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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP
TRAVEL KENTUCKY AND CELEBRATE WHAT WE’RE FAMOUS FOR. Kentuckians are proud of our state and we celebrate that
the International Bar-B-Que Festival (Owensboro),
the Commonwealth is the Horse Capital of the World,
Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown) and World
produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, is home to
Chicken Festival (London). World-renowned chefs and
the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave,
artists live and ply their trade here. Kentucky’s outdoor
and is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad
adventures are spectacular, from large lakes for boating
Ali and Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music.
and fishing to 12,000 miles of trails for hikers, bikers
We also play host to large music and food festivals
and equestrians to world-class rock climbing in Red
including Great Inland Seafood Festival (Newport),
River Gorge. Plan a trip to experience Kentucky.
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KENTUCKY LIVING • APRIL 2015
HORSES
This farm is a Thoroughbred rescue/retirement facility
Get up close and personal with over 40 breeds of
that specializes in adopting stallions, many of whom
horses at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington,
are pensioned champions. The only non-Thoroughbred
where horses of all breeds and types are honored.
on the farm is their equine mascot, Little Silver Charm,
In addition to visiting the horses on this working
who has his own Facebook page.
horse farm, your ticket also grants admission to the International Museum of the Horse, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the American Saddlebred Museum and a number of equine presentations including the Horses of the World. Retired racing champions receive visitors at their home
Soak up the heritage as you go to the backside for breakfast at the Track Kitchen and watch the morning workouts at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington. While you rub shoulders with owners, trainers, jockeys and others in the horse racing industry, you may just witness a future champion working out on the course.
on the Old Friends Farm near Georgetown. W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • A P R I L 2 0 1 5
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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP Explore the history and pageantry of one of the world’s most famous horse races at the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs in Louisville. The museum shares the fun of the Kentucky Derby experience year-round. Kentuckians know that “our Derby” is much more than a 2-minute race. If you’d like to mount up and take a ride, stables can be found in communities throughout the state or, if you prefer to bring your own steed, several trail systems feature horse camps. Many horse farms allow tours, but call ahead to make arrangements. Thoroughbred farms are clustered in the Bluegrass Region in and around Lexington, while farms breeding and
Experience another story with a visit to Buffalo Trace
training American Saddlebreds, the stars of the show ring,
Distillery, the oldest continuously producing distillery
are mostly located in Shelby County.
in America. During Prohibition, the distillery, located on the banks of the Kentucky River in Frankfort,
Top equine events include race meets at all of Kentucky’s five
was allowed to remain open to produce whiskey for
Thoroughbred tracks, the Lexington Junior League Horse
“medicinal purposes.”
Show, Shelbyville Horse Show and the World Championship Horse Show held annually at the Kentucky State Fair.
Kentucky’s bourbon heritage is not exclusive to the distilleries across the state. Book a tour of Kentucky
BOURBON
Cooperage in Lebanon, where new charred oak barrels
Explore the rich tradition and proud history at the
are crafted for bourbon production, take in the nightlife
stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Kentucky
along the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville or visit in
Bourbon Trail® Craft Tour. Eighteen distilleries, from
September to be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
massive to boutique, welcome visitors along the trail.
in the Bourbon Capital of the World®, Bardstown.
ARTS AND MUSIC
Paducah has been named a UNESCO Creative City of
Berea, built around historic Berea College, is home to
Crafts & Folk Art. The LowerTown Arts District is a
a thriving population of artisans including weavers,
20-block historic neighborhood featuring shops, art
instrument makers, jewelry designers, glass workers,
galleries and studios. Some of the artists offer classes,
potters, painters, sculptors and musicians. Many have
and the Paducah School of Art and Design hosts
shops and studios where you can watch them work. The
exhibits by nationally renowned artists throughout the
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea showcases works by
year. The National Quilt Museum of the U.S. is one of
over 700 Kentucky artisans.
