Kentucky’s back-road country ham houses are cherished by locals for their rich history and artisanal craftsmanship. Here are five notable establishments that embody this tradition. Each offers unique flavors and fascinating stories, preserving the art of ham curing that dates back generations. These hidden gems reflect the essence of Kentucky’s culinary heritage, where time-honored techniques meet local pride.
1. Newsom’s Old Mill Store – Princeton
Step into Newsom’s Old Mill Store in Princeton, and you’ll find a slice of history since 1917. Nancy Newsom Mahaffey, affectionately known as the “Ham Lady,” preserves her family’s 18th-century sugar-curing tradition. As you wander through, the hams are seasoned with a unique blend of spices, each telling a story of old-world craftsmanship.
Displayed with pride, a two-year-old Newsom’s ham even made its way to Spain’s Jamon Museum, reinforcing its international acclaim. This family-run establishment offers more than just meats; it offers a legacy of flavor and nostalgia. It’s one of the few places preserving ambient seasonal curing—holding hams in natural winter air through spring warmth.
Every visit promises a journey through time and taste.
2. Broadbent Country Hams – Western Kentucky
Since 1909, Broadbent Country Hams, now Broadbent B & B Foods, has been a beacon for classic dry-cured delights in Western Kentucky. Managed by Ronny and Beth Drennan, this establishment stands proudly within Kentucky’s “ham belt.” Visitors are greeted with a warm, smoky aroma that invites them to explore the rich flavors crafted over a century.
The hams, bacon, and sausages are celebrated for their consistent quality, earning multiple Grand Champion ribbons at the state fair. The dedicated craftsmanship resonates with locals who cherish the age-old recipes.
Experience the tradition and taste of superior quality that Broadbent Hams offer, a staple in Kentucky’s culinary landscape, cherished by both locals and visitors alike.
3. Penn Country Hams – Taylor County
Hidden near Campbellsville, Penn Country Hams is a cherished, family-operated gem in its third generation. The Penns have honed a meticulous curing process spanning 4–6 months, transforming each ham into a flavor-rich masterpiece. The magic unfolds through temperature stages, creating a distinctive, salty delight.
The sight of hand-rubbing hams under a morning sun remains etched in the memory of those who have witnessed it. This hands-on approach ensures every piece embodies tradition and dedication.
Traveling these quiet country roads, one might catch glimpses of the curing rooms, where time seems to stand still, preserving both the aroma and the essence of Kentucky’s ham heritage.
4. Scott Hams, Gatton Farms, Meacham & Others
In the serene landscapes of eastern Kentucky, Scott Hams distinguishes itself with a simple yet profound brown sugar-and-salt cure paired with hickory smoking. These family farms, though often absent from travel brochures, build pride deep within the region’s culinary fabric.
Gatton Farms and Meacham Country Hams complement this ham trail, each offering distinctive flavors and time-honored traditions. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to these farms for their authentic processes.
This ham journey offers an exploration into the heart of Kentucky’s food culture, where each farm contributes a unique narrative, crafting flavors that resonate beyond the palate, leaving a lasting impression.
5. The Country Ham Motel – A Quirky Memory
While not a curing house, the Country Ham Motel remains a beloved memory among locals. Opened in 1949 along the Dixie Highway, its quirky charm lay in the lobby—once home to the nation’s largest country-ham collection.
Though closed and demolished in 2015, its legacy lingers, symbolizing Kentucky’s rich ham culture. For those who visited, it was more than a motel; it was a stop on a culinary journey through history.
The motel’s story is a nostalgic emblem of a bygone era, where the love of country ham brought travelers together, creating memories as flavorful as the hams themselves.
