Some great things to do in Kentucky over a weekend on a week long vacation.
DERBIES AND HORSERACING
Kentucky is best known for its fast and beautiful racehorses. In fact, the main attraction in March is the Kentucky Derby of Churchill Downs in Louisville. The premiere and race-day events bring out visitors, residents, and well-known celebrities from across the world. But the derby isn't just horseracing. You definitely won't want to miss the spectacular premiere festival full of firework displays, concerts, amusement rides, formal affairs, and excitement; and the Hat Parade and Infield Party are expected annual events during derby time. So, place your bets and sit back to watch the memorable occasion while sipping a traditional Mint Julep.
If you miss the Derby races, don't worry there are other renowned racecourses throughout the Bluegrass area to rid that horseracing fever. For instance, Keeneland Race Course near Lexington with its casual atmosphere lines its Thoroughbreds at the starting gate throughout the year for spectators to bet and watch.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Kentucky hosts one of the largest festivals in the country. In August, The Kentucky State Fair kicks off its unforgettable festivities. The fair, housed in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, is four hundred acres and one million square feet of amusement rides, exhibits, foods, crafts, animals, contests, music and games.
Around July, Masterson Station Park hosts its own grand festival, the Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair. With over one hundred rides, fun games, and exciting shows, it will satisfy the "kid" in everyone.
NATIONAL PARKS AND CAVERNS
One of Kentucky's best assets is its many beautiful caverns and parks all of which will leave you with a wilderness experience to cherish.
Mammoth Cave Region located in the Daniel Boone National Forest area consists of a number of phenomenal caverns and recreational parks for outdoor lovers. Take a cave tour or hike the scenic mountain trails, canoe down cool streams, stay in a quaint cabin or rough it by a campfire, you will definitely ease into the peace of the wilderness here.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky is one of the longest recorded cave systems with three hundred and sixty miles of explored and mapped area. This park offers outdoor fun with remarkable cave tours, hiking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking.
You must see the breathtaking avenue that paved the way of the state's early settlements, the Cumberland Gap. Carved by wind and water, this break in the Appalachian Mountain chain is by far the most popular wilderness attraction. Stand on Pinnacle Overlook and view the astonishing countryside of three connecting states: Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Explore the history with a cave tour that sheltered earlier settlers on their journeys or take a tour through the preserved log cabin community of Hensley Settlement. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has much to offer with hiking, camping, horseback riding, nature walks, music, and a museum and theater.
MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SITES
Kentucky isn't lacking in historical sites and museums to honor and preserve the memory of the past.
One well-known museum, the fourth largest of its kind, is the Civil War Museum in Bardstown, Kentucky. Unlike the other known Civil War Museums, this Kentucky pantheon focuses mainly on the war of the western states. The exhibits consist of artifacts of both Union and Confederate Armies. Tour the Pioneer Village, a reproduction of a colonial village with original cabins dating from 1776 to 1820. Honor the soldiers who fought for our freedom from around the world at the War Memorial of Mid America. Admire the women of the Civil War and their personal artifacts. Explore the Wildlife Exhibit of North America's wildlife in their natural habitat. You will leave the museum knowing the Civil War as it was.
It would be a shame to visit this beautiful state and not visit the State Capitol Building in Frankfort, Kentucky. The State Building is open to the public and is considered one the country's most handsome state-houses.
Visit the birthplace of one of our honored presidents, Abraham Lincoln. The log cabin and memorial preservation of our former president's home is exposed to the public. You can stroll or relax in the lovely surrounding park area as well.
White Hall is the historical homestead of Cassius Marcellus Clay, emancipationist, publisher, and Minister to Russia. This unique abode is sometimes called a house within a house after renovating the original Clermont structure by building above and around it. The tour consists of forty-four rooms of the Italianate Mansion, grounds, and gift shop.
Fort Boonesborough in Richmond, Kentucky is an educational and exciting attraction. After the Great Siege, the fort of pioneer legend Daniel Boone remained a stopping point and trade center on the Kentucky River. See how the fort functioned in its time and stay on the campgrounds to explore the museum and shops.
THEME PARKS AND ZOOS
The theme parks and zoos of Kentucky will appease child or adult alike.
For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville is a state of the art amusement park with wild rides and fun events for everyone. Descend one hundred and fifty feet on the Hellavator. Scream your head off on one the worlds wildest stand up rides, the Chang. Make a cool splash on the Mile High Falls. Be amazed by one of the world's most famous wooden roller coasters, Thunder Run. No matter the extent of the ride, you're bound to be excited.
Lions and tigers and bears"¦oh my, the Louisville Zoo has it all at any time of the year. Encounter wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoy the park's exhibits of animal education at its best.
Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky is magical deep-sea fun with its see through floors, walk around exhibits, and underwater tunnels. Become one with the ocean without getting wet in the underwater tunnels. Here, you can view the creatures of the deep in their water habitat without disturbing them.
Rustle up some riding gear for a day of horse fun at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With the majestic bronze Thoroughbred, Man o' War, welcoming visitors at the entrance of this thirty mile white picket fence working horse-farm, you'll realize quickly there is no other horse park like it in the world. The horse park includes walking and riding farm tours, two outstanding museums, twin theaters, and you'll want to stick around for the live horse shows as well as other special events throughout the day.
Okay Mates, Kentucky Down Under in Horse Cave, Kentucky is an Australian adventure you'll want to experience. This Australian themed animal park allows hands-on contact with various animals and activities of the land down under. An addition to the spectaculars of this theme park is the Kentucky Caverns. And you'll want to visit in October so not to miss the Aussie Fest, an enhancement of Australian living in the Bluegrass State.
SPORTS
Though Kentucky doesn't own a professional sports team, the fans rely on minor leagues, colleges, and high schools to satisfy that competitive nature. Whether a Louisville RiverBats baseball game, Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals basketball game, or Kentucky Thoroughblades hockey game, these sports events will bring out fans from all around. Get a charge of excitement first-hand at one of these events.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Kentucky is a place for music lovers from orchestras and symphonies to the opera, and, of course, the nostalgic strands of bluegrass music that takes Kentucky back to the good ole days. Kentucky is known for its variety of music. Enjoy the classic tunes of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra or the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, or choose a more animated show at the Kentucky Opera in Louisville. No matter your taste in music, you'll find anywhere you go in Kentucky will have the sounds you want to hear.
If you're into Shakespeare, you won't want to miss out on one of the oldest free festivals held in the preserved district of Old Louisville. The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is a host of professional actors and technicians to honor and present the works of William Shakespeare. The shows are a performance of the arts that will leave you enthralled for more.
The first weekend of October, impressive artists from across the country exhibit their finest works at the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville. Held in the Old Louisville historic district this art exhibition is considered one the best art shows in the states. Admission is free and it allows you to stroll among the country's largest collection of Victorian homes.
WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES
A growing attraction in Kentucky is touring the many wineries and distilleries throughout the state. Most give history and heritage of a vintage Kentucky with their astounding vineyards and archaic structures. Among some of these popular wineries and distilleries are Barker's Blackberry Hill Winery in Dry Ridge; Chrisman Hill Vineyards in Nicholasville; Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery in Danville; Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont; and Marker's Mark Distillery in Loretto.
With southern comforts and hospitality, unforgettable events, historical landmarks, and natural marvels from one end of the state to the other, Kentucky is a palace of attractions.
