The state of Kentucky is a vacation destination for those who love the outdoors and are looking for beauty and history combined. With plenty to see and explore around this state you will never run short of things to do here.
The sights in this state offer up a staggering variation from the towering Appalachian peaks to the tall-grass prairies and rolling foothills. Then there is the beautiful Ohio River, the vast and winding Mississippi River and the great National Forest to see. There is so much here to see that sightseers are just not going to want to leave.
For the activity minded there are lots of great outdoor pursuits to get involved in, and with over 300 miles of shoreline along the lakes boating, fishing, canoeing, and many other types of water based fun are available here. Then there is of course the mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding along the many trails that wind through the state.
The attractions in Kentucky all have a very natural aspect to them with sites like the Kentucky Horse Park, an educational theme park teaching visitors how man and horse work together. There is also the famous Kentucky Derby in Louisville to see with the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs racetrack - everything you need for a fun and educational trip.
For a welcome break there is the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, with great music like gospel, country and bluegrass for all to enjoy. And for the perfect gift or souvenir you can visit Berea which is known as the "Crafts Capital", and here you will find wrought iron pieces, hand-made furniture, ceramics and so much more.
Kentucky is a great vacation area for those who love the great outdoors, with every part of it offering something refreshing and natural.
Known the world over for the Kentucky Derby and Mint Juleps, Louisville is the most popular tourist destination in Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday of May, following the Kentucky Derby Festival, a two-week party which starts with the annual Thunder over Louisville, the largest annual fireworks display in the county. One-third of Kentucky bourbon comes from Louisville, so be sure to sample some of the local varieties. 4th Street Live is the best place to experience Louisville's famous nightlife. The classic souvenir is a famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat.
Southeast of Louisville, Lexington is the largest city in the state. With its diverse range of music and art attractions and events, Lexington is the art and cultural hub of Kentucky. This city offers an array of historical dining options, among them: Dudley's, Holly Hill Inn, Murrays, and Mansion at Griffin Gate. Known as The Horse Capital of the World, visitors to Lexington can see over 50 breeds of horses at the Kentucky Horse Park. Lexington is host to the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, is near Lexington and Louisville. This is one of the oldest and smallest state capitals in the USA. Visitors can see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Zeigler House, Daniel Boones grave, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and the Old Governors Mansion.
Shelbyville is between Louisville and Frankfort. Golfers can play a round at Golf Weissinger Hills Golf Course then enjoy some down-home cooking at the Old Stone Inn or Claudia Sanders Dinner House.
Murray is in the southeast corner of Kentucky. Murray has a Civil War monument to Confederate soldiers, which is the only Confederate monument in the south that does not face directly north. The visitor who unravels this mystery will be one step closer to finding the National Treasure.
In the north, on the opposite side of the Ohio River from Cincinnati, is the city of Covington. Visitors will enjoy the art at the Baker Hunt Art & Culture Center, Behringer Crawford Museum, and the Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center Chez Nora with its rooftop terrace bar, jazz club, and beautiful views of downtown is a good choice for dinner or drinks.
Not far from Covington is the city of Florence. Youll know youre close when you see the water tower from I-75 that reads "Florence" . It originally had "Florence Mall" painted on it as an advertisement, but had to be changed because of a highway regulation. Rather than repaint the entire tower, they just painted over the vertical lines in the M. The Florence Family Aquatic Center is a great place to take the kids. Theres a pool, waterfalls, waterslides, and diving boards.
Erlanger is located in Northern Kentucky, about 10 miles from Cincinnati. Visitors should tour the Erlanger Railroad Museum. The Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse is great restaurant for steaks, seafood, and barbecue.
Newport, located near Florence and Erlanger, is becoming the entertainment community of Northern Kentucky. The premier attraction, the Newport Aquarium, has over over 7,000 aquatic creatures from around the world. There is something for everyone at Newport on the Levee, an upscale shopping and entertainment complex. There is a full variety of restaurants in Newport, but fans of the movie Rain Man should go to Pompilios, where a scene from the movie was filmed.
Ashland is located along the banks of the Ohio River. Ashland has several recreational areas including: the 47-acre wooded Central Park; Clyffeside Park; and AK Steel Sports Park, complete with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a skate park. Art and music lovers will enjoy the Paramount Arts Center, Pendleton Arts Center, and Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. Hannah Montana fans should visit the Billy Ray Cyrus exhibit at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center.
Henderson is located in the northwestern part of Kentucky, along the Ohio River. There are nine cast-bronze sculptures based on paintings from John James Audubon's "Birds of America" series, downtown at the John James Audubon State Park and Museum. The museum has an impressive collection of John James Audubon memorabilia and work. The Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival is held in Henderson in mid-June and the Bluegrass in the Park Festival is in August. Admission is free to both events.
In North Kentucky, where the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers meet, is the city of Carrollton. There are many historical sites to visit, such as: The Old Stone Jail, Masterson House, Butler-Turpin House, and Carroll County Courthouse. Wine aficionados should tour the Shandio Valley Winery.
Hebron is near Carrollton, in north Kentucky. Golfers will love the Traditions Golf Club. This 18-hole championship golf course has been ranked by Golf Digest as the third best course in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and by Turf Magazine as the second best course.
The city of Paducah, in Western Kentucky, was originally planned and owned by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There is no shortage of historical sigtes to see in Paducah; in fact, twenty blocks of downtown have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Racing fans should head over to the Paducah International Raceway for a chance to meet the owners, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.
