A country ham from a small Kentucky store sits in a museum in Aracena, Spain. That’s a town in the ham capital of the world, and a Kentucky ham earned a spot there.
The family behind it has been curing ham since 1917. Their slow, old-fashioned method turned a simple downtown shop into something people talk about far beyond the state line.
I like how the place still feels personal. Free ham samples greet visitors at the counter, the deli makes sandwiches, and shelves hold jams, relishes, and Amish-made goods.
There’s even a ham with a nickname that sounds like it belongs in a Sunday story. So how does a country store in western Kentucky end up famous on another continent?
The answer starts with salt, smoke, and a lot of patience.
A Downtown Store With Ham Fame That Reaches Across An Ocean
Newsom’s Hams Old Mill Store sits right in downtown Princeton, a small town in western Kentucky. It looks like a classic country store, and that’s exactly what it is.
The shop is best known for its aged country ham. It’s listed as a gourmet grocery store, which feels a bit formal for a place with jars of jam stacked by the door.
Inside, you’ll find a deli counter, packaged hams, and shelves loaded with preserves, sauces, and pickled goodies. It’s part grocery, part sandwich stop, and part history lesson.
Not bad for one building.
The store carries a 4.7-star rating across nearly 200 Google reviews. That’s a strong number for any business, and an impressive one for a shop built around something as old-school as salt-cured pork.
What makes Newsom’s special is the mix of big reputation and small-town scale. A ham from this family operation ended up displayed in a museum in Spain.
Meanwhile, back home, the same store still hands out samples and chats with folks who wander in.
For Kentucky families, it’s the kind of place that sparks a quick road trip. You come for a sandwich and leave with a story to tell at the dinner table.
More Than A Century Of Salt, Smoke, And Patience
Curing ham since 1917 means the Newsom family has been at it for more than a hundred years. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident.
Country ham is an old Southern tradition. Hams are cured with salt, then aged over time, which builds deep, concentrated flavor.
It’s slow food in the most literal sense.
The store’s own line is often described as heritage country ham. Fans call it some of the best country ham in America, which is quite a claim in a region that takes its ham seriously.
Visitors also mention the history on display inside. Photos on the walls hint at the store’s long story, and the building itself feels rooted in another era.
Some guests describe owners and staff sharing stories about the business and its products. One visitor recalled the owner sitting down to walk them through the store’s past.
That personal touch fits a family business that has lasted this long.
I can’t imagine many Kentucky shops that can match this kind of family tradition. It’s a living link to how rural families once preserved meat to last through the seasons.
And somehow it still tastes like a treat, not a chore.
How A Kentucky Ham Landed In Spain’s Ham Capital
Spain is famous for jamón, and Aracena sits in a region celebrated for cured ham. So a Kentucky ham showing up in a museum there is a big deal.
A Newsom’s ham earned that spot. It’s the kind of fact that makes people stop scrolling and say, wait, really?
Think about the odds for a second. Spanish ham makers have centuries of tradition, and their standards are famously high.
A ham from a small store in Princeton, Kentucky, holding its own in that company says plenty about the craft.
The connection makes sense once you taste the store’s prosciutto-style ham. Visitors describe it as rich and melt-in-your-mouth, and some like it wrapped around fresh cantaloupe.
That’s a classic European pairing with a Bluegrass twist.
For Kentucky families, this is the fun part to share. It’s a hometown brag that travels well.
Mention it at the next family gathering and watch the eyebrows go up.
Honestly, it’s also a nice reminder that world-class food doesn’t always come from big cities. Sometimes it comes from a modest shop on Main Street, made the same patient way for generations.
The Preacher Ham Sandwich Everyone Keeps Talking About
Here’s a sandwich with a nickname that sounds like it should come with a hymn. Preacher ham is one of the most talked-about items at the store.
It’s a smoked ham, and it shows up in the deli’s sandwiches. Several visitors pair it with horseradish cheese or hot cheese for an extra kick.
The praise gets pretty bold. One self-described non-ham person called it among the best sandwiches of his life.
