Equestrian Experiences

Equestrian experiences abound in the Bluegrass State — the bright green grass perfect for grazing grows abundantly in our pastures. Go horseback riding through Daniel Boone National Forest or Mammoth Cave National Park. Tour a horse farm (more than 400 in the Lexington area alone!) and spend time with a titleholder-in-training or Kentucky Derby horses retired to stud. And don’t miss the high-stepping hoofbeats heard ‘round Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, each August during the Shelbyville Horse Show.

From the legendary Kentucky Derby to the one-of-a-kind Kentucky Horse Park, it’s undeniable that Kentucky’s horse culture has the inside track.
The first Saturday in May attracts more than 150,000 fans to Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby, “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but every day is Derby Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, take in the 360-degree film and take a guided visit to the Churchill Downs track.

The renowned Louisville course isn’t the only place to hear and feel the thundering of hooves. Keeneland in Lexington is a National Historic Landmark; it’s hosted spring and fall thoroughbred races since the 1930s, and today spectators tailgate on “The Hill” with fare from food trucks while live bluegrass plays in the background.

Other horse racing courses are sprinkled around the state, and for something a little different check out harness racing at Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington. The second-oldest harness track in the world, the clay-course Red Mile attracts more than 18,000 fans to its season, July through the second week of October.

At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, celebrate local horse heritage every day. See American Saddlebreds to Old Kentucky Saddlers being trained and groomed in the Breeds Barn. Admire retired racehorses in the Hall of Champions. Take a trail ride on horseback or saddle up the kids for pony rides. Attend equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage and polo.

Even if you don’t come to Kentucky a horse lover, you’ll almost certainly leave as one.

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Top Dining & Distillery Experiences in Bardstown

Bourbon, Horses & History

There’s a lot to love about Bardstown, Kentucky. Some come for the history and some come for the food, but most come for the bourbon. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World”®, Bardstown is home to a distinguished collection of world-famous distilleries, as well as a number of newer craft distilleries.

Here’s our guide to a few of Bardstown’s must-see distilleries, along with some other places you won’t want to miss while you’re in town.

Bardstown Bourbon Company™

Set on 100 acres of active farmland, this American whiskey and bourbon destination experience features a state-of-the-art distillery, vintage whiskey library and a unique educational experience. End your visit with a meal at The Kitchen and Bar, which offers expertly crafted cocktails and superb food in a hip, modern setting. (Hint: try the boozy milkshakes!)

Willett Distillery

Independent and family-owned since 1936, the historic Willett Distillery specializes in handcrafted, small-batch and single-barrel selections of distilled spirits. Visitors to its historic property can choose from more than a dozen different tour and tasting experiences, including access to specialty products like the elegant Willett® Pot Still Reserve.

Lux Row Distillers™

One of Bardstown’s newest distilleries, Lux Row blends timeless craft and modern innovation to create some of Kentucky’s most regarded bourbon brands, including Rebel Yell®, Ezra Brooks®, David Nicholson® and Blood Oath. With a 43-foot custom copper still, six barrel warehouses and the capabilities to produce 3 million gallons of spirit a year, Lux Row Distillers is a must-see.

Talbott Tavern

Built in 1779, the historic stone building that houses this tavern is one of the oldest western stagecoach stops in America and, as such, welcomed a parade of visitors ranging from kings and presidents to pioneers and renegades. Overnight rooms are named after famous (or infamous) guests of the tavern – including Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone and Jesse James – and are furnished with period antiques and modern amenities.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Explore more than 15,000 acres of Kentucky’s beautiful outdoors through 40 miles of hiking and biking trails in this pristine national forest. For the best views, check out the elevated Canopy Walk and climb the 961-foot fire tower. Wrap it up with a visit to the LEED-Certified Nature Center, where you can take a peek at the Edible Garden and hit Isaac’s Café to sample the flavors of the forest’s bounty.

With so much to see, sip and do in Bardstown, our advice is to pour a drink and start planning your getaway today!