The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ Announces First Regional Sponsor as Statewide Tourism Initiative Gains Momentum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ Announces First Regional Sponsor as Statewide Tourism Initiative Gains Momentum

Vanceburg, KY — December 12, 2025 — The Kentucky Coffee Trail™, a statewide tourism initiative connecting independent coffee shops across Kentucky, today announced Morehead–Rowan County Tourism as its first Regional Sponsor, marking a significant milestone in the Trail’s statewide launch and growth.

Founded in Vanceburg, Kentucky, The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ was created to drive foot traffic, local spending, and community connection by encouraging travelers to explore the Commonwealth through a curated collection of locally owned coffee shops. Spanning all nine of Kentucky’s official tourism regions, the Trail positions independent coffee shops as welcoming gateways to local culture, creativity, and place.

“The Kentucky Coffee Trail is an exciting, truly grassroots initiative with the potential to become one of Kentucky’s next standout specialty trail experiences,” said Joy C. Brown, Executive Director of Morehead–Rowan County Tourism.

As the Trail’s first Regional Sponsor, Morehead–Rowan County Tourism will be prominently featured across official Trail materials, including The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ passport, website, and launch marketing. The partnership highlights Morehead and Rowan County as a key destination within Eastern Kentucky, connecting visitors to outdoor recreation, arts, dining, and local businesses throughout the region.

“Morehead–Rowan County Tourism felt like a natural first regional sponsor because we are aligned in our belief that some of Kentucky’s most meaningful experiences are found just off the beaten path, in the small towns and local businesses that anchor the community,” said Jenni Kaus, founder of The Kentucky Coffee Trail™.

In addition to driving tourism, the Trail is designed to elevate Kentucky-made products and creative talent by partnering with local coffee shops as platforms for artists, makers, and producers to reach new audiences across the state.

“Morehead–Rowan County Tourism stepping forward as our first regional sponsor demonstrates what’s possible when partners invest in locally driven tourism and the small businesses that anchor it,” Kaus added. “This project was built to celebrate local businesses and the communities around them. Regional sponsorships and partner collaborations allow organizations to tell their story through the places people already gather, their local coffee shops, while supporting Kentucky creators and encouraging deeper exploration across the state.”

The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ features a printed passport, digital destination content, and storytelling-driven marketing designed to guide visitors from town to town. The initiative is independently founded and operated, developed in collaboration with SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) and in alignment with the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

With its first regional partnership secured, The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ is actively welcoming additional regional sponsors across Kentucky, open to any business or organization aligned with local economic growth, community connection, and independent business support. Only one regional sponsor is selected per tourism region, creating a limited opportunity to spotlight local destinations, support small businesses, and drive meaningful, long-term tourism impact.

The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ is scheduled for its initial launch in early January with over 30 independent coffee shops on board to date.

For more information about the Trail or regional sponsorship opportunities, visit thekentuckycoffeetrail.com or follow @thekentuckycoffeetrail on social media.

About The Kentucky Coffee Trail™

Founded in Vanceburg, Kentucky by entrepreneur Jenni Kaus, The Kentucky Coffee Trail™ is a statewide tourism initiative connecting independent coffee shops across all nine of Kentucky’s official tourism regions. The Trail is designed to drive foot traffic, increase local spending, and strengthen community identity by inviting travelers to sip, explore, and enjoy Kentucky through its local coffee culture.

The Trail also serves as a platform for Kentucky artists, makers, and producers, integrating locally made goods, creative storytelling, and community-driven initiatives such as Pour It Forward, which encourages small acts of generosity and connection within participating coffee shops.

About Morehead–Rowan County Tourism

Morehead–Rowan County Tourism promotes the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and local businesses of Rowan County, Kentucky. From the shores of Cave Run Lake to downtown Morehead, the region offers adventure, charm, and experiences just off the beaten path.