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Submitted by Anna Jo Carey, ’28
Some people could say they hated growing up in eastern Kentucky. But I love it. I love small towns and neighborhoods, knowing everyone by name, small schools, and driving down the road and waving at friends I see. Or even strangers. That’s just what you do here; it’s a friendly environment.
In a small community, if something bad happens to someone or if anyone needs anything, we do all we can to support them. If someone passes away, gets sick, or gets injured, people usually come and visit, fix food for them, and just generally do anything they can do to help. Not every town is like that, but that’s what it’s like in small-town Kentucky.
There’s another thing great about living here: the food is the best! There are lots of fast-food restaurants, which is convenient when you’re in a rush. But if you find a sit-down restaurant (or a friend) that can cook a good meal, go there! Some regional foods you may want to try here are cornbread, soup beans, sweet potatoes, and fried chicken. And I like to enjoy all that with my favorite local drink: sweet tea! There are also a lot of Mexican restaurants around, and, though that’s not the kind of food you may expect to be here, everyone loves going to their local Mexican restaurant. Oh, and Grippos are a brand of chips that are only sold in Kentucky and Ohio (I think), and they’re delicious. So, if I were you, I would definitely try some of those!
Even though some will say it is boring in this area, there are actually many things to do here. My friends and I like to take drives and just talk, but if you are wanting to do a more involved activity, there’s Tomahawks in Corbin, which is an ax-throwing place! My friends and I go there sometimes. There is also Air Raid, a trampoline park in London, that everyone loves! Plus, there’s the movie theatre in Corbin (and one in London, but I prefer Corbin) and a drive-in movie place in Barbourville. And don’t forget festivals. There is always some kind of festival in one of the surrounding counties, and they are always fun! We have the Daniel Boone Festival, Chicken Festival, Nibroc (that’s Corbin spelled backward, we’re clever like that), Mountain Laurel, May Day Festival, and more! Festivals are always great for walking around with friends, eating good food, listening to live music, and shopping from some local entrepreneurs.
If you’re thinking of attending college, University of the Cumberlands is a great place to start living in a small community if you have never been to one! I have gone to a small school my whole life, so it's what I'm used to. I live about 45 minutes away from Cumberlands’ campus. Sometimes, it is tempting to go home and have fun there instead of staying on campus. However, I have been very entertained by all the activities on campus. Everyone is always friendly and always inviting you to all the activities. My favorite activities so far are Movie on the Lawn and the Foam Party! Besides activities, one of my favorite places on campus is the library. It is a great place for faster Wifi and a quiet place to do homework and study. The Mid (what we call the middle level of the Boswell Campus Center) is also a great place to play games, eat, and hang out with friends!
I like Cumberlands because it reminds me of home but is far enough away for me to be on my own and learn how to take care of myself. Everyone here always wants to help anyone in the best way they can! It’s a smaller campus, so everyone can meet people the way most do in a small town. Say what you want about small towns. I love them!
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