Every work of art is a story, and Kentucky has many to tell. Our rich heritage of craftmaking goes all the way back to the pioneer days of the Commonwealth, when settlers living on the frontier learned to make the things they wanted or needed, and then passed those skills down through the generations. These traditions still thrive today, with a new class of Kentucky artisans crafting handmade music instruments, sculptures, intricate quilts, ceramics and pottery, textiles, paintings and many more objects of art.

Visit Berea, the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” for charming shops selling some of the finest folk art Kentucky has to offer, and stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea to peruse the work of more than 800 Kentucky artists. Travel to western Kentucky to discover just why Paducah has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, from the historic floodwall murals along the riverfront to the eclectic studios of the Lower Town Arts District. And other arts destinations, including the Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman and the annual Kentucky Crafted Market, provide even more opportunities for visitors to bring home magnificent art and a fascinating story or two. 

And if contemporary art is more your style, don’t miss KMAC and the 21C Museum Hotels in Louisville and Lexington, which showcase eclectic exhibitions from global artists. 

New: . The Stephen Rolfe Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden and Outdoor Classroom at Centre College in Danville, conceptualized and led by one of Powell’s former students, Brook Forrest White Jr., owner of Flame Run Hot Shop and Gallery in Louisville, features a 25-foot-tall sculpture that spectators can walk through, as well as a garden and an outdoor classroom. The memorial serves as an endearing reminder of the Kentucky artist’s legacy by creating a landmark where visitors can experience and appreciate his profound impact on glass art, not only as an arts professor but as a preeminent artist of world acclaim.

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History and Hiking from Bardstown to Henderson

Bourbon, Horses & History Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ

Influencer Sara Lesire and her “Midwest Nomad Family” are known for their family trips and travels. Lesire and her crew recently hit the road from their home in St. Louis on a journey through central Kentucky.  

 

Follow along with their adventure for inspiration for your next trip! Below, we’ve detailed how you, your family and friends can experience each stop.

 

Day 1

 

First stop: Bardstown! Check into the mid-century-inspired Bardstown Motor Lodge. This throwback hotel is a quintessential Kentucky road trip accommodation. Choose from king, queen and double queen guest rooms, as well as king suites and accessible rooms. With a pool — and a pool bar for the parents (we recommend the bourbon slushy!) — a courtyard with firepits and a rec room filled with games, Bardstown Motor Lodge brings the fun.

 

Hungry? Fill up on steak burgers, sandwiches, Southern kitchen dinners and more at Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar. After dinner, browse the chocolates, jams, syrups and sauces from the General Store. Around the corner, check out the styles, fashions and accessories of Christy’s Collections Three Generations Beautique.

 

Day 2


Bernheim Forest Photo Credit: @midwestnomadfamily

The next morning, gear up for some outdoor fun at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest in Clermont. From the Forest Giants sculptures and the Canopy Tree Walk to the sensory garden and meditation trail, this 16,000+-acre forest offers a tranquil nature retreat.

 

 

For lunch, venture to James B. Beam Distilling Co. The Kitchen Table shares recipes and Beam family traditions for a truly Kentucky culinary experience. Pair snacks and sharables, like the spice pork rinds, pulled pork empanadas and duck poppers, with delicious entrees, including smoked brisket and fried catfish. And, of course, adults are welcome to cocktails and bourbon flights. This is Kentucky, after all.

 

Get a history lesson in Hodgenville at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. See where the 16th president was born before walking the 56 steps (one for each year of Lincoln’s life) up to the original Lincoln Memorial building. That’s right! This one predates the famed monument in Washington, D.C.

 

Head over to Leitchfield and drop your bags at the Alexander Hotel. Located on the second floor of the renovated historic Alexander Building, this charming loft-style hotel features seven curated modern suites with classic touches. Larger groups are even invited to rent the entire floor when available. Then, head downstairs to Steak & Stone for fire-baked pizza, sizzling steaks, Italian favorites and a selection of Kentucky bourbon and craft cocktails.

 

Day 3

Dunmor is an excellent stop for a morning at the park. Kids will love “meeting” the Malone family at Lake Malone State Park. You can join this larger-than-life Big Twigs family of sculptures partaking in their favorite activities around the park. Lake Malone is perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. The easy hiking trails are ideal for family treks, too. You earned a hot meal after working up a sweat at the park. Grab pizza, stromboli, wings and Ohio River views at Henderson’s Rockhouse on the River.

 

After lunch, go hiking, birding or fishing at John James Audubon State Park. Stop by the Nature Center for wildlife presentations and environmental programs before touring the Audubon Museum, which details the life of artist and naturalist John James Audubon and his works.

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