Kentucky combines old Southern charm with a bustling drive of booming home-grown industries. Famous for its bourbon trade, horse racing, and illustrious country music scene, Kentucky is a favourite of many travellers.
Astoundingly beautiful in the springtime, Kentucky is nicknamed Bluegrass State for the multiple blue flowers that crop up in the fields during the turning seasons. Load up your car rental and travel through Kentucky’s outdoors. Just remember to bring your camera along! Put on your hiking boots and trek through the winding tunnels of Mammoth Cave National Park. Regarded as the world’s longest discovered cave system, the Mammoth Cave has been offering guided tours from as early on as the 1800s. Marvel at the Cumberland Falls, the ‘Niagara Falls of the South’. This incredible waterfall is as wide as it is tall, and a wonder to experience. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a rainbow, formed by sunlight hitting the mist created by the falling water.
A state that prides itself on the big and the bold, it’s no wonder that Kentucky is famous to travellers for a manner of reasons. The proud host of the Kentucky Derby, this horse race has been going on since the 1900s and has become a huge pop culture icon for America. A fancy sporting event, well-dressed locals and racehorse aficionados dress up to the nines and bet on the outcome of the races. Although it may be difficult to get a ticket to the event considering how popular the races are, you can easily opt to watch the pre-races. In the weeks leading up to the Derby, you can attend the state’s exciting Kentucky Derby Festival, an event that takes place in Louisville, and features parades, marathons and fireworks. Automobile fans will love visiting the National Corvette Museum. Kentucky has been producing these iconic cars since the 1980s and at this museum, you can try one for yourself. View the different models and ride in a historic Corvette of your choosing.
Pick up a great souvenir while in Kentucky, they’ve got so much to choose from! Dip into the state’s wide selection of handcrafted wares, each lovingly prepared by talented local artists. Get in your car rental and drive out to the Fire Studio & Gallery and watch the hand blown glass created in the studio. Get a made to order special or browse through the many pieces on display in the gallery. If you’re shopping for the unique, visit the Steelskin Gallery. Owned by local artists, you can purchase their interesting sculptures, lighting fixtures, and furniture or have one customized for your interests and need. For a uniquely Kentucky experience, step into a Peddlers Mall. This locally popular store is available only in Kentucky, and has branches all over the state. Sort through antiques and bargain deals in this extensive mall.
Pack your luggage into your car rental and go on a road trip around the state. Kentucky is big and there’s just so much to see out on the road. Go on a historic road trip and discover all about the state’s history as you go by landmarks such as the Lincoln Heritage Perryville Battlefield. Or discover Kentucky’s local music scene on a Country Music Heritage road trip. Whichever way you take it, Kentucky is sure to never disappoint!