The Kentucky Dude | 10.17.24

Edition 1

AuthorAuthor

Stephen Bird & Chris Grimes
October 15, 2024

Saddle up, gentlemen of the Bluegrass State! Welcome to the inaugural roundup of The Kentucky Dude – your new weekly wingman for all things Kentucky.

Are you thirsty for a potent cocktail of family values, sports thrills, bourbon wisdom, community spirit, personal growth, and outdoor adventures? Well, pour yourself a glass of the good stuff, kick back in your favorite recliner, and get ready for a wild ride through the heart of Kentucky living, dude.

Before we proceed, let’s make sure you have a heartbeat.

Dad Joke of the Week

What separates a good team from a great team?

(scroll to the end for the answer)  

Family First

Passing Down Traditions

Kentucky is a state steeped in tradition, from basketball to bourbon. This week, we challenge you to share those traditions with the next generation, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. Here are two ideas.

TIP 1: For generations of Kentuckians, University of Kentucky basketball and football have been more than just games – they're a rite of passage, a sacred tradition passed from father to son. The roar of the crowd in Rupp Arena or Kroger Field isn't just noise; it's the heartbeat of the Bluegrass State. For many blue-collar, hardworking Kentucky families, saving up for game tickets can be a challenge, but the experience is priceless.

As fathers and sons sit side by side, they're not just watching a game; they're absorbing the history, passion, and spirit of Kentucky. In those stands, life lessons unfold with every play – about perseverance, teamwork, and pride in one's community. The shared cheers, the nail-biting moments, and the post-game discussions create bonds that last a lifetime.

Taking your son to a UK game isn't just about sports; it's about inducting him into a brotherhood of Kentucky men, teaching him what it means to be part of something bigger than himself. It's in these moments, amidst the sea of blue and white, that Kentucky fathers pass down not just their love for the game, but their values, their stories, and their legacy.

TIP 2: Most Kentucky Men don’t correlate cooking with quality time. But I am telling you if you cook with your kids, they will love it, and if not, who really gives a shit. You spent quality time with them, and they will remember it. It isn’t about loads of time you spend with your loved ones it is about being present and mindful when you are together. The event doesn’t matter as much as the dedicated time. So, go cook something with your kids. You will have fun and if you don’t tell us about it.

Sports Central

🏀 Kentucky is #23 in the AP College Basketball Preseason Poll

The University of Kentucky men's basketball team has earned a spot in the AP preseason Top 25 poll for the upcoming season.

  • Associated Press (AP) Top 25: No. 23

  • USA Today Coaches Poll: No. 22

  • ESPN BPI: No. 22

  • CBS Sports Top 25: No. 23

These rankings indicate that the Kentucky Wildcats are expected to be a competitive team in the upcoming season, but they are not considered to be among the top contenders for the national championship. However, the team has a strong recruiting class and a talented roster, so they could improve throughout the season.

Kentucky is No. 23 in the AP College Basketball Preseason Poll

Kentucky will be ranked to start the 2024-25 college basketball season, coming in at No. 23 in the Preseason AP Poll.

www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-ap-college-basketball-preseason-poll-top-25

🏀 Rick Pitino’s first Big Blue Madness 35 years ago

Rick Pitino's return to Big Blue Madness in 2024 was a nostalgic moment for Kentucky basketball fans, evoking memories of his first appearance as head coach decades earlier. While his initial Big Blue Madness marked the beginning of a new era for Kentucky basketball, his 2024 appearance symbolized a full-circle moment, bridging the past and present of the storied program.

🏈 High School Football

A look at the top high school football teams in the state and the rising stars who are catching the eye of college scouts.

Bourbon & Brews

Blanton’s Single Barrel

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, the world's first single-barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, nearly clinched our top spot but was edged out due to its premium price point. This highly sought-after expression offers a complex nose of caramel, vanilla, and citrus, followed by a palate that may include honey, toffee, dark fruit, and spice, varying slightly with each barrel. Despite the cost, it's a must-try for any serious bourbon enthusiast, delivering a masterpiece of flavor that justifies its popularity among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Community Corner

There is a lot happening around the state of Kentucky this weekend. Here’s a curated list of events to help you get outside and move around!

