Take some time this year to find out why Winchester is the home of original experiences, such as popping the top off a cold Ale-8-One. Named “Kentucky’s Official Soft Drink” this ginger, citrus soda in the green bottle has been bottled by the same family since 1926.
Speaking of original, Clark County is the Birthplace of Beer Cheese! This spicy cheddar dip and spread was first served, in 1940 on the banks of the Kentucky River, at Allman’s Restaurant. Beer Cheese isn’t just delicious, it’s our culture. Heck, we even celebrate it at our annual Beer Cheese Festival each June.
Don’t want to wait ‘til June to give it a try? Hop on the Beer Cheese Trail and visit multiple locally owned restaurants and discover your favorite recipe. Yep, each one’s different and all recipes are a closely guarded secret. We’ll talk about Beer Cheese Week, another time!
You know what goes good with Beer Cheese? Beer. Not just any beer but Abettor Brewing Company Beer. Abettor is a great place to kick back, make friends and if you’re really lucky, try a nice cold Pale8 – can you guess the local ingredient?
For local ingredients you won’t find more local than Wildcat Willy’s Distillery and Restaurant, located in a historic church in downtown Winchester. Laura Freeman, owner of Wildcat Willy’s and former owner of Laura’s Lean Beef returned home after selling Laura’s Lean Beef, but didn’t want to stop farming. Laura grows the grains and sweet potatoes for her moonshine and bourbon at Wildcat Willy’s. In true farm-to-table fashion, she even bought a few cows and chickens to supply the restaurant at Wildcat Willy’s
Come back next month and I’ll tell you what else Laura makes. Here’s a hint, it goes well with wine. We’ve got plenty of wines to tell you about too. Want more information before next month? Give us a shout at 859-808-0856 or follow us on Facebook @winchesterclarkcountytourism or on Instagram @AlwaysOriginalWinchesterKY
Check back often for other “Always Original” experiences, special features and expert tips on how to maximize your visit to Winchester. Below is a list of just a few of those we’ll be highlighting on this blog each month. We’re ready to help you make some special memories!
- Abettor Brewing Company
- Bluegrass Heritage Museum
- Trails, Tours & Outdoor Adventures
- Beer Cheese
- Civil War Fort at Boonesboro
- Ale8one – 95th Birthday
- Pioneer Festival
- Harkness Edwards Winery
- Daniel Boone
- Wildcat Willy’s Distillery
- Downtown Winchester