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Things to do in KENTUCKY!
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items As a local, I can give so many recommendations, but here are just a few things that I think you would really be missing out on if you doing give them a try/ pay them a visit on your next trip to the bluegrass state!
Map
Sections
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Horses 🐎
Outdoor Stuff 🥾
Food 🍲
Indoor stuff 🏢
Bourbon 🥃
Horses 🐎
KY is known for horse racing! You MUST check out these famous horsey spots! Maybe you want to bet on some races, see some historic horsey related sites, or even ride a horse yourself! I’ve got just about everything covered in this list!
THE KENTUCKY DERBY!!!! Of course you could try and visit the Ky Derby (if you can afford it👀) BUT - you can also visit Church Hill downs for another (more affordable) event! My recommendation, downs after dark! It’s casual, fun, and there is normall...
Churchill Downs
Everyone knows about Churchill Downs, but do you know about Keeneland? As a local, I can assure you, Keeneland is MUCH better than Churchhill, it’s sooooo beautiful, and you can literally be right up on the race track! You can almost reach out at tou...
Keeneland Association Inc
Ever road a hose? Well, on your trip down to Ky, you would be crazy not to! I mean is it even visiting KY without seeing some horses???
Whispering Woods Riding Stables
Have you ever seen a thoroughbred up close? You wanna get an eye on off spring of MY Derby winners? What about seeing your next Derby horse pick up close and personal?
Well, here in Ky you can absolutely do just that! Taylor Made Farm is just one o...
Taylor Made Farm - Visit Horse Country
Outdoor Stuff 🥾
Here are some of my favorite outdoor places in KY, and you should know I am not outdoorsy, so if I like them, anyone will! Most are hiking/camping related spots, however! You can absolutely do day trips at each of these places, and most have easy wal...
This one is a must for the outdoorsy folks! But also… TBH - I am NOT outdoorsy, and I really enjoy this place! It’s not a huge hike, it’s a nice walk that all members of your family can/will enjoy!
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum | Research Forest | Clermont, KY
Known as the "Niagara of the South," Cumberland Falls is famous for its moonbow phenomenon. You can hike, camp, swim, there is so much to do here for the whole family!
Explore | Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Mammoth Cave National Park: Home to the longest-known cave system in the world.
Yes! You can do cave tours! HOWEVER - it’s far more than just a cave. There’s rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system! Mammoth Cave ...
Mammoth Cave National Park (U.S. ...
Daniel Boone National Forest: Offers extensive hiking trails and scenic views.
Spread across 21 counties of eastern Kentucky, the Daniel Boone National Forest manages more than 708,000 acres of national forest system lands within a 2.1 million-acre ...
Daniel Boone National Forest
Red River Gorge: A popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.
The Red River Gorge is a canyon system in Eastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest known for its natural arches, sandstone cliffs, and extensive hiking trails. Popular activ...
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Food 🍲
These are some of my FAVORITE restaurants in KY and don’t worry… there’s some historic sites in this list for the history buffs!
One of my personal favorite restaurants:
Set in the former manor house of one of Lexington’s finest horse farms, the Merrick Inn has been serving Southern hospitality for more than 50 years. Once part of the historic Merrick Place estate, it’s been ...
Merrick Inn Restaurant
You can’t visit Louisville without trying the world famous KY HOT BROWN!
Here is the history behind the HOT BROWN… a now critically acclaimed dish.
In the 1920's, The Brown Hotel drew over 1,200 guests each evening for its dinner dance. By the we...
Brown Hotel Louisville KY
The vibes at this pizza joint are absolutely impeccable! The mill street location is cool, but if you’re wanting to chill and enjoy your pizza over a drink with some good friends, check this one out! Also - it’s a cool spot for families as well becau...
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Distillery
Now, if you can’t tell by my recommendations… I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. HOWEVER! If I’m going to have a little sweet treat, it’s this ice cream! Holy cow! They are the best ice cream joint in town! They even serve hard root beer floats! 10/...
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream
Indoor stuff 🏢
Like I said, I’m indoorsy! If you want all the best night life spots, shopping centers, or places for good indoor entertainment! I’m ya gal!
I have seen so many really great and even famous comedians come bring their comedic talent to this comedy club! Mike Epps, Dray Davis, Steve-o! You name it!
Comedy Off Broadway
You HAVE to visit The Louisville Slugger museum/factory! Not only can you have your own custom Louisville Slugger made here, but you can go on a family friendly museum tour as well!
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Ever thrown axes? What about Ninja stars? Well this is the go too place for refining your axe throwing skills while enjoying a cold beer. Also, when you’re finished, there’s not only a restaurant/bar attached to the same building, BUT there’s so many...
Battle Axes, LLC Lexington KY
Old Louisville has some extraordinary Victorian style homes/buildings. If your love history and architecture, this would be the tour for you! Also….. they DO gave ghost tours, so if you’re into the spooky scene, maybe book that one!
Louisville Historic Tours
Rupp Arena is the home of the KENTUCKY WILDCATS! If you’re visiting during basketball season, you MUST get some tickets to watch the cats play! Rupp arena also hosts many other events throughout the year such as scare fest, comic con, concerts, comed...
Rupp Arena | Central Bank Center
Bourbon 🥃
There is nothing like the sweet taste of KY bourbon! These are a few of my favorite bourbon distilleries to visit. Most of these require reservation, so definitely book ahead of time! However, with a reservation typically comes a tasting! There is no...
Buffalo trace has some of my most favorite bourbons, Weller, Eagle Rare, and of course “Buffalo Trace”.
For over 200 years, this Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making fine bourbon whiskey. Which I think makes them so spec...
Buffalo Trace Distillery
If you’re in the Louisville area, you won’t want to pass this distillery up!
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is also the first distillery on Whiskey Row. There you will discover tours, tastings, and other experiences.
Plan Your Trip