Kentucky – Bourbon, BBQ & Just a touch of Fall
A mint julep is not a product of a formula. It is a ceremony and must be performed by a gentleman possessing a true sense of the artistic; a deep reverence for the ingredients and a proper appreciation of the occasion.Lt. Simon Bolivar Buckner, 1937
Ahhh, Kentucky….land of bourbon and BBQ, fried chicken and the venerable Kentucky Derby. I feel a sudden impulse to wear large, floppy hats and sip Mint Juleps while giving out practical southern advice. After all, with our passing out of Illinois we’ve now officially entered the South and, as everyone knows, things are different here. A certain sense of ceremony and history about the place, even when it comes to drinking, as Lt Buckner so eloquently explained.
With our entrance into this new phase of our travels we also feel a change in the air. The very first stirrings of fall, a subtle changing of colors and a sniff of cooler nights. We drop our jacks at Kentucky Lake and admire the view. Instantly we decide to stay longer than planned to absorb the whole thing fully. After all, everyone takes their fine time in the South and, as they say down here, if something just dills your pickle, it should be worth stickin’ around for.
Having grown up in the South, don’t I know! Now you must walk two paces behind your husband, and women should be seen and not heard. And if you have a different last name (like I do), DON’T mention it. You’ll end up having to explain for an hour.
Oh, and don’t wear pants. You have to wear panty hose and a dress. (I had to in school)
And women don’t drink.
🙂
Well, this pants-wearing, outgoing, drinking Dane will be quite an amusement down here then 🙂
The above comments crack me up. I’ve grown up in Kentucky and around Kentucky Lake all of my life and still live here. You would fit RIGHT in! Southern women love their husbands, love God and love our family. We cook for the masses and serve anyone who steps in the door. The women drink, wear pants and exercise our rights. 🙂 I spent a lot of time camping around Kentucky Lake and just love it! So glad you enjoyed my home. 🙂
We really loved our time in the south (we met so many incredibly friendly folks there), and I’m excited to go back later this year, especially for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. And yes, I do love those strong Southern women. They’re my kinda gals!
Nina