Known for bourbon, bluegrass, and exquisite farmland, Kentucky is stuffed with character and appeal! Bordered by seven states, together with Indiana and Ohio, whereas it’s not a high vacationer spot, it has some hidden gems value discovering. Here are my favourite locations to discover within the Bluegrass State…
1. Cumberland Falls
This is a jaw-dropping pure attraction! Located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park within the southeastern a part of the state (close to the town of Corbin), I personally assume these falls are significantly spectacular in addition to very photogenic!
Known because the “Niagara of the South,” the highly effective waterfall has a dramatic 68-foot drop into the Cumberland River and is surrounded by lush forests and rugged cliffs. I like the serene and zen-like vibe this place has!
On my journey, I explored the encircling mountaineering trails (there are 10 in complete), kayaking down Cumberland River and stayed to observe its well-known uncommon moonbow that are rainbows created by the moon’s mild – it’s one among solely two locations on the planet that experiences moonbows and it was undoubtedly a really particular second after I noticed it!
- Address: 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701
- Map Location
- Best time to go to: During the complete moon to catch the magical moonbow!
My favourite highlights…
- Hiking the very scenic 1.5-mile looped Eagle Falls Trail which took me one hour to finish and lead me to the smaller Eagle Falls however I additionally noticed attractive views of the Cumberland Falls and the Cumberland River alongside the way in which, in addition to recognizing the placing red-headed woodpecker alongside the way in which!
- Staying in a single day on the close by Dupont Lodge – I cherished the comfy, rustic type decor it had and waking as much as the breathtaking views of the Cumberland River Valley every morning! The French toast and waffles for breakfast was nice too!
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2. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
I personally assume this can be a must-attraction when visiting the state! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an immersive expertise which celebrates the state’s wealthy bourbon heritage and craftsmanship and includes greater than 40 distilleries principally within the central and northern areas.
I picked it to be included on this record because the surroundings alongside the path is beautiful with a picturesque mix of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming distilleries and also you get to style some nice whiskey too, bonus!
On my journey I actually loved Buffalo Trace, the place I took a tour taking me via the whole total bourbon making course of, from cooking to distilling, Maker’s Mark, the place I hand-dipped my favourite bottle of their well-known pink wax and the Bardstown Bourbon Company, the place I might style the bourbon straight from their new, charred American oak barrels!
- Location: Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown (which is called the “Bourbon Capital of the World”)
- Visitors Center Address: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Visitor Center, 829 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202.
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- Best instances to go to: spring, summer time, fall and winter
My highlights…
- Visiting one among my favourite distillery’s the small batch Maker’s Mark Distillery, I cherished the country appeal this place had and their signature pink wax seal bottles! I extremely suggest sampling the daring Maker’s Mark Cask Strength!
- Discovering the distinctive Spanish Mission-Style structure on the Four Rose Bourbon Distillery.
3. Appalachian Mountains
This mountain vary is significantly dreamy, in a rugged form of manner! They principally lengthen within the japanese a part of the state and are a part of the bigger Appalachian vary which stretches from Georgia all the way in which to Canada.
I feel the surroundings is breathtaking and embrace beautiful leafy vistas, forest-covered rolling hills and dramatic rock formations, and I particularly love visiting throughout fall when the leaves flip right into a blaze of spectacular colours!
I come right here so much to discover the scenic mountaineering trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Red River Gorge in addition to the well-known Appalachian Trail, rock climb on the spectacular Red River Gorge, kayak alongside the serene Laurel River Lake and go caving at Mammoth Cave National Park (which is house to the longest cave system on the planet)!
- Location: the vary cowl the quilt the japanese portion of the state.
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- Best instances to go to: spring, summer time or fall
My private highlights…
- Experiencing a enjoyable zip-lining trip over Red River Gorge which took me flying over forests and distinctive rock formations!
- Visiting the intriguing residing museum Hensley Settlement positioned at Cumberland Gap the place I noticed the extremely well-preserved early Twentieth-century Appalachian settlement and learnt all concerning the lifetime of mountain pioneers that when lived there. I particularly cherished the oak cabins!
- Hiking the Bad Branch Falls Trail which was the quick however difficult 1.5 miles spherical journey which took me two hours to finish – I like that it lead me to a photogenic 60-foot waterfall (Bad Branch Falls) positioned on a Nature Preserve.