Another visitor chose it for a 50th birthday lunch, which tells you a lot.
Wheat bread comes up as a favorite base, letting the smoky ham do the heavy lifting. The deli menu offers plenty of other options too, so everyone in the car can pick something.
Families who sample before buying often land on preacher ham to take home. One Colorado couple bought it, plus ham chunks for their pinto beans, after trying several varieties at the counter.
If your crew likes a hearty lunch stop, this sandwich makes a strong case for itself. Grab one, find a spot to eat, and see whether it lives up to the hype.
Odds look pretty good.
Free Ham Samples Make Choosing Easier And Harder
A free sample is a dangerous thing in a ham shop. One bite leads to another, and suddenly you’re debating pounds instead of slices.
Visitors mention being offered samples soon after coming through the door. It’s a friendly welcome and a smart way to meet the different hams side by side.
The lineup includes aged country ham, smoked ham, preacher ham, and prosciutto-style ham. Each brings its own personality, from salty and intense to smoky and mellow.
Tasting helps you match one to your family’s taste.
This works especially well for kids or first-timers. Country ham can be bold, so trying a little first takes the guesswork out of buying.
Nobody gets stuck with a ham they didn’t expect.
Staff are often described as helpful and happy to answer questions. That matters when you’re choosing between whole hams, sliced packages, or chunks for cooking.
One practical note: slicing a whole ham may come with an added fee. It’s worth asking at the counter before you decide.
That way the only surprise is how fast the samples disappear.
Prosciutto With A Bluegrass Accent
Prosciutto isn’t the first word most folks connect with Kentucky. At Newsom’s, it fits right in.
The store’s prosciutto-style ham ranks among its most mentioned products. It’s aged country ham sliced thin, and the results draw comparisons to the best European cured meats.
Fans describe it as salty, rich, and tender enough to practically melt. Wrapping it around cantaloupe is a favorite move, mixing sweet fruit with savory ham.
That pairing works beautifully on a summer picnic plate.
This is also the style tied to the store’s Spanish museum fame. If you want to taste why a Kentucky ham earned attention overseas, this is a great place to start.
Whole aged hams can also be ordered for delivery through the store. One buyer shared that an opened ham kept for nearly three months in the refrigerator, with prosciutto-style slices cut along the way.
A little goes a long way with cured ham this flavorful. Add it to a cheese board, tuck it into a biscuit, or layer it on crackers for a family snack.
It turns an ordinary afternoon into something a bit fancy.
Shelves Packed With Jams, Relishes, And Amish-Made Finds
Jars, jars, and more jars. The shelves at Newsom’s could keep a curious shopper busy long after the ham is bagged.
Jams and jellies show up often in visitor comments. You’ll also spot preserves, apple butter, sauces, relishes, and pickled items lining the store.
Hot sauce and barbecue sauce bottles add a little color to the mix. Many items are Amish-made, which adds to the homestyle feel.
It’s the kind of selection that makes gift shopping surprisingly easy.
Pimento cheese gets its own fan club. A jalapeño pimento cheese spread earns special mention, and ham salad also gets kind words from visitors.
The store has carried its own line of candy and soft drinks too. Root beer has been a favorite, with more than a dozen flavors available in the past.
Kids may want to check what’s on hand.
This is where families can make a game of it. Let everyone pick one jar to take home, then compare at supper.
Some visitors say they find something new on every trip, which makes repeat visits feel like treasure hunts.
An Old-Time Atmosphere You Can Smell Right Away
The first clue comes before you see a single shelf. Visitors say the smell of ham greets you as soon as the door opens.
From there, the old-time feel takes over. People describe the store as a step back in time, with historic photos on the walls and something interesting in every corner.
One visitor compared it to a well-known roadside chain, except authentic, local, and full of real history. That comparison lands nicely.
Nothing here feels staged.
The friendly service often comes up too. Staff are frequently described as welcoming, knowledgeable, and willing to chat.
The owner, who signs replies as the Ham Lady, responds warmly to customers online.
