Here Are 12 Reasons Why You Should Always Be Proud To Be From Kentucky

More than just basketball, blue grass or horse country, Kentucky has a lot to offer. The state is full of pride, heart and has a lot of awesome passion about its roots. Here are just a few things we're most proud of:

1. Kentucky Basketball. Is there anything better? Holding the record for the most all-time wins and an impressive 8 NCAA Championships.

2. "My Old Kentucky Home," a song and statement you sing after every major sporting event or function, one can't help but sway and smile while singing.

3. The Kentucky Derby: Home of the two most exciting minutes in sports history.

4. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC): Do you really need an explanation for fried chicken?

5. Good 'Ol Kentucky Bourbon. Bourbon country is a-plenty in the KY district.

6. Ale-8. Bottled in Winchester, Kentucky since 1926, this delicious beverage is something to be proud of.

7. Johnny Depp is from Owensboro, you're welcome Pirate's fans.

8. George Clooney is from Augusta, KY, further showing the Kentucky produces quite an attractive bunch.

9. It may be land-locked, but we have gorgeous shorelines like Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Lake and the Ohio and Mississippi rivers for plenty of opportunities to get wet 'n wild.

10. The Mint Julep: the classic Kentucky Derby drink, can't watch a horse race without one.

11. Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich, originally created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY is essentially an open-faced sandwich of turkey and bacon, smothered in Mornay sauce and baked until bread is crisp and sauce is brown, hence "Hot Brown."

12. Muhammad Ali, the great boxer, philanthropist and social activist, Ali was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, KY.

There's lots to be proud of and Kentucky truly is one of the greats. This list just begins to capture a few of those items.