So when we started thinking about episodes for the new season that we could shoot right here in the good ol’ USA, we both agreed without hesitation that we absolutely had to get back to Kentucky. And if you managed to actually catch the episode on your local PBS station we hope you were able to understand why!
Kentucky is not only one of our favorite states in the U.S., it’s absolutely one of our favorite places in the world. And though we can’t ever imagine living anywhere but our beloved great state of Texas, if we did want to live someplace else here in the States, Kentucky would be very high on the list! Maybe it’s because of the people. After all, Texans and Kentuckians are connected and kindred in a lot of ways. Maybe it’s the beautiful landscapes and magical little out-of-the-way places. Maybe it’s the bluegrass. Maybe it’s the bourbon. Heck, it’s all of it! Kentucky is just a beautiful, homey, comfortable place that has always just agreed with us. And we love it!
So of course we had an absolutely amazing time road-tripping across Kentucky and filming for the show. From Bardstown to Cumberland Falls to Rosine, we spent about a week driving through the state, meeting the folks and soaking up as much of Kentucky as we could. And we’re so proud of how the episode turned out! We sure hope y’all enjoyed it!
Here are a few behind the scenes shots we took along the way, with a little description on each. Check ’em out if you have a chance. And click on ’em to see the full version!
Y’all even been to Kentucky? What’s your favorite part about visiting? Or, if you live there, tell us a little about why you love Kentucky! And it’d be awesome if you had your own recommendations of what to see and do. We’d love to hear from you, and our viewers and readers would sure appreciate it!
Cheers y’all! Happy travels. We’ll raise a glass of bourbon for you!
Road trip! Crank up the music!
Back in lovely Bardstown! Named the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” a few years ago by a couple of very intelligent judges. 馃檪 So great to see y’all again!
And yep! Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World! We’re in the right place!
Spent an afternoon filming at Willett Distillery. Such a pretty spot! And super super super good bourbon.
Getting a taste of that fine Willett Bourbon with our guide Brittany. Cheers!
We’re walking on bourbon holy ground! Welcome to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse!
The very cool Jim Beam American Stillhouse.
The tasting room at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse. Can we stay here for a few weeks? We volunteer for quality control!
It’s a worldwide brand, but the folks at Jim Beam are still super proud of their family roots. Here are all the master distillers through the years.
Lucky to be in Bardstown for the big annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival! Lots and lots going on all over town. Here’s a bourbon barrel making demonstration!
Tasting lots of great bourbon and meeting the master distillers at the festival’s All Star Sampler event. Great time!
Love this guy! Had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the master distiller at Jim Beam, Fred Noe, a few times over the years. About the nicest man you’ll ever meet. Proud of his bourbon and his town!
Can’t visit Bardstown without a visit to Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar! Great meeting up with Mammy herself and talkin’ about her fine home cookin’! Cheers girl! Great to see you guys!
The Bourbon Burger at Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar. Yep. Yep. Yep!
Spectacular Cumberland Falls! The “Niagara of the South.”
Better watch out. 馃檪
Right up to the falls! Wow!
Rafting up to the falls!
Our awesome crew from Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort. Cheers guys!
Rafting the Cumberland River with Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort. So fun!
Taking the leap off of “Jump Rock” along the Cumberland.
Hiked to a beautiful little spot called Dogslaughter Falls. One of so many hidden gems around here!
Dogslaughter Falls.
Enjoying a shower under Dogslaughter Falls.
Awesome!
Circle the wagons! These awesome wagons are available for travelers at the Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort.
Inside our wagon at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort.
Not a bad way to spend a few nights. 馃檪
Finished this week at the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival at the home of bluegrass music, lovely little Rosine, Kentucky!
Such a pleasure listening to the sweet sounds of David Davis & the Warrior River Boys! And we got to interview David Davis himself! Great guys and incredibly talented!
Such a pleasure listening to the sweet sounds of David Davis & the Warrior River Boys! And we got to interview David Davis himself! Great guys and incredibly talented!
The literal home of Bluegrass music! The homeplace of the Father of Bluegrass, the legendary Mr. Bill Monroe. Holy ground indeed!
Taking a private tour of the homeplace with these lovely ladies. Thank you Eleanor and Faye for the great tour and the sweet sweet stories!
Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass.
Meet the amazingly talented folks of The Nessie Expedition! A bluegrass band from Japan that traveled all the way to Rosine to play at the festival. So. Cool.
Good times and great music with The Nessie Expedition!
Got to meet and interview and talk bluegrass with the Nessie Expedition. Such a cool story!
Finished the week enjoying some fine bluegrass music with the locals at the Rosine Barn Jamboree.
The good folks of Sassybrown Bluegrass entertaining the crowd at the barn that night.
Sassybrown Bluegrass
Sassybrown Bluegrass
Pictures are really adorable. I can figure out the whole story through your pictures. The way you clicked the pictures is inspiring. Thanks for sharing
Awwww. Thank you very much! We sure appreciate you stopping by! 馃槈
Where would I get travel information to rosine Kentucky. For the water falls n covered wagon cottages n fire pit
Hey Anthony! Great to hear from you! We’d suggest getting in touch with Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort https://www.ky-rafting.com/! They’re wonderful! And for Rosine, here’s a great resource http://www.visitohiocountyky.com/attractions/historic-sites/jamboree/. Please let us know if you visit! We’d love to hear all about it! Cheers!
I just finished watching the Kentucky episode. Fantastic!
Thank you so much David! Cheers!!
Loved the show. Made me homesick. I have another two years before I can come home. I highly recommend three places for your next Kentucky trip: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bernheim Forest, and Churchill Downs. Thank you for the kind words about my home state.
Thank you for the kind words about the show Sharon! And there鈥檚 still for sure so many things in Kentucky we need to get back and see and experience! Such a beautiful state and awesome people. Thanks again! Cheers!