“Great food and historic places have a way of telling a story together,” said Craig Potts, executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Council.
Five distinctive Kentucky eateries that weave local culinary arts with historic preservation have officially been added to the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide, as announced by Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday.
The fresh additions expand the state-backed roster to 23 historic dining guide restaurants since the tourism-boosting program launched in May. State officials designed the initiative to draw travelers deep into regional communities while directly supporting homegrown establishments.
“Kentucky’s culinary scene is one of the many attractions that have allowed us to secure four straight years of record-breaking tourism,” Beshear said.
The newly inducted roster spans across several distinct regions of the commonwealth, featuring structures that date back centuries:
- Dudley’s on Short, Lexington: Operating as a local culinary fixture since 1981, the restaurant relocated in 2010 into the historic Northern Bank Building, which originally went up in 1889 on West Short Street.
- Limewater, Frankfort: Launched in 2022, this family-owned spot operates inside the historic Glen Willis house, constructed in 1815 along the banks of the Kentucky River.
- Crafted at Boone Tavern, Berea: Situated inside Boone Tavern, a structure erected in 1909 to serve as a guest house for Berea College, the location holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Trustees’ Table, Harrodsburg: Tucked inside Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, this destination serves seasonal regional fare crafted using produce from its own gardens and nearby farms.
- Tousey House Tavern, Burlington: Set within a Federal-style structure dating back to 1822 that has previously functioned as a private residence, hotel, tavern, and restaurant.
Potts noted that the program provides travelers with an additional incentive to investigate regional heritage while keeping neighborhood enterprises thriving.
To qualify for the biannual directory, establishments must satisfy specific preservation and operational thresholds overseen by state heritage officials. Eligible venues must maintain active placement on the National Register of Historic Places, preserve their original architectural character, and maintain a minimum of 18 months of continuous restaurant operations.
The Kentucky Heritage Council coordinates the intake process to refresh the publication twice annually, selecting new honoress during May and October. Travelers and local history enthusiasts can access the complete directory directly through Kentucky Tourism.
