100th Anniversary of The Great Gatsby
April 2025 we celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, travelers are invited to explore Kentucky through the lens of this classic American novel. From the elegance of Louisville to the intrigue of Newport's gangster past, and the aristocratic traditions of Lexington’s famed horse culture, Kentucky offers a journey filled with both glamour and mystery. Whether visiting world-renowned distilleries or attending races, the spirit of decadence and refined beauty that echoes through Fitzgerald’s nostalgic masterpiece comes alive in the Bluegrass State.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Kentucky Connection
F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, was inspired by his wife Zelda Sayre, whose family had deep Southern roots, including connections to Kentucky. Zelda’s charm and Southern elegance were reflected in the characters and settings Fitzgerald crafted, including the glamorous and tragic Daisy Buchanan.
Daisy Buchanan’s Kentucky Heritage
Daisy Buchanan, a central character in The Great Gatsby, is described as being from Louisville, Kentucky. Her upbringing in a wealthy Southern family plays a crucial role in her character development, embodying the grace, charm, and allure often associated with the old Southern aristocracy.
Louisville’s Southern Elegance
Louisville, as portrayed in The Great Gatsby, is depicted as a city of social status and refinement. Visitors to Louisville today can still experience this sense of grandeur, from the historic mansions of Old Louisville to the elegance of events like the Kentucky Derby, which mirror the high society events in the novel.
Romantic Settings: The Seelbach Hotel
The iconic Seelbach Hotel in Louisville is where Jay Gatsby and Daisy first met in the novel. The hotel, with its opulent Gilded Age architecture, is one of Louisville's most historic landmarks. Visitors can take a step back in time and relive this classic literary moment by staying at or visiting the hotel, which still exudes the Roaring Twenties' glamour.
Horse Racing and Kentucky’s Aristocratic Roots
Like Gatsby’s fascination with wealth and status, Kentucky's association with horse racing—particularly the Kentucky Derby or Keeneland racing—reflects the aristocratic traditions of the South. Horse racing has long been a symbol of wealth, society, and exclusivity, mirroring the opulent parties in The Great Gatsby. Visitors to Kentucky can experience this elite culture firsthand by attending the Derby or visiting horse farms across Lexington. For an added touch of refinement, they can explore the Lexington Polo Club, where polo matches offer a glimpse into the sport of kings. This connection to the world of polo echoes the character of Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s wealthy and imposing husband, who played polo himself as part of his elite, old-money lifestyle. Like Tom, Kentucky’s polo tradition adds a layer of prestige and competition to the state’s equestrian heritage.
Bluegrass Beauty and Old Money Charm
Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region offers stunning landscapes that parallel the wealth and beauty described in The Great Gatsby. Driving through the region’s rolling hills and visiting grand horse farms, such as the historic Ashford Stud, evokes the sense of old money and inherited wealth central to the novel’s themes.
The Gangster Walking Tour in Newport
While The Great Gatsby paints a picture of wealth and decadence, it also hints at the darker side of the American Dream. Visitors can explore this theme through Newport’s Gangster Walking Tour, which uncovers the Prohibition-era underground scene. During the Roaring Twenties, when Gatsby’s lavish parties were in full swing, Newport was a hotbed of illicit activity, including speakeasies and bootleggers. Among the figures featured on the tour is George Remus, the infamous “King of the Bootleggers,” who built a bourbon empire, amassing enormous wealth and power. The tour offers a glimpse into the underworld of the time, connecting visitors with the era’s rebellious spirit and the intrigue of gangster life that paralleled Fitzgerald’s themes of excess and moral decay.
Nostalgia on the Ohio: Riverboat Cruises
Much like Gatsby’s longing gaze across the water, visitors to Kentucky can experience the romance and nostalgia of a riverboat cruise along the Ohio River. The scenic journey evokes The Great Gatsby's themes of beauty, ambition, and the fleeting nature of the American Dream. Cruises such as those offered by the Belle of Louisville and BB Riverboats allow travelers to drift back to the Roaring Twenties, taking in the timeless views and refined atmosphere that recall the allure and charm of Fitzgerald’s era.
Culinary and Social Connections
The parties in The Great Gatsby were known for their lavish displays of food and drink. Kentucky, home to the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and classic Southern cuisine, offers visitors a chance to indulge in this same spirit of luxury. Whether sipping bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery or enjoying a refined meal at one of Louisville’s top restaurants, visitors can experience the indulgent lifestyle that Fitzgerald so masterfully depicted.