Welcome to Kentucky
Kentucky is a place where prime bourbon ages for years and racehorses circle a mile-and-a-quarter-long track in two minutes. It’s a state in which silent caverns stretch for miles underground, while big cities bustle with excitement and fun on the surface. The contrasting elements of the Bluegrass State may seem at odds, but taken together, they harmonize as sweetly as the vocals of a timeless bluegrass tune.
Bound by the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east, Kentucky surprises and delights with its pristine scenery and spellbinding landscapes. If you find yourself in the horse-farm region during spring, you’ll be captivated by rich carpets of bluegrass bursting with tiny vibrant buds, hence the nickname, the Bluegrass State.
Pioneering Public Lands
With countless forests and national parks, Kentucky means business when it comes to outdoor fun. Daniel Boone National Forest encompasses 706,000 acres in 21 counties in the state’s southeast. Named after the famous pioneer who opened land for settlement, the area boasts more than 600 miles of roads and trails.
Just 75 miles to the east, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park offers more rich history and more spectacular scenery. Boasting sweeping vistas, an abundance of wildlife and an elaborate network of underground caves, this state park truly has it all. Stroll through Hensley Settlement to get a sense of what life was like in this old mountain neighborhood, venture into Gap Cave, or meander along the Wilderness Road Trail, the same path Native Americans, early settlers and Civil War soldiers took. Another hotspot is Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest cave system on the globe.
Derbies and Horses
The Kentucky Derby, one of horse racing’s most prestigious events, is held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville every May. Although the race lasts just two minutes, the city has transformed the event into a two-week festival.
Just an hour and a half to the east from Louisville is Lexington, the world’s horse capital. Nestled in the gorgeous bluegrass region, Lexington entices visitors with the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park.
Bourbon Voyage
No trip to Kentucky is complete without embarking on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Consisting of nine distilleries, the trail takes you to the makers of Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark and more.