Kentucky

The Bluegrass State offers a mix of outdoor recreation and adventure, a long history of bourbon and horses, and vibrant cities such as Louisville and Lexington. Explore the underground passageways at Mammoth Cave National Park and learn about the history of America’s most famous horse race at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Sample the spirits of Kentucky in Bourbon Country at famous distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and take in the museums, restaurants and nightlife of downtown Louisville.  

Fully furnished dollhouse at The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky (photo by Jon Sachs)

This Danville, Kentucky, attraction’s more than 200 fully furnished dollhouses and room boxes exhibit the tiniest, most exquisite details. 

People zip lining at Red River Gorge Ziplines in Campton, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Red River Gorge Ziplines)

Red River Gorge Ziplines in Campton, Kentucky, offers a canopy-tour experience that includes five zips for adventurers of all ages.

Exterior of the Elwood Hotel & Suites in Lexington, Kentucky (photo by Alyssa Rosenheck)

Southern-chic luxury makes its home at this Lexington, Kentucky, boutique hotel named for the first woman-owned horse to win the Kentucky Derby.

The dining room at the Sanders Cafe and Museum in Corbin, Kentucky (photo by Mark A. Steele)

Visit this Corbin, Kentucky, landmark where Harland Sanders launched his famous fried-chicken restaurant. 

Boats docked at marina on Cave Run Lake in Winchester, Kentucky (photo by Sherman Cahal)

This expansive body of water in Winchester, Kentucky, comes alive in the summer with opportunities for recreation. 

View from the Muddy Boots Horseback Tour in Pikeville, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Tour Pike County)

This scenic tour has riders saddling up in Pikeville, Kentucky, for views of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Visitors at one of the Churchill Downs Behind the Scenes Tours in Louisville, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby Museum)

Derby Day comes just ones a year, but a variety of tours take travelers behind the scenes of Louisville, Kentucky’s legendary horse-racing venue.

The B-Line Bourbon Trail in Northern Kentucky (photo courtesy of Meet NYK)

Sample creations from distilleries across Northern Kentucky and great food that goes well with them. 

Beer Cheese Trail in Clark County, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission)

Sample a variety of culinary creations in Clark County, Kentucky, the birthplace of beer cheese. 

The patio at Hotel Covington in Covington, Kentucky (photo courtesy of destination)

This spot in Covington, Kentucky, makes a charming home base from which to set out and explore Northern Kentucky.