Kentucky is pretty chill most of the time, other than Kentucky Derby week and college basketball season. The rest of the year we tend to work hard and sit around afterward sipping tea, bourbon or beer. During 2015 things got a little crazier than normal, and we even managed to capture nationwide media attention a few times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for our benevolence or our fine southern cooking. No… instead it was in the midst of some debauchery and social media took it viral. On the up side, our insane is still mild in comparison to most everywhere else so we can welcome 2016 with a clear conscious.
Here are 11 insane things that happened in Kentucky during 2015:
11. Equal law equal rights in Rowan County, despite efforts of the opposite.
In September, the elected Rowan County Clerk took center stage in a media circus when she refused to sign off on marriage licenses for couples she didn’t approve of based on religion. Since law and religion are two different entities, this was a problem, justice stepped up and she ended up in jail. This gained national media recognition, but was an embarrassment due to the officials own questionable background.
Try to prevent future county clerk debacles and unnecessary media attention. Bevin has elected to not require the County Clerk signature on marriage licenses in the future. This has not been confirmed, as it conflicts with the previous requirements. This makes the future of his plan unstable, as other politicians and public officials are questioning the overall validity of such a license.
According to WAVE 3, on December 27, Kentucky State Police in Daviess County stated there will be more than 730 people killed on Kentucky roadways during 2015. This is a significant rise from four years ago. It has also been noted 60% of people killed were not wearing seatbelts.
This has been a rough year for University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. Earlier in the year there were accusations of encouraging inappropriate behavior with prostitutes. Now he is accused of flipping the bird to the Kentucky fans after the Cardinals loss December 26th.
More than 2,000 teenagers caused disruptions in the Mall in St. Matthews, causing police to shut down the mall and some other local businesses in the area. Think wealthy "Children of the Corn", with a mall setting instead of a corn field, and no evil corn god. Oh, and they crave video games, electronics and designer clothes instead of blood.
6. Mysterious absence of WKU and EKU in media coverage.
After several readers mentioned being WKU fans, I scanned our local media back to Sept. for any mention. I saw Western in a small piece from October. After that is was primarily Louisville and Kentucky, regardless of sport. Thus, WKU and EKU fans, your struggle is real.
Black Friday became Bleak Friday, as people lost their minds and their holiday. These "adults" physically assaulted one another in order to get gifts. Shoppers literally brawled to the point that Kentucky made national headlines for the most brawls on Black Friday. These people go on the naughty list forever…
The Franklin County Sheriff’s office posted the following on their Facebook page, "Is your drug dealing competition costing you money? We offer a free service to help you eliminate the competition." This is an interesting use of social media for law enforcement. Props to this sheriff and an A for efforts not thought of by other departments.
Louisville builds a pedestrian bridge to Indiana. Why? With the bridge construction and closing you will likely get to the other side quicker strolling instead of driving.
2. It was the fourth rainiest year in our history.
According to WLKY Belski’s blog, this is the fourth rainiest year in the history of our state. The years that outrank us are 1996, 2004 and 2011, but we only needed 3.09 to take 3rd place from 1996 as of December 27. Its been raining pretty hard since then in some parts of the state. All this rain is causing more than our fair share of flash floods.
That’s right, it has been in the 60s and 70s in the northern part of the state, and we’ve had record highs. Some people were horribly disappointed in the lack of a white Christmas, but I personally loved it. The weather has been so moody, even the geese don’t know when to head south.
Some folks might try to blame it on the bourbon, even when they don’t drink it. The truth is, we, the people, all make mistakes, and our insane doesn’t really seem that bad for 2015. Perhaps I’m a little bias, but Mother Nature gets a lot crazier in Kentucky than most her residents. I’d just as soon blame any insanity on the weather as it can drive you a little batty never knowing what to expect. Hope everyone has a happy New Year and can celebrate the beginning of 2016 with happy thoughts. What memorable event in Kentucky sticks out in your mind from 2015?
The New Attraction in Louisville, Kentucky We Can’t Wait to Experience
A new exhibit at the Frazier History Museum called 120: Cool Kentucky Counties celebrates what makes each county in Kentucky unique. The exhibit shares stories, history, and music about each county. The exhibit is part of a larger part of the museum called Cool Kentucky.
Do you know that Kentucky has more than 100 counties? Incredibly, the Bluegrass State has 120 counties, the fourth-most of any U.S. state. I admit that I am not very familiar with the details of some Kentucky counties, and I'd love to know more. A new exhibit, 120: Cool Kentucky Counties, at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville focuses on what makes each Kentucky county unique.
120: Cool Kentucky Counties is a permanent collection of stories, music, culture, history, and traditions from around the state. The exhibit has two large touch screens, and when visitors select a county, they are presented with information about it. They might learn about the world's first Dollar General, which opened in Allen County, or the largest apple pie, which was baked in Casey County. They may also learn about remarkable Kentuckians, like Lillian South, the first female state bacteriologist from Warren County, or Sara Bradley, a celebrated chef and Top Chef contestant from McCracken County.
Music is a significant part of 120: Cool Kentucky Counties and visitors can enjoy songs by musicians from every Kentucky county. The songs featured are diverse and include works from many types of artists, including gospel, folk, bluegrass, opera, and more. The exhibit also showcases interesting and historical objects from Kentucky counties, which rotate over time.
The new 120: Cool Kentucky Counties exhibit is part of a larger part of the Frazier History Museum called Cool Kentucky. Cool Kentucky displays some incredible pieces of the state's history, including the boat Tori Murden McClure used to become the first American to row alone across the Atlantic. There's also a tree stump in which Daniel Boone purportedly inscribed his name. Many famous Kentuckians like Muhammad Ali, Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Hubble, and Jennifer Lawrence are celebrated. Visitors can also enjoy a multimedia experience called the KentuckyShow!, which celebrates Kentucky's history and culture and is narrated by Ashley Judd.
The Frazier History Museum is a fantastic place for locals and tourists to learn about the Bluegrass State. In addition to 120: Cool Kentucky Counties and Cool Kentucky exhibits, the museum has exhibits focused on the history and culture of bourbon, Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, and more.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
