2020 Best in Kentucky Winners

It’s the little things that make the big impression. The hush-hush spice combo recipe that gives a certain barbecue its zing, the carefully guarded formula that elevates a bourbon to global sensation, the thoughtfully curated collection that spurs repeat visits to a particular museum—the secret sauce, so to speak—that gives people pause and makes them think: “That’s the best barbecue/ bourbon/museum I have ever experienced.” 

Then there are the big things that make us feel little (in a good way), giving us perspective even as they fill us with awe. Magnificent caves and caverns, breathtaking waterfalls and wonderlands—those jaw-dropping destinations that surely are inscribed with the words, “Mother Nature was here.” 

Here are Kentucky Living readers’ picks for the best for 2020: 

Destination

LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY 

WINNER 

Lake Cumberland—Somerset-Pulaski County, Burnside; Russell County; Monticello-Wayne County; and Clinton County 

“Best” creds: A place to enjoy adventure in and on the water, laugh with family and friends, stretch the day out as long as possible and make the kind of living-color memories that’ll tide you over until the next visit. 

Secret sauce: The sheer size of the lake and the clarity of the water mixed with equal parts of Southern hospitality and stress-free escapism. 

SECOND PLACE 

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Stanton 

THIRD PLACE 

Farmer & Frenchman Winery & Cafe, Henderson 

KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION 

WINNER 

Louisville Zoo 

“Best” creds: Over 1,200 animals, including faves like lions and tigers and grizzly bears, penguins and pygmy hippos, gorillas and orangutans—snorting, slinking, slithering and splashing in eight zones, including the new sloth exhibit. 

Secret sauce: Because of its mission to “Better the bond between people and our planet,” the zoo is a place to build memories with family while learning about Earth and its wildlife. 

SECOND PLACE 

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Horse Cave 

THIRD PLACE 

Blue Moon Stables, Corydon

FARM TOURIST ATTRACTION 

WINNER 

Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: A desire to make people happy through great customer service and a friendly atmosphere paired with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and family activities. 

Secret sauce: Thousands of plants, 27 varieties of fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods, plus meats, milk and eggs. Many customers shop Hinton’s Orchard markets for their grocery needs. 

SECOND PLACE 

Chaney’s Dairy Barn and Restaurant, Bowling Green 

THIRD PLACE 

Cates Farm, Henderson 

HISTORIC SITE 

WINNER 

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: Home to the birthplace of our 16th president. Enough said. 

Secret sauce: At the site of the country’s first memorial to Lincoln, visitors get a comprehensive picture of Lincoln’s early life on the Kentucky frontier—the very thing that shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through the Civil War. 

SECOND PLACE 

My Old Kentucky Home, Bardstown 

THIRD PLACE 

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg 

DAY TRIP 

WINNER 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave 

“Best” creds: Not only does Mammoth Cave National Park hold the world’s longest known cave system, its landscape is characterized by rare plants and dense forest, a diverse aquatic ecosystem in the Green and Nolin rivers, and hallmark geologic features of a classic karst terrain. 

Secret sauce: Adventures above-ground and belowground: exploring dark and mysterious passages; hiking, biking, riding a horse, paddling, fishing and camping on the sunny side of the park on its many trails, river ways and campgrounds. 

SECOND PLACE 

Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin 

THIRD PLACE 

Evan Williams Bourbon 

Eats & Drinks (Non-Franchise) 

WINERY 

WINNER 

Purple Toad Winery, Paducah 

“Best” creds: Forty-six different wines, ranging from dry to sweet, offer oenophiles a chance to taste test a new wine a week for nearly a year. Cheers! 

Secret sauce: At Kentucky’s largest winery, all wines are created from fruit sourced from around the country and then fermented and bottled in Paducah. 

SECOND PLACE 

Farmer & Frenchman Winery & Cafe, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Talon Winery, Lexington and Shelbyville 

DISTILLERY 

WINNER 

Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto 

“Best” creds: A welcoming, relaxing respite from the everyday world where the spirits of founders Margie and Bill Samuels Sr. live on, and the adage, “some things never change,” holds. That’s especially true in the way Maker’s crafts its whiskey: slowly cooking the grains, hand-rotating every barrel, hand-cutting every label and hand-dipping every bottle in wax before it leaves the distillery. 