Kentucky’s top museums. It’s really a fine art museum
Berea also hosts the Festival of Learnshops and a series
where artists have used fabric to create their masterpieces.
of Hands-on Workshops (HOW) that give visitors the
Kentucky’s musical heritage is celebrated throughout
opportunity to craft a piece of art with guidance from
the state. The Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
the artisans who conduct the sessions.
presents live music shows, including concerts of country W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • A P R I L 2 0 1 5
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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP OUTDOORS With our accessible location, diverse landscapes, rolling streams and large lakes, Kentucky offers abundant opportunities for the outdoor adventure of your choice. Kentucky Trail Towns, located along or near major trail systems, are a great place to begin your adventure. Whether you are looking to make a splash on the water or guide your way through a trail-blazing adventure on land, you don’t have to look far for the perfect destination. Thousands of miles of waterways flow through the state, creating great escapes for those yearning to embark on a paddling adventure. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting opportunities are available for any skill set. Kentucky’s many lakes are great places for music headliners, from April-December. The Kentucky
fishing and boating.
Music Museum and Hall of Fame (Renfro Valley), the U.S. 23 Country Music Museum (Prestonsburg), and the
Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks offer family-friendly
International Bluegrass Music Museum (Owensboro)
lodging and activities that make it easy to plan an
illuminate Kentucky’s musical stories. WoodSongs
adventure getaway. Recreational parks and historic sites
Old-Time Radio Hour tapes before a live audience in
offer camping.
Lexington, and many towns feature musical jam sessions on a regular basis. Many Kentucky communities play host to annual music festivals featuring all types of music. Some of the major festivals Kentucky is known for include: ROMP Bluegrass Roots and Branches Festival (Owensboro), Master Musicians Festival (Somerset), Abbey Road on the River and Forecastle Festival (Louisville).
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KENTUCKY LIVING • APRIL 2015
FOOD AND DRINK Great food from small diners (Wagner’s Pharmacy, Louisville) to western Kentucky style Bar-B-Que (Brother’s Bar-B-Que, Madisonville) to fine dining (Blue Raven, Pikeville) can be found in small towns and urban centers throughout Kentucky. Ask the locals for a recommendation. Wineries also dot the landscape. Did you know that the first U.S. commercial vineyard and winery was in Kentucky? First Vineyard and Winery (Nicholasville), has been restored and is open for tours. Check out Kentucky’s vibrant culinary scene at KentuckyCuisine.com. The attractions and events listed here are only the beginning. Celebrate all things Kentucky and start planning an action-packed getaway today at www.KentuckyTourism.com.
W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • A P R I L 2 0 1 5
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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP
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CAVE CITY FOR UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE AND ABOVEGROUND FUN
9
BASK IN OUR BOUNDLESS CHARMS
Visit the Cave and Zipline Capital of Kentucky! Visit Mother Nature’s subterranean billion-year-old art and aboveground terrain from the treetops. CaveCity.com
270.773.8833
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RICHMOND – WHERE HISTORY COMES ALIVE Off I-75 near Lexington, beautiful Central Kentucky: Gibson Bay Golf Course, Fort Boonesborough, White Hall State Historic House, Hummel Planetarium, historic downtown shopping, walking tours and a Civil War battlefield! FREE GUIDE!
richmondkytourism.com
800.866. 3705
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KENTUCKY LIVING • APRIL 2015
Equine Activities • Minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park • Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm • Horseback Riding and Horse Farm Tours Picturesque Downtown • Antique & Specialty Shops • Scott County Arts and Cultural Center • Georgetown/Scott County Museum • Cafes and One-of-a-kind Restaurants • Royal Spring Branch Distillery Outdoor Activities • Elkhorn Creek Corridor Trail System • Elkhorn Creek, a Perfect Waterway for Canoeing, Kayaking and Fishing • 38th Annual Horsey Hundred Bicycling Rally, Memorial Weekend Other Charming Attractions • Yuko-En Japanese Friendship Garden • Golf Courses • Barn Quilt Trail • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, KY, Inc. Tours • Nearby Wineries and Bourbon Distilleries • 14 Affordable Hotels & 60+ Restaurants GeorgetownKy.com
888.863.8600
Georgetown Tourist Information Center 399 Outlet Center Drive Georgetown, KY
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HERE, DEVICES GET UNPLUGGED AND FAMILIES GET RECHARGED
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE WESTERN KENTUCKY BARBECUE
Cadiz/Lake Barkley is the friendliest vacation spot that allows your nature-loving family to reconnect—and you to relax, knowing the kids are safe and having a great time without their phones.
