Like great food with a side of Kentucky history? New dining guide features both
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- Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide in front of Holly Hill Inn.
- The inaugural guide lists 18 locally owned restaurants in historic Kentucky sites.
- Must be on the National Register, retain historic character, in business 18 months.
In front of the majestic, century-old front porch of Holly Hill Inn, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new initiative designed to highlight unique foodie destinations in the Bluegrass State.
“This guide brings together two of Kentucky’s greatest assets: our rich history and delicious food,” Beshear said in a statement. “By highlighting our incredible restaurants, we can support local businesses while building on the record-breaking tourism we’ve seen for three consecutive years.”
The Kentucky Historic Dining Guide features locally owned restaurants in historic buildings, such as the flagship of restaurateur, chef and farm-to-table proponent Ouita Michel’s dining family of restaurants.
Michel, along with John Kelley of The Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown, said they welcome the new guide, which is designed to inspire travel, support local businesses and raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation, according to the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet.
“We see ourselves as stewards of this wonderful, one-of-a-kind place and do everything we can each day to welcome folks to the beauty, deliciousness and generous spirit of Kentucky Hospitality found here,” said Michel, who has owned and operated the historic Holly Hill in with her husband Chris and their business partner Roger Solt, for 25 years. “We are deeply tied to place as Kentuckians, and it has been our honor to welcome thousands of guests from across the country and around the world to Holly Hill and Midway.”
“My family is honored and humbled by the Talbott Tavern’s inclusion in Kentucky’s Historic Dining Guide. It affirms the work of the cooks, servers, bartenders and staff who have worked there in the past 250 years,” said Old Talbott Tavern Co-owner Kelley. “Because of our team’s involvement, they have made the Talbott Tavern a successful restaurant, hotel, tavern and stagecoach stop since 1779.”
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Kentucky restaurants on new dining guide
This inaugural guide includes 18 Kentucky locations across the state ranging from fine dining to coffee shops. They include:
- Kirchhoff’s Bakery & Deli, Paducah
- Famous Bistro, Owensboro
- Billy Ray’s Restaurant, Prestonsburg
- The Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown,
- Carmelo’s Restaurant, Covington
- The Old Seelbach Bar, Louisville
- Fat Patty’s, Ashland
- Main Street Sweet Treats & Eats, Dawson Springs
- Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, Corbin
- Ariella’s Restaurant, Russellville
- Brothers, Campbellsville
- Boyd’s Tavern, Cadiz
- Holly Hill Inn, Midway
- Harlan County Beer Company, Harlan
- Beaumont Inn, Harrodsburg
- The Urban Stillhouse, Somerset
- Lisse Steakhuis, Covington
- Spencer’s Coffee, Bowling Green
“Culinary tourism is a growing driver for travelers who seek out authentic experiences that provide special meals in historic settings,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier in a statement. “The Historic Dining Guide will highlight local establishments that offer memorable meals at destinations across the commonwealth. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to these incredible local businesses.”
The Kentucky Heritage Council wants to add restaurants to the guide on an annual basis. Restaurants interested in being added to the guide can apply online at heritage.ky.gov. The restaurant’s location must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, retain its historic character and have been in business for a minimum of 18 months, according to a news release.