Secret sauce: Seeing time-honored traditions and true handcraftsmanship come to life—from how the bourbon is made to all the details that make this distillery so picturesque. 

SECOND PLACE 

Jim Beam American Stillhouse, Clermont 

THIRD PLACE 

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville 

CRAFT BEER 

WINNER 

Country Boy Brewing, Georgetown and Lexington 

“Best” creds: Award-winning beer, including core faves Cougar Bait, Shotgun Wedding, Halfway Home and Cliff Jumper. 

Secret sauce: It’s more than the beer. It’s the life and energy of the taproom, the culture and welcoming atmosphere and a patio with a Kentucky vista. 

SECOND PLACE 

Henderson Brewing Co., Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Maysville Brewing Company 

PIZZA 

WINNER 

Hometown Pizza, LaGrange (original location) 

“Best” creds: All locations strive to embody a “hometown” atmosphere, to be an inviting place where families and friends can relax and catch up while waiting for food crafted with fresh-made dough, fresh-prepped Kentucky Proud produce, freshly shredded mozzarella and a one-of-a-kind signature sauce. 

Secret sauce: Remaining true to its roots, even after 38 years and 18 locations. 

SECOND PLACE 

Rockhouse on the River, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Miguel’s Pizza, Slade 

BARBEQUE 

WINNER 

Arrowhead BBQ, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: “We take pride in our business and thoroughly enjoy the art of barbecue and Southern cooking,” says co-owner Ashley McLain. “Everything is made or smoked fresh daily, each item homemade from passed-down family recipes.” 

Secret sauce: The sweet barbecue sauce (60 gallons a week); scratch desserts, including 50-plus pies a week, with peanut butter and banana split the reigning favorites; and a sweet tea that customers crave and rave about. 

SECOND PLACE 

J & B Barbecue & Catering, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Red State BBQ, Lexington 

HAMBURGER 

WINNER 

Laha’s Red Castle, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: Old-school customer service and cooking know-how passed down from one generation to another, from founders William and Sally Laha, who started the restaurant in 1934, to their great-grandchild Ryan Jeffries, who is poised to take over. 

Secret sauce: A vintage 1950s Vulcan Hart grill that simply makes a better burger. 

SECOND PLACE 

Metzger’s Tavern, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Dovie’s, Tompkinsville 

DOWN-HOME RESTAURANT 

WINNER 

The Lighthouse Restaurant, Sulphur Well 

“Best” creds: It’s like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, with all the warmth and deliciousness you’d expect, along with dishes weighing down the dinner table: country ham, catfish, fried chicken, red eye gravy and biscuits, fried apples, coleslaw and plenty of homemade desserts. (Turn to page 49 for its creamy stewed potato recipe.) 

Secret sauce: Destination dining at a family-style restaurant in the Kentucky countryside. 

SECOND PLACE 

Paula’s Hot Biscuit, Hodgenville 

THIRD PLACE 

Hometown Roots, Henderson 

SWEET SPOT 

WINNER 

The Sweet Shoppe and Dessert Cafe, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: “Having won this award now three times, it is a testament of the hard work that our wonderful staff and I do,” says owner Patrick Durham. “It carries a lot of prestige.” 

Secret sauce: So much yum: cookies, turtles, gourmet apples, lemon bars and fudge-dipped strawberries, plus ice cream treats like hand-dipped milkshakes, banana splits and sundaes; and award-winning fudge—lots and lots of fudge. 

SECOND PLACE 

Chaney’s Dairy Barn and Restaurant, Bowling Green 

THIRD PLACE 

Sandy’s Sweet Shop, Lebanon 

Entertainment 

KENTUCKY MUSICIAN/BAND 

WINNER 

Chris Stapleton, Nashville, Tennessee (from Staffordsville) 

“Best” creds: A track record in writing hit songs for artists like George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Brad Paisley and Adele, among others, made Stapleton a sought-after songwriter who then became a major singing star with his debut solo album, Traveler. It went platinum and was followed by Stapleton’s 2017 Country Music Association Award-winning Album of the Year, From a Room: Volume 1. 