Lexington

❤️ Keeneland Fall Meet (Lexington, KY): Horse racing events in Lexington. The fall meet usually runs through October and is a quintessential Kentucky experience.

❤️ Kentucky Football Home Game (Lexington, KY): A SEC matchup at Kroger Field, Lexington between Kentucky and Auburn.

❤️ Halloween Parade (Lexington, KY): Lexington's free, nationally recognized Halloween festival transforms downtown with art, performances, a parade, and the famous Thriller reenactment, drawing enthusiasts of all ages for a spooky celebration.

Louisville

❤️ ScareFest Weekend: Dive into the spooky side of comic con at this event featuring celebrity guests, over 150 vendors, a film festival, axe throwing, special exhibits, and more! (more here)  

❤️ Victorian Ghost Walk: Take a guided tour of Old Louisville's haunted neighborhoods, led by a local author and storyteller. (more here)

❤️ Grateville Dead Music Festival: Enjoy three days of live music, including a Kentucky Grateful Dead tribute band, at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater. (more here) 

More things to do

❤️ UnseenBG Madam Pauline Tabor's XXX Tour: Explore the hidden history of Bowling Green's red-light district. (more here) 

❤️ Underwater Pumpkin GLOW: Witness a mesmerizing display of illuminated pumpkins submerged in a pond at Newport on the Levee. (more here)

❤️ Fall Foliage in Kentucky: Here is a list of the best places in the beautiful state of Kentucky to slow down and enjoy the changing colors. Slip into those boots, fill your tank with gas, and pack a lunch. (more here)

Man on the Move

The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well.

- John D. Rockefeller Jr.

In our journey as professionals, it's not always about reinventing the wheel. Often, true success lies in perfecting the basics and bringing excellence to everyday tasks.

Outdoor Life & Fitness

🦌 Preparing for Deer Hunting Season in Kentucky: As the leaves start to turn, Kentucky hunters are gearing up for deer season by scouting locations, setting up trail cameras, and practicing their marksmanship. Remember to review this year's hunting regulations, check your equipment, and secure any necessary permits well in advance of opening day.

TIP: If you’ve never done it or have a little up-and-coming hunter, don’t forget to take your Hunter’s Safety Course (Orange Card). (free online course here) 

🐟 Fishing in Kentucky in October: October offers some of the best fishing in Kentucky as cooler temperatures drive many species into a feeding frenzy before winter. Anglers can expect excellent catches of bass, crappie, and walleye in lakes like Cumberland and Kentucky, while the state's streams and rivers provide great opportunities for trout fishing.

TIP: Focus on shallow areas. As the water temperature cools down in October, many fish species, like bass and crappie, will move into shallower areas. Look for areas with structure, such as submerged trees, rocks, or docks, where these fish can hide and ambush prey.

💪🏼 Fitness in Kentucky: Gentlemen, let's talk about leg day - the workout too many are tempted to skip. Your legs house the largest muscles in your body and training them boosts overall strength and testosterone production. Plus, strong legs aren't just about looks; they're your foundation for everyday activities and sports performance. So next time you're tempted to skip leg day, remember: a strong lower body is the bedrock of a powerful, well-rounded physique.

TIP: Instead of “chest Monday”, try the goblet squat on Monday. The goblet squat is a powerhouse exercise for building strong legs, engaging multiple muscle groups while improving balance and core strength, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned lifters looking to boost their lower body performance.

Dad Joke of the Week: Answer

The OH-KY border.

Our Bluegrass Handshake Deal, Fellas

We'll keep serving up your weekly shot of Kentucky living, free of charge. You spread the word faster than bourbon at a tailgate if you're digging it. Deal? Tip your hat and forward to a buddy using this link: (Forward to a friend)

P.S. Remember, a Kentucky gentleman's word is as good as a winning Derby ticket!

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