Rabbit Hash General Store
As many of y'all probably know, Rabbit Hash General Store in the Northern Kentucky town of Burlington burned down Saturday night.
Of course, it's easy to see the loss as just one of those things; a 185 year-old store burning down just happens, especially when it was built of wood. But, when my sorority sister Tasha posted these heartfelt words of grief and love to Facebook, it hit me that the Rabbit Hash store isn't just an architectural oddity, a roadside attraction, or a curious story of a dog mayor. It's the story of small-town Kentucky. It's our collective childhood memories of a Kentucky that's quaint and safe and friendly. It truly is the best of the Bluegrass.
“My heart is sad. Words can’t really express how much Rabbit Hash has been a part of my Wilder family. Troy and I have been driving there to get bottled soda and snacks since I was in high school. It is our go-to “happy place” with so many memories. Like, the time Owen voted for Lucy the dog for Mayor and proudly wore his “I voted for Lucy” button for weeks. Or, the times we have camped there with best friends and all our kids. And, the times we have been nearly broke and taking Molly and Owen for sodas was our weekend entertainment. And, the times we have been out of sorts and going helped remind us how important our family is. Or, the time my girlfriends and I discovered there is a winery on site and we could have spent the rest of the camping trip there. Or, the time I took Owen after our first overnight Mom/Son kayak and camping trip. Or, the time Molly ate a candy necklace and trashed the adorable white dress I put her in that day. And, all the times my kids played on that big, front porch. My thoughts are with the people of the Rabbit Hash community today. It is their home and livelihood that has been forever impacted. Thanks for letting us visit.”
Best of luck to the Rabbit Hash General Store as they work to rebuild. If you'd like to contribute to the GoFundMe established by the Store's owner and operator Terrie Markesbery, please click here.