2025 Best in Kentucky winners
Find your way to the best eating, drinking, dining, playing and staying—and, in some cases, straying off the well-worn path at some of the best adventures all around the state.
DESTINATION
ROAD TRIP
FIRST PLACE
Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave
A unique blend of natural beauty and adventure, unforgettable guided tours to explore the depths of the Earth, acres of reclaimed hardwood forest and serene riverways where visitors can immerse themselves in camping, hiking, horseback riding and canoeing—Mammoth Cave is all this and more.
Insider tip: Check your route in advance. GPS and electronic navigation can sometimes lead you astray, so reviewing directions to the park can save time.
SECOND PLACE
Red River Gorge Geological Area – Stanton
THIRD PLACE
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience – Bardstown
Heaven Hill accepts their awards from Heather French Henry for Event or Festival, Distillery Tour, Road Trip and Bourbon at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair.
DISTILLERY TOUR
FIRST PLACE
Maker’s Mark Distillery – Loretto
Watch massive fermentation tanks bubble before your eyes. Catch sight of the stunning stained-glass window adorned with the Maker’s Mark logo—SIV—which stands for the Samuels family, IV (fourth) generation distillers. Visit a rickhouse where barrels are rotated by hand. All this on a working 1,200-acre farm where sheep and wagyu cattle graze and wheat and barley are harvested.
Insider tip: Maker’s Mark offers off-the-beaten-path tours to give visitors a sense of the distillery’s close connection with nature.
SECOND PLACE
Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort
THIRD PLACE
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – Louisville
EVENT OR FESTIVAL
FIRST PLACE
Marion County Country Ham Days – Lebanon
Here are the numbers: 30,000 visitors, more than 2,000 pounds of country ham, 250-plus vehicles for Sunday’s Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, hundreds of volunteers, more than a dozen hot air balloons and a Pigasus Parade that has been happening for 56 years. Visitors will feel right at home with events for everyone.
Insider tip: New this year: More live music concerts and vendors, and a mother’s changing tent.
Aubri Osbourne accepts Marion County Ham Days’ award for Best Event or Festival at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair.
SECOND PLACE
Lincoln Days Celebration – Hodgenville
THIRD PLACE
Holiday on the Hill – Bardstown
AGRITOURISM ATTRACTION
FIRST PLACE
Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market – Hodgenville
This family-owned farm market has a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. Not only that, treats from Hinton’s bakery, soft serve ice cream and shakes, and lots of activities for kids make this an outstanding destination for family outings.
Insider tip: You’ll find the greatest variety of fruits and vegetables in July and August, but if you’re coming for fun on the farm, fall is the season to visit.
Hintons Orchard accepts the award for Best Agritourism Attraction at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair.
SECOND PLACE
Gallrein Farms – Shelbyville
THIRD PLACE
Dennison’s Roadside Market – Horse Cave
PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
FIRST PLACE
The Amp at Log Still – Gethsemane
This 2,300-seat outdoor event venue hosts nationally known artists such as Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Elle King, Lady A, Dwight Yoakum and others. Just in time for the 2025 concert season, The Amp added more patio tables and additional VIP passes.
Insider tip: From front row to lawn, every view at The Amp at Log Still hits just right—and if you’re looking to elevate your night, the one-of-a-kind VIP experience is absolutely worth it.
Brandon Hurn and Denise Ingle accept the award for Best Place for Live Music for the Amp at Logstill.
SECOND PLACE
Joel Ray’s Lincoln Jamboree – Hodgenville
THIRD PLACE
The Grove – Glasgow
MUSEUM
FIRST PLACE
Frazier History Museum – Louisville
The Frazier presents and preserves Kentucky history through artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, bourbon tastings and daily guided tours. The newest exhibit is Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage, an exploration of 150 years of love, marriage and courtship in Kentucky that features 50 uniquely gorgeous wedding dresses worn by Kentucky brides from the 1870s to the 2020s.
Insider tip: Guided bourbon tastings are offered daily, including Single Barrel Secrets, a museum tour and tasting that features three single barrel bourbons sold only in Frazier’s Museum Shop.
Frazier History Museum’s Andy Treinen accepts the award for Best Museum from Heather French Henry at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair.
