I only knew very little about The Walking Dead when it debuted on AMC in 2010 with as gripping a series as I'd ever seen. But all the action was happening in Atlanta.

The Walking Dead's Origins Are in Kentucky

You see, one of the very few things I DID know about The Walking Dead was that it was set in Kentucky. The main character, Sheriff Rick Grimes, and his family were from Cynthiana. Robert Kirkman, the creator of the graphic novel and co-creator of the series, is a Lexington native and grew up in Cynthiana. But no, Atlanta was chosen as the setting for the show.

And you know, now that Georgia's largest city has become quite a hub for the entertainment industry--Atlanta and its vicinity double for any number of locations we see in movies, on TV, and on streaming platforms--it makes sense. And it never dampened my enjoyment of the show. That didn't happen until a few seasons in, but that's another story.

But Kentucky really embraces its Walking Dead connection. For one thing, there's that very impressive mural in Cynthiana.

Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
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Walking Dead Actor Co-Owns Three Lexington Restaurants with Show Producer

Down the road in Lexington, you'll find three locations with strong Walking Dead connections. They're also immersed in good eating too because they are all restaurants owned by Norman Reedus and Greg Nicotero. Reedus plays Daryl Dixon in the Walking Dead franchise; Nicotero is an executive producer. And the restaurants are all called Nic & Norman's. There are also locations in Chattanooga TN and Senoia GA.

Nic & Norman's Coming to Louisville

And now Reedus and Nicotero are expanding into Louisville with a fourth location.

And while Walking Dead A-listers are all over this venture--creator Robert Kirkman is also a co-owner--don't expect to see zombies everywhere. In fact, the restaurant isn't really connected to the show outside of its ownership.

I doubt that will stop the iconic series' devoted fan base from putting it on their to-do list...and probably several times.

[SOURCE: WHAS11-Louisville]

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