Kentucky Towns Known as the 'Capital of the World'

I need to stop complaining about my cluttered Facebook feed; it just showed me something I never thought of, and I love it.

You probably already know that Kentucky is home to the Barbecue Capital of the World (Owensboro) and the Bourbon Capital of the World (Bardstown). But did you know that Kentucky is also where you'll find the Batter Capital, the Houseboat Capital, and the Iron Fence Capital?

The Commonwealth has collected an impressive number of unofficial titles over the years, along with a few official ones. Whether every claim is objectively true is practically beside the point. These nicknames have become part of their community's identity.

Kentucky's Food & Drink Capitals

Owensboro -- Barbecue Capital of the World

You'll find it all here...pork, chicken, beef. It's slow-smoked and, in my opinion, unequalled. That method of preparation is one reason we've earned the title; the other is likely because of our history with mutton, which comes from mature sheep, and burgoo, a stew prepared with lots of vegetables and a variety of meats, including mutton. And, of course, there's the annual BBQ & Barrels Festival, which celebrates Owensboro's specialty, in addition to its rich bourbon history. Also, there's this...I've never known of a restaurant outside of Owensboro and Daviess County that serves mutton.

Bardstown -- Bourbon Capital of the World

Most of the designations on this list are unofficial. This one isn't; while Louisville has put up an argument, Bardstown owns the trademark to "Bourbon Capital of the World." There are six bourbon distilleries within the Bardstown city limits, and another 11 in Nelson County. Bardstown is also known as the "Gateway" to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I'd say, "Case closed."

Hopkinsville -- Batter Capital of the World

No head scratching necessary, here. The flour for every McDonald's biscuit that's sold east of the Mississippi River is made in Hopkinsville. So are Ghirardelli brownie mixes and Krusteaz Pancake Mix. Looks like the bases are loaded in Hoptown. Batter up!

Winchester -- Beer Cheese Capital of the World

Until I started researching this story, I had no idea my favorite pretzel dip was born in Winchester, Kentucky, where they also make Ale 8 One. Sounds like the perfect snack combo, as long as those pretzels are huge and the beer cheese doesn't run out.

There's even a beer cheese trail. I'd say Winchester has this whole beer cheese thing figured out.

Fulton -- Banana Capital of the World

In the late 19th century, Illinois Central Gulf Railroad became the first to develop refrigerated cars. The United Fruit Company, now known as Chiquita, would ship the bananas to New Orleans from South America. The bananas would then travel up the Mississippi River to Fulton, a central point between The Big Easy and Canada. Fulton was home to the only ice house on the route, so that's where the trains would re-ice.

Fulton also hosts the Banana Festival every year in September, and it features the world's largest banana pudding. That would make any train stop dead in its tracks.

Kentucky's Manufacturing & Industry Capitals

Bowling Green -- Corvette Capital of the World

This pretty much says it all...every Corvette manufactured in the U.S.A. since 1981 has rolled off the assembly line in Bowling Green. In terms of earning the title, I think that more than suffices. Tours of the plant are currently suspended, but you can tour the National Corvette Museum, a must even for non-enthusiasts.

Covington -- Iron Fence Capital of the World

Stewart Iron Works was founded in Covington in 1862. By the start of the 20th century, it became the largest ornamental iron fence manufacturer in the world. While Covington operations ceased in 1984, Kentucky's fifth-largest city retains the title.

Somerset -- Houseboat Capital of the World

In Somerset, which is adjacent to Lake Cumberland, it's more than just a houseboat community; it's also a houseboat culture. The first houseboat was invented right there at Lake Cumberland, and the rest is watercraft (and, perhaps, weekend getaway) history. Houseboat rentals are big business in and around Somerset, and there are lots of houseboat-centric events to celebrate the culture. Want to unwind and veg out in Kentucky? Head to Somerset.

Kentucky's Heritage & Cultural Capitals

Lexington -- Horse Capital of the World

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the formation of the Kentucky Association for the Improvement of the Breeds of Stock, whose job it was to encourage the breeding of better horses by promoting horse racing.

Mission accomplished, as Lexington has become known the world over for its championship thoroughbred breeding. Calumet Farm, near Keeneland Race Course, has a lot to do with it. Triple Crown icons Whirlaway and Citation were bred there, as well as Kentucky Derby champs Tim Tam and Forward Pass.

Paducah -- Quilt Capital of the World

Since 1985, the American Quilter's Society QuiltShow draws more than 37,000 visitors to Paducah every year. In 1991, the National Quilt Museum opened there. Paducah is also nationally recognized as a global UNESCO Creative City. "Patch" it all together and you have the Quilt Capital of the World.

Frankfort -- Kentucky's Capital

Kentucky entered the union as the nation's 15th state on June 1st, 1792. Six months later, on December 5th, Frankfort became the official state capital. Even under construction, it's still one of Kentucky's most beautiful public buildings and well worth a visit when tours resume in full.

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A big thanks to Kentucky For Kentucky, who posted the Facebook video about the Commonwealth being the "Capital" Capital of the World.

It was, ahem, a "capital" idea.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Kentucky

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Kentucky using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

Gallery Credit: Stacker