FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – State officials have touted tourism in Kentucky in many different ways and now they are promoting the state as a culinary destination.

The Better in the Bluegrass culinary tourism initiative encourages guests to learn about the unique cultural aspects of each region that in turn contribute to their signature dishes.

A talented group of chefs, farmers, food producers, historians and tourism professionals from across the Bluegrass State worked together to create these nine signature meals that best represent the beloved tastes and ingredients of each of the nine tourism regions.

The Kentucky Department of Tourism has also announced a new “Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail.” A state park restaurant has been designated in each of the nine regions to offer one of the signature meals.

By picking up a special Culinary Passport at any state park, guests can get stamps after trying the featured meals at all nine parks along this culinary trail to receive a gift. Meals will be served May 14 thru Oct. 31, 2018 and local producers will be utilized for portions of each regional meal.

The nine state parks are:

• Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

• Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

• Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

• Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

• Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

• Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

• Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, Carlisle

• Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

• Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

“The Better in the Bluegrass culinary tourism initiative is a fun and interactive way to highlight the state’s signature dishes and encourage locals and visitors alike to explore every corner of our great state,” said Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner Kristen Branscum. “We are excited to watch the Better in the Bluegrass culinary tourism initiative grow to feature additional chefs and restaurants across the state.”

To learn more about each region’s cultural heritage, signatures dishes, recipes, and the Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail, go to: betterinthebluegrass.com