SECOND PLACE
Lincoln Museum – Hodgenville
THIRD PLACE
John James Audubon State Park Museum – Henderson
KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION
FIRST PLACE
Louisville Zoo – Louisville
See one of the world’s rarest antelopes, the addax, in Africa, wallaroos in Australia, Cuban crocodiles on The Islands and a sloth trio, Sunni, Fern and Sebastian—all at the Louisville Zoo, the top nonprofit, paid attraction in the state and home to 1,000 species representing the variety of life on Earth.
Insider tip: Mornings are always good for visiting with your animal friends.
SECOND PLACE
Ark Encounter – Williamstown
THIRD PLACE
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo – Horse Cave
WINERY
FIRST PLACE
Purple Toad Winery – Paducah
Nearly 30 years ago, the seed of an idea took root in California’s Napa Valley and was planted in Paducah: To pair modern winemaking techniques with Old-World knowledge to produce award-winning wines.
Today, Purple Toad Winery is one of the largest and most award-winning wineries in Kentucky, famous for sweet wines like Black and Bruised and Sweet Carolwine, and other innovative flavors that authentically capture the spirit of Paducah.
Insider tip: Ask about Purple Toad’s new bourbons, bourbon-inspired drinks and fruit whiskeys, available only at the winery. They’re going fast.
SECOND PLACE
McIntyre & Family Winery – Bardstown
THIRD PLACE
Springhill Bed & Breakfast Winery and Vineyards – Bloomfield
HISTORIC ATTRACTION
FIRST PLACE
My Old Kentucky Home State Park – Bardstown
Explore 200 years of history through priceless original artifacts, lush formal gardens, storytelling, singing tour guides and events at this impeccable Federal-style mansion. This national treasure keeps things lively and entertaining, from guided bourbon tastings and murder mystery dinners, to culinary biscuit classes, barbecues on the lawn and monthly programming. Annual event exclusives include Shadows of Federal Hill and An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol.
Insider tip: Over 75% of the contents at Federal Hill, including decorative arts, paintings, personal items, tools and furniture, are original to the property.
My Old Kentucky Home takes first place for Best Historic Attraction.
SECOND PLACE
Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave
THIRD PLACE
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – Hodgenville
SPECIALTY LODGING OR BED & BREAKFAST
FIRST PLACE
My Old Kentucky Dome – Mt. Washington
The owners of My Old Kentucky Dome wanted to create a space just as special as the view—and they succeeded beautifully with this one-of-a-kind geodesic dome tucked in the woods and filled with all the comforts (and more!) of home: king-size accommodations, well-stocked kitchenette, Wi-Fi, hot tub, outdoor seating around a cozy propane fireplace and a Blackstone griddle to prepare meals outside under the gazebo.
Insider tip: Situated at the end of a private gravel drive, the dome feels off-grid but is only five minutes from town and the local grocery store.
My Old Kentucky Dome takes first place in Best Speciality Lodging or Bed & Breakfast in the 2025 Best in Kentucky awards.
SECOND PLACE
Maple Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast – Springfield
THIRD PLACE
Springhill Bed & Breakfast Winery and Vineyards – Bloomfield
OUTDOOR
CAMPING OR RV SPOT
FIRST PLACE
Green River Lake State Park – Campbellsville
Choose your picture-perfect camping spot right on Green River Lake. Every campsite, including 167 RV sites with water and electricity and 60 primitive tents, snuggles up along the shoreline. This park is an activities overachiever, with fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, miniature golf, basketball, volleyball, four playgrounds and more.
Insider tip: Green River Lake goes big for Halloween, with two weekends of Halloween in the Park—Oct. 10–12 and 17–19.
SECOND PLACE
Nolin Lake State Park – Mammoth Cave
THIRD PLACE
Lincoln Lodge – Hodgenville
PLACE FOR ADVENTURE
FIRST PLACE
Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave
Seeking outdoor thrills? You’ve come to the right place, with 85-plus miles of surface trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Paddle along the picturesque Green and Nolin rivers, part of Kentucky’s only National Water Trail and scratch that spelunker itch with a cave tour or two.
Insider tip: Paddlers, hikers, bikers, cavers, horseback riders and wildlife enthusiasts will find the thinnest crowds during weekdays.
