Kentucky Capitals Quest: 11 Unique And Fascinating Claims To Fame

Have you heard about the Kentucky Capitals Quest? It is a new “passport program” designed to introduce travelers to the Commonwealth’s most unique and fascinating claims to fame. I have all the details for you in this post!

The Bluegrass State, where I call home, is full of beautiful countryside, sprawling horse farms, rolling hills and mountains, caverns galore and so, so much more! You probably didn’t know that we are home to many “capitals” too! With the Kentucky Capitals Quest, you can explore each one and learn a bit more about our beautiful state.

What Is The Kentucky Capitals Quest?

The Kentucky Capitals Quest*, a new passport program featuring 11 different destinations and their unique claims to fame, was designed for curious travelers seeking to uncover the Commonwealth’s most unique and fascinating claims to fame. Visitors embark on an unforgettable adventure and immerse themselves in the charm of 11 communities to explore the hidden treasures that make Kentucky a must-visit destination.

 *Visitors can pick up a passport at any of the 11 visitor centers along the Kentucky Capitals Quest route and collect a sticker for each destination visited. Collect three custom stickers for an air freshener for your vehicle. Collect six stickers for a curated offer from the community you’re in for your sixth Quest stop. When you collect all 11 stickers, cozy up with a branded blanket—perfect for picnics and other outings. And enjoy bragging rights as an honorary Kentucky Capitals Quest Ambassador.

Cities/Counties Participating In The Quest

• Bowling Green – Corvette Capital of the World
• Frankfort – Historic Heartbeat of Kentucky
• Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World
• Lexington – Horse Capital of the World
• London-Laurel Co. – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
• Morehead-Rowan Co. – Muskie Fishing Capital of the South
• Oldham Co. – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
• Owensboro –Bluegrass Music Capital of the World
• Paducah – Quilt Capital of the World
• Somerset-Pulaski Co. – Houseboat Capital of the World
• Winchester – Beer Cheese Capital of the World

How To Participate in the Kentucky Capitals Quest?

You can participate by simply visiting these amazing cities or you can add a bit of fun and whimsy but adding in some National Days of fun like “National Corn On The Cob Day” or “National Flag Day”. However you choose to plan you visit, make sure you stop by one of the 11 visitor centers along the route to pick up your passport before getting started!

You absolutely don’t have to include the, below, National Days in your journey. If you do, they will make it even more fun and give you specific days to visit each stop along the route, so you can space out your visits.

National Days To Include In Your Quest

National Boone Day – June 7

It was in Winchester that Daniel Boone got his first eyeful of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region—atop Pilot Knob, which intersects with one of the stops on the Beer Cheese Trail.

National Making Life Beautiful – June 11

A day that dedicates a celebration to those who make life beautiful? We know who does that . . . horses. Horses make life beautiful. And Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park showcases all the ways horses do that.

National Corn On The Cob Day – June 11

With 15 hands-on farm tour experiences in Oldham County, you just know one will involve corn—and it does . . . as in making cornmeal at Harvest Moon Dairy Farm & Cheese.

National Flag Day – June 14

A day to celebrate patriotism. Kentucky’s state capital—its historic heartbeat—celebrates patriotism in attractions including the Kentucky State Capitol and its First Ladies in Miniature Collection, the Old Governor’s Mansion and the Floral Clock, among others.

National Smile Power Day – June 15

Music has the power to bring smiles—and visitors get plenty of both with the soulful sounds of bluegrass in the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.

National Wanna Get Away Day – June 18

And what better way than to rent a houseboat with family and friends and anchor it in a hidden cove on Lake Cumberland? Hello, summer!

National Go Fishing Day – June 18

If any place is going to give you a shot of catching the elusive muskie, it’s Cave Run Lake in Morehead, the Muskie Fishing Capital of the South. We actually stayed near Morehead for awhile. It is a lovely town featuring Cave Run Lake and Morehead State University. You can fish for Muskellunge fish in the Muskie capital of the world!

National Kouign Amann Day – June 20

Head to the Batter Capital of the World, for some flour to make this round crusty cake—or any cake. Hopkinsville produces 3 million bushels of wheat annually. Talk about a food-mix manufacturing powerhouse.

Ok, I had to look this one up. I’ve never heard of Kouign Amann! According to Cambirdge Dictionary it is:

a type of sweet pastry made with a lot of butter, that is originally from Brittany in France

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/kouign-amann

National Daylight Appreciation Day – June 21

Celebrate the many benefits of the sun with a long ride on National Bike Route 21, following Daniel Boone’s path and giving cyclists a 265-mile journey of summer sky and scenery.

National Selfie Day – June 21

Selfies and America’s Sports Car go together like road and course. Take a few laps in a C8 Corvette at NCM Motorsports Park. Jealous much?

And last but certainly not least we bring you to Paducah, KY’s National Quilting Museum!

National Patch Day – June 24

Who says this day set aside for sending “a token of love to a child in need of support, kindness and healing” can’t be with a quilt patch? Head to Paducah and its fabric shops, quilting classes and National Quilting Museum.

As you can see, there is a lot of fun to be had in the state of Kentucky. The stops on the quest aren’t the only places to visit for Kentucky fun though! Be sure to check out all we have to offer including camping at Land Between The Lakes, hiking at Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge, cave exploring at Mammoth Cave, scenic waterfall at Cumberland Falls, fried chicken at the original KFC location in Corbin. There is so much to do and see here!

Find more great Kentucky attractions in our “Blogging In Kentucky” series.

Do you plan on participating in the Kentucky Capitals Quest? If so, which stop are you looking forward to the most?