Like any small shop, not every visit goes perfectly, and a few guests have felt less at ease. Still, most experiences lean strongly positive, with words like family and welcoming coming up again and again.
Some guests have spent well over an hour browsing and talking. That’s a good sign for families who like slow, easy outings.
There’s no rush here, just good smells, old stories, and a chance to poke around together.
A Sweet Stop For Families, Food Lovers, And Gift Shoppers
Grandparents who remember country stores will feel right at home. Kids who’ve never seen one get a fun peek at how shopping used to look.
That mix makes Newsom’s a natural fit for multi-generational outings. Everyone can find something, whether it’s a sandwich, a sample, or a jar of something sweet.
Food lovers have plenty to explore with the different ham styles. Comparing aged, smoked, and prosciutto-style ham is a tasty lesson in Kentucky food traditions.
It’s practically homework, just with better snacks.
Gift shoppers will appreciate the options too. Hams, preserves, and sauces make thoughtful presents, and one family even planned a gift card for their son.
For Kentucky families, it’s also a chance to share a bit of state pride. Telling the kids about the ham in a Spanish museum gives the visit a memorable hook.
The outing can be as short or long as you like. Pop in for lunch, or linger and browse.
Either way, it’s an easy, low-pressure stop that leaves everyone with a full belly and something to talk about on the ride home.
Easy-To-Find Spot On Princeton’s Main Street
Finding the store is refreshingly simple. Newsom’s Hams Old Mill Store sits at 208 E Main St, Princeton, KY 42445.
Princeton is in Caldwell County in western Kentucky. The store’s downtown location makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring the area or passing through the region.
Being on Main Street means you’re right in the heart of town. That’s handy for families who want to stretch their legs and wander a bit.
Downtown strolls pair nicely with a ham sandwich.
History buffs may also note a nearby connection. The Big Springs site in Princeton is recognized as a stop along the Trail of Tears, offering a quiet place for reflection.
Large trucks should plan carefully, since delivery access has been tricky for long rigs in the past. For regular family cars, though, a downtown stop like this is usually no fuss.
Plan your route ahead and check traffic before heading out. Once you arrive, the store is ready to welcome you with samples and shelves to browse.
Just leave a little room in the trunk for ham.
Hours To Know Before You Load Up The Car
Timing matters, especially if you’re craving a sandwich. Showing up on a Sunday would be a sad surprise.
Newsom’s is typically open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Saturday hours usually run shorter, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and the store is closed on Sundays.
Those Saturday hours make morning visits the smarter weekend plan. Arrive early and you’ll have time to sample, eat lunch, and browse without watching the clock.
Hours can change, so it’s wise to confirm before a long drive. Holidays and special circumstances may affect the schedule.
A quick check saves a lot of disappointment.
Prices weren’t something to pin down here, and they can vary by product and size. One visitor described prices as surprisingly reasonable, but whole hams are a bigger purchase than a jar of jam.
Remember that slicing a whole ham may cost extra. If you’re buying one, ask about options at the counter.
Can’t make the trip? The store also offers ordering for delivery, so the ham can come to you.
Worth The Drive For A Taste Of Kentucky Pride
Some road trips are about scenery. This one is about a ham that earned a seat in a Spanish museum.
Newsom’s Hams Old Mill Store blends more than a century of tradition with the easygoing warmth of a small-town shop. That combination is hard to find.
You get standout country ham, a much-loved preacher ham sandwich, and shelves full of Kentucky and Amish-made goodies. Add free samples and friendly conversation, and it’s a pretty sweet deal.
I believe the best part is how it connects families to Kentucky’s food heritage. It’s a delicious way to show kids where traditions come from.
It also invites the kind of memories people love to share. Maybe your grandparents bought country ham for holidays.
Maybe your family will start that tradition here.
So pick a weekday or Saturday morning, gather your crew, and head to Princeton. Try a sample, grab a sandwich, and bring something home for later.
Then, when someone asks where you got that amazing ham, you’ll have a great answer. It came from the same Kentucky store that impressed Spain.