SECOND PLACE
Red River Gorge Geological Area – Stanton
THIRD PLACE
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum – Clermont
HIKING TRAIL
FIRST PLACE
Red River Gorge Geological Area – Stanton
Red River Gorge is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 30 local trails, including portions of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, leading to sandstone arches, cascading waterfalls and stunning ridgeline vistas. First-time hikers and seasoned trekkers alike find trails to suit their experience levels, along with amazing scenery every step of the way.
Insider tip: Parking areas at popular trailheads in the Gorge can fill up fast! Start your hike early in the day to beat the crowds (and the heat).
SECOND PLACE
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum – Clermont
THIRD PLACE
Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave
PUBLIC HUNTING/FISHING AREA
FIRST PLACE
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – Golden Pond
What does LBL offer anglers? A 170,000-acre peninsula with five small lakes and numerous ponds, 26 boat ramps, 68 water trail locations and 300 miles of undulating shoreline. Year-round, anglers try their luck for catfish, bass, panfish such as crappie and bluegill, and numerous other species.
Insider tip: Even though LBL is surrounded by large and beautiful lakes, this National Recreation Area’s interior lakes and ponds just may offer the better chance of a successful day of fishing.
SECOND PLACE
Green River Lake – Campbellsville
THIRD PLACE
Cave Run Lake – Morehead
WATER TOURISM SPOT
FIRST PLACE
Lake Cumberland – Somerset-Pulaski County, Russell County, Burnside, Monticello-Wayne County, Clinton County, McCreary County
No wonder boaters and water lovers flock to this vacation paradise: Kentucky’s Houseboating Capital boasts over 1,200 miles of shoreline, pristine waters, photogenic landscapes, boating, fishing, hiking and more. “Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy the show,” says Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission Director Danielle Wilson. “It’s peaceful, romantic and absolutely unforgettable.”
Insider tip: Catch a sunset at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park’s Lure Lodge Overlook for an unmatched panoramic view of the lake that many tourists miss. And if you want a quieter, more relaxing lake experience, plan your visit Monday through Thursday.
SECOND PLACE
Green River Lake – Campbellsville
THIRD PLACE
Cave Run Lake – Morehead
EATS & DRINKS
BREAKFAST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar – Bardstown
Destination dining at its finest: Mammy’s has great food, specialized menus, a family atmosphere, a sports bar with over 250 bourbons, patio dining, local entertainment and Mammy’s General Store.
“I always say, ‘I feel like my Mammy when the preacher came for Sunday dinner,’” says owner Christy Clark. “It’s a wonderful time filled with old and new memories.”
Insider tip: Mammy’s always has something up its sleeve—like Mammy’s Cookbook coming in late December/early January. Clark calls it a “fantastic storybook with all the delicious recipes from generations.”
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar was voted Best Breakfast Place by readers in the 2025 Best in Kentucky awards.
SECOND PLACE
Kentucky’s Finest Family Style Restaurant at Joel Ray’s Lincoln Jamboree – Hodgenville
THIRD PLACE
Pat’s Place – Bardstown
BOURBON
FIRST PLACE
Maker’s Mark – Loretto
Learn the process behind this wheat-based whiskey, known for its smooth, never bitter, flavor. The experience is sublime—taste various expressions of Maker’s Mark before being led into the gift shop through a private passage with a one-of-a-kind, Dale Chihuly-designed stained-glass ceiling.
Insider tip: Star Hill Provisions at Maker’s Mark Distillery is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. A seasonal menu honors a range of ingredients sourced directly from the farm and producers throughout central Kentucky.
SECOND PLACE
Buffalo Trace – Frankfort
THIRD PLACE
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond – Bardstown
BARBECUE
FIRST PLACE
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Owensboro
With deep roots in Owensboro, this 300-seat heritage barbecue restaurant has earned national praise fromGourmet magazine, Food Network, USA Today, Fox News, CNN Travel and others.
“Moonlite has helped put western Kentucky barbecue, representing the authentic Kentucky flavor of mutton and burgoo, in the national spotlight,” says owner Patrick Bosley.
