Kentucky Horse Country

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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Trip Inspiration

Calling All Foodies for Amazing Culinary Experiences in Kentucky

State Wide

If you’re vacationing in Kentucky, you’ll create wonderful memories as you wind your way from one side of the Bluegrass State to the other. The question now is, what are you going to eat?

Whether you love down-home cooking or palate-pushing adventures, Kentucky has what you’re looking for.

 

Load up on carbs after climbing and exploring the wilderness of Red River Gorge at Miguel’s Pizza in Slade. For three decades, Miguel Ventura and his family have been serving nature and climbing enthusiasts with a “choose you own adventure” approach to pizza making, where you’re only limited by your own imagination.

 

 

Heading west and in the mood for a snack and soda? Stop in Winchester and try one of Kentucky’s favorite beverages, Ale-8-One. A ginger and citrus-flavored soft drink developed in 1926 by Winchester’s own G.L. Wainscott, Ale-8-One has been refreshing Kentucky natives for generations. The company store is fully stocked and worth the trip.

Want something to go with that soda? Check out any one of 15 stops on the Beer Cheese Trail winding in and around Winchester. Those who really love the native delicacy can grab a digital beer cheese passport.

 

Don’t leave the Lexington area without visiting any one of the nine restaurants in the Holly Hill portfolio. Owned by Lexington native and nationally-renowned chef, Ouita Michel, each one offers a unique take on local farm-to-table cuisine. Enjoy an artisan hamburger at Windy Corner. Or, go on a culinary adventure in Michel’s flagship restaurant, Holly Hill Inn in Midway. There’s a restaurant that suits every taste.

 

Continue west down Interstate 64 to Louisville and find 610 Magnolia. Since 2003, Chef Edward Lee has built a name for himself and his city as a leader in boundary-pushing southern fusion cuisine that brings tastes from all over the globe. The food is made even better by the surroundings. Set in Oldtown Louisville, the restaurant is contemporary yet rustic, and elegant with original wooden beams, mullioned windows and French doors that open seasonally to an outdoor garden patio.

 

You can’t pass through Bourbon Country without stopping by Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World”. Whether you’re after a unique tasting experience, a fantastic meal, or both, area distilleries have you covered.

 

Independent and family owned since 1936, the Willett Distillery has the best of both worlds. With tours and tastings, and an onsite restaurant offering seasonal small plates and a full cocktail bar, it’s definitely a one-stop shop. History buffs should be sure to stop by Talbott Tavern, one of the oldest American bourbon bars. Since 1779, the tavern has been host to presidents, pioneers and outlaws. Now you can be a part of that history as you enjoy a cocktail and meal while taking in the old-world ambiance.

 

If you continue west, you’ll eventually find yourself in the charming river city of Paducah. Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah offers a variety of culinary options, including Kirchhoff’s Bakery. This legendary establishment has been supplying the city with sweet and savory baked goods since 1873. With its downtown location, it’s the perfect place to grab a loaf of fresh baked bread or a massive fried green tomato BLT as you picnic on the riverbank and watch the barges steam past.

 

These experiences are just the tip of the culinary iceberg in the Bluegrass State. No matter where you find yourself, you’ll never be far from a great meal and an even better experience.

Author Information

Ben Mackin holding a coffee cup while making a strange face.

Ben Mackin

Ben Mackin is a communications specialist for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  Before joining KDT, Ben worked as a staff writer and freelancer for a number of publications including the Vicksburg Post, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily and the State Journal in Frankfort. 

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