MIDWAY, Ky. (May 7, 2026) – To further support local restaurants and Kentucky’s record-breaking tourism industry, Gov. Andy Beshear today joined state leaders and local business owners to unveil the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide. Featuring an initial 18 restaurants, the guide serves as a new resource to help Kentuckians and travelers alike visit and enjoy local restaurants and historic destinations across the commonwealth.
To access the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide, visit Heritage.ky.gov or Apple maps.
“This guide brings together two of Kentucky’s greatest assets: our rich history and delicious food,” said Gov. Beshear. “By highlighting our incredible restaurants, we can support local businesses while building on the record-breaking tourism we’ve seen for three consecutive years.”
Designed to inspire travel, support local businesses and raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation, the guide showcases dining establishments throughout every region of Kentucky. Offering more than a delicious meal, these restaurants provide a connection to place, history and community.
“Culinary tourism is a growing driver for travelers who seek out authentic experiences that provide special meals in historic settings,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “The Historic Dining Guide will highlight local establishments that offer memorable meals at destinations across the commonwealth. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to these incredible local businesses.”
By spotlighting restaurants located in historic places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kentucky Heritage Council hopes to encourage Kentuckians and visitors alike to discover how preservation contributes to thriving cities, memorable experiences and a stronger sense of place.
“There’s nothing like a great meal and a great story,” said Craig Potts, Kentucky Heritage Council director. “The Historic Dining Guide intentionally marries the two, offering unique experiences in fantastic locally owned and operated restaurants housed in buildings with wonderful architecture and interesting histories. Every participating restaurant has something significant to offer.”
Today’s event was held at Midway’s Holly Hill Inn, a restaurant featured on the guide and located in a building dating to the 1800s. Award-winning Chef Ouita Michel and her sommelier husband, Chris Michel, have served farm-to-table dishes at the Holly Hill Inn restaurant since 2000.
“This week, my husband, Chris Michel, our business partner Roger Solt, and our entire team celebrate 25 years of owning and operating the historic Holly Hill Inn. We see ourselves as stewards of this wonderful, one-of-a-kind place and do everything we can each day to welcome folks to the beauty, deliciousness and generous spirit of Kentucky Hospitality found here,” said Michel. “We are deeply tied to place as Kentuckians, and it has been our honor to welcome thousands of guests from across the country and around the world to Holly Hill and Midway.”
“My family is honored and humbled by the Talbott Tavern’s inclusion in Kentucky’s Historic Dining Guide. It affirms the work of the cooks, servers, bartenders and staff who have worked there in the past 250 years,” said Old Talbott Tavern Co-owner John Kelley. “Because of our team’s involvement, they have made the Talbott Tavern a successful restaurant, hotel, tavern and stagecoach stop since 1779.”
The Kentucky Historic Dining Guide also serves as a reminder that historic preservation is not only about saving old buildings; it’s about keeping communities alive and connected through the history of places people continue to use and enjoy.
Current participating restaurants by region include:
Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon & Boone Region
Bourbon, Horses & History Region
Kentucky Appalachians Region
Northern KY River Region
Western Waterlands Region
Daniel Boone Country Region
Southern Kentucky Vacation Region
Caves, Lakes & Corvettes Region
Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ Region
The Kentucky Heritage Council is seeking to add restaurants to the guide on an annual basis. Restaurants interested in being added to the guide can apply online at heritage.ky.gov. The restaurant’s location must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, retain its historic character and have been in business for a minimum of 18 months.
For more information about the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide or the Kentucky Heritage Council, visit heritage.ky.gov or contact Jennifer Peachee-Harris at jpeacheeharris@ky.gov or 502-892-3611.