When putting together my Kentucky road trip, I was planning a very European-sounding itinerary — Paris, Frankfort, London. However, when I realized that just a short drive from London, there is a famous spot so closely associated with an iconic American meal, I knew I was adding Corbin to the plans. Corbin is the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It is here that Colonel Sanders opened the original restaurant where today visitors can explore the Sanders Café & Museum. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit to the Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Where is the Sanders Café & Museum?
To the east of the Daniel Boone National Forest and about fourteen miles south of London off of I-75 is where you will find the Sanders Café & Museum at 688 U.S. Highway 25 West.
It was here that Harland Sanders began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, it has been meticulously restored to resemble how it appeared in 1940.
Visiting the Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken
When you arrive at the Sanders Café & Museum in Corbin you immediately get a sense of the nostalgia. There are replica gas pumps hearkening back to the days when customers could fill up their fuel tanks.
Likewise, the old-style neon sign lights up the sky to welcome visitors in search of this quintessential Kentucky destination.
Once you step inside, you are transported back in time to learn about the origins of the beloved meal and the life of the man who altered the course of roadside dining.
The Museum
The museum is adjacent to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant and dining room. Visitors delight in learning not just about the history of the famous food, but also about Colonel Sanders and this important location where it all began.
Not just the man with a chicken recipe, Colonel Sanders was a business man who led a full and fascinating life. Born in 1890, Sanders had a variety of jobs including insurance salesman, steam engine stoker, and filling station operator to name a few. I was engrossed as I read about his life and times.
You will want to take time to explore and read all about this intriguing man whose image remains the symbol of the company. From childhood photographs to his legendary suit and tie to personal artifacts, guests get a detailed glimpse into the man and his life.
Sanders recognized the potential of the restaurant franchising concept, and the first KFC franchise opened in South Salt Lake, Utah in 1952. When his original restaurant closed, he devoted himself full-time to franchising his fried chicken throughout the country.
The Kitchen and Model Motel Room
In addition to learning all about Harland Sanders, visitors will love exploring the recreation of the kitchen and the mock up of the motel room.
These recreations are wonderful representations of what things would have looked like back when Colonel Sanders was perfecting his secret recipe and when dining guests could stay the night.
I especially loved seeing the three-armed clock he developed to time cooking chicken to perfection. You can also see the patented pressure cooker and the herbs and spices he worked with to come up with his final secret recipe.
Likewise, I hadn’t known prior to my visit that there had also been a motel along side of the restaurant. An astute marketer, the Colonel placed a mock-up of a motel room in the dining area, so that patrons would have to pass it in order to use the restrooms. He reasoned that once guests saw the comfy accommodations, they would want to stay the night as well.
Dining on KFC
Naturally, a visit to the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken would not be complete without tucking into some fried chicken.
The KFC restaurant is connected to the museum and shares an entrance. After reading up on the Colonel and exploring the museum, the golden deliciousness of the Colonel’s original recipe is the perfect complement to our visit.
I can’t recall the last time I had KFC, but dining here is sublime. Maybe it’s the setting, maybe the staff just tries a little harder, or perhaps it’s a combo meal of both. Whatever it is, the food is fantastic.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken
The Sanders Café & Museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm and they offer dine in, carry out, drive-thru, and delivery is available. This is a great budget-friendly stop if you’re looking for a quick meal in a historic location.
It is located a short distance off of I-75 so it is convenient to get to if you’re traveling through the state. Additionally, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which has lovely falls, hiking trails, and a picnic area, is also nearby. When having a picnic, a bucket of chicken is always a delightful treat.
Whether you take your time looking around the exhibits or grab a meal to go, you will have bragging rights when you tell your friends and family that you dined where it all started.
Take Away
This is one of those places I find irresistible. The legend of the man and his secret recipe consisting of 11 herbs and spices and the mark he has left on American culture are splendidly shared at this one-of-a-kind destination.
I was pleasantly surprised not only with the caliber of the museum and its exhibits, but the meal was delicious too. This is a yummy taste of Americana that may not be for everyone. But for this traveler, I savored every finger-licking good moment of my visit.
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