4. Louisville
I personally assume one of the vital underrated cities within the USA! Located within the north-central a part of the state, on the southern shore of the Ohio River, it’s the most important and busiest metropolis within the state.
In my opinion it’s an easy-on-the-eye place and I’m a giant fan of its spectacular skyline, vibrant mixture of city landscapes, lush inexperienced parks, booming arts scene, scenic riverfront views and a long-established bluegrass music scene.
On my go to, I found the spectacular Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, the adventurous Louisville Mega Cavern, explored the various culinary scene within the farm-to-table eating places, took at interactive tour on the fashionable Rabbit Hole Distillery drank cocktails within the historic Old Seelbach Bar and stayed on the cool and quirky 21C Museum Hotel.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 301 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
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- Best instances to go to: March to November
My highlights…
- Going for a picnic at Louisville Waterfront Park on the big grassy expanse often called The Great Lawn, afterwards we walked throughout the close by pedestrian-only Big Four Bridge which took us to Indiana!
- Going on a enjoyable however creepy Ghost Tour of Old Louisville with Louisville Historic Tours – the mixture of seeing the previous Victorian mansions and listening to the spooky tales made it an fascinating night out!
- Dining on the cool however cozy Venezuelan restaurant Full Arepa. I extremely suggest attempting the tasty rice bowl with fiery jackfruit and black beans!
5. Kentucky Lake
This is an superior leisure and family-friendly spot! Located within the western a part of the state (close to the town of Paducah), it covers 184 miles and has greater than 2,000 miles of shoreline. I feel the surroundings right here is attractive with huge stretches of shimmering blue water framed by thick inexperienced forests, rolling hills, and picturesque sunsets. I additionally love the pleasant and welcoming vibe it has right here.
On my journeys I am going kayaking, boating, jet snowboarding, paddle-boarding, hike the paths surrounding the lake and time my visits in the summertime to see the enjoyable sailboat races and regattas that happen right here!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
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- Best instances to go to: From September to December
My private highlights…
- Hiring a kayak from Kentucky Lake Rentals and exploring the tranquil waters – I assumed it was wonderful to see herons and even a cute turtle basking on a log!
- Staying over at Kenlake State Resort Park, I like the laid again rustic decor and the lakeside theater! We stayed in one of many cozy cottages which was nestled within the surrounding woodland and woke as much as the sounds of birds singing each morning!
6. Frankfort
I feel this can be a charming and quaint gem! Located within the central a part of the state alongside the Kentucky River, it’s the capital metropolis of the state and I personally assume it sums up all the pieces which is nice about this state in a compact kind! As effectively as a laid-back, small-town I’m a giant fan of its historic landmarks, scenic river views, fascinating bourbon distilleries, elegant structure and lovely backdrop of tree-lined hills.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 100 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601
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- Peak instances to go to: March to May
My private highlights…
- Taking a “Hard Hat Tour” which took us on behind the scene of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. I particularly cherished sampling the Eagle Rare bourbon!
- Visiting the Liberty Hall Historic Site which is 2 beautiful and immaculately preserved historic homes in-built 1796 and 1835. I cherished studying concerning the rich and essential households who lived there, seeing the opulent interiors and wandering across the fantastically saved gardens.
- Dining on the basic American restaurant ‘Bourbon On Main’ after which exploring the remainder of the charming historic downtown space. I extremely suggest sampling the divine chocolate chip bread pudding which got here with an excellent bourbon caramel sauce!
7. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
I feel this a fantastic family-friendly attraction! Located in Harrodsburg within the central a part of the state the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill exhibits how the Shaker non secular neighborhood lived in the course of the nineteenth century and has gained many journey awards! When I visited I might see why – it’s an immaculately preserved historic spot set in 3,000 acres.
It’s additionally a beautiful magnificence spot with with forested rolling hills, lush fields, and fantastically restored historic buildings some with fairly gardens.
I cherished exploring the historic Shaker buildings (there are a minimum of thirty 4 of them!) and the picturesque nature preserves, natural gardens, happening boat rides on the Kentucky River and discovering the various scenic mountaineering trails positioned right here.
