Your Field Guide to National Bourbon Week 2026

The Ultimate Southern Road Trip: Small Town Charm, Big Stage Music in Somerset, KY

If your ideal summer weekend involves incredible roots music, local bourbon, and a gorgeous lakeside backdrop, put this hidden gem on your radar immediately. This week, Claudia Coffey sits down with Tiffany Finley, Executive Director of the Master Musicians Festival in Somerset, Kentucky. Tiffany shares how this fiercely independent, two-day festival has preserved its community soul while booking world-class acts for over three decades. We dive into the stunning 2026 lineup (including bluegrass powerhouses Trampled by Turtles and rising stars The Creekers), why the festival grounds at Somerset Community College feel like a backyard party, and Tiffany’s "best bets" for experiencing the Lake Cumberland area like a local. Plus, stick around for our signature Rapid Fire "This or That" round to find out where the festival director sneaks off to get the best food on the grounds! Brought to you by: fordlouisville.net Links Mentioned: • Master Musicians Festival Tickets & Info: mastermusiciansfestival.org • Follow MMF on Instagram: @mastermusicfest • Southern Travel Best Bets: https://lctourism.com/ Hit that follow button so you never miss an insider guide to the best of music and travel in the South!

Food, Fame, and Southern Flavor: Chef Damaris Phillips' Best Bet

From Food Network star to the ultimate Southern food icon, Kentucky’s own Chef Damaris Phillips sits down for Episode 24 of The Best Bet. Damaris shares her journey of betting on her culinary voice, cooking under the spotlight, and keeping the heart of Southern hospitality alive in a fast-paced media world. Brought to you by Town & Country Ford—your trusted local Ford dealer. Find your next ride at FordLouisville.net [https://www.fordlouisville.net]. Listen to "The Best Bet" everywhere: * Podcast: iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts * Radio: 970 AM * TV & Video: WBNA-TV (Ch. 21) & YouTube

Ep. 5: The Celebration – Planning America's Largest Small Town 250th Celebration

What does it actually take to host a celebration of a lifetime? In Episode 5, we are pulling back the curtain on the massive logistics and creative planning required to launch America's largest small-town 250th celebration right here in our region. Joined by Leslie Ikerd of Somerset Tourism and Michelle Allen of Lake Cumberland Tourism, we talk about the unique win-win opportunity of aligning this historic national milestone with the grand opening of Horse Soldier Farms. Get ready for an insider look at an unforgettable weekend packed with bourbon, veterans, and live pro bull riding that is set to put the heartland on the national map. The countdown is on! Catch the full docuseries now—all streaming and watch links are in our bio.

The New Masterclass Blueprint for Economic Growth in Rural America

What does it actually take to revitalize a rural community and prove that small-town America is ready for global business? We are back with Somerset Mayor Alan Keck for a broader, high-level discussion on rebuilding the American heartland. In this episode, we lay out the ultimate "Rural Rise Blueprint," breaking down exactly how small-town leadership can recognize, capture, and execute on massive moments of economic development. This isn't just a local success story—it’s a masterclass in heartland revitalization. Mayor Keck shares the mindset shift, the strategic negotiations, and the community grit required to turn a rural region into a booming cultural and industrial hub. In this episode, we cover: * The step-by-step blueprint for sparking and sustaining massive rural growth. * How small towns can prepare for and seize their definitive "growth shock" moments. * The leadership mindset needed to court multi-million dollar brands like Horse Soldier. * Why the American heartland is the most important frontier for modern economic development. Subscribe now to follow the journey. 🎬 Watch the previous episodes of the docuseries:

The "Horse Soldier Effect" That Sparked a Tourism Boom (Ep. 3)

What happens when a global bourbon brand plants its roots in a classic American lake town? You get a total economic game-changer known as the "Horse Soldier Effect." In Episode 3 of our docuseries, "The Catalyst," we’re sitting down with the driving forces behind the region's massive rebranding: Leslie Ikerd (Somerset Tourism) and Michelle Allen (Lake Cumberland Tourism). While the first two episodes uncovered the political grit and the operators' mindset, this episode dives deep into the actual community impact. Discover how a massive $200 million bourbon investment completely flipped the local economy, transformed downtown infrastructure, and officially put a legendary lake community on the global culinary and tourism map. If you want to see the literal blueprint for small-town revitalization, this is it. In this episode, we cover: * The shifting tourism landscape of Somerset and Pulaski County. * How a legendary lake destination evolved into a year-round economic powerhouse. * Behind the scenes of the massive influx of new downtown businesses and boutique lodging. * What happens to local culinary culture when a world-class distillery comes to town. * The incredible growth leading up to the historic grand opening celebration this July. Subscribe now to follow the journey. 🎬 Watch the previous episodes of the series on our channel playlist!