Insider tip: Moonlite doesn’t advertise or officially offer a tour of the pits, but ask and, time permitting, you might get a rare treat to see behind the scenes.
SECOND PLACE
B&N Food Market – Bagdad
THIRD PLACE
Thatcher Barbecue Company – Slade
CRAFT BEER
FIRST PLACE
Country Boy Brewing – Georgetown, Lexington
One of Lexington’s original craft breweries with more than 24 brews on tap, Country Boy Brewing has something for everyone—from its classic Cougar Bait Blonde Ale to unique creations like Orange Cream Cider.
New for 2025 is Country Light, an easy drinking beer brewed with only 95 calories and 1.8 carbs.
Insider tip: Ask for a flight! With so many options, skip the full pint and try four small samples of any of Country Boy’s 24 taps.
SECOND PLACE
Good Buddies Brewing Co. – Lebanon
THIRD PLACE
Scout & Scholar Brewing Company – Bardstown
HAMBURGER
FIRST PLACE
Bardstown Burger – Bardstown
Diners won’t find a multipage menu with dozens of choices here—and that’s the point.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to doing one thing exceptionally well: crafting high-quality burgers with consistency and care,” says Bardstown Burger owner Elliot Hurst. “Our menu is intentionally simple and focused, which our customers appreciate.”
Insider tip: The eatery’s two Bardstown locations offer two different experiences: one is a drive-thru featuring combo meals and kids meals; the other is dine-in, offering an a la carte menu.
Bardstown Burger was voted Best Hamburger by readers in the 2025 Best in Kentucky awards.
SECOND PLACE
Laha’s Red Castle – Hodgenville
THIRD PLACE
B&N Food Market – Bagdad
BAKERY
FIRST PLACE
Burke’s Bakery & Delicatessen – Danville
A checklist destination for visitors to Danville, Burke’s Bakery is a beloved local institution dating back to 1922. The family-operated bakery is known for its homemade baked goods, historic charm, affordable treats and warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Insider tip: Treat yourself to one of Burke’s famous super-sized gingerbread men.
Burke’s Bakery was voted Best Bakery by Kentucky Living readers in the 2025 Best in Kentucky awards.
SECOND PLACE
Hadorn’s Bakery – Bardstown
THIRD PLACE
Sweet Peace Bakery – Ashland
DOWN-HOME RESTAURANT
FIRST PLACE
Lighthouse Restaurant – Sulphur Well
This restaurant is known far and wide for its all-you-can-eat family-style catfish, fried chicken and Penn’s Country Ham dinners served with country sides, plus red-eye gravy and fresh, homemade biscuits. Dessert? Chocolate, butterscotch and coconut cream, fudge, pecan and fried apple homemade pies. This is good eatin’—so good, in fact, that reservations are strongly recommended and, on Saturdays, required.
Insider tip: To celebrate 40 years in business in 2025, Lighthouse is offering daily lunch specials for $11.95, free-drink Fridays, weekly giveaways on Facebook and special dinners.
Lighthouse Restaurant takes first place for Best Down-Home Restaurant.
SECOND PLACE
Country Store Restaurant – Bradfordsville
THIRD PLACE
B&N Food Market – Bagdad
COFFEE SHOP
FIRST PLACE
Vibe Coffee – Elizabethtown and Hodgenville
Your one-stop rejuvenation shop: Vibe Coffee serves espresso-based lattes made with coffee beans from award-winning local roasters, plus fruit smoothies, steeped organic teas, hot cocoa and steamers. Pair your drink with treats like house-baked pastries, waffles, bagels and paninis; or choose from a menu of toasts including hummus, avocado, peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and banana, cream cheese and jelly or a Kentucky favorite, Benedictine.
Insider tip: Vibe makes its own syrups and sauces and uses as many organic and local ingredients as possible.
SECOND PLACE
Ace Coffee – Cave City
THIRD PLACE
Apostoli Coffee – Radcliff
SWEETS SHOP
FIRST PLACE
The Sweet Shoppe and Dessert Café – Hodgenville
On visits to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park or strolls through Hodgenville’s charming historic district, pencil in a sweet stop at the Sweet Shoppe where you’ll find more than 30 flavors of fudge. And not just any fudge—but fudge made fresh daily with real cream, butter and sugar in irresistible taste combos like maple walnut, mint chocolate, orange creamsicle and more.
