So I Went to Kentucky…and Forgot I Was Supposed to Be On a Trip

Okay, full confession: before I boarded the plane to Kentucky, I was low-key like, Kentucky? Isn’t that just bourbon and horses and…well, more horses? But my trip turned into one of those “I never knew I needed this until it happened” experiences. Let me spill on how Kentucky both met—and completely redefined—my expectations.

A Morning Among Legends

I popped over to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington—essentially an equine Disneyland that doubles as a living museum devoted to celebrating the deep bond between people and horses throughout history. I wandered through the International Museum of the Horse, learned stuff I never knew, then strolled into the Hall of Champions where actual retired racing legends just chill in glory (think Derby winners, Preakness stars, you name it).

I also walked the peaceful grounds where icons like Man o’ War, the greatest warhorse of all time, and Isaac Murphy, the first African-American jockey inducted into the hall of fame, are laid to rest. That moment was quiet, beautiful, and downright powerful.  The park isn't just about horses—it’s about the people and cultures that built this tradition, and seeing that history honored here was unforgettable.

Unexpected Flavors of Kentucky

Now let’s talk about the food because Kentucky is way more than fried chicken clichés (you should still try KFC if you’re in Kentucky…I promise it tastes different there). If you’re eating your way through the Bluegrass State, there are a few dishes you simply can’t skip. First up is beer cheese, that addictive spread of cheddar, beer, garlic, and spices that Kentuckians treat like liquid gold (there’s even a festival for it every summer).

At a tasting event, I met Kathy, the creator behind award-winning Howard’s Creek beer cheese—yes, award-winning. Spoiler alert: the moment I tasted her version, I understood the obsession. Then there’s burgoo, a thick, stick-to-your-ribs stew made with a medley of meats and vegetables that’s practically a rite of passage to try. Of course, you have to try the Hot Brown, Louisville’s open-faced sandwich piled high with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, and Derby Pie, the chocolate-and-walnut dessert that has become a Kentucky signature (and the perfect way to end any meal).

Kentucky aka Bourbon Country

Kentucky isn’t bourbon country for no reason. If you’re in Kentucky you have to go on a bourbon whiskey distillery tour. While in Bardstown, I visited Heaven Hill Distillery and learned so much about bourbon. I also learned that my favorite bourbon is their Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Straight Bourbon (2024 Edition). I never even had a favorite bourbon before arriving in Kentucky. You also have to try an Old Fashioned cocktail, which was created in the 1800s in Kentucky and having it at the world’s oldest bourbon bar, The Old Talbott Tavern, makes it more special. Kentucky’s food and drink scene feels like one long invitation—with influence and tradition that inspire the world and have been perfected for generations.

Adventures Underground and Above Ground

Kentucky surprised me with how much it has going on beneath the surface—literally. Though Kentucky is known for Mammoth Cave, the world’s largest cave, there are many other less known cave systems that deserve recognition. In Horse Cave, I explored Hidden River Cave & the American Cave Museum, where you step straight from Main Street into a massive underground world. Later, in Bowling Green, I hopped on a guided boat tour at Lost River Cave, gliding through cool, dark passages that felt like a secret slice of nature right under the city. It was eerie, beautiful, and one of those pinch-me moments where you realize Kentucky’s landscape is way more diverse than you thought. My inner speleologist was beyond pleased.

History, Cars, and Rails

Kentucky isn’t shy about its history, and I found myself face-to-face with some pretty iconic spots. At the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, I got a glimpse of the humble roots that shaped one of America’s most famous presidents. Then in Bowling Green, things shifted gears—literally—at the National Corvette Museum, a pilgrimage site for anyone who loves cars (and even for people like me who just like things that go fast and shiny). To balance that out, I checked out the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, which was like stepping back into a golden age of travel when trains were the ultimate way to see the country.

Kentucky, I’ll Be Back

So what did I learn? Kentucky is not a one-trick pony. Sure, it’s famous for its horses (and yes, those majestic creatures really are a sight to behold), but it’s also a place rich with food traditions, layered history, and unexpected experiences that pull you in deeper than you’d expect. I came in thinking I might just see a few horses and sip a mint julep, but what I found was a brilliant mash-up of heritage, flavor, and authenticity. I left with three new goals: come back for a bowl of burgoo (the one I took to-go ended up forgotten in my rental car overnight, and by the time I realized, it was too late to grab another serving of this Kentucky classic), explore more of Kentucky’s incredible caves beyond the ones I saw this trip, and spend more time wandering through the small towns and hidden gems that give the Bluegrass State its heart. I also just added the Kentucky Derby to my travel bucket list, because this trip sparked something deeper in me— and I want to see more. Kentucky, you’ve got me hooked.

Check out my FREE downloadable itinerary to see everything I did in Kentucky—and to inspire your own Kentucky adventure.