There are some places that don’t just hold memories… they hold pieces of your soul. For me, that place will always be Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, Kentucky.
This year felt extra special, though because it was Steven’s first time experiencing it the way I remember it as a kid. We didn’t just go… we spent two full days hillbillied up, soaking in every second, meeting dumplin’s in the wild, and eating like we had no sense (and no regrets… well, maybe a little 😅).
🌄 What is Hillbilly Days?
Hillbilly Days is one of the largest and most beloved festivals in Eastern Kentucky. It started back in the 1970s as a fundraiser for the Shriners and has grown into a full Appalachian celebration of culture, community, and good times.
You’ll find:
- Live music echoing through the mountains
- Handmade crafts and local vendors
- Folks dressed in the most creative “hillbilly” outfits you’ve ever seen
- And rows and rows of food stands that’ll test your willpower
It’s not just a festival it’s a homecoming.
🍽️ Come Hungry or Don’t Come at All
Now let’s talk about the real highlight… the food.
We showed up ready, and we did not hold back:
- Blooming onions crispy, golden, and worth every greasy bite
- Funnel cakes buried under powdered sugar (yes, it got everywhere)
- Gyros loaded up and dripping with flavor
- And that fresh-squeezed lemonade that just tastes like summer in a cup
It’s the kind of eating that fills your belly and your spirit all at once.
🤎 Meeting Dumplin’s in the Wild
One of the sweetest parts of this whole trip was getting to meet so many of you. Hugs, photos, quick chats in between bites it never feels small to us. Y’all are what make this journey so meaningful, and seeing you out there in a place that means so much to me? That’s something I’ll never forget.
🎥 Familiar Faces & Local Legends
Hillbilly Days always draws in some of the best local personalities, and we were lucky enough to cross paths with a few:
- Ethan Miller
- Jess Adkins (Watch Kitty Shrink)
- Mamaw Gail
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by folks who celebrate Appalachia the way we do honest, proud, and full of heart.
💛 Why This One Meant So Much
Steven and I have been talking for over 18 years and together for 6, and somehow this was his first real Hillbilly Days.
Getting to walk those streets with him…
Sharing the foods I grew up loving…
Letting him see the place that shaped so many of my memories…
It felt important in a way that’s hard to put into words. Like bringing two parts of my life together and letting them sit side by side.
🫶 Until Next Time, Dumplin’
Hillbilly Days 2026 gave us tired feet, full bellies, and the kind of memories that stick with you.
If you’ve never been, you need to add it to your list. And if you have?
Then you already know.
We’ll be back probably with powdered sugar on our shirts and lemonade in hand ready to do it all over again 💛