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.  

Man bartending at The Ideal Bartender Experience in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Crystal Ludwick Photo)

Explore the life and legacy of Tom Bullock, the first Black American to write and publish a cocktail recipe book, at this interactive re-enactment experience in Louisville, Kentucky.

People on Newport Gangster Tour in Newport, Kentucky (photo courtesy of American Legacy Tours)

Take this tour and learn how Newport, Kentucky, was a prototype for modern-day Las Vegas.

Men looking at quilts at National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Visit this Paducah, Kentucky, museum that has nearly 700 quilts in its permanent collection and hopes a variety of temporary themed exhibits.

Women looking at horse at Second Stride Farm in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Tom Adkinson)

Meet retired racehorses in the process of retraining at this Louisville, Kentucky, destination, where visitors can see the horses in the pasture and in their stables.

International Paranormal Museum in Somerset, Kentucky (photo courtesy of International Paranormal Museum)

Spanning various locations across Kentucky, this trail highlights haunted locations and creepy attractions throughout the Bluegrass State. 

Red River Gorge Geological Area (photo by Bill Fultz)

Located within the 42,000-acre Red River Gorge in Kentucky, this area is full of natural rock formations and trails so you can explore them. 

The Myriad Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Kriech Higdon Photography)

Stay at this groovy Louisville, Kentucky, property that had a former life as a disco-ball factory. Today, it features cozy guest rooms and a vintage-style swim club. 

The Last Refuge in Louisville, Kentucky (photo courtesy of The Last Refuge)

Have a drink at the Louisville, Kentucky, restaurant and bar that showcases Bob Dylan’s whiskey brand in a beautifully appointed former church.

Plate of Korean pork ribs at NAMI Modern Korean Steakhouse in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Sara Babcock)

Dig into new takes on classic Korean dishes at this Louisville, Kentucky, spot from James Beard Award nominee and “Top Chef” alum Edward Lee. 

Interior of The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, Kentucky (photo courtesy of The Henry Clay Estate)

Explore the life of Speaker of the House and U.S Senator Henry Clay in Lexington, Kentucky, at an estate preserved by his children and grandchildren.