Kentucky is as unique as it is beautiful and charming. We love showing off our natural parks, watching folks sample that first taste of truly good bourbon, and enjoying our enthusiasm for the Kentucky Derby. There are some other surprising things you may not know unless you’re a Kentucky local. Get a taste of the Bluegrass State with these 10 photos of Kentucky culture you’ll recognize if you’re a local - and they’re all a part of why we love living in Kentucky. Be sure to let us know which of these photos are your favorites!

Now, we know that you know what basketball is; however, we’re not like other states that split their allegiance between a football team, a baseball team, and other teams. We love other sports, but to us, basketball is the main thing.

You already know we’re world famous for bourbon, but you may not know just how many varieties there are! Every country has its specialties and of course, each county thinks theirs is the best. Bourbon is so ingrained in our culture that you’ll see bourbon barrel-rolling contests at our local festivals.

We know that KFC doesn’t have the same recipe anymore and went and shortened its name from Kentucky Fried Chicken (which we don’t mind saying in full), but we’re still proud to be the state where the country’s favorite fried chicken originated.

If you order “iced tea” around here, it’s going to be sweet. We just don’t do it any other way. There’s sweet tea, and then there’s tea that has yet to be sweetened and isn’t ready yet.

Sure, you’ve had cornbread before, but here we do it in a cast iron pan. There’s just no other way. It gives just the right crisp to the outside and leaves it soft and fluffy inside. Do it up right with some bacon fat for extra flavor.

When you ask someone from Kentucky where they’re from, they’re more likely to tell you the county rather than the city or town. We’re all proud of our own county and there are so many, each with its own history. Some even have rivalries with each other to this day.

If we have a state drink besides bourbon, it’s Ale-8-One. It’s a popular mixer for cocktails and is a great refreshment all by itself. It’s been privately owned since 1902, and we’re proud of it.

What’s so special about a tunnel? Well, if you held your breath when you saw this, then you know it’s a tradition to hold your breath when going through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.

These addicting chips are made in Louisville and they’ve become more fancy over the years with new exotic flavors but the originals are close to our hearts.

If you’re from Kentucky, you’ve driven past this tower a thousand times. It may be weird, but this water tower holds a special place in our hearts. Florence’s independent baseball team renamed itself the “Florence Y’alls” and even has a water tower mascot!

How many of the things in these photos of Kentucky culture did you know about? And which ones best depict what it's like living in Kentucky. You know you're from Kentucky if you recognize them all!

Let us know some other things that should be on this list in the comments. To learn some more quirky things about our beloved state, check out some of the weird laws in Kentucky that are still on the books.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/these-15-crazy-laws-ky/

Now, book yourself a place to stay and come enjoy our hospitality! Also, don’t forget to check out our video with some fun ways to talk like Kentucky locals.