Ahh, Kentucky: land of bluegrass, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon. You know, a lot of people are surprised when I tell them all the wonderful things that the amazing state I call home has to offer. But they always ask me for directions to the nearest "cool thing" or "attraction" or "shop" or whatever. So sit back, and get ready to see the portrait of Appalachia: "The Top 15 Things Everyone Should Know About Eastern Kentucky".

1. Kentucky is home to the Wildcats.

We bleed blue. No questions asked. Of course, there is also Louisville. But we real Kentuckians see Louisville as Mufasa sees the darkness in The Lion King: "You must never go there, Simba".

2. We are a very proud people.

In Kentucky, we have a very rich heritage and don't take too kindly to being made fun of. We also see the term "Hillbilly" as a very great insult.

3. Quilting is a big deal.

We all know that our little, old grannies all made quilts. But try to make one sometime: it takes a lot longer than you think it would. It's very interesting.

4. So is bluegrass music.

You're bound to hear old and new bluegrass music all over the state. Everything from Flatt and Scruggs and The Stanley Brothers to the Grascals and Big Kentucky Thunder. ALSO: It's not called "frailing", city boy, it's called CLAWHAMMER.

The man you see above is my girlfriend's great uncle, famous banjo player Roscoe Halcomb

5. Square Dancing is a MUST.

What's that? You don't dance? Oh yes, you do. Because you don't have to know how to dance it, you just have to listen and follow directions. It's a lot easier than it sounds. And it's a TON OF FUN!

The place above is in Letcher County, KY. It's the Carcassone Square Dance at the Carcassone Community Center.

6. Gardening is a way of life.

We aren't talking herb gardens; we're talking vegetables, people! Corn, green beans, taters, carrots, tomatoes... And after it's all picked, it's canned and saved for the winter.

This photo is from Grow Appalachia! Thank you for all you do to help conserve and pass on our gardening techniques to all us "youngins"

7. We've got words all our own!

You may hear some strange pronunciations, but it's just the way we say it and if you don't like it "take 'at and guh-whone". Y'all is used when addressing more than one person. And you better not call it a "crick" in front of Mammaw: that's "creek" and you'll "get a'switchin" (a whooping with a small branch) thank you very much!

8. High School Football...

Let's just say it's a little bit intense at times. (GO DORES!)

9. High School Basketball...

Pack 2500 people into a 2000 person gym and see if "tempers don't flare and feathers don't go a'flying".

10. Hunting isn't just for sport and food, it's a big industry down here.

The Elk Draw brings in a lot of revenue, and it's helpful to have tourism to fall back on since the fall of the coal industry.

11. Fishing is the best thing in the universe.

I was born to fish. Even if I don't catch anything, I love fishing. If I wasn't in college trying to make a future for myself, I would be fishing... I can blow off some homework this weekend and throw a line in the water, right?

12. Rook is a bigger deal than Poker.

You really don't want to play with a couple of old people that like to "shoot the moon" and "set you" every single hand.

13. Cornhole is a go-to game.

Toss bean bag 25 feet onto a board and try to get it into a hole. Sounds easy? You'd be surprised.

14. You will most likely leave Harlan alive.

it's not near as bad as it used to be. For those that don't know, there's a famous song called "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive".

15. We've been exploited and made fun of by outsiders for a really long time, and we're tired of it.

We really don't want to be made fun of. We aren't like the picture you see above anymore, we're just normal people with normal lives. Who work normal jobs, go to normal schools, and are pretty similar to everybody else.

This photo was taken in Jenkins, KY in Letcher County.

There are other places in Kentucky. In Northern Kentucky, you have the gateway to Indiana. In Western Kentucky, you have Mammoth Cave. In Central Kentucky, you have Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland; not mention the Wildcat Flea Market in London. And you have Louisville... but you know. But, regardless of where you go, you're gonna find some great people. So "y'all come back, now! Ya hear?"