Owensboro is the third largest city in Kentucky. The city considers itself the BBQ Capital of the World, and hosts the International BBQ Festival each May. During the summer, there is a 16-week series of free outdoor concerts, called Friday After 5, on the downtown riverfront.
The Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is a destination for classic car lovers. Bowling Green is where all Corvette engines are assembled. Another popular tourist attractios is the ruins of an 18th century Shaker settlement.
Cave City is near Bowling Green. Its name comes from its proximity to the popular Mammoth Cave National Park. The Wigwam Village Motel is a unique attraction.
Park City is not far from Cave City and Bowling Green. Tourist can stay here to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Diamond Caverns.
West of Oak Grove is the town of Princeton. While fried chicken is the king of Kentucky Foods, visitors are sure to enjoy Princetons famous cookies from Bremner, Inc, and ham from Newsom's Aged Kentucky Country Ham.
Danville is in the center of Kentucky. Danville is the "Home of Bluegrass".A local favorite is the Bluegrass Beach Café. For a taste of viniculture, head to the Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery.
Not far from Danville is the town of Lebanon. Lebanon is known for the Ham Days Festival, held the last weekend of September. Henning's Restaurant & Bar located downtown in a historic three-story building built in 1859, is a local favorite.
London is close to Lebanon, Kentucky. The World Chicken Festival is held here in September, and promises to have the best fried chicken in the world. Laurel River Lake is a favorite spot for fishing. The Depot on Main Street is a popular pub, with stand-up comedy shows on Friday and Saturday nights.
Richmond is located just west of Danville. Lake Reba Recreational Complex has an aquatic center, a horse shoe pit, putt-putt golf course, a playground and football, soccer, and baseball fields.
Springfield is close to Richmond, in the central part of the state. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Backyard BBQ & Grill buffet.
Williamstown is east of Springfield. Kick back a cold one at local watering holes: The Silver Bullet, Peecox Roost, or Time Out Tavern.
North of Springfield is the town of Winchester. Daniel Boone was active in this town and the annual Pioneer Festival is held in his honor.
If you want to visit a small town, go to Sparta, Kentucky. As of the 2000 census, the population was 230 residents. The Kentucky Speedway is located here.
Corbin is located in the Southeast part of the state. Everyone who visits Corbin has to go to Sanders Café, birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Every August, Corbin has the NIBROC festival (named for Corbin spelled backwards). There is a carnival, concerts, parade, and beauty pageant. Visitors should be sure to visit Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, to see the 60 ft tall 125 ft wide waterfall.
Monticello is in the south of Kentucky, near Corbin. Lake Cumberland is renowned for its fishing and is also a popular for boating. The local restaurant of choice is Lees Famous Recipe Chicken.
Somerset is near Monticello, and the most popular activities are fishing and boating on Lake Cumberland. The annual Master Musicians Festival attracts an array of top talent and visitors from all over.
While Radcliff is within the dry county of Hardin, some restaurants are permitted to server alcohol. Your best bet is J.C.s Sports Bar.
Located near Fort Knox, Elizabethtown has many popular attractions, including: the Black History Gallery, Coca-Cola Memorabilia Museum, Pine Valley Golf Museum, Model A Ford Museum, and Lincoln Heritage House, built by Abraham Lincoln's father.
Bardstown is the second oldest city in Kentucky is know as The Bourbon Capital of the World. Take a tour of the Jim Bean or Makers Mark distillery, and bring some famous Kentucky Bourbon back as a gift for your friends and family. The best time (or worse depending on your tastes) to visit is Bardstown during the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1779, is a part of Bardstown's rich history. Famous patrons include Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone. Its said that Jesse James caused the bullet holes located in an upstairs wall. There have been reports of paranormal activity at the tavern.
Visitors to Georgetown can enjoy a unique Japanese cultural experience because of Toyota Motor Manufacturing factory. In addition to the free tram tours of the factory, visitors should visit the Official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden: Yuko-En on the Elkhorn. It is a six acre garden with arched bridges, waterfalls, a Zen Rock garden, and Japanese Koi. There are machines to buy food to feed the fish, so bring some quarters with you.
Benton is home to two interesting annual events: Big Signing Day, one of Americas oldest music events; and Tater Day, when people gather listen to music and political speeches, and eat potatoes.
Franklin is in the south of Kentucky, not far from Nashville, Tennessee. Do some gambling and enjoy the excitement of the races at Kentucky Downs. Kentucky Downs hosts the Kentucky Cup Turf Festival, a world class racing event with four major turf stakes. For some 1950s style family fun or a date, catch a movie at the Franklin Drive-In.
Oak Grove is adjacent to the Fort Campbell Army base, in Southeast Kentucky. If you pace yourself, you can have a great day in Oak Grove by starting out at Gs Pancake House, having lunch at the Old South Bar BQ, then dinner Charlies Steak House.
Paris, Kentucky, is located south of Newport. Anyone who you like to see the worlds tallest three story structure can visit the Shinner Building, which is about as interesting as it sounds.
Williamsburg is located in South Kentucky near the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Cumberland Falls, located within the park, is the only venue in the Western Hemisphere where a moonbow or lunar rainbow is regularly visible off the falls, on clear nights with a full moon.
South Portsmouth is in Northeast Kentucky. The Portsmouth Brewing Company has some excellent microbrews. For ribs, Damon's can't be beat.
Kentuckys history of hospitality, bourbon, friend chicken, and horse racing make this a popular destination for people looking to experience distinctly American culture and have some serious fun. One visit to the Kentucky Derby and youll know what it is about this place that keeps people coming back year after year. Southern sensibilities pervade in this state, and theres always time to share a meal and drinks with old friends and new.
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