From Louisville to Bardstown, discover multifaceted history, cutting-edge cuisine, exciting attractions, world-famous bourbon distilleries and a little race called the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky’s rich past and vibrant present are on proud display in the Bourbon, Horses & History region. Built on the falls of the Ohio River, Louisville is Kentucky's largest city, but it has all the friendliness of a small town. Churchill Downs is the iconic backdrop of the Kentucky Derby, the first race in the Triple Crown series. Sip the finest bourbon in the world at more than 40 top-shelf bars and distilleries on Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail®. Visit world-class attractions such as the Louisville ZooLouisville Slugger Museum & Factory and MEGA Cavern, the world's only fully underground zipline. Kentucky Kingdom has thrill seeking rides and fun for the family. Play in the city’s entertainment districts, humming with live music and nightlife.

More Things to Do in the Bourbon, Horses & History Region

Want to explore the lives of two great Americans? Abraham Lincoln hails from this region, and you can learn about his formative years at sites along the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail. Muhammad Ali was born less than 100 miles away in Louisville, and many of his "greatest" achievements are on display at the Muhammad Ali Center. Throughout Louisville, markers commemorate important Kentucky sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

 

Louisville is the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which rolls on through towns like Clermont (home to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. American Outpost) and historic Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Here you can sample award-winning spirits from nine legendary distilleries, including Willett, Preservation and Four Roses. While you’re in the area, browse antiques in Elizabethtown and discover a different kind of spirit on a Bardstown ghost tour. Cruising through Oldham County, the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky, an incredible meal at the new farm-to-table restaurant Barn8 & Bourbon Bar is a must. See the stables of Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, and squeeze in a little retail therapy at the Outlet Shoppes of The Bluegrass.

Trip Inspiration

 

 

 

 

Horses, Hats & Bourbon With Claudia Coffey

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