-monthly publication that delivers 100-word stories and short videos to subscribers) asked … [Read More...] about Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Kentucky (Picked by Kentucky 100)

Follow Genuine Kentucky on Twitter!

Tweets by @GenuineKentucky


"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")

Fraley Music Festival
Maddox
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest

Kentucky News and Events

  • Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13
  • 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!
  • Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans
  • Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site October 18-20, 2019
  • Wolf Week at Woodlands Nature Station October 5 -11!
  • Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park (Oct. 11-13)
  • Homeplace Pickin’ Party at Land Between the Lakes 2019
  • Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Kentucky (Picked by Kentucky 100)

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
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Kentucky Blogs Database

If you have a Kentucky Blog - or you're simply a Kentuckian who blogs! - you might want to consider adding your blog to a new KY Blogs Database. It's run by "one of us," as in a fellow Kentuckian! Click the link to check it out. I've added Genuine Kentucky and will be adding my other blogs as well.

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.

Also, if you have a resort, condo, golf course, restaurant, or even a cup of coffee (LOVE coffee!) you'd like for us to review, please contact us at joi@genuinekentucky.com.

Genuine Kentucky Disclaimer

We do not work for any Kentucky service or organization. We are simply proud to have been born and raised in the greatest state in the country and are thrilled to call it home. This site serves as our tribute to Kentucky and its warm and wonderful people. Our mission is to bring more travelers to Kentucky and keep more Kentuckians home! See our Privacy Policy.
Copyright Genuine Kentucky 2017