Insider tip: In addition to fudge, the Sweet Shoppe serves Velvet and Blue Bell ice creams, frosty sundaes, milkshakes, Mega Banana Splits and fresh baked goods.
Hodgenville’s The Sweet Shoppe and Dessert Cafe accepts the Best Sweets Shop award from Heather French Henry.
SECOND PLACE
Sweets by Cindy – Junction City
THIRD PLACE
Serendipity Kandy Kitchen – Shelbyville
FOOD TRUCK
FIRST PLACE
Backroads Cookin’ – Bardstown
Foodies give Backroads Cookin’ five stars for its full-flavor, hand-pattied 6-ounce Boone’s Butcher Shop chuckburgers, including the Backroads Burger featuring a signature barbecue sauce, bacon bits and onion tanglers; freshly cooked and shredded chicken; sharable portions; and dollar drinks. Funnel Cake Stix tempt the kid in each of us, with flavors including Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Insider tip: The Bourbon Dog Bowl is a Backroads original, with hot dogs, bacon and nacho and shredded cheese, doused with bourbon sauce and served with onion tangler-topped French fries.
Backroads Cookin’ takes first place for Best Food Truck at the 2025 Best in Kentucky Awards.
SECOND PLACE
Juanito’s Street Tacos & More – Radcliff and Bardstown
THIRD PLACE
Matilda’s Dogs and More – Sonora
PEOPLE & PERSONALITIES
LOCAL RADIO HOST
FIRST PLACE
Larry Smith, WVLC 99.9 The Big Dawg – Campbellsville
“This is such an honor to not only win once but be nominated a second time for this great award,” says Larry Smith, station manager of 99.9 the Big Dawg WVLC-FM in Campbellsville.
Smith is also the host of Mornings on Main Street, Flea Market and Southern Fried Friday Night—an all-request show of classic rock—and serves as the director of the Campbellsville Christmas Parade.
SECOND PLACE
Kellie McKay, 103.7 WHHT – Glasgow
THIRD PLACE
Cale Tharp, Abe 93.7 Radio – Hodgenville
LOCAL TV PERSONALITY
FIRST PLACE
Candyce Clifft, WDRB – Louisville
“Words can’t express my gratitude to the readers who believe I belong in this category,” says WDRB Mornings anchor Candyce Clifft, whose daily goal is to make sure people know what’s happening in the world and their community, and give them a reason to smile. “It’s truly an honor that people invite me into their homes via their television and allow me to help them start their day.”
SECOND PLACE
Dawne Gee, WAVE3 – Louisville
THIRD PLACE
India Jones, WKYT – Lexington
METEOROLOGIST
FIRST PLACE
Marc Weinberg, WDRB – Louisville
“Being considered as the best meteorologist in Kentucky, considering the year we have endured, is huge,” says Marc Weinberg. “We have fought through heavy snow, very cold temps in January, massive flooding in February and again in April, and an incredibly active severe weather season including two tornadoes directly striking Louisville. We have worked very hard with extremely long hours to help protect life and property in 2025 and for people to view me as one of the best in 2025 means so much to me.”
SECOND PLACE
Jude Redfield, WDRB – Louisville
THIRD PLACE
Jim Caldwell, WKYT – Lexington
KENTUCKY MUSICIAN OR BAND
FIRST PLACE
Chris Stapleton – Nashville, Tennessee
Twenty-one-time Academy of Country Music Award-winner Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year at the 60th Annual ACM Awards—his fifth time winning the category. Born in Lexington, Stapleton was raised in Johnson County.
SECOND PLACE
Tyler Childers – Nashville, Tennessee
THIRD PLACE
JD Shelburne – Nashville, Tennessee
ATHLETE
FIRST PLACE
Trent Noah, Lexington
“To have the privilege to even put the jersey on—it’s incredible,” says Trent Noah of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team. “I just can’t wait to get back to work and try to give the state of Kentucky what we want, and that’s hanging a banner.”
SECOND PLACE
Otega Oweh, UK Wildcats basketball player, Lexington
THIRD PLACE
Chucky Hepburn, former UofL basketball player