Although we didn’t keep over there’s additionally in a single day lodging right here as effectively (Shaker-style in fact!) in addition to eating places, a farm, glorious exhibitions, craft demonstrations and cute little craft outlets!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
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- Best instances to go to: spring and summer time (for the flowers)
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the restored native prairie right here (there are 1,000 acres positioned right here!) on the favored 7 mile Shawnee Run Trail which took me on a 3 hour scenic spherical journey via rolling hills, thick forests, and plush meadows and alongside the picturesque Shawnee Run Creek.
- Discovering the Cooper’s Shop the place the Shakers as soon as made barrels and all kinds of containers – it actually did really feel like we have been stepping again in time!
8. Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge
This is a shocking pure hidden gem! Located within the east-central a part of the state in Daniel Boone National Forest (principally inside Powell County). I come right here to gaze on the 65-foot-high pure bridge made mainly of sandstone and soak within the spectacular views of the Red River Gorge.
I feel the surroundings right here is attractive with dramatic cliffs, thick forests, and placing pure rock formations, with the enduring Natural Bridge serving as a centerpiece.
Nearby, you may hire some cute cabins for the night time, go tenting at one of many many campgrounds within the space, hike some nice scenic nature trails, go zip lining should you really feel additional adventurous, and even rock-climbing when the will hits you.
My private highlights…
- Visitor’s Center Address: Gladie Visitor Center, 3451 Sky Bridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380
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- Best instances to go to: March to May and September to December
My highlights…
- Hiking the Auxier Ridge Trail which took me a shocking three hour spherical journey. I particularly cherished the Instagram-worthy views Red River Gorge as I walked alongside the uncovered ridgelines!
- Camping in a single day on the Koomer Ridge Campground, I cherished the quiet spot which was shaded by a lush inexperienced hardwood forest.
9. Daniel Boone National Forest
This beautiful space has been a nationwide park since 1937. It sprawls throughout an enormous 708,000 acres in essentially the most rugged space west of the Appalachian Mountains, house to forested slopes, sandstone cliffs, and slender ravines.
This is a nature lover’s dream. Here, you may hike, camp, picnic, rock climb, or go boating, though I like to recommend simply enjoyable and having fun with the improbable surroundings!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 1700 Bypass Rd, Winchester, KY 40391
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- Peak instances to go to: fall
My private highlights…
- Hiking the ten mile part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail which is called Natural Bridge State Park Section. I cherished seeing the large sandstone arch which is called the Natural Bridge after which mountaineering as much as the highest of it to see the unimaginable panoramic views of the state.
- Staying on the 3-star Natural Bridge State Park Resort Lodge, I cherished the outside swimming pool, the family-friendly vibe and the comfy wood lodges decked out with rustic decor!
10. Dale Hollow Lake
Gorgeous and tranquil Dale Hollow Lake presents mountaineering and boating actions, bird-watching alternatives and superior mountain bike trails.
It is positioned in south-central Kentucky and has over 27,000 acres of land. Erected in 1943, Dale Hollow Lake is a superb place to go to should you love being on the water or merely standing on the sidelines and having fun with some beautiful lakeside surroundings.
Because of its magnificence, I personally assume this can be a must-see location everytime you’re visiting the Bluegrass State.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 1005 Livingston Hwy, Byrdstown, TN 38549
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- Best instances to go to: May to September
My highlights…
- Renting a contemporary houseboat at Dale Hollow Marina with Dale Hollow Marinas which was a novel method to take a break on this beautiful lake! I cherished the trendy interiors and the liberty we needed to discover the lake.
- Hiking the Boom Ridge Trail which took me three hours to finish, I cherished the panoramic views of the lake from the excessive factors of the path!
11. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
This previous bridge, accomplished within the 1860s, sits on the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. It is a spectacular web site with majestic-looking Gothic Revival spires and an Art Deco look to it which I cherished!
If you see the bridge and assume you’ve seen it earlier than, then I can let you know it was really the inspiration behind the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
If you reside in northern Kentucky and attending a sporting occasion in Cincinnati, this is among the finest methods to get there!
- Address: Riverside Dr, Covington, KY 41011
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- Best instances to go to: all 12 months spherical
My private highlights…
- Photographing the bride from Covington Riverfront for my Instagram gallery, it’s very photogenic!
- Walking alongside the pedestrian walkway and seeing breathtaking views of the mighty Ohio River, the beautiful Cincinnati skyline and my favourite – Covington’s historic waterfront. It was a little bit vertigo inducing although!
12. Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area
Consisting of greater than 170,000 acres, the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve run by the Forest Service. I cherished the the fascinating wildlife and the fascinating historical past of the place.
You additionally get to take pleasure in greater than 300 miles of undeveloped spectacular shoreline and attempting to identify attractive bison, elk, and wild turkeys!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211,
- Map Location
- Best instances to go to: late spring to early fall
My favourite highlights…
- Taking the very scenic drive via the 700-acre enclosed prairie and seeing(and photographing!) the attractive elk and bison roam freely there.
- Hiking the Hematite Lake Trail which took me on a scenic hour’s loop across the tranquil lake, distinctive rock formations and plush woodland.
13. Bardstown
Perfectly positioned on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, this charming and engaging city presents a Napa Valley-style expertise – however simply swap the wine for whiskey!
It’s a really easy-on-the-eye place, which USA Today referred to as the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America.” It has additionally been named America’s Most Beautiful Town Square and after I visited I might see why, this place is a gem!
- Address: Bardstown, KY 40004
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- Best time to go to: All 12 months spherical
My favourite highlights…
- Learning concerning the historical past whiskey making on the Spalding Hall & Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. I cherished the previous bottles that they had on show!
- Exploring the s historic downtown stuffed with fascinating colonial buildings after which eating on conventional Southern delicacies in The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge. I extremely suggest their Chocolate and Orange Bourbon Bread Pudding, it was scrumptious!
14. Mammoth Cave National Park
A pure setting with greater than 400 miles of passageways, Mammoth Cave is spectacular and has among the longest-known caves in the whole world.
These subterranean passageways are house to stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, and travertine dams, which you’ll view up shut with none issues.
You can discover the cave by yourself or go on one of many ranger-led excursions in order that nothing essential is neglected.
- Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
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- Location: Central a part of the state
- Best instances to go to: it’s open all 12 months spherical (with seasonal opening hours)
My highlights…
- Going on the favored two hour Historic Tour of the caves the place we noticed essentially the most fascinating elements of the cave together with the Rotunda, and the unimaginable Bottomless Pit! Just be warned there are a whole lot of stairs to climb although!
15. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Located in Owensboro, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame is just some miles from the birthplace of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe.
Interactive reveals, jam periods, live shows, classes, and particular occasions are included, together with the three-day ROMP Fest, which is normally held in June annually.
The Hall of Fame presently has 60 inductees and homes the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. If you’re keen on bluegrass music, I like to recommend visiting this place!
- Address: 2590 Richmond St, Mt Vernon, KY 40456
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- Best instances to go to: Anytime aside from Mondays, because it’s closed
My private highlights…
- Learning all about Alison Krauss one among my favourite nation singers!
- Trying out enjoying the banjo of their enjoyable interactive exhibition, I wasn’t a lot good although!
16. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Located in Owensboro, the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, I’m a giant fan of this well-kept and underrated gem.
Some of its sights embrace a lot of flowers and vegetation to take pleasure in, they usually focus on occasions that train you all the pieces it’s essential learn about your favourite flower to new methods to take pleasure in all the pieces rising indoors and open air on this spectacular backyard.
They supply particular actions for youths and occasions for particular holidays reminiscent of Christmas.
- Address: 2731 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
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- Best instances to go to: spring and summer time to profit from the flowers
My highlights…
- Discovering the attractive butterfly backyard!
- Exploring the zen-like Japanese Memorial Garden and I particularly cherished the koi pond, and the ornate pagoda.
17. Nolin Lake
This beautiful 5,795-acre park was opened to the general public in 1996. If you want time to reconnect with nature, Nolin Lake presents actions reminiscent of boating, swimming, and enjoyable on the sandy seaside!
The park has 32 campsites, nice amenities for all, and is open year-round. I cherished its sandy seaside and that it had loads of house for a calming trip.
- Address: Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY 4225
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- Best instances to go to: summer time (or spring to see the close by waterfall).
My favourite highlights…
- Renting a kayak and exploring the attractive waters!
- Going mountaineering on the Waterfall Loop which is a part of the longer Brier Creek Trail. It solely took me 45 minutes and I cherished seeing the lake views and the waterfall as effectively (though it’s seasonal so don’t count on to see it on a regular basis).