Welcome to Kentucky

Kentucky Charms: Find bourbon tours and horse farms, along with scenic beauty at every turn.

From its storied history of racehorses and bourbon to the thrill of cave exploration, experience the uniquely Southern qualities of Kentucky, where down-home cuisine isn’t a trend, but a way of life.

See thoroughbreds grazing at picturesque horse farms; perhaps one of them will win the Kentucky Derby one day. Learn how 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is made here, and sip samples during a distillery tour.

Pay homage to two native sons – the 16th U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, and the world champion boxer, Muhammad Ali – at museums in their honour. Marvel at Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system in the world, and delve into the USA’s love affair with a sports car at the National Corvette Museum.

Above all, enjoy the outdoors: boat and fish, and hike, bike or climb 19,300 km (12,000 miles) of trails.

History, Culture & Heritage

Louisville, most famously known for the fastest two minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby – is also home to Muhammad Ali, The Urban Bourbon Trail and a world-class culinary scene.

Lexington, surrounded by 450 horse farms and nine distilleries, is famous for bourbon and Thoroughbred racehorses. Visitors also will find a bourgeoning craft beer scene, farm-to-table dining, murals decorating city buildings, and historic sites, such as the Ashland Estate and the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

Northern Kentucky, where visitors find a strong brewing heritage, historic wineries and great culinary experiences, is the perfect place to experience Southern hospitality.. Travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, discover the wonders of the river region aboard a BB Riverboats cruise, and visit attractions such as in Newport Aquarium.

Bowling Green – In Bowling Green, visit the National Corvette Museum to see classic, prototypes and rare finds. Drive a lap of the NCM Motorsports Park. Go on the state’s only underground boat tour at Lost River Cave. Explore nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s longest known cave system.

Bardstown – In just an afternoon, it’s easy to understand why Ronda McNally and USA Today declared Bardstown the Most Beautiful Small Town in America. Tour seven bourbon distilleries, relive U.S. history, indulge in Southern cuisine and enjoy shopping. Whatever you seek on holiday , this small city offers a magnificent escape.

Arts & Crafts

Paducah – Kentucky’s unique culture has cultivated a vibrant arts community in the cities of Paducah and Berea. Paducah is home to the renowned National Quilt Museum and a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

Berea is the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky. Artisan Village in Berea is a captivating haven for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Nestled in the heart of the charming town of Berea, this vibrant community showcases the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can wander through a myriad of quaint studios and workshops, where skilled artisans craft exquisite handmade pottery, jewellery, textiles, and more.

Music

Icons like Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass and blues player W.C Handy, found great inspiration in Kentucky. Today, local artists like My Morning Jacket, Sunday Best, Sturgill Simpson and Cage the Elephant are making waves nationally. No matter the genre, Kentucky has shows that fits your taste and a wide range of festivals to choose from.

Owensboro – Owensboro is Kentucky’s fourth largest city and is set in a sweeping bend of the mighty Ohio River. The centrepieces of the waterfront redevelopment are the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and Smothers Park which offers multiple performance venues, a riverside promenade, along with multiple fountains and a cascading waterfall.

Culinary

At the Kentucky table, food traditions are older than the state, but the State is also on the culinary cutting edge. Enjoy farm-to-fork cuisine crafted by world-class chefs. Discover Bluegrass specialties from Hot Browns to bourbon balls, and beer cheese to West Kentucky barbecue.

In Kentucky, bourbon is much more than a drink. It’s a way of life. Whether you’re new to bourbon or an aficionado, whether you prefer your bourbon neat or on the rocks, whether you want to eat your way through Bourbon Country or bike along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, there’s a bourbon experience for you in the Bluegrass State.