Secret sauce: A singer who brings a songwriter’s soul into his music. 

SECOND PLACE 

J.D. Shelburne, Nashville, Tennessee (from Taylorsville) 

THIRD PLACE 

Tyler Childers, Nashville, Tennessee (from Lawrence County) 

EVENT OR FESTIVAL 

WINNER 

Lincoln Days Celebration, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: A celebration of the life and legacy of one of the most beloved and revered people in American history—Abraham Lincoln—that offers unique experiences for all ages. 

Secret sauce: Lincoln Days occupies the entire historic downtown district and Hodgenville’s city park, and includes meeting up to a dozen “Abraham Lincolns” in a single day. 

SECOND PLACE 

Marion County Country Ham Days, Lebanon 

THIRD PLACE 

W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival, Henderson 

PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC 

WINNER 

Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Mt. Vernon 

“Best” creds: Eight decades attest to the top-notch entertainment found at this Kentucky landmark—not to mention the staff’s Southern hospitality and commitment to offering a variety of shows appealing to all ages. 

Secret sauce: Two show theaters with exceptional sound, and an intimate setting that can’t be experienced at larger venues. 

SECOND PLACE 

On Deck Riverside Bar & Grill, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Bush’s Saloon & Dance Hall, Glasgow 

MUSEUM 

WINNER 

The Lincoln Museum, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: “Our hometown hero is a source of great pride,” says Rob Thurman, assistant director. “And that shows in our commitment to hospitality and in welcoming a global audience to Hodgenville each year.” 

Secret sauce: The museum occupies two historic National Register buildings. Many visitors are surprised—and impressed—by the comprehensive nature of its collections. 

SECOND PLACE 

Audubon Museum and Nature Center at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Speed Art Museum, Louisville 

Outdoors 

GOLF COURSE 

WINNER 

Dale Hollow Lake Golf Course at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville 

“Best” creds: Ranked anywhere from seventh to 10th each year by Golf Digest: Best of 2018—Top golf course layouts in the U.S., No. 9; Best of 2018—Top 25 golf course for staff friendliness, No. 19. 

Secret sauce: An outstanding vacation setting within a 3,400-acre state park, which lies along the southern border of Kentucky with rolling hills, and set on Dale Hollow Lake with its 620 miles of shoreline. 

SECOND PLACE 

The Bridges Golf Course of Henderson 

THIRD PLACE 

Bright Leaf Golf Resort, Harrodsburg 

PLACE FOR ADVENTURE 

WINNER 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave 

“Best” creds: Cave tours, campfire talks, 85 miles of aboveground trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers wind through the park for boating, canoeing, fishing and kayaking; and three campgrounds offer your choice of nature views. 

Secret sauce: Oh, the intrigue of heading nearly 200 feet into the earth and walking along Gothic Avenue and the River Styx, passing the Giant’s Coffin and the TB Huts. 

SECOND PLACE 

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Stanton 

THIRD PLACE 

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson 

CAMPING SPOT 

WINNER 

Green River Lake at Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville 

“Best” creds: A great family atmosphere, super clean facilities, the absolute beauty of the lake and the abundant wildlife. 

Secret sauce: An entire campground sitting along the shoreline of Green River Lake: 167 water and electric RV campsites and 60 primitive/tent campsites, right on the water, just waiting to blow you away with their come-hither views. 

SECOND PLACE 

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond 

THIRD PLACE 

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Stanton 

HOUSEBOATING LAKE 

WINNER 

Lake Cumberland—Somerset-Pulaski County, Burnside; Russell County; Monticello-Wayne County; and Clinton County 

“Best” creds: Home to the largest collection of rental houseboats in the nation. In spite of being in the Houseboating Capital of the World, Lake Cumberland “gives the sensation that you are miles away from civilization and on your own private island,” says Frank Crabtree, executive director of the Burnside Tourism and Recreation Commission. 

