Kentucky: Experience the home of Bourbon

Celebrate the flavours, spirits and delicious treats Kentucky is known for – from its home-cooked meals and much-loved bourbon whiskey to its outdoor adventure and bluegrass music. Kentucky is bursting with mouth-watering flavour – from savoury barbecue and the tangy kick of our native beer cheese to the smooth taste of bourbon. So take a trip through Bourbon Country and experience one of our many culinary trails, cultural experiences and limitless natural beauty.

Graze on the tastes of the Bluegrass

Wind your way through the picturesque byways that connect Kentucky’s thoroughbred country. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, home to more than 40 breeds, or explore the history at the Kentucky

Derby Museum and Churchill Downs in Louisville.

After a full day of horse farm tours, travel the Beer Cheese Trail in Winchester to sample a delicious spread, then wash it down with a cold Ale-8-One, a favourite soft drink bottled in central Kentucky.

Discover the dynamic notes of bourbon

Learn about ‘America’s Native Spirit’ at historic distilleries in Bourbon Country. From craft distilleries to the world’s largest bourbon producers, many invite visitors to learn about their brands and enjoy a tasting during a behind-the-scenes distillery tour. Suggest clients book a tour of Kentucky Cooperage in Lebanon, where new charred oak barrels are crafted for bourbon production.

Don’t miss a chance to take in the nightlife along the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville. Try bourbon cocktails and whiskey-infused cuisine such as mint julep pancakes, bourbon barrel-smoked salmon or a bourbon ball milkshake. You only need to visit six venues for a full set of stamps in your Urban Bourbon Trail passport and to claim a free t-shirt and a certificate declaring your membership as a ‘Citizen of Bourbon Country’. But the chances are you will want to visit many more!

And while in Louisville, make a stop on the Hot Brown Hop to try a classic Kentucky dish that pairs turkey, bacon and rich cheese sauce into a decadent meal. Then journey to the new B-line in northern Kentucky to explore an inviting collection of craft distilleries, bars and restaurants.

Relish the richness of bluegrass music, art & barbeque

Tune your ears to the old favourite sounds of Bill Monroe or enjoy more contemporary tunes taking over the airwaves by top Kentucky artists such as Jordan Smith, Chris Stapleton, and Cage the Elephant.

Experience Kentucky’s vibrant arts scene with a visit to Berea and

watch the artisans at work in their studios.

Clients can travel to the beautiful river community of Paducah, a certified UNESCO Creative City and home to the National Quilt Museum. Or they can try a different work of art: the slow-cooked goodness of Kentucky mutton barbeque and burgoo, a thick and hearty stew made with different meats and vegetables.

Brewing up a storm

While Kentucky is best known for its bourbon, craft breweries that feature quality brews with local flavour are opening up across the state. At West Sixth Brewery in Lexington you can sip on local favourites such as the rich cocoa porter or enjoy seasonal blends like the half-bite IPA or lemongrass American wheat. Then enjoy a brew and a meal at the adjoining Smithtown Seafood Restaurant.

Fill up on history and wine

Discover the story of Kentucky by visiting the birthplaces of Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali and Bill Monroe and learn about the Shakers at Pleasant Hill, home to a large, restored Shaker settlement with over 3,000 acres of pristine countryside. Then enjoy a traditional meal prepared with ingredients straight from the garden.

America’s first commercial winery was planted in Kentucky over 200 years ago. The rolling fields are the perfect place to grow delicious grapes and numerous wineries and vineyards welcome visitors. Enjoy tastings, tours, concerts and outdoor dining at several vineyards, including Elk Creek, which offers a wide variety of award-winning wines, as well as a gift shop, an art gallery, cooking classes, outdoor concerts and much more.

Feast on epic outdoor adventure

Find a hidden cove on one of the thousands of miles of waterways or discover a Kentucky Trail Town, located along major trail systems, which are an ideal place to begin your journey with plentiful opportunities for hiking, canoeing, kayaking and more.

Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks provide lodging, delicious dining and activities perfect for all the family.

And if all that adventure leaves you feeling hungry, visit the restaurant where the Colonel launched his famous recipe for delicious fried chicken or explore one of the many local farm-to-table restaurants popping up across the state.

Get inspiration for your client’s Kentucky travel adventure by visiting: kentuckytourism.com