Come experience Western Kentucky’s unique style of barbecue. The region is home to 15+ barbecue restaurants and the International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro, the largest BBQ festival in the Commonwealth!
GoCadiz.com/Family
BBBregion.com
Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission
112 North Main Street Greenville, KY 42345
888.446.6402
270.338.1895
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ENJOY A LITTLE BIT OF SCOTLAND IN KENTUCKY
DISCOVER YOUR ADVENTURE IN LAUREL COUNTY!
Celebrate the 30th Annual Glasgow Highland Games from May 29-31 near Glasgow, Kentucky! Professional Scottish athletes toss stones and poles. Enjoy bagpipe music, Scottish folk songs and food, clan tents, vendors’ wares and a tug-of-war between the youth and Clan Wallace. It’s a mix of history and fun! Please join us!
Seeking all energetic outdoor explorers who like to bike, hike, fish, hunt, boat, swim, canoe, kayak, drive or whatever. Discover your adventurous side in London, KY, your “Crossroads to Adventure!”
visitglasgowbarren.com
laurelkytourism.com
800.264.3161
800.348.0095
W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • A P R I L 2 0 1 5
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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP
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THERE’S SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL ABOUT A SMALL TOWN.
COME EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S ORIGINAL WINE COUNTRY
We’re not just any small town. We’re Bardstown, KY—the Bourbon Capital of the World® and the most beautiful small town in America, according to Rand McNally and USA Today. Whether you like sightseeing, shopping, historical tours or distillery tours— there’s always something fun to do in beautifully charming Bardstown.
In 1798, John James Dufour established the nation’s first vineyard on the banks of the Kentucky River. That old-world heritage is alive today at the Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest, May 30. visitnich.com
859.887.4351
Nicholasville Tourism Commission 508 North Main St., Suite A Nicholasville, KY 40356
visitbardstown.com
800.638.4877
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A SIMPLE LITTLE TRIP FOR A RELAXING GETAWAY. • Pine Knob Theatre
• Freedom & Fiddlin’
• Blackrock Motorcross
• Leitchfield Aquatic Center
• Rough River Lake
ADVENTURE AROUND EVERY CURVE New experiences include highperformance fun at the NCM Motorsports Park, fine art at the Downing Museum at the Baker Arboretum, and five additional rides at Beech Bend Park.
• Nolin Lake visitgrayson.com
270.259.2735
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KENTUCKY LIVING • APRIL 2015
VisitBGKY.com
800.326.7465
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KENTUCKY LAKE, THE SOUTH’S GREAT LAKE Kentucky Lake is what so many vacation spots used to be. Quiet. Idyllic. Restful. Beyond our shores are thousands of acres of nature, quaint towns and family-run resorts and restaurants. Discover what makes Kentucky Lake so great. kentuckylake.org
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HEART OF KENTUCKY BOURBON, BARRELS AND BACKWOODS GLAMPING Lebanon is the heart of Kentucky and the heart of outdoor adventure! Lebanon is home to numerous hiking and biking trails. Or spend the night and “glamp” in one of our unique treehouses! If you are looking for a unique outdoor experience, we are the place. visitlebanonky.com
800.467.7145
270.692.0021
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HIKE, RUN OR RIDE 40 MILES OF TRAILS Visit The Preserve at Shaker Village! Home to Old Fort Harrod State Park, Bright Leaf Golf Resort, Big Red Stables, Twin Hills Drive-In Theatre & the Beaumont Inn.
