Guide To the Best of Kentucky Beyond the Famous Chicken

When most people think of Kentucky, they think of KFC. The fast food chain did originate from here and is an important part of the state’s heritage (you can visit the Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum on the site of the first KFC restaurant in Corbin), however there is so much more to Kentucky than fried chicken!

From horse-racing to hiking, this state has many claims to fame and is steadily becoming a more popular tourist destination each year. Below are just a few reasons to consider adding Kentucky to your (bargain?) bucket list. 

Bourbon

Heard of ‘The Bourbon Trail’? This is a trail consisting of various bourbon whiskey distilleries throughout Kentucky. Organized tours can take you to a selection of these distilleries where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy tastings. Alternatively, you can design your own tour – allowing you to visit as many distilleries as you desire (there are over 100 bourbon distilleries in Kentucky – more than any other state – so you won’t run out of options!). 

Horse-racing

One of the biggest horse-racing events in the world is held in Kentucky. It’s called the Kentucky Derby and it is the longest-running annual sporting event in the US (it was first established in 1875). Held on the first Saturday of each May at Churchill Downs, this event attracts fans of horse-racing from around the world. Not visiting in May? There are other horse-racing events held at Churchill Downs throughout the year that could provide the opportunity to still experience the thrill of this iconic venue. You can check upcoming events online. 

Hike

Kentucky could be the perfect state to visit for an outdoor adventure. It has miles and miles of scenic hiking trails. Some of the state’s greatest natural wonders include Cumberland Falls (a massive waterfall that is sometimes referred to as the ‘Niagara of the South), Mammoth Cave (the world’s longest cave system) and Natural Bridge (an impressive natural archway made of sandstone). The likes of this RV campground in Murray could be a great place to base your hiking adventures from. 

Bluegrass

Nicknamed the ‘Bluegrass State’, Kentucky is also known for being the birthplace of Bluegrass. This distinct style of Country music merges elements of European folk, blues and jazz – often played entirely on acoustic instruments. Lexington is one of the best cities to visit for live bluegrass (there are also many affordable hotels and restaurants here). The Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame in Owensboro is also worth exploring to learn about the history of this lively style of music. 

Lincoln

Arguably the US’s most famous president, Abraham Lincoln, was born and raised in Kentucky. You can visit his humble childhood home at Knob Creek within Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park, as well as learning about the president’s extraordinary life at the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville. There are many other Lincoln-related attractions throughout the state, as well as Civil War attractions for those interested in history from this period (such as Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Mill Springs Battlefield).