True Kentucky

Eighteen years ago, True Kentucky in Glendale first opened its doors, becoming the first retail store and gallery in the area to specialize in Kentucky-made products.

After 4 years in a rented space, owners Leon and Annette Jones Howlett built a store of their own, a structure designed and built by Leon.

“We wanted a space that looked like it could have been part of early Glendale, a building that fit the town,” according to Leon. That concept worked out – people often ask what the building was originally.

True Kentucky features Kentucky-made fine crafts such as pottery, jewelry, baskets, blown glass, weaving and wood crafts, along with an array of specialty foods. It is the region’s largest Kentucky Crafted retailer.

The store’s gallery highlights Leon Howlett's photography, with prints from his book The Kentucky Bourbon Experience and regional landscapes. Also in the gallery is work by wildlife artist Carl McKinley of Cecilia.

“Our goal from the beginning was to offer high quality work by Kentuckians,” said Annette. “The idea for such a store had been in my mind ever since I began attending art fairs 30 years ago. It is a pleasure to show off Kentucky talent to our customers and visitors.”