HarrodsburgKy.com
800.355.9192
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DINE IN SIMPSONVILLE AND SHELBYVILLE! Ready for a culinary adventure? Grab your appetite and head to Shelbyville and Simpsonville, a foodie’s dream off I-64 between Louisville and Lexington. Rich with history, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World has shops aplenty – downtown and at the Outlet Shoppes – Southern hospitality to spare, and nowhere-else dining experiences. VisitShelbyKy.com
502.633.6388
W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • A P R I L 2 0 1 5
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#TRAVELKY kentuckytourism.com • 1-800-225-TRIP
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SMILE! YOU’RE ON LAKE CUMBERLAND 33
WILLIAMSBURG, KENTUCKY “GATEWAY TO THE CUMBERLANDS” Nestled in the foothills of Daniel Boone country, Williamsburg is the other “Historic Williamsburg,” where Daniel Boone and Thomas Walker once camped along the banks of one of nature’s greatest wonders, Cumberland Falls. The Falls is the “Niagara of the South” and home of the only moonbow in North America. Williamsburg offers modern wonders such as Splash Water Park, Wipeout Wave Pool, Lazy Castaway River, miniature golf, Thunder Road Go-Karts, batting cages and a golf driving range. It’s the home of the University of the Cumberlands, which hosts many educational, athletic, cultural, and social events. From outdoor sports such as fishing, hunting, canoeing, whitewater rafting and four-wheeling to camping and hiking, Williamsburg has it all. Old Fashioned Trading Days Festival is held annually during early September. You can find crafts, country and gospel music, and the best variety of food around. williamsburgky.com
800.552.0530
Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Commission 650 South 10th Street • Williamsburg, KY 40769
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KENTUCKY LIVING • APRIL 2015
Discover a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with great music at the Somernites Cruise Car Show in Somerset, the Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky! Join us every fourth Saturday, April through October.
lakecumberlandtourism.com • 800.642.6287 Somerset-Pulaski County Convention and Visitors Bureau
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SPRINGFIELD See Springfield to reconnect with friends for a unique, authentic small-town Kentucky experience. This college town boasts theatre, art, alpacas and locally crafted wine. See you at seespringfieldky.com
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CIVIL WAR ENTHUSIAST? SPECTATORS AND REENACTORS WELCOME!
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JIM BEAM COUNTRY & BERNHEIM FOREST
White Plains Civil War Festival April 25 – 26, 2015 21st Annual “Forrest’s First” Battle of Sacramento May 15 – 17, 2015
Wine & Whiskey Trail features 4 award-winning wineries, Jim Beam Great American Stillhouse and Four Roses Distillery and Warehousing. Bernheim Forest offers over 14,000 acres, lakes and a visitor center.
visitmadisonvilleky.com
JimBeamCountry.com
877.243.5280
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BEER CHEESE TRAIL AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Trek eight one-of-a-kind eateries, try eight beer cheese recipes and conquer Winchester’s Beer Cheese Trail! Home to KY River kayaking, Lower Howard’s Creek Nature Preserve and Ale-8-One tours.
TourWinchester.com
800.526.2068
800.298.9105
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VISIT GRAYSON, KENTUCKY Enjoy the local festivals, arts, history and recreational activities of nearby Carter Caves, Greenbo and Grayson Lake State Parks. heartoftheparks.com 200 N. Carol Malone Blvd, Grayson
CENTRAL CITY – THE PLACE WE CALL HOME Located in famous Muhlenberg County, Central City has a rich heritage of music and is home to The Everly Brothers, Merle Travis, John Prine, and James Best. Tour the Muhlenberg County Music Museum and see the monument that pays homage to Don & Phil. tourcentralcity.com
270.754.9603
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