Bourbon and Bluegrass: 5 Reasons to Visit Kentucky, USA
When it comes to visiting the USA, Kentucky is often not a state on many peoples travel itineraries. However, with many historical sites, delicious food, unique drinks and friendly people, the Bluegrass State offers plenty to charm its curious visitors.
Read on to find out why Kentucky should be on your list of alternative USA states to visit.
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5 Reasons to Visit Kentucky, USA
1. The Southern Food & Drink
Firstly, you can’t visit the South and the home of Jim Beam and not dive into the food and drinks. Across the state you will find plenty of must-try state dishes including, such as Derby Pie, fried chicken, and bourbon balls.
Speaking of bourbon, it is part of the culture in this part of the world and you will find every kind of bourbon cocktail and drink imaginable no matter where you stop. It is the perfect to have a glass or two of the good stuff right at the source.
2. The Buzz of the Urban Cities
Much like other US states, Kentucky offers plenty of hustle and bustle in its larger cities. The top 3 cities in Kentucky are Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green. Louisville, in particular, is packed with history, culture, great restaurants, bars, museums, and everything in between.
It is also home to a bustling nightlife, and there are countless bars and nightclubs that will offer you an unforgettable night mingling with the locals.
Find the best hotels in Louisville.
3. Exploration made easy with 16 Trail Towns
The Trail Town program in Kentucky aims to connect all the towns in the state that have the best scenery, most activities, best food, etc. This allows visitors to get a true taste of Kentucky and experience all the best things it has to offer. There are currently 16 towns on the Trail Town website, each with its own description detailing what you can expect and why you should visit.
4. Get Lost in the Great Outdoors
Adventure girls will be pleased to know that visiting Kentucky isn’t just about the bars, restaurants, cities and towns. There are plenty of natural sites and green open spaces to visit and experience. The state borders the Appalachian Mountains, which is home to countless rivers and streams, and breathtaking forests. it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the best hiking trails and the peaceful wilderness of Kentucky.
For those that love the outdoors, include trip to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation area. Here, you can enjoy white river rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding.
5. Be Fascinated by the History & Culture
Kentucky is the 15th oldest state, founded in 1792. Because of this, it is packed with history and Southern culture that you just can’t find anywhere else. Whether it be the art, the famous Bluegrass genre, or its people, the only way to get a true taste of life here is to visit it.
Top 5 Things to do in Kentucky
Now that you know a few reasons why you should visit Kentucky, here are a few of the best places to visit while you are there.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park has the longest cave system in the world, with 400 miles of surveyed pathways. Visitors are able to take an hour-long stroll through the caves, or a day-like hike that will take you deep into the system.
It is important to book in advance as this is an incredibly popular spot for locals and visitors almost on a daily basis. Plus, on top of the caves, you can find several miles of paths and hiking trails through beautiful forests.
2. Muhammad Ali Centre
The man, the myth, the legend Muhammed Ali was born in Louisville, so it is no surprise that there is a museum dedicated to his life, career, and memory. Whether you are a fan of boxing and Ali or not, it is certainly worth a visit.
You can find photos, videos, memorabilia, and everything in between here, getting you as close to the man as possible.
3. Kentucky Derby Museum
There is arguably no bigger event in the state than the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. Found on the Churchill Downs racetrack, the Derby Museum tells the story of the race, as well as offering a 360-degree video that makes you feel like you are at the race. Race is a crucial part of Kentucky’s history and culture and a must-visit.
If possible, you can take it up a notch and visit Kentucky when the Derby is on, and experience the excitement that races bring to the city, and even go watch some yourself.
4. Jim Beam American Stillhouse
As mentioned previously, Kentucky is famed for Jim Beam, a world-renowned bourbon that has been on the global stage since 1795. Found in Clermont, the distillery is packed with history and the stories of the distillers that made Jim Beam as popular as it is.
You can enjoy a 90-minute tour of the factory and distillery, which ends in a tasting in their high-tech tasting room. If a tour isn’t possible, the onsite bar serves up the best bourbon cocktails and drinks you will ever taste.
5. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
For the baseball fans out there, Louisville Slugger is a name you have most definitely heard before. A stalwart in the baseball bat world since it was founded, they are regarded as the gold standard in bat-making.
You can visit and tour the factory, as well as take a walk through the Louisville Slugger Museum, which displays their famous bats, and players, and shows their immense impact on the sport.
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