Secret sauce: The crystal-clear waters of Lake Cumberland (you can see 10 to 20 feet down) with its numerous waterfalls, islands and coves—to say nothing of its breathtaking beauty and size. “When you’re on your boat, under that ginormous cloud-dotted blue sky, you can barely believe it’s the same piece of earth you drove in on,” says Mikki Simmons, chairperson of the Wayne County Tourist Commission. 

SECOND PLACE 

Kentucky Lake, Marshall and Calloway counties 

THIRD PLACE 

Green River Lake, Campbellsville 

HUNTING OR FISHING SPOT 

WINNER 

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond 

“Best” creds: More than 250 days a year of in-season hunting plus a variety of hunting opportunities: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels and other forest game. 

Secret sauce: Here is a beautiful, contiguous piece of land—an inland peninsula that allows for easy movement to other hunting areas within LBL. 

SECOND PLACE 

Green River Lake, Campbellsville 

THIRD PLACE 

Cave Run Lake, Morehead 

Shopping 

MADE-IN-KENTUCKY PRODUCT 

WINNER 

The Sweet Shoppe and Dessert Cafe, Hodgenville 

“Best” creds: A tradition of top-quality sweets, including fudge, and a fun atmosphere heralded by the giant-size, selfie-worthy wooden red chair. 

Secret sauce: Four words: Secret-recipe homemade fudge. 

SECOND PLACE 

Ale-8-One, Winchester 

THIRD PLACE 

Lucia Soaps Etc., Henderson 

ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR 

WINNER 

Glendale Crossing Festival 

“Best” creds: A vast assortment of antiques, arts and crafts at reasonable prices, plus a great old-fashioned parade, music and plenty of good food. 

Secret sauce: Over 500 vendors in a town of 300 or so and upwards of 25,000 people in attendance. 

SECOND PLACE 

St. James Court Art Show, Louisville 

THIRD PLACE 

Henderson Lions Arts and Crafts Festival 

FARMERS MARKET 

WINNER 

Hardin County Farmers’ Market 

“Best” creds: This producer-only market has been around for 40 years, offering tremendous variety. It’s also a one-stop grocery pick-up for many folks in Hardin County. 

Secret sauce: Besides offering low prices and a huge variety, “We work hard to introduce and educate children about produce and how it is grown,” says Market Manager Autumn Milliner. 

SECOND PLACE 

Lexington Farmers Market 

THIRD PLACE 

Henderson Farmers Market

Hall of Fame 

Proven favorites enter Kentucky Living’s Best in Kentucky Hall of Fame by winning first place for three consecutive years. Once in the Hall of Fame, always in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to this year’s four new inductees! 

BOATING LAKE OR RIVER 

Lake Cumberland—Somerset-Pulaski County, Burnside; Russell County; Monticello-Wayne County; and Clinton County 

HISTORICAL LANDMARK/MUSEUM SITE 

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, Hodgenville 

My Old Kentucky Home, Bardstown — NEW 2020 INDUCTEE 

NON-FRANCHISE RESTAURANT 

The Whistle Stop Restaurant, Glendale 

NON-FRANCHISE BARBECUE 

Moonlite B-B-Q Inn, Owensboro 

EXTREME ADVENTURE/SPORT LOCATION 

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest/ Gladie Visitor Center, Stanton 

SCENIC VIEW 

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin 

ICONIC KENTUCKY LANDMARK 

Churchill Downs, Louisville 

CIVIL WAR SITE 

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, Perryville 

GOLF COURSE 

General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside 

CAR SHOW CRUISE-IN 

Somernites Cruise, Somerset 

FISHING SPOT 

Lake Cumberland—Somerset-Pulaski County, Burnside; Russell County; Monticello-Wayne County; and Clinton County 

KENTUCKY MUSICIAN/BAND 

Jericho Woods 

MADE-IN-KENTUCKY PRODUCT 

Ale-8-One, Winchester 

CRAFT BEER 

Country Boy Brewing, Georgetown and Lexington — NEW 2020 INDUCTEE 

HOUSEBOATING LAKE 

Lake Cumberland—Somerset-Pulaski County, Burnside; Russell County; Monticello-Wayne County; and Clinton County — NEW 2020 INDUCTEE 

ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR 

Berea Craft Festival — NEW 